Scotland on Sunday Travel - House of Gods, Edinburgh

Do Not Disturb hotel review
Opened in September 2019, with the aim of being unique, boutique and affordable, House of Gods is a 22-room hotel and cocktail bar just off Edinburghs Royal Mile.Opened in September 2019, with the aim of being unique, boutique and affordable, House of Gods is a 22-room hotel and cocktail bar just off Edinburghs Royal Mile.
Opened in September 2019, with the aim of being unique, boutique and affordable, House of Gods is a 22-room hotel and cocktail bar just off Edinburghs Royal Mile.

@HouseGodsHotel

House of Gods, Edinburgh

For those keen to escape the lethargy of lockdown, an overnight stay at Edinburgh’s latest cocktail-bar-cum-hotel, House of Gods, is an immersive experience that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Inspired by the original Orient Express cabins, the rooms have an old-world decadence with the addition of mod cons such as flat-screen TVs and Nespresso machinesInspired by the original Orient Express cabins, the rooms have an old-world decadence with the addition of mod cons such as flat-screen TVs and Nespresso machines
Inspired by the original Orient Express cabins, the rooms have an old-world decadence with the addition of mod cons such as flat-screen TVs and Nespresso machines

Opened in September 2019, House of Gods is a 22-room boutique hotel and cocktail bar just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The mix of OTT interiors, lavish furnishings and hand-finished details offer a wow-factor that’s usually only seen in high end abodes. Years spent working in London opened the eyes of brothers and owners, Ross and Mike Baxter, to a world of unapologetic luxury which was “dampened by industry exclusivity, financial barriers and blown up price points”. Both felt that there was a real desire for something luxurious and unique but affordable, and after a move home to Edinburgh, House of Gods was born.

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Speaking at the time of opening, Mike Baxter said: “From spending weekends on the road to individually collect 20 antique Chiavari chairs before reupholstering each in House of Hackney fabrics, to storing a free-standing nickel-plated bathtub in my loft for the past eight years, we’ve built this place with zero compromise.”

Budget or boutique?

The whole ethos of House of Gods is total bonkers boutique luxury that’s available for everyone. The price reflects this, ranging from £80-£150 per room, with an in-room continental breakfast included.

Room service

The rooms, which range from cosy cabins through to four-poster classic rooms to spacious suites feature luxurious dark red velvet wall coverings, with private bars hidden behind antique mirrors and floor-to-ceiling marble in every oak-panelled en-suite. The inspiration for the room design is the old-world decadence of the original Orient Express cabins – with the addition of mod cons such as flat-screen TVs and Nespresso machines. Tactile furnishings in more velvet and fake fur plus moody lighting give a rock and roll edge.

In the cabin or classic rooms the bathrooms are marble-clad shower rooms whereas the suite boasts an oak-panelled bathroom with freestanding Victorian tub. Each is complete with sweet-smelling Cole and Lewis toiletries.

In the rooms guests will find a wifi enabled butler button which they can use to call for prosecco, breakfast or milk and cookies – all complimentary. There is also an option to have cocktails delivered from the bar to rooms, or made in the corridor in front of guests. Rooms are sanitised before the housekeeping staff arrive, so an in-depth clean is done daily.

Wining and dining

At House of Gods there’s only wining (although breakfast is available) at the Lounge Bar, which features huge panels of Gucci Heron wallpaper, neon signs and Rosso Levanto Red Marble bar tops. The refined décor is juxtaposed with an overhanging giant disco ball. The bar is home to a bespoke cocktail menu inspired by rock and roll’s Bohemian past, with drinks named after tales of hotel hedonism and debauchery. It has been renovated to create a socially distanced space for customers, with Victorian-style screens and drapery to separate areas – there’s no perspex here.

Worth getting out of bed for

Located in the Cowgate, just off the Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and a range of restaurants are within walking distance. It’s worth checking what’s open and most restaurants and bars will be taking bookings at this time.

Little extras

If you really want to immerse yourself in all the hotel has to offer, the “treat me like I’m f*****g famous” package is ideal. Designed to include additions that would feature on riders of the rich and famous, the package includes unlimited prosecco, millionaire cocktails, a macaron platter, late checkout and an upgraded breakfast – no request is too rock’n’roll here. The hotel has partnered with an Italian winery to bottle a House of Gods prosecco, which is available on request.

Guestbook comments

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A novel and hedonistic nirvana in Edinburgh’s city centre, where more is always more. Custom built to pique your curiosity and immerse you in a world of luxury that’s usually reserved for the worshipped.

Rosalind Erskine

Rooms from £80-£150 per room, House of Gods, 139 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JS (0131-230 0445, houseofgodshotel.com)

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