Imagine a city in the grip of artistic fervour, where the very air buzzes with the promise of creation. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe paints this picture for three weeks every August, summoning artists and performers from across the globe to make their mark in the Scottish capital. Meanwhile, the city’s charming hotels (and those further afield) extend an invitation to those seeking the perfect blend of cultural immersion and luxury.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe was originally conceived in 1947 as a fringe event to the bigger, government-funded Edinburgh International Festival. Since then it has outgrown its ‘fringe’ status and stands as a global phenomenon in its own right, with thousands of shows taking place all over the city each year. A hallmark of the festival’s legacy is its knack for unearthing rising talents, serving as the launching pad for numerous renowned performers and writers by the likes of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, whose BAFTA-winning show Fleabag premiered in 2013.
In this artistic wonderland, where nearly 3,000 productions command the spotlight at over 250 venues in a single month, a bit of thoughtful planning goes a long way. From standing ovations to sweet repose, stay tuned as we lift the curtain on a curated selection of luxurious stays, promising not just comfort and style, but a strategic vantage point to savour every nuance of the biggest arts festival in the world.
As modern-day travellers increasingly yearn for a connection to the past and a sense of tradition, Scotland’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a genuine luxury experience rooted in centuries-old customs, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. This, we believe, is what sets it apart from the rest of Britain and what makes it a must-visit destination today.
Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh
Gleneagles Townhouse, the urban sister of the legendary ‘Glorious Playground’, has the jet-set’s tongues wagging. Occupying what was originally the British Linen Company and later the Bank of Scotland building, the property features incredible period architecture, 33 luxury guestrooms, a members’ club, an all-day restaurant, private dining and a rooftop terrace with marvellous views over the city.
Photography courtesy of Gleneagles Townhouse
The Roseate, Edinburgh
Set across the road from one other, The Roseate is set across a regal pair of homely Victorian sandstone villas in the upscale neighbourhood of West Coates. The hotel presents the spirit of aristocratic holidays in the Orkneys, yet it’s just 10 minutes from Edinburgh’s city centre. Its restaurant is the talk of the town and so is its whisky-packed bar.
Photography courtesy of Roseate Hotels and Resorts
Dakota Hotel Glasgow, Glasgow
This chic Glasgow-based Scottish boutique hotel brand has its flagship in the old Works and Pensions building in the city centre. Our loft-apartment-style suite – one of 83 – was decorated in minimalist stone-grey splendour and was effortlessly comfortable – all we needed and more for the perfect city break. We’d also recommend dining at the property’s Dakota Grill.
Photography courtesy of Dakota Hotels
