The George Hotel, Edinburgh

The George Hotel could simply not be more central in the Scottish capital. Reclining in a regal position on Edinburgh’s George Street the hotel has stood here for generations. George Street itself has enjoyed some lows and many highs, including its current renaissance as the city’s trendiest boulevard for funky bars and lively restaurants.

Located at the Heart of Edinburgh on Trendy George Street

That location is an attraction in itself. We spent a weekend sightseeing, shopping and eating out and it was great having a base this central, especially with our wee daughters in tow. The George Hotel also boasts a palpable sense of history with its grand façade and it recently underwent a £12 million refurbishment programme, which has really brought the best out of this old dame. With its much improved banquet facilities the hotel is also a great wedding venue.

Well Appointed Rooms

There are 199 rooms in all. They have all been refurbished and the better ones boast either views of George Street, the castle or north towards the Firth of Forth. We had the Pentland Suite, a big room with designer toiletries, a huge bed and two big old-fashioned windows that were ideal for nosing out on the action on George Street.

Dining at The George Hotel is a Serious Pleasure

The Tempus Bar is on one hand a buzzing bar with a wide range of drinks and light meals at the street level. Tucked behind, though, is a very sophisticated restaurant that is now one of our favourite places to eat in George Street. Highlights included freshly shucked Loch Fyne oysters to start followed by 20 day aged Buccleuch rib eye steaks or delicious beef Wellington, made not with controversial foie gras, but to their own recipe laced with black truffle.

Edinburgh Attractions

Unless you are having a wedding or a business function in one of the eight function rooms (the biggest holds up to 300 people), there is not much to speak of in the way of facilities. There is, of course, plenty to see and do in Edinburgh.

On George Street itself there is a choice of swanky shops if you are defying the credit crunch and plenty of places to eat and drink to suit all budgets. Whether you are a first time visitors or not the open top bus tours are a lot of fun and a great way of getting a feel for Edinburgh and the city’s most visited attraction, that unmissable castle, well deserves its popularity. Then there are newer attractions like the funky Dynamic Earth and, of course, the city’s wealth of art galleries and museums, most of which are free to enter.

The George Hotel, 19-21 George Street, EH2 2PB. Tel. +44 (0)131-2251251. https://edinburgh.intercontinental.com

InsiderScotland Rating

For Families 7/10

For a Romantic Break 8/10

For Food 8/10

For Business People 8/10

InsiderScotland Rating 8/10.