How rugby fans can bunk in style for Six Nations

The nine-bunk dorm at Cowgate’s Central Hotel has been opened in time for the Six Nations Championship this weekend.

The pad comes complete with a full-size table tennis table, a wall-mounted flatscreen TV with computer console and individual screens at the end of each bunk.

There is fully stocked beer and wine fridge and guests can even order a “recovery trolley” in the morning with bacon rolls and a fresh pint to kick-start the day.

Hotel general manager Donal Hurrell said the room had been designed with “style and sense of humour in equal measures”.

“It is about as far away as you could get from people’s idea of a dorm or a hostel bedroom,” he said.

“We wanted to create a bedroom that allows large groups who are visiting Edinburgh to stay together, letting them to share their experience throughout their time in the city, rather than ending when everyone goes to their individual bedrooms.

“Edinburgh attracts a lot of extra visitors during the Six Nations and this type of dorm room is ideal for those larger groups looking for somewhere fun and affordable to stay.

“We wanted it finished in time to appeal to groups of rugby fans coming to Edinburgh for the tournament who may be looking for the ultimate bedroom for a lads’ weekend.”

The jumbo-sized bedroom, which has a bathroom with multiple sinks and two separate showers, was designed by Jim Hamilton, who was responsible for Hotel Missoni and Tigerlilly.

It was finished in time for the start of the championship this weekend, when Scotland take on England at Twickenham tomorrow.

The hotel, originally built in 1621, sits above the Three Sisters pub, which is a popular spot with fans to watch the action on its giant outdoor screen.

However, Donal hopes the dorm, with prices starting at £399 a night, will prove popular with other parties once the tournament is over.

He said: “We know the room will also appeal to stag and hen parties that are such an important part of Edinburgh’s tourism and hospitality trade.

“But equally, the room should catch the attention of wedding parties, large families or other groups of travellers who are often put off by the high cost of having to book three or four rooms.”

The dorm is one of the first rooms to be refurbished at the Central Hotel as part of a project by the G1 Group to renovate the entire accommodation following its takeover last year.