Luxury Royal Suites Edinburgh: Your Fairytale Getaway Awaits!
Luxury Royal Suites Edinburgh: My Fairytale? More Like… Unexpectedly Delightful! (A Review That's Actually Honest)
Alright, folks, buckle up. Forget those clinical, perfectly-grammared hotel reviews. This is me, spilling the tea on the Luxury Royal Suites Edinburgh. And let me tell you, it was… an experience. (And yes, I'm already mentally composing my apology to the hotel for this potentially messy review. Sorry, not sorry, though!)
Accessibility - Trying to be Fair, But It's Complicated:
Okay, so here's where things get a little…clunky, because I had so much on my mind. The website says they offer facilities for disabled guests. But I didn't actually need them this trip. From what I saw, navigating the common areas seemed pretty doable, with that lovely elevator… but my gut tells me it's always a good idea to specifically contact the hotel before booking and confirm your exact needs are met. Be sure to nail it all down, because you want to know for sure. I did, however, see those wide doors, so fingers crossed!
The Internet Situation - A Wi-Fi Warrior's Tale:
Free Wi-Fi? Thank the digital gods! And it worked, mostly. I mean, I definitely streamed a lot of terrible reality TV while trying to de-stress in the room, so consider it a win. There's LAN too, if you’re old-school. Let's be honest, in 2024, a hotel without decent Wi-Fi is a hotel I'm probably not visiting. We're talking about a basic human need!
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Secure (Kinda):
Okay, the hygiene game here? Strong. They're clearly on top of sanitization, even beyond the usual. Saw staff wiping things down, hand sanitizer everywhere. And the room? Sparkling. They do offer a room sanitization opt-out, but honestly, I was so happy to not have to worry about lurking germs. It felt safe. They also have those anti-viral cleaning products. Okay, and a doctor/nurse on call is a nice touch, but hopefully, they won’t be needing to attend me!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Foodie Adventures (With Some Quirks):
Alright, let's talk food. I was ready to dive in. There's a coffee shop, and restaurants… and happy hour. I was very happy to see that. But the actual dining experience was, ahem, interesting.
The breakfast was… fine. A buffet, which I appreciate for the sheer volume of options. But the "Asian Breakfast" option? Hmm… a little… Westernized? Like, they tried, bless them. It would have been better for me to skip it. There's also an 'a la carte' option with international and Western cuisine which seemed much better. I'd recommend sticking with those choices.
The Poolside Bar - My Unexpected Oasis:
Now, the poolside bar? That, my friends, was a different story. Picture this: afternoon sun, a refreshing cocktail (or three), and a view… a glorious, slightly hazy view of the city. I’d ordered that drink. And got caught up in a deep conversation with a fellow guest, we just started giggling so hard. It was one of those moments where you just forget about the world and… breathe. Pure, unadulterated relaxation. It's was perfect. The snack bar was a lifesaver, when I was peckish.
Services and Conveniences - The "Extras" That Make a Difference:
Okay, the "extras" are plentiful. Daily housekeeping? Crucial. Luggage storage? Thank you, gods of travel! Concierge? They were really helpful. The elevator was definitely a bonus. The gift shop was a bit overpriced, to be honest.
Now, I have to mention the cash withdrawal service…I actually had to use it, because the coffee machine stole my money. The security were very helpful, and did recover it!
For the Kids - Family Friendly, But…
There's babysitting, and kids' meals. It sounds like a decent place for families. But I didn’t really experience that side of things.
The Rooms - Home Sweet (Temporarily Sanitized) Home:
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty! The rooms? Generally, they're great. We're talking air conditioning, which is crucial in a Scottish summer - I needed that - and blackout curtains (thank you, sweet sleep!).
My room had an extra long bed - perfect for sprawling - and a coffee/tea maker. I lived on coffee. The bathroom? Clean, with a separate shower/bathtub. And the toiletries were a nice touch. But the mirror, that was a bit close.
But now the quirks…
The View: (This is where the stream-of-consciousness comes in) Oh, the view from my room? Spectacular! Okay, maybe only because it was… of the side of another building. (Don't judge, I'm easily pleased).
