If you're planning a romantic getaway for someone special, look no further than Scotland's capital city. Edinburgh has a wonderful selection of excellent restaurants, superb attractions and truly memorable hotels. With so much on offer, it's easy to find the perfect place for a romantic adventure.
You could woo your loved one amidst the venerable charm of Edinburgh's Old Town. The flamboyant and delightful Witchery by the Castle nestles in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle in a picturesque 16th century building. Each room has its own charm and all are extravagantly luxurious with a host of little extras to make your stay magical.
What could be more romantic than a few nights in a 13th-century castle? Dalhousie Castle stands proudly on the banks of the River Esk, surrounded by acres of wooded parkland just a short drive from the city. It is beautifully furnished with many original features and boasts an award-winning restaurant and excellent spa.
Modern art lovers will love the chic and iconic Glasshouse, which combines the Gothic façade of Lady Glenorchy Church with imposing walls of glass and many bold and beautiful works of art. The rooftop garden offers incredible views over the city and afternoon tea in the Snug is a wonderfully romantic experience. Or opt for the fabulous Tigerlilly, a city centre boutique hotel with its own bar, restaurant and nightclub!
Whether you opt for a luxurious stay amid the splendour of a listed historic building, or a chic, ultra-modern rendezvous in one of Edinburgh's glamorous boutique hotels, you and your loved one are guaranteed a memorable getaway.
Dunstane House is a 19th century private residence in Edinburgh's elegant West End that has been tastefully adapted into a beautiful luxury hotel. Designed by the famous Edinburgh architect William Playfair in 1852, it still has the feel of a country hotel, despite its proximity to the city centre. The rooms are beautifully furnished and retain many charming original features. The Stane bar offers an impressive range of whiskies and during the summer months you can relax in the beautiful gardens with a drink and a selection of delicious snacks. The hotel also has a delicious restaurant, Skerries, which aims to bring a taste of Orkney to Edinburgh.
Recommended for Romantic Hotels as: Dunstane House is beautifully appointed and exudes a luxurious yet intimate atmosphere, making it perfect for a romantic getaway.
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Sitting proudly at the eastern end of Princes Street, the Balmoral Hotel, with its distinctive clock tower, is a local landmark. It couldn't be more central and is the first thing you see as you leave Waverley station. Most of Edinburgh's top attractions, including the Old Town, are within easy walking distance. This five-star hotel offers a range of rooms and suites with inspiring views of the city. There are also numerous restaurants, bars and even a spa. The hotel offers contemporary elegance and an impressive level of luxury. Whether you are looking for a family hotel, a business trip or a romantic weekend away, the Balmoral can meet your needs.
Recommended for romantic hotels because: The Balmoral combines beautiful fin-de-siècle architecture with sumptuous furnishings and incredible views over the city, making it an excellent choice for a romantic getaway.
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The Nira Caledonia is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town. The hotel was once the home of 17th century essayist Christopher North and although it has been completely refurbished, it retains its original Georgian charm and many period features. Each room in this beautiful hotel is unique. Some overlook the charming sandstone buildings and cobbled streets of the new town, while others offer views of the secluded garden. The neo-classical elegance of the building is perfectly complemented by the sumptuous, luxurious furnishings and sober works of art that hang there. There is also an excellent restaurant serving wonderfully fresh local produce and an impressive wine and whisky list.
Recommended for romantic hotels as: Nira Caledonia has three delightfully plush Jacuzzi suites, perfect for a romantic getaway.
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Originally newspaper baron's offices, the Scotsman is now regarded as one of Edinburgh's most elegant hotels. Food is served at the North Bridge Brasserie or you can dine on several speciality dishes and sip exotic wine at the Vermilion Restaurant. The Scotsman is ideally located near Waverley station and just off the Royal Mile. The hotel is relaxing and luxurious with 56 bedrooms and 13 suites, all beautifully refurbished, with different sizes, designs and shapes, offering guests the experience of a lifetime. Facilities include in-room DVD/CD player, large screen TV, broadband internet, wine bars and more.
Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: The Scotsman building is both exuberantly eccentric and wonderfully romantic with superb views over the Old Town.
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This popular boutique hotel has a stunning interior design and a city centre location on George Street. The restaurant and bar are popular with locals and visitors alike. Rooms are individually decorated and extremely comfortable with Egyptian cotton bed linen and en suite shower rooms. There are also flat-screen TVs, fully-charged iPods, a DVD library and a mini-bar for your entertainment. Tigerlily also offers a number of special packages including romantic getaways, business trips or girls nights out on the town, each offering a unique experience full of little extras. It's an ideal base from which to explore Edinburgh and an interesting and vibrant location in its own right.
