Edinburgh Luxury Hotels & Destination
Edinburgh Scotland Destination
Edinburgh Scotland, considered to be one of Europe’s most picturesque cities, beautifully combines the old with the new to captivate the hearts and minds of visitors to this breathtaking cosmopolitan city. Step out from the elegance of a luxury small hotel to see Edinburgh Castle atop an ancient volcano looming over the city it once protected. The rugged setting overlooking the sea suggests an aura of romance as the medieval, Georgian and contemporary architecture create a spectacular skyline. Edinburgh’s luxury small hotels offer the perfect ambience from which to embark on an exciting Edinburgh exploration.
Edinburgh Luxury Small Hotels
The Edinburgh luxury small hotel experience offers the weary traveler stylish accommodations with attentive but non-intrusive service. If you’re suffering from jet lag, an exclusive spa treatment will rejuvenate you, preparing you for the adventures during your Edinburgh luxury small hotel stay. After a busy day, look forward to returning to your fabulous luxury small hotel for a delightful cup of traditional afternoon tea or whisky as you decide what your evening will entail. Perhaps it’s dinner at an acclaimed restaurant or the pleasure of a theatrical performance, the concierge at your luxury small hotel is always ready to assist with whatever arrangements may be necessary. Treat yourself to the utmost of pleasures by residing at a luxury small hotel when you travel to Edinburgh on business or holiday.
Edinburgh History
The earliest traces of habitation of the rock on which Edinburgh’s Castle rests date back to 900 BC. This naturally defensive position was likely what enticed the early inhabitants to settle here. Ancient cultivation terraces, located about a mile from the castle, provide evidence that the settlers grew crops here. As the invading Romans gradually moved northward, they encountered wild tribes such as the Picts and Caledones. Emperor Hadrian decided in the 2nd century that the inhospitable landscape of what would eventually become Scotland offered little benefit to the Roman Empire and so built the wall which bears his name between 122 and 128 AD, the purpose being to keep the Scottish tribes from raiding Roman Britain.
Edinburgh’s earlier name was Dun Eiden meaning “Fort on the Hill”. When the Angles captured Dun Eiden in 638 they attached the old English word for fort, “burh” with the Celtic name Eiden and created the forerunner of today’s name Edinburgh.
Edinburgh would be at the center of many years of border wars, clashes and religious wrangling. Out of all this mayhem came a group of Scottish intellectuals, many from Edinburgh, who felt that Scotland’s survival hinged on putting the history of the Clans of Scotland behind them and to strive for modernization. Edinburgh would become the “Athens of the North” by becoming a cultural and intellectual center. Fine architecture flourished and since there was limited land on which to develop, houses grew in height and buildings of up to 14 stories were built. These buildings which dot the skyline of the old town of Edinburgh were the pioneers of modern day skyscrapers. Even some of Edinburgh’s luxury small hotels are historical landmarks. Both the old and new town districts of Edinburgh became UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. With more than 4500 buildings listed simply stepping outside of your luxury small hotel will place you near something historical.
Edinburgh Events
If you make a luxury small hotel visit to Edinburgh in late July you’ll see the city preparing for the annual Edinburgh Festival. The festivities actually include six separate festivals which happen during the months of August and September. If you plan to attend the festival make your luxury small hotels reservations early as Edinburgh has drawn in excess of 400,000 people to this event. The oldest and best known event in Edinburgh is the Edinburgh International Festival which was founded in the year 1947. More than 100 acts performed by world famous performers in the areas of music, opera, theatre and dance fill every major performance venue within the city. The luxury small hotel concierge may be able to help purchase tickets if you haven’t purchased them in advance although tickets go on sale in April and often sell out within the month. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which originated at the same time as the Edinburgh International Festival evolved when 8 performance companies, who were not invited to participate, decided to perform in local theatres that would host them, knowing there would be an audience. Over the years the festival has grown and early on in their careers well known performers such as Robin Williams, Emma Thompson and Dudley Moore appeared. The other artistic yearnings that can be fulfilled alongside the Edinburgh Festival include the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Jazz and Blues Festival, Book Festival and the Military Tattoo. Re-enactments of historic events, military marching bands and Highland dancing are some of the highlights of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The Hogmanay street part, Burns Night, St. Andrew’s Day and the Beltane Fire Festival are other celebrated events of Scottish cultural importance. The luxury small hotel concierge can provide you with ideas about how to be part of the celebration.
The Edinburgh International Science Festival occurs in April and features talks, tours and exhibitions. Visitors can also participate in interactive exhibits such as dinosaur digs and unwrapping of mummies.
Edinburgh Attractions
Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano which is the focal point of Holyrood Park. The 650 acres of moorland, lochs and fields was the former hunting ground of Scottish monarchs. The park also includes Castle Rock on top of which Edinburgh Castle is situated. Calton Hill, also within the park offers the best viewpoint of Edinburgh and the Burns Monument is found on the hill’s southern side. Depending on the location of your luxury small hotel you may be able to walk to this picturesque location or have the luxury small hotel concierge arrange transportation for you.
Many national institutions such as the Museum of Scotland, the Royal Museum, the National Library of Scotland and National War Museum of Scotland can be found in Edinburgh. The Tolbooth, which through its history was a collection point for taxes, a courtroom and jail, is now a museum that reflects the life and work of common Edinburgh folk.
A busy day of visiting tourist attractions will make you appreciate the comfort and serenity of your luxury small hotel accommodations.
Edinburgh Shopping
Princess Street is the best place to shop for traditional Scottish tartans, tweeds and woollens. Rose Street which is located just a short block north of Princes Street also has many specialty shops and because it is a pedestrian zone browsing can be a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. The Royal Mile is where you will find the typical tourist-ware but if you explore carefully you will find shops catering to hobbies and specialized interests as well. Victoria Street and Grassmarket, which are on the way to the Royal Botanical Garden also, have many specialty stores. The luxury small concierge can direct you to just the right place if you are looking for something specific.
Edinburgh Dining
Edinburgh, like most cosmopolitan cities, consists of many restaurants catering to sophisticated international cuisines. Chances are your luxury small hotel will house one of these fine establishments. Genuine Scottish cuisine also qualifies as one of the most exotic cuisines. Menu items will include black pudding, salmon, venison, cullen skink (a rich haddock soup), spicy haggis and Loch Fyne herring. Alongside these tasty offerings is served neeps and tatties (mashed turnip and potatoes). Breakfast or high tea is a good time to enjoy the delicious buns, pancakes, scones and biscuits for which the Scots are famous. A “wee dram” of a single malt scotch is a great way to experience a truly Scottish tradition. Many restaurants are small so reservations are advised. Consult with the luxury small hotel concierge about culinary specialties and assistance with reserving a table.
Edinburgh opens its arms to the luxury small hotel visitor looking for a wonderful blend of old and new. Although there is much to see and do in Edinburgh, the pampering and elegant surroundings that a luxury small hotel provides makes the memories linger until your next Edinburgh visit.
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