Non-Smoking Rooms: Yes, there are non-smoking rooms! Thank God!
The Decor: A bit… grand. Think lots of gold and… well, it's Luxury Royal Suites. It felt a little… over the top, but it was also… comfortable.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreams:
Okay, I'm not a spa aficionado. But the temptation was real. There's a fitness center, a sauna, a steam room, a pool with a view. I could have easily spent an entire day indulging here. I did take a long soak in the bathtub, which was perfect after a long day of walking.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy (If You Like Taxis):
Airport transfer? Tick. Car park? (free of charge!) Tick. Taxi service? Readily available. Public transport? Did I mention I mostly used taxis? Okay, fine, I’m spoiled. But it was convenient.
The Overall Experience - Would I Recommend It?
Honestly? Yes. Despite my little quirks and the occasional imperfection… I could see myself staying there again. It was surprisingly comfortable, and the staff was genuinely helpful. It’s not perfect, but it’s got that certain something that makes it… worthwhile. It's a good hotel. It made me happy.
My Honest-To-Goodness Offer to Compel Your Booking:
Stop imagining your dream getaway! Luxury Royal Suites Edinburgh isn't just a hotel; it's a chance to actually experience an Edinburgh escape. We're talking ridiculously comfortable rooms (blackout curtains are a lifesaver!), a pool that you won’t want to get out of, and service that'll make you feel like royalty (even if you’re slightly rumpled like me after a long travel day!).
Here's the deal:
- Unforgettable Moments: Imagine yourself at our pool bar, cocktail in hand, taking in the breathtaking cityscape.
- Unparalleled Relaxation: We offer an in-house spa, which is an experience to be had!
- Seamless Travel: Get ready to have a comfortable stay.
- Book now, before the secret gets out! Because trust me, this is a deal you won't want to miss.
Don't wait! Book your fairytale escape at Luxury Royal Suites Edinburgh today!
Paddle Paradise: Kuttanad's Kayak Adventure (LexStays Alleppey)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Edinburgh, baby, and it's going to be a glorious, chaotic mess. Royal Princes Suites, you better be ready for me.
Day 1: Arrival, Accidental Haggis, and the Quest for Coffee That Doesn't Taste Like Sadness
Morning (ish): Land in Edinburgh. Ugh, airports. Always a soul-crushing ballet of baggage carousels and overpriced coffee. Found my way to the Royal Princes Suites. The exterior is all elegant Georgian facade, promising wealth and sophistication. My room? Well, let's just say the wallpaper might have seen better days. But hey, character, right? (And probably a few lurking dust bunnies I'm choosing to ignore.)
Afternoon: The mission – find decent coffee. Edinburgh is a city of glorious history and… seriously questionable caffeine options. Wandered aimlessly, feeling more like a lost sheep than a sophisticated traveler. Finally, stumbled into a place called "Gloom and Doom Coffee." (Okay, maybe not, but it felt like it.) Took a shot of espresso, which may have been more like tar than a caffeinated beverage. Sigh.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Okay, food. Gotta eat. Wandered a bit more, eventually ended up at a rather charming-looking place that promised the best pub grub in town. I swear, I saw a sign, that's why I went there. On the menu: haggis. I'd always been a bit… wary of haggis. This was my chance and also the perfect opportunity to accidentally order it because the menu was in a strange font. I went for it. Deep fried haggis, neeps, and tatties. (Translated: Haggis, Swedes, Spuds). Okay, the haggis? Honestly? Not bad. Not amazing, but not the abomination I'd feared. The neeps and tatties were the real winners. Went down great with a pint of local real ale.
Evening: Stumbled back to the Suite, full of haggis and (finally) proper caffeine. Tried to write in my journal, but mostly ended up staring out the window at the rain. Edinburgh, you beautiful, moody beast. Found a hidden bar. The "Devil's advocate" bar. What a name. What a night.
Evening Part 2: Fell into a deep sleep at a reasonable hour.
Day 2: Castle Conundrums, Ghostly Encounters (Maybe), and the Search for the Perfect Scone
Morning: Edinburgh Castle! The main event. I started well, but started to flag, it was way too much. The views were incredible. I had this moment on the battlements where I thought, "Wow, I'm actually here." (And then immediately felt the ache in my feet from walking around in those stupid boots.) Found the crown jewels, which were sparkly, but also a little underwhelming. (Maybe my expectations were too high.) The Great Hall filled me with awe.
