Virgin Hotels Edinburgh: A Blend of History, Luxury and Whimsy

Edinburgh is a magical city with many fine and stately hotels and during a recent visit to Edinburgh, I chose to stay at the amazing Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. Upon arrival, I was immediately captivated by the seamless blend of history, luxury and playful details throughout this truly remarkable property. Located in the heart of Old Town on Victoria Street, the Virgin Hotel embodies Edinburgh's rich past while providing a contemporary and vibrant experience for guests of all ages.

The interior design reflects the playful and whimsical essence of the Virgin brand but maintains a refined and distinguished ambiance reminiscent of country estates all without being antiquated in feel. The design team has instilled tranquility in the chambers and suites through muted pastels and neutral tones in the furnishings and linens. With 18 suites and 222 chambers, guests have many accommodation options to choose from to suit their needs, all harmonizing with the rich history of the hotel's building.

The overall experience at the hotel is deeply intertwined with its historic building, constructed in 1864 by architect David Cousins in the fashionable Scots Baronial style. Most recently serving as the city's registry office, the India buildings have undergone various transformations over the years. Despite its rich history, the building has retained its unique charm through meticulous remodeling efforts by the Virgin Group and architects. By preserving several original features while seamlessly blending old and new elements, the renovation enhances the hotel's overall ambiance. These unique touches can be observed in both the exteriors and multiple areas of the interiors.

Truly interesting to note is that during the new building's construction, significant archaeological discoveries dating as far back as the 11th century were unearthed, offering a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh's past and potentially rewriting the city's history. Historical elements of the building's architecture, such as exposed beams and original stone walls, can be found throughout, contributing to creating a deep sense of place. Looking out of the windows onto the medieval wonder that is Edinburgh, the hotel seamlessly blends with the area.

A delightful quality of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh are the playful and whimsical details that are so integral to the Virgin brand. In many areas, guests will find subtle nods to the Virgin Group scattered throughout. Surprises, including tributes to the first record ever released by Virgin Records and callouts to the new Virgin Galactic, are hidden in murals and hung on walls throughout. Some are so well disguised you might not even find them, for instance, a champagne bottle cleverly disguised as a fire extinguisher with a label reading "break in case of emergency".

As you enter the hotel, literally on a red carpet, and through a light-filled tunnel built to look like you are walking through a marble hallway, you will encounter the hotel's Funny Library, a unique and refined space where guests can unwind with a book or enjoy a board game, surrounded by eclectic artwork and quirky decor. It's a testament to the hotel's commitment to providing not just accommodation, but memorable spaces to create experiences.

What truly distinguishes Virgin Hotels Edinburgh from other Old Town hotels is not only the striking decor and architectural beauty of the property itself, but also the meticulous attention to exceptional service. The service is always high caliber with any of the Virgin brands, and the experience here was no exception. From the moment guests step foot at the entry to Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, they are warmly greeted. When we arrived, our luggage was whisked away, and we were offered a glass of prosecco that we enjoyed in the Funny Library while waiting to check in, creating a very soft landing after a very long travel day. We were then brought personally to our room and walked through all of the features of the room and given a brief history of the property throughout the greeting.

This attentive service complements the luxurious accommodations perfectly. After taking in the sights of Edinburgh, Virgin Hotels provides a haven to unwind in style. Moreover, the hotel delights guests with its diverse dining experiences - the acclaimed fine dining restaurant The Commons Club (also offering a traditional Sunday roast), the casual Eve for breakfast and lunch, a lively lobby bar with creative cocktails, and the breathtaking Oculus lounge in the old building hosting formal afternoon tea on weekends. Additionally, The Chef's Table showcases the hotel's culinary excellence through a five-course tasting menu available Thursday through Saturday.

Coupled with the exemplary service and amenities, Virgin's prime location on Victoria Street, makes this hotel unmatched for Edinburgh hotels. Situated in the heart of Old Town, guests can easily access the Royal Mile while enjoying the tranquility of the Victoria Street neighborhood. Not only is the location convenient, but it also offers dramatic views of the surrounding area. In particular, the 7th-floor terrace provides breathtaking vistas of the castle, where in the summer months the hotel offers residents sunset drinks and acoustic music in the shadow of the castle - no doubt