The Roseate Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland - Explore & Book

"Even from outside, we could tell that these fine, warm-stone, gabled Edinburgh mansions, located across the road from each other, were going to be a treat. Stepping inside, we knew for sure. Interiors were imbued with gorgeous natural colours, from copper rust to dark inky blue, and heather-pale tweed fabrics gave it a comforting sense of place. If there's a hint of the Orkneys, it's because the Mowat family – who oversaw the 2017 restoration of what were then called The Dunstane Houses – hail from those islands. The hotel is now in the hands of the Roseate Group, who have proudly preserved the heritage and history of the buildings and their previous owners. In The Roseate Building there's the restaurant with an intimate bar and lounge, and a garden terrace out front for sundowners when the weather is fine. In The House across the road, it's mostly suites and rooms, with a communal lounge area at the back. The rooms have kingsize beds with signature wallpapers and soft rugs, and the suites feature show-stopping bathtubs and sweeping bay windows. As is so often the way, the smaller details make it all the more memorable. Like piles of pillows you dissapear into, underfloor heating in the bathrooms, and classy tweed key rings. We also enjoyed browsing the illustrations and Orkney mementos on the walls of the common rooms, including black and white photos of fishermen and local characters – and, by coincidence, a portrait of this writer’s grandmother as a child. How's that for personalised service? Highs Beautiful decor and character in the rooms, along with fabulous showers and Fired Earth copper bathtubs A friendly welcome extended to families and dog-lovers by a warm, helpful staff We loved the specialist whisky and gin bar A modern take on Scottish classics in the restaurant The airport bus stops right outside Lows It’s a 20-min walk to the centre of town, but it's very well connected with a bus stop right outside and a tram station down the road The hotel is set back a bit on a busy road, so there is some noise in the front rooms Rooms in The House are across the road, but just as plush and comfortable" - Abigail Blasi