Rooms

The main hotel has 12 rooms, ranging from comparatively subdued Standard and Executive Rooms (the latter with some graceful bay windows), to larger Junior Suites and ornate Castle View Rooms. These, as you'd expect, catch lovely views of Edinburgh’s historic castle. All have generous beds - mostly super-kingsize - with goosedown duvets and Egyptian cotton linen, as well as wall-mounted TVs with surround sound. Some have iconic Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs, others patterned wallpapers, flocked cushions or a crystal chandelier. Winning touches include umbrellas, hair straighteners, plus tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Bathrooms are a mix of shower only or a Jacuzzi tub with an overhead shower, and toiletries are Arran Aromatics.

For those needing more space - perhaps families, 2 couples or groups of friends - there’s a range of 1- and 2-bedroom serviced apartments. These come with a sitting room, kitchen or kitchenette, and bolder decor which we loved. Expect arresting prints on the walls, some pop-art fabrics in curtains and cushions, perhaps a chandelier or designer lamp, and the occasional splashes of bright colour - a shocking pink bedside table, for instance. Some of the sitting rooms have tall twin windows looking onto the city's broad streets, and flooding the space with light (weather conditions permitting, of course!).

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Iron
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Breakfast, served in the ground-floor bar, is a simple but tasty affair, using high-quality local meat and fish. I loved my ham and spinach eggs Benedict, and i saw other guests tucking into a Full Scottish with black pudding, haggis and a potato scone.

Come evening, the bar serves a range of wine and beers, as well as seasonal cocktails shaken up in front of your eyes by skilled mixologists. It’s also open during the day for coffee, salads, sandwiches and burgers.

For lunch and dinner, the hotel’s Kyloe Restaurant & Grill - named after the Scots word for Highland cattle and bedecked with cowhide, leather booths and rustic barrel lights - is a good bet. Carnivores can get their teeth into pedigree Aberdeen Angus beef that’s been aged for a minimum of 21 days, and the fish and shellfish offerings are excellent too. I had a delicious sea bream ceviche with chilli, pink grapefruit and a salad of fennel, pomegranate and coriander. Salmon and vegetarian pasta options usually feature on the menu, too.

If you fancy heading out you’re spoiled for choice. For Michelin-starred fine dining try the cooking of Tom Kitchin or Martin Wishart. Both have eponymous restaurants in Leith on Edinburgh’s eastern side, plus more informal bistro-style eateries (Castle Terrace and The Honours respectively) within a few minutes’ walk of The Rutland. Ondine is the place for fresh and sustainable fish, while Earthy’s has wholesome and affordable fare in its 2 shops-cum-cafés.

Features include:

• Bar
• Kids' meals
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Treat yourself to some serious retail therapy on Princes Street
  
• Pop up to Edinburgh Castle, lording it over the city. Hear the One O’Clock Gun booming from the battlements, admire the Scottish crown jewels, and visit the National War Museum of Scotland
  
• Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter author JK Rowling and enjoy the city’s many cafés - Elephant House was her favourite, and we love Eteaket, Urban Angel and Artisan Roast, too. Literary tours are also on offer through Visit Scotland
  
• Get inspired by the old masters at the National Galleries of Scotland (free entry), then treat yourself to homemade scones in the tearoom
  
• Catch your breath after walking up to Arthur’s Seat - then have it taken away again by the views
  
• Check out the palace of Holyrood House, the royal family’s Edinburgh residence, including its abbey and the Queens Gallery, which hosts visiting exhibitions from the royal collections
  
• Watch international rugby at Murrayfield stadium, just 10 minutes’ walk from The Rutland
  
• Try Scotland’s national drink with a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience, housing the world’s largest collection of Scottish whisky
  
• Take a stroll in the Royal Botanic Garden and marvel at its Victorian palm house

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Whisky tasting

Kids

Given its glitz and glamour, The Rutland is surprisingly family-friendly. Children of all ages are welcome, and baby cots (free) and extra beds for those under 16 (charged for) can be added to all rooms except the Standard Doubles and Castle View Doubles. Babysitting can be arranged on request, and there's a children's menu in the restaurant. Note that the bar area is open to adults only in the evening.

Best for:

Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

The apartment has plenty of space, with 2 double bedrooms and a sofabed; it can sleep up to 4 adults, 2 children and a baby. It also has a full kitchen where you can self-cater if you wish. Also useful for families are Rooms 1 (a Junior Suite) and 2 (a Standard Double), which can interconnect.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Rutland Hotel is in the heart of the West End in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's close to the main thoroughfare of Princes Street, and within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

By Air
Edinburgh International Airport (12km away) is well-served by international and domestic flights - click on the links below for a list of airlines. The nearest alternative airport is Glasgow (86km away).

From the Airport
It's easiest to take a taxi, or the Edinburgh Shuttle (a door-to-door shared taxi service which is cheaper). Alternatively, you can take a bus into the city centre and then walk the short distance to the hotel.

By Train
Edinburgh’s Waverley station has regular services from towns and cities across the UK. It's reachable from London in 4.5 hours, Glasgow in 45 minutes and York in just over 2 hours. From there it's a short walk or taxi ride to the hotel.

By Car
Edinburgh is a great city to explore on foot, so there’s no need for a car. If you do want to hire one, see our car rental recommendations. There's no parking at The Rutland Hotel, but staff can point you in the direction of an NCP car park nearby.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

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