Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the historic and hilly capital of Scotland. Just an hour by plane from Gatwick and Heathrow or five hours via direct train from Euston or King’s Cross. Edinburgh is more easily accessible than you think. If you find yourself “doon the road” and looking for a companion, then our beautiful Allure ladies may just be “down your street”.

You may find yourself in Edinburgh due to work commitments. The city has thriving finance and scientific sectors, and it is a hot spot for academia. Edinburgh is home to the University of Edinburgh, and St Andrews is just over an hour away by car. Perhaps you visit Edinburgh because you fancy a break exploring this ancient yet charming city. Once you have worn your trainers/hiking boots out climbing Arthur’s Seat and taking in the views from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Calton Hill, you may be in the mood for some company. You might even want a companion with you whilst you take in all this exceptional city has to offer. No matter how or why you find yourself in Edinburgh, we have compiled a short list of our favourite hotels to enjoy with a beautiful companion.

The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes St, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ

The Balmoral Hotel is the jewel in the crown of Edinburgh’s hospitality. Unmissable and not just because of its giant clock tower. Originally, the North British Railway Hotel was built in 1902. You will be pleased to know the property has had several facelifts since then. Most recently, a multi-million-pound remodelling courtesy of Rocco Forte. The same hotelier who owns Browns in London’s Mayfair has ensured that The Balmoral is the first-class choice for a stay in Edinburgh. In fact, rumour has it that a slew of A-listers have stayed at The Balmoral. Elizabeth Taylor, Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Simon Cowell, and Anna Wintour, to name a few. J K Rowling finished her seventh novel here, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

A far cry from the Elephant House Cafe, where she wrote her first novel. However, you would need a book advance to stay here. The suite she stayed in is now behind a purple door; room 552, the J.K. Rowling Suite, complete with a brass owl door knocker. Rooms start from around £1000 per night. However, you are guaranteed pure, unadulterated luxury and attentive service from the moment you arrive.

The Balmoral experience

Smiling doormen decked out in tweed greet you warmly upon arrival, taking care of any luggage you may be laden with. Once inside, a floral masterpiece steals the show in the lobby until you notice the roaring yet comforting fire. A serene yet sophisticated welcome to a beautiful hotel. The Balmoral boasts 167 rooms and 20 suites. Once you have checked in, you will enjoy spacious yet unique accommodation; marble bathrooms, calming blue and grey colour schemes, Irene Forte bathroom products and beautiful views of Edinburgh.

With three restaurants, Michelin-starred Number One, Brasserie Prince and The Palm Room, you and your stunning date will not go hungry. The famous afternoon tea here is served in The Palm Room. The SCOTCH whisky room has over 500 varieties of Uisge Beatha (Gaelic for water of life), should you fancy a wee drop.

The Balmoral is most certainly the place to stay for the discerning gentleman and gorgeous companion.

Gleneagles Townhouse, 39 St Andrew Square, EH2 2AD

The little sister to the grand dame of Scottish hotels, Gleneagles in Perthshire. A pretty penny has been spent here. Refurbishing what was once the Bank of Scotland into the most upscale and sophisticated dwellings in Edinburgh’s First New Town. Gleneagles’ first luxury city hotel has 33 accommodations. A restaurant, bar and spa to keep you and your date fed, watered and pampered. The Gleneagles Townhouse opened in the summer of 2022. An exceptional luxurious lodging for you and a beautiful companion. A stone’s throw from fashionable Harvey Nichols and luxurious Louis Vuitton.

The Gleneagles Townhouse experience

Glamorous and gorgeous, this chic Georgian townhouse hotel will impress even the most well-heeled traveller. Take a beautiful Allure companion to make the most of this exceptional hotel. Expect a truly personalised service that sets this sophisticated sanctuary apart from huge chain hotels. From the moment you step into the grand lobby with its impressive Corinthian-style columns, lavish marble and gilded light fixtures, you feel catered to. A welcome drink is offered upon arrival. A whisky and ginger concoction named Penicillin. In honour of the Scottish scientific discovery made by Dr Alexander Fleming in 1928.

Bedrooms offer Nespresso coffee machines, ghd hair tools and a mini bar stocked with champagne. Although a relatively new hotel, the decor is in keeping with the building’s era, featuring muted pinks, sage, and numerous polished floors. It is sophisticated and non-offensive if slightly stuffy. A lot of cushions, plump armchairs, British racing green bathroom tiles, a roll top bath, a toilet with a chain flush and a mahogany wood seat. That kind of thing, but it really does work with the period of the townhouse.

Dining at the Gleneagles Townhouse

Outside of your accommodation, there is a restaurant, bar and spa. Light floods The Spence restaurant thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. An impressive bar made of polished wood and marble is the focal point of the room and, atop the bankers’ lamps, pays homage to the townhouse’s origins. Head Chef Johnny Wright has curated an indulgent menu that celebrates Scottish fare. The Spence is named after the Scottish word for “larder”. Developed using seasonal produce, the menu features West Coast scallops, Cumbrae rock oysters, Tweed Valley sirloin, and options for both vegan and vegetarian diners. The Spence also serves breakfast and afternoon tea. Do not skip the Bloody Marys.

Once you and your hot date have had your fill of The Spence, you may like to unwind at the spa. The Strong Rooms are the former bank vaults; now a luxury wellness retreat complete with an infrared sauna, a cryotherapy chamber, and a gym. The perfect upscale stay for you and a gorgeous companion.