Capital pleasures
Hotel’s elegance makes it the perfect match for charming capital
Savouring a trip up Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
THE Royal Mile is right on the doorstep. The National Museum of Scotland is just a few streets away.
And the stunning castle around the corner.
The G&V is right in the beating heart of Edinburgh, but you’ll be so wrapped up in it – and its soft-as-marshmallow duvets – that you simply won’t want to leave.
It is the epitome of elegance, offering the cream of contemporary design and the finest in five-star luxury.
From the kilted doormen who hand you a G&T on arrival to the homegrown honey served at breakfast (yes, the G&V has its very own beehive on the roof!), the attention to detail will blow you away.
We’re staying in the Timorous Beasties suite – a glamorous three-part room decked out in bold black-and-white patterns with touches of pink and red, and lots of traditional thistles.
It seems grand, but we feel right at home in our fluffy robes and slippers. As well as a bed big enough for a family of five, a walk-in rain shower, two bathrooms and a lounge area with a comfy round couch and coffee on tap, the room boasts panoramic views across the capital.
The Firth of Forth is visible beyond the rooftops – and drawing back the curtains to reveal this stunning view certainly gets our day off to a good start.
After a full Scottish spread for breakfast (complete with haggis, no less), we’re reluctant to leave the luxury of the hotel to head out to explore.
But looking down at the bustling streets below, we decide that with so much to see it would be a shame not to enjoy the full Edinburgh experience. And a wander down the Royal Mile serves as a reminder of just how great Scotland really is.
I feel a real sense of patriotism watching floods of tourists go mad for Saltires and See You Jimmy hats.
And the street artists and knife jugglers are certainly a sight to behold.
At the time of our visit, the city is just warming up for the annual Fringe – the biggest arts festival in the world.
But there’s plenty to do all year round, whether in the Old Town with its narrow alleyways and hidden closes and courtyards, or the contrasting New Town with its broad streets and Georgian architecture.
With the sun shining, we opt for a stroll through the gorgeous Princes Street Gardens, then shopping till
we drop on Princes Street, before enjoying a tipple or two in the Grassmarket.
To add a twist of culture, we stop to admire the Scottish Parliament building and Holyrood Palace – The Queen’s official residence in Scotland.
And we check out the illusions at Camera Obscura for a bit of fun.
Then it’s back to the hotel’s restaurant, Cucina. A Scottish and Italian chef have worked together to create a menu fusing their national cuisines. And there’s even a sommelier to pair wine with your food.
We plump for a broad bean salad, followed by pork ragu tagliatelle and spaghetti with basil pesto for starters.
And stone bass with olives and ribeye steak with rocket and Parmesan for mains.
They seem like bold combinations – just like the designer décor which looks a bit like an explosion in a paint shop – but somehow everything works. The flavours, especially the famous fried courgettes, are incredible.
And the desserts ... simply amazing. Who knew strawberries glazed with balsamic vinegar could taste so good?
Every course is sensational.
It seems only the best is good enough for guests at the G&V, both two-legged and four, with the hotel recently introducing a new “pet package” so your dog can enjoy the lap of luxury too.
Hailed as one of the best abodes in Edinburgh, it really complements a city where there’s so much to see ... if you can tear yourself away long enough to explore.