Mid-Day: Needed sustenance. Found a tiny tea room tucked away on a side street. The quest for the perfect scone began. Butter, jam, clotted cream. The holy trinity. This scone? Perfection. Flaky, buttery, just the right amount of sweetness. Found another one later. Delicious, too. The journey may be long.
Afternoon: The Royal Mile. Cobblestones and crowds. I'm pretty sure I saw a ghost (or maybe it was just a particularly dramatic street performer). It felt a bit hectic, but also magical. Strolled past the various shops selling tartan (I almost bought a kilt - almost!) and souvenirs of questionable taste.
Late Afternoon: Whiskey tasting. You're in Scotland, it's practically the law. Tried a flight of different single malts. My palate is not particularly refined, but even I could tell the difference between a smooth, smoky Highland and a peaty, punchy Islay. The experience felt more sophisticated.
Evening: A walking ghost tour. Okay, I'm a sucker for this stuff. The guide was amazing, telling tales of plague, executions, and general old-timey unpleasantness. Did I feel a ghostly presence? Maybe. Probably just the wind whistling through the narrow closes. Still, I jumped a few times. Worth it.
Night: Slept well, or, at least I intended to.
Day 3: Arthur's Seat, Literary Legends, and the Bitter Goodbye
Morning: Arthur's Seat! The climb to the top was brutal. I'm not that unfit, but the hill seemed to mock my lack of fitness. But the view! Incredible. Panoramic. Seriously, the best view in Edinburgh. Totally worth the effort. The next time, i'm bringing energy bars.
Mid-Day: Literary pilgrimage. Visited the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Walked past where JK Rowling wrote some of the Harry Potter books - this was actually a pretty cool highlight. Visited a bookstore near the National museum which was the best bookshop in the world. I bought three books and a bookmark.
Afternoon: Last wander through the streets, savoring that Edinburgh vibe. Found one last coffee shop, just in case. This time, success! Delicious, strong, properly caffeinated coffee. (I learned.) Did some last-minute souvenir shopping (mostly for myself, let's be real). Had a bit of a panic trying to make sure I had everything and missed the bus i wanted to take
Late Afternoon: Said goodbye to the Royal Princes Suites. A bit of a relief, honestly. The wallpaper was growing on me, but the constant awareness of dust bunnies was wearing thin.
Evening: Flight home, a lingering sense of melancholy. Edinburgh, you bewitching place. You were a chaotic whirlwind of history, food, and questionable coffee. I wouldn't have traded it for anything. The rain was symbolic of the tears about to fall from the plane.
Night: Home. Edinburgh, I'll be back. (And next time, I'm bringing better walking shoes.)
Luxury Royal Suites Edinburgh: Your Fairytale Getaway... or a Wee Bit of a Nightmare? Let's See!
Alright, spill the beans! What *actually* makes these suites "Royal"? Is it just fancy wallpaper?
Okay, so "Royal." Hoo boy. That’s a loaded word, isn't it? Expectations, people! Firstly, it's *Edinburgh*, Scotland. Everything's got a touch of 'Royal' just by existing there. Think cobbled streets, old castles, the faint whiff of history... and maybe some rain. ;)
The suites themselves? Well, there was definitely *some* fancy wallpaper. And chandeliers! Glorious, sparkly, give-you-a-migraine-if-you-stare-too-long chandeliers! My suite, in particular, had a view…oh sweet merciful heavens, a view. Over the castle. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I spent a solid hour just staring out the window, feeling like some forgotten royal relative. (Maybe one who likes to wear pajamas all day. It was *that* kind of view.)
But, royal? Nah, not in the sense of the Queen popping round for tea. It’s more about the *feeling*. The feeling of being utterly spoiled rotten. And maybe, just maybe, a tiny little bit, like you're in a very well-decorated and extravagantly expensive movie set.
The website promises "impeccable service." Did you find that to be true? Because let's be honest, hotels *always* say that!
