Travel: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh

When you think of Holyrood, it doesn’t bring relaxation immediately to mind, but a break at the Macdonald hotel promises just that. With its central location, Elemis spa and leisure facilities, here is a four star retreat that’s a perfect base for exploring the capital.

Located at the end of Holyrood Road, by the parliament, opposite Dynamic Earth and with views of Arthur’s Seat, the premises are an unassuming, modern stone and glass building. With 156 rooms, which have been updated this year, the Macdonald Holyrood hotel offers an AA Rosette restaurant, stylish bar, gym, spa and dedicated valet parking. Not having to worry about finding street parking and get up to feed the meter made the beginning of my stay here stress free… that and a G&T in the bar.

Budget or boutique?

With standard rooms priced from £139 per night, it’s definitely a boutique option, although not extortionate. The spa treatments and facilities on-site all add up to a worthwhile spend, especially if you’re looking to pamper yourself.

Room service

We stayed on the Executive floor, where rooms are slightly larger and offer added extras such as Arran Aromatics toiletries and access to the Library Lounge. They are on the 6th floor; the best way to ensure a quiet stay (something to consider if you’re staying with kids), although thanks to the nearby roadworks and street closures, the road outside wasn’t busy.

Room keys have to be used to access the Executive floor, so you’ll feel like a VIP from the moment you arrive.

Our newly renovated room consisted of a king-sized bed, small desk area, two armchairs by the window and a reasonable sized en-suite with large, walk-in rain shower. The décor was a muted palette of plums, cream and beige with dark wood furniture. The feel was that of cosy splendour thanks to the damask prints, velvet cushions and dark colours. Other Executive rooms follow a brighter palette with deep reds, cream and touches of tartan.

Wining and dining

Acanthus is, at present, the only restaurant in the hotel and it serves a range of posh, pub-style grub with seasonal Scottish influences. We tucked into starters of scallop ceviche and tempura squid followed by a juicy burger served with Swiss cheese in a pretzel bun with relish and a side of crispy chips. Across the table the flat iron steak served with Café de Paris butter and chips went down a treat, so much so that we opted to share a dessert of white chocolate and passion fruit délice, which was as sweet as it was sumptuous.

Whilst it was quite quiet for a Friday night, the recent news of the opening of a luxury bistro by Paul Tamburrini in the hotel, is bound to liven things up at the weekend. Tamburrini’s bistro is an 80-cover restaurant scheduled to open in autumn and will feature the chef’s signature blend of French cuisine and the finest seasonal Scottish ingredients.

Worth getting out of bed for

The hotel is ideally located for all aspects of Edinburgh, whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure. With Princes Street and the bustling Royal Mile just a few minutes’ walk away, all the sites of the city can be accessed easily. Dynamic Earth is a stone’s throw away, and ideal for a family day out.

After seeing all that the capital has to offer, you’ll be grateful for some R&R in the Elemis spa.

Guestbook comments

Cheek by jowl with the parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, if you’re using the Hop On sightseeing bus to go further afield, you can catch it just a few steps from the front door. Excellent rooms and amenities. Very good breakfast.

Little extras

The Arran Aromatic toiletries, large rain shower, remarkable views and spacious rooms found on the Executive floor add some five star quality to the hotel.

Staff were also extremely helpful and attentive, especially when we checked in, and the spa was an ideal retreat for a lazy afternoon thanks to the pool, facilities and range of treatments. I’d recommend the Elemis Face and Body Sensation, which includes a bespoke 30-minute massage followed by an anti-ageing facial – sheer bliss.

Rosalind Erskine

Classic double bedrooms are available from £169 per night, including breakfast with executive rooms coming in around £190 with breakfast.

Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, 81 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AU; 0344 879 9028/0131-550 4500;

www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-holyrood-hotel