The Perfect Weekend in Edinburgh at The Marriott Hotel Holyrood
Sometimes a short weekend away is all that's needed to recharge the batteries
Sometimes a short weekend away is all that’s needed to recharge the batteries so we decided to head north to enjoy the sights and sounds of Edinburgh, making the newly refurbished Edinburgh Marriott Hotel in Holyrood our base.
A stone’s throw from the Royal Mile and perfectly placed for jaunts across into New Town, we arrive at the hotel much later than expected (thank you train delays) but are greeted warmly at the front desk nonetheless. The first thing we notice as we hand over our bags to a very lovely porter is how sleek and modern the lobby (which flows seamlessly between lounge and dining areas) is. The ground floor is open plan which allows for a good snoop of the bar and restaurant as we head to our room. We’re up on the third floor and the room is as chic as the entrance, with plenty of low lighting, wooden floors, and a spacious bathroom.
We’re up bright and early in the morning to make the most of our stay and head down for breakfast, which is served buffet-style here. It’s a hive of activity, but the space never feels crowded and the staff are attentive. As a big breakfast fan I’m thrilled to see that they’ve got everything covered, from mini pastries and preserves to classic cooked options. There’s also a Scottish-inspired menu, but we stick to the buffet (and I honour my Scottish roots by making sure to have some haggis and tattie scones).
We don’t hang around though, as our session at the spa awaits. Along with the rest of the hotel, the spa and pool here have recently undergone a major renovation and include an indoor pool, state-of-the-art gym, treatment rooms, and a relaxation lounge (with a sauna on the way). My companion and I take it in turns to get our treatments and while I explore the extensive list of what’s on offer, she relaxes by the pool. I opt for a facial and as the therapist prepares the room, she talks me through my skincare routine and how to improve it as I furiously make a mental note of everything she says. I choose to unwind in the relaxation lounge as my friend has her treatment (a neck and shoulder massage) before we both head back upstairs to get ready to head into the city.
Whenever I visit Edinburgh I try to stay as centrally as possible to make sightseeing easy and time-efficient (a relaxed approach to a holiday, I know), and this hotel’s spot on Holyrood Road is perfect. It’s set back enough from the Royal Mile to avoid the typical hustle and bustle of tourists, but is within easy reach of most of the city’s many attractions, whether you like museums and galleries or prefer to get the blood pumping at Edinburgh Dungeon (and the train station is less than 15 minutes away on foot). We head first for the Scottish National Gallery and spend time wandering its impressive halls before venturing across into New Town and into Topping & Company Booksellers to explore their winding maze of bookshelves. Getting our steps in, we’re then back across into Old Town and exploring the great independent shops on Cockburn Street and Victoria Street, before stopping for an ice cream at Mary’s Milk Bar right by Edinburgh Castle and grabbing a cold drink from the adorable Hideout Café. From here, it’s a straight shot back home along the Royal Mile, where we stop and take some extra time to visit the Museum of Childhood and the Museum of Edinburgh.
Back at base, we’re booked in for dinner in the hotel’s restaurant. After being shown to our table we order a bottle of bubbly, and my friend gets a cocktail too. Between us we decide on the chicken liver parfait with toasted brioche and the beef tomato and mozzarella salad. To follow, my dining companion tucks into slow cooked beef short ribs with chips (I can see the meat falling off the bone). I opt for the roasted cod, served on a bed of coconut and mussel risotto, wonderfully fragrant and perfectly cooked. Dessert is always a must for me and I can never say no to panna cotta – here it’s infused with rum and vanilla, and comes with fruit and ice cream. Across the table my friend chooses the classic lemon tart, and scarcely a word is spoken between us as we dig in.
The service is friendly and the staff are clearly knowledgeable about the area as we tell them about our day spent out and about. Before long it’s time for bed and as we drift off, we make plans to try to fit in as many of the teams’ recommendations as we can in the morning between breakfast and heading to the station to catch the train home.
81 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AU
0131 528 8000
marriott.com
