The Glasshouse exquisitely lights up Leith Walk with a Gothic façade and grand suites humorously named after single malts.
Why we love this: The Glasshouse’s luxury boutique style beholds a spiritual history commenced by Lady Glenorchy and modern amenities that captivate travelers who appreciate nature, art, and playful whiskey references.
Suitable For: Business travelers, solo travelers, couples, families, long term travelers.
The Location:
Conveniently situated in the city center, The Glasshouse is made for travelers who love to sightsee by foot. Within five minutes from the hotel, there’s Princess Street – known for the city’s best shops and boutiques. Panoramic views of Old Town and Edinburgh Castle can be easily captured. Surrounding the hotel is a vibrant neighborhood, lined with gay bars, clubs and trendy restaurants raising Edinburgh foodies’ scene to the next level.
The Experience:
Sitting gracefully on top of Leith Walk is an actual glasshouse with a sparkling edifice that shines elegantly inside the hotel’s alluring garden, embraced by spacious views of Calton Hill and Picardy Place. Upon entering the gothic façade, a cozy reception is embellished by the hotel staff’s friendliness. This five-star boutique luxury hotel may appear vintage on the outside, but its modern interior exudes a certain sense of mystery heightened by long and dark corridors that lead to beautiful hotel rooms and a bar aptly called: The Snug.
The History:
Constructed in 1846, the ancient chapel was originally founded by Lady Glenorchy as a place for the poor to worship in the city. Over the next century, the chapel expanded with other nearby congregation to form the Greenside Church. After a few more transformations over the years, the city decided to retain the 140-year-old Neo-Gothic stone façade to reestablish the site as The Glasshouse Hotel in 2003. Since then, the luxury hotel has welcomed famous faces, including: Meryl Streep, Kylie Miogue, Jessie J, White Stripes, Snow Patrol…and many more.
The Design:
Sleek and sexy, The Glasshouse’s dark hallways are adorned by Eoin Carey’s black and white photography, Liana Moran’s vivid drawings of Edinburgh, and Claire Heminsley’s whimsical scratchboard engraving prints. In the hotel lobby, guests can admire artworks created by various Scottish artists. One particular eye-catching piece – Festival Fun – depicts fireworks over Edinburgh Castle and a panoramic view of the city’s beloved sites.
The Rooms & Suites:
All 77 rooms and suites come with floor-to-ceiling windows, bespoke linens cover large beds that are stylishly positioned to create artistic designs in each space. Some rooms come with private patios, others offer direct access to the roof terrace overlooking the legendary Calton Hill. There are 20 suites named after unique brands of whiskey (Talisker, Glennfiddich, Glenmorangie…etc.) with a complimentary dram from the hotel’s favorite distilleries.
The Food:
Despite an unofficial restaurant, The Glasshouse’s room service is made for travelers who might prefer a night cozied up in bed. The menu spotlights Scottish natural larder and a team of chef’s use of local produce and ingredients. The hotel, however, does offer Afternoon Tea and breakfast at The Brasserie where you can enjoy a cup of joe and Scottish kippers with an impressive view of boundless hills. The hotel bar – The Snug – features 150 Scotch whiskies. There isn’t a more quintessential must-do in Edinburgh to snuggle up by the fireplace to indulge in a dram.
The Amenities:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Tea & Nespresso coffee facilities
- Flat-screen TVs
- Laptop safe
- Minibar
- Docking station
- Aromatherapy Associates toiletries
- 24 hour room service
- Laundry service
- Air conditioning
- Digital newspaper and magazine app
- Wardrobe with hanging space
- Dining space for two
- Writing desk
- Ensuite bathroom
- Full length mirror
- Bathrobe & slippers
- Umbrella
- Iron and ironing board
- Telephones with messaging service
- Shoe shine service