Impeccable Service...ah, the age-old hotel promise! And the thing about promises is, they can sometimes get a little…lost. Generally? Good. Really good, even. They were *attentive*. Super attentive. I swear, the moment I even *looked* like I needed a fresh cuppa, someone appeared *poof!* offering Earl Grey. Which, by the way, is the elixir of the gods.
Now, here's a little story. One morning, I woke up to find the coffee machine had staged a rebellion. Refused point blank to brew. Panic set in. I'm *that* person, the one who grumbles until caffeine is acquired. I rang reception, fully expecting a delay, a sigh, a general sense of hotel ennui. Nope. Within *five* minutes, a charming young man, looking utterly unfazed by my caffeine emergency, arrived with a brand-new, sparkling, and fully-operational coffee machine. He even offered to make me a coffee himself!
So, yeah, generally impeccable. Except…and this is a minor quibble, mind you…there was that one time I asked for some extra towels. And waited…and waited…and then had to call *again*. It was a small thing, but it *did* highlight that sometimes, the "impeccable" can suffer a bit of a hiccup. But hey, nobody's perfect, right? And the coffee was worth the wait.
Let's talk about the food. Worth the price tag? Or overpriced hotel blah?
The food…ah, the eternal question! Okay, the *breakfast* was…well, it was breakfast. Delicious breakfast, to be fair. Full Scottish, the works - haggis (which, by the way, is actually quite good! Don't knock it 'til you try it!), sausages, the whole shebang. And fresh fruit, pastries, the whole bit. Did it feel exceptionally groundbreaking? Not really. But it was *good*. And the view from the breakfast area was…you guessed it…stunning. So, win.
Dinner, on the other hand? *That* was where the magic happened (and where the wallet took a bit of a beating). Seriously, the chef? A genius. A culinary wizard. I had the lamb. Oh, sweet, tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb. And the service? Flawless. The sommelier? A fountain of knowledge. He recommended a wine that was… *chef's kiss*. Honestly, I’d have paid *more* for the experience. But don’t tell them that!
What about location? Easy to get around & see the sights, or a pain in the rear?
Location, location, location, right? And thankfully, this hotel *nailed* it. You're practically *in* the heart of things. Edinburgh Castle? A stone's throw away. The Royal Mile? Easy peasy. Shops? Restaurants? Theatre? All within walking distance.
Now, here's a little piece of unsolicited advice: be prepared for cobblestones. And hills. Lots and lots of hills. Wear comfy shoes, people! My poor feet were screaming by day three. But, honestly, the location more than makes up for the leg workout. I could stumble out of the hotel, and within minutes, be surrounded by the incredible energy of the city. It's *perfect* for exploring. And, more importantly, super convenient for finding a pub when you need one (which, for me, was quite often!).
Okay, spill the tea! Any *major* downsides we should know about? Any real complaints?
Alright, the truth serum is out. First off, the *price*. It's expensive, you'll know this going in, but it’s still a factor. You'll be weighing up the cost, especially if you're a budget traveller. I might have winced a little when I saw the final bill. But, on its own, it *is* a luxury experience, and you have to pay for it.
Then, there's this one thing. The *noise*. Edinburgh can be a lively city. At night, the cheers from pubs, the occasional busker outside the window (love them, I do, but…) – it does get a bit noisy. So, if you are a super light sleeper..bring earplugs. Or, even better, request a room further from the streets.
And, on a personal note, the sheer amount of *stuff* in the suite – the cushions, the throws, the ornate this-and-thats – almost tipped into the "too much". It was beautiful, don't get me wrong! But I'm a simple-living, minimalist person, and I spent the first few minutes just trying to *find* the bed buried under all the finery. But, hey. That's a personal thing.
Would you recommend it? Be honest!
Okay, the big question! Would I recommend it? Absolutely. *With caveats.* If you're looking for a truly special, luxurious experience in Edinburgh, with a prime location, delicious food, and mostly excellent service, then YES. Go for it. Book it. Treat yourself.
But…and this is important…manage your expectations. It's not a fairytale. It’s real life, in a very fancy hotel. There might be hiccups, maybe a noisy night, or an overpriced mini-bar. But theBackpacker Hotel Find