Recommended for Romantic Hotels as: Tigerlily offers great romantic packages to help you plan the perfect getaway.
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The Prestonfield Hotel is one of Edinburgh's most luxurious boutique hotels. This beautiful 17th-century manor house has twenty-three rooms and suites, each furnished with sumptuous fabrics and fine antiques. The hotel also has a series of beautifully decorated public rooms and a collection of sumptuous private dining rooms, including a wonderfully romantic turret room where two can dine alone. The hotel's restaurant, Rhubarb, has won numerous awards for its sumptuous banquets and deliciously prepared local produce. The Dutch gardens are beautifully manicured and adorned with beautiful sculptures and fountains. This wonderfully romantic hotel is nestled beneath Arthur's Seat, close to the centre of Edinburgh.
Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: Prestonfield is a wonderfully opulent boutique hotel, perfect for a romantic getaway.
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The Glasshouse is a stylish and unusual boutique hotel located at the top of Leith Walk in the heart of Edinburgh. Behind the beautiful stone façade of Lady Glenorchy Church is a sleek, modern building with huge glass walls. Colourful touches are provided by the modern art that adorns the interior. The hotel has sixty-six rooms and suites, each decorated and furnished to a high standard and offering stunning views of the city centre or their own private roof terrace garden. The garden itself is a wonderful oasis of calm punctuated by modern sculptures and festooned with aromatic lavender. There is no hotel restaurant, but they do have 24-hour room service, a small lounge and breakfasts are served in the Observatory where you can enjoy stunning views over Calton Hill.
Recommended for romantic hotels because: Modern, stylish rooms with high-level finishes and superb views over the city make the Glasshouse an excellent choice for a romantic adventure.
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The Howard is a study in understated elegance and luxury. The hotel occupies three beautiful Georgian townhouses close to the town centre. Accommodation comprises eighteen luxury bedrooms and suites, each uniquely decorated with a sumptuous collection of rich fabrics, oil paintings and ornate furnishings. The well-appointed bathrooms are fitted with luxury Penhaligon products and the hotel offers a full butler service to really spoil guests. Rather than a tired tray of unappetising coffee and instant teas and a pointless mini-bar, guests simply need to call their butler who will provide hot and cold drinks and specialities of the highest quality. The restaurant is intimate and exclusive, but guests can also choose to be served in their own suite for a wonderfully romantic three-course meal. There is also a delightfully comfortable lounge where you can enjoy an aperitif or nightcap.
Recommended for romantic hotels because: The Howard is both plush and intimate, a real treat for a romantic getaway.
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Dalhousie Castle is a historic Scottish castle situated on the banks of the River Esk approximately 13 kilometres from the city of Edinburgh. Surrounded by acres of wooded parkland, it is an imposing 13th-century fortress that can lay claim to being the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland. The interior boasts many charming period features and is furnished with opulent tapestries and antique furniture. The atmospheric Dungeon Restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes for its fusion of classic French and traditional Scottish cuisine, and the delightful Orangery combines stunning countryside views with a more informal menu that includes plenty of healthy options. The castle also boasts a well-maintained spa with a hydro pool, laconium (Roman-style sauna), ottoman (Turkish steam bath) and tropical rain and cool mist showers. You can choose from a selection of treatments or relax on the veranda and enjoy the view.
Recommended for romantic hotels: What could be more romantic than staying in a 13th century Scottish castle!
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Set in a historic 16th-century building on the doorstep of Edinburgh Castle, James Thomson's Witchery is the city's most atmospheric and spectacular dining destination, offering nine sumptuous and unique suites. A unique location, stunning interiors and exceptional food, wine and service create memorable and magical experiences for locals, visitors and celebrities alike. Ewan MacGregor, Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Jack Nicholson and Clarissa Dickson Wright have all succumbed to its charms. Cosmopolitan ranks it as one of the seven wonders of the hotel world. Guests receive champagne on arrival and can book one of their sumptuous baskets for a lazy, romantic breakfast. Each room has an ostentatious free-standing bath big enough for two, and most have ornate four-poster beds. What more could you want?
Recommended for Romantic Hotels because: The Witchery by the Castle is a delightful slice of romantic Gothic charm with sumptuous furnishings and a host of delightful extras.
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