Hotel Indigo | Edinburgh

“A boutique hotel with a truly unique feel.” Hotel Indigo Edinburgh

Packing for ‘summer’ in the UK always involves a variety of outfit choices to cover the unpredictable British weather, from flip flops to boots and all manner of options in between (packing light is impossible, quite frankly I’m not very good at anyway). Without fail whatever the season my first item in my hand luggage alongside my passport of course is always an umbrella. The teenager and I landed in Edinburgh a few days ago and that umbrella was put to immediate use along with our boots, jumpers and jackets and yet still we were chilly. July? Summer?

A ray of sunshine on our otherwise overcast few days was the brightly coloured Hotel Indigo Edinburgh located in York Place, a fantastic spot in New Town which perfectly positioned for exploring the famous Prince’s Street, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle that are all within easy walking distance. Hotel Indigo, part of the IHG group, is a range of boutique hotels in converted buildings that reflect their individual locations in character, geography and flavours on their menus. Behind the listed 18th century Georgian facade this small hotel perfectly blends traditional architecture with stylish design. Accents of bold orange and turquoise punctuate the modern interior, the public areas and the sixty rooms and suites are decorated and furnished in a contemporary style whilst retaining elements of local history that’s intrinsic to the Hotel Indigo brand.

Our third floor double bedroom was huge and vibrantly decorated again with an orange theme much like the public areas. Bold patterned wallpapers covered two walls, one an oversized street map of Edinburgh and the other an eye-catching floral design, a large comfortable bed, the latest technology and a modern ensuite bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower and was stocked with Aveda products. The citrus colour theme continued in the textiles and the seating including a cute chaise lounge, light flooded in from the floor-to-ceiling Georgian windows. The mini bar contents were complimentary and included Scottish branded goods of tunnocks teacakes, Scottish shortbread biscuits, crisps, drinks and teas. The free wifi offered a good connection throughout the hotel.

Turquoise Thistle Restaurant was located on the ground floor adjacent to the reception lobby and the bar/lounge. Arriving very early on our first day we had breakfast in the restaurant and I was disappointed with the selection, portion sizes and service, in fact I was so disappointed with the overall experience for the cost that we didn’t eat there again so I can’t speak for the rest of the menu. The hotel’s excellent location lends itself to exploring other options and I can recommend a lovely little Italian cafe five minutes walk away called Valvona & Crolla Vin Caffè located in Multrees Walk, a little luxury shopping street where Harvey Nichols is also located. There was a fitness studio on the lower ground floor but we didn’t use it.

I choose Hotel Indigo Edinburgh based on two previous very positive stays at the sister property in York and I wasn’t disappointed overall this time either. This quirky boutique hotel was stylish, comfortable and ideally located for some retail therapy and dragging the teenager around the city’s historic sites. Just like my previous Hotel Indigo experience this property’s modern design embraced the traditions of its neighbourhood, the reception staff were welcoming and helpful (we checked in hours ahead of schedule), I would recommend it as an ideal location for a short city break. Next stop Hotel Indigo Liverpool to sample their hospitality and local character.