Grand expectations

There are cities that feel cinematic, and then there's Edinburgh that surpasses them all; golden stone, hidden closes, and historic stories whispering on the wind. It felt like the perfect setting for a romantic escape, and from the moment we stepped into The Edinburgh Grand, we knew we were in for an exquisite stay celebrating out ten-year wedding anniversary.
Located in St Andrew's Square in the former Royal Bank of Scotland's headquarters, The Edinburgh Grand, a Marriott Bonvoy Luxury Collection Hotel, stands proud alongside historic architecture, designer shops and cosmopolitan eateries.
The building itself has a quiet grandeur, a uniformed doorman welcomed us inside to a breathtaking central rotunda where you can look up to the skylight roof. Immediately, the receptionists made us feel at ease with a warm and friendly demeaner. Within minutes we were being shown up to our suite, a space that felt less like a hotel room and more like a beautifully designed private apartment that I didn't want to ever leave.

A SUITE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME (ONLY BETTER)
Our suite – boasting city views over the square – was flooded with soft light, with high ceilings and elegant touches that nodded to Scotland's heritage. There was something deeply romantic about the space – perhaps the quiet separation from the world below, or the way the living room invited us to slow down – we poured a drink, sank into the sofa, indulged in the celebratory dessert tray gifted by the concierge Jo and her team, and let the city wait a while.
The rest of the suite had an open-plan feel with each space seamlessly blending into the other; and... the design! It was as if it had been plucked from my dream Ideal Home inspiration moodboard! Bold colour palettes softened with neutral tones, teaming marble and tiling with velvets, cozy throws, and blousy flowers – it was a visual delight. With more space than we could have imagined (or needed), the expansive bathroom and shower suite beckoned. The additional touches are what truly made this an exceptional suite; ample fluffy white towels, luxury toiletries originating in Edinburgh, bath salts with a little message about unwinding, and a GHD hairdryer, it was a serene haven.
Having a dining area and fully equipped kitchen felt unexpectedly luxurious. Not because we planned to cook elaborate meals, but because it offers the freedom and comfort of being a home away from home. It's rare for a hotel to feel this personal!
That evening, just as the sky deepened into twilight, there was a knock at the door; the wandering cocktail barman! A luxury every hotel should have, it felt indulgent, a little theatrical, and entirely unforgettable.

EVENINGS MADE FOR LINGERING
We started our night at Lady Libertine, tucked just below the hotel. Dimly lit and humming with energy, it felt like stepping into another era – melodic music, low conversation, and creative cocktails were on offer! We stole bites from each other's 'small plates' of fried halloumi and maple dressed pork belly and indulge in our 'large plates' of orzo pasta and crispy cod, although too full for dessert (which I can't recall me saying often) we lingered far longer than we meant to, enjoying the atmosphere and company.
Throughout the hotel are nods to it's banking history, the original vault, the tall doors with silver touches, oak panelled-walls and marbled stairwells, all add to the overall ambience of luxury and heritage which is hard not to get swept up in.
Later, we drifted upstairs to The Register Club. If Lady Libertine is all atmosphere and intrigue, The Register Club is its refined counterpart – soft lighting and a sense of calm. We ended the evening there with a final drink, looking out over the city and feeling wonderfully removed from everything.

ONE FOR FOOD-LOVERS
The Register Club also set the scene for our breakfast both mornings and a delectable afternoon tea which embodied the refined atmosphere in its offering. The Grand Afternoon Tea is an elegant celebration of Scotland's finest flavours with savoury and sweet delights, using only fresh seasonal ingredients. We indulged in everything from smoked trout and beetroot pâté on rye bread to a confit duck, fig chutney and caramelised orange slider; whipped pistachio cheesecake and sachertorte to homemade scones – to name only but a few highlights of this extensive menu and loose leaf tea offering. I have to say, my husband isn't normally an afternoon tea kind of guy, but he too was bowled over at the delicious cuisine and exceptional service from the waiters. It's now likely to be a tradition of ours when in Edinburgh – thank you The Grand!

A CITY ON YOUR DOORSTEP
The beauty of staying here is that Princes Street, the Royal Mile, and even Edinburgh Castle are all just a short walk away. We spent the next day wandering hand in hand, stopping for coffee, ducking into little shops, and climbing high enough for those sweeping views over the city – it was a bit of a trek and windy atop Arthur's Seat, but the views are totally worth it! And yet, as much as we loved exploring, there was always a quiet pull back to the hotel.

SLOW MORNINGS & LASTING IMPRESSIONS
The mornings arrived gently, we didn't rush, lounging around in robes, and relaxing in what had already convinced us was home. Tempted by room service, we didn't want to miss out on dining in The Registry Club again; breakfast was unhurried and relaxing, a quiet surrounding, and a menu that set you up for the day. When in Scotland, of course, only the Full Scottish Breakfast will do (for him), while I opted for a granola bowl on the first morning – fuel for the hike up Arthur's Seat and the morning at Holyroodhouse; while indulging in pancakes on the second morning – always my naughty go-to!
What makes The Edinburgh Grand special isn't just the architecture and design, staff or the location, it's the way it allows you to inhabit the city differently. More privately, more intimately. It creates space for moments: a shared drink, a late conversation, a morning that stretches on just a little longer.
And as we checked out and stepped back into the rhythm of the city, we both knew the same thing, this wasn't just a hotel stay, it was a memory we'd return to, long after Edinburgh disappeared from view.
BOOK IT!
0131 2300 570
www.marriott.com