Fine views and funky decor make Ibis a capital choice, writes Lesley Taylor
A visit to Edinburgh always reminds me of school summer holidays when my sister and I spent the whole six weeks with our wonderful grandmother in Leith.
The never-ending car journey from the Highlands consisted of warm sandwiches, feeling car-sick and family arguments, but we loved the long summer holidays in Edinburgh, taking trips up to Princes Street Gardens to see the old-time dancing and browsing the quaint individual shops that Edinburgh has in abundance.
I have a daughter now, studying at Edinburgh University, and I and my husband are frequent visitors to the capital, but this time we journeyed by train straight into the heart of the city. On arrival, we could just about make out the skirl of the bagpipes entertaining tourists on the North Bridge and breathe in the familiar brewery smell that lingers over the city.
Our hotel for the weekend was the Ibis Styles in St Andrews Square. As Kirstie and Phil would say, it is all about location, location, location, and this hotel has to have one of the best in Edinburgh. The view from our fifth-floor room was of the luxurious Harvey Nichols department store, a great place to wander around and admire all the latest designer fashions, even if you can’t afford a purchase.
Just around the corner from the hotel is George Street, which boasts a plethora of bars and restaurants, several with outside seating areas where we sat and enjoyed the last of the autumn sunshine. And when day turns to night, the street comes alive with well-groomed partygoers who flock to the area’s many stylish bars for cocktails, fine dining and dancing. If culture is more your thing, then the Scottish National Gallery, the National Museum of Scotland and my favourite, the Museum of Childhood, are all within walking distance.
The Ibis Styles is a 103-bedroomed modern hotel and check-in was slick on arrival. Our room was relatively small but the decor was larger than life, with a lime and purple tartan carpet, while a huge stag mural adorned the walls. The en-suite bathroom was spotless with ultra-modern fittings and funky bright tiles.
Continental breakfast is included in the price and, up until midday at weekends, perfect if you have hit the cocktail bars the previous night. The lovely breakfast has all you need to set you up for the day, including croissants, fresh fruit, yoghurts, ham and cheeses. Unusually for a city centre hotel, we noticed it also accepts dogs to stay – not sure if our Spaniel Olly would behave himself enough to stay in a hotel but I know he would love to chase the many squirrels we saw in Princes Street Gardens. Maybe next time!
The starting rate per night at ibis Styles Edinburgh Centre St Andrew Square for a standard room with double bed (Sweet Bed by Ibis Styles) is £105, including breakfast. Contact: www.ibis.com or 0131 2920200.