AS I drag my suitcase through the busy Princes Street, weaving between tourist groups and weekend shoppers, I hear someone say under their breath, “This is meant to be the best hotel in Scotland”. I look up to see the flags of 100 Princes Street moving majestically in the wind above me, a clear marker signifying the luxury concealed behind the façade, shyly squeezed between souvenir shops.
From the first step, everything screams decadence and glamour, at 100 Princes Street, more is more, and I love how entirely unapologetic it is. The interiors are dark and dramatic, with heavy bannisters and hand-painted wallpapers that stretch all the way up a five-story staircase. The colourful murals depict stories of Scottish explorers and botanists during their adventures, featuring big waterfalls and leafy backdrops that imitate the style of old Victorian paintings.
Lobby
Staircase Mural
Formerly the headquarters of one of Edinburgh’s most famous members’ clubs, the building has been reimagined after 90 years into a modern luxury hotel, merging its predecessor’s design history with new elements and a fresh vision. It’s easy to envisage its past with small, hidden rooms and the maze-like layout of the property, which promises privacy and exclusivity to its guests.
There are 30 bespoke rooms in the hotel, and we are lucky to be staying in one of the signature suites, Isobel – named after the famous Scottish traveller Isobel Wylie Hutchison. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide us with a front row seat to spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle, which we quickly settle into, sipping tea and dunking biscuits while sinking into plush armchairs upholstered in one of five tartan patterns designed by Araminta Campbell.
Isobel Suite
I’m known for being nervous packing for city breaks, as those usually trigger a last-minute scramble and panic-buying of outfits and accessories – yet this time I feel a lot calmer. Ahead of the trip, I worked with Wishi, a premium styling platform that paired me with a professional stylist. Using my own pieces, which I uploaded to the app, she was able to refine a set of looks perfect for unpredictable Edinburgh weather, whilst at the same time making me fall back in love with long forgotten coats and jackets.
As I hang up my evening dresses and unpack layered, cosy looks for long strolls around the city into the magnificently large, golden wardrobe, I am already excited about how much time this preparation will save me. Allowing me to savour my morning coffee instead of spending hours trying to piece together the right outfit each day.
View of Edinburgh Castle
Everything else in the room feels grand in size too: the marble bathroom with a deep tub and selection of fragrant bath salts, larger than life bed and green-and-blue tartan curtains cascading from the ceiling all the way down to the floor. Yet, it is the thoughtful touches that make the experience even more special. The fluffy robes are draped on heated rails providing a warm embrace after each shower, a bouquet of fresh flowers fills the room with a gentle, sweet scent and a little shortbread with a note on the night stand leaving us smiling as we drift off for an afternoon nap.
The beating heart of the hotel is its bar, hidden upstairs, which becomes pleasantly busy in the afternoons. With the backdrop of the sun slowly setting, some guests talk quietly among each other, drowning in the big leather armchairs, whilst others enjoy their afternoon tea and champagne or a bite, a particularly popular choice is the haggis bonbons, from the hotel’s restaurant The Wallace.
The Wallace
The Wallace
One of the special treats is a whisky tasting available to guests who want to improve, or, like me, begin their journey with this rather intimidating liquor. The impressive collection is housed in a long, glass cabinet stretching along the walls of the Ghillie’s Pantry, some of which can only be sipped at 100 Princes Street. We sample five different whiskies as Dario, the hotel’s resident expert, explains the science and history behind each type and shares fascinating stories of his quest to bring the most exceptional bottles to the hotel.
The stay is memorable not only for the astonishing beauty of the interiors or the prime location, but mainly for the genuine warmth of the staff, who attentively share stories and recommendations with us. Without ever feeling forced, 100 Princes Street is easily one of those hotels which really does make its guests feel right at home.
by Olga Petrusewicz
To book visit here. Nightly rates at 100 Princes Street start at £745 (approximately $1,008 USD) for an Executive Double Castle View Room on a B&B basis
Wishi professional styling can be booked: here