Lovers of historic medieval and Georgian architecture will enjoy visiting Edinburgh, Scotland's attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile thoroughfare. This historic capital has origins dating back to the first century, when the Romans developed a settlement in Scotland's Lothian region, in which Edinburgh is located. Edinburgh features hotels with reasonable room rates, which allows guests to have more money for shopping at Jenner's, a department store in Edinburgh's city center.
The Grassmarket Hotel is in the heart of Edinburgh's Grassmarket area, and provides room rates starting at $77 per night, as of fall 2010. This hotel is within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, a medieval castle on a high precipice that overlooks the city. This 12th century castle is open to the public and features St. Margaret's Chapel and the "One O'Clock Gun," which is when they fire the castle's cannons every day, except on Sundays and Christmas day. The hotel is also a short walk from the Prince's Street Gardens, which has walking paths and floral exhibits. Off-site restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel on the Royal Mile and Bank Street. Biddy Mulligan's Irish Pub is inside the hotel, and features a full-service bar and televisions to watch sporting events. Breakfast is served at the pub as well. The Grassmarket area of the city is accessible via the A8 motorway, which also passes Glasgow and Edinburgh International Airport.
The Grassmarket Hotel
94-96 Grassmarket
Edinburgh
Lothian
Scotland
EH1 2JR
United Kingdom
44-131-2202299
grassmarkethoteledinburgh.co.uk
Situated in Edinburgh's city center, the Parliament House hotel is in a 17th century, Jacobean building, and offers room rates beginning at $112 per night, as of fall 2010. This upscale hotel features an on-site restaurant, MP's Bistro, with menus for breakfast and dinner. The restaurant also serves malt whiskeys at its full-service bar. The hotel is within walking distance of off-site restaurants on the North Bridge road and near the St. James shopping plaza, which is across the street from Parliament House. Hiking and mountain climbing opportunities are available at Holyrood Park, less than 10 minutes from the hotel. This recreation area is home to Arthur's Seat, a peak that offers scenic views of Edinburgh and the North Sea. Fine art enthusiasts who stay at the hotel are only a short walk from the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Parliament House Hotel
15 Calton Hill
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 3BJ
United Kingdom
44-131-4784000
parliamenthouse-hotel.co.uk
The Royal Ettrick Hotel, located in southwestern Edinburgh's upscale Polwarth neighborhood, is only a 10-minute taxi ride from Edinburgh's city center. As of fall 2010, room rates begin at $102 per night. This hotel is only a five-minute walk from Murrayfield Stadium, home of the Scottish Rugby Union and one of the largest stadiums in the United Kingdom. The historic University of Edinburgh, which played a large role in the 18th century European "Age of Enlightenment," is only a five-minute drive from the hotel. This university was founded in 1582, and features historic sites open for the public to tour, including the 19th century "Old College" building. The hotel is within walking distance to restaurants on Morningside Road, near the Meadow Park recreation area. Conservatory Bistro is on the hotel's property and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant gets its name from the glass ceilings that causes the dining room to resemble a plant conservatory or greenhouse.
Royal Ettrick Hotel
13 Ettrick Road
Polwarth
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH10 5BJ
United Kingdom
44-131-2286413
royalettrick.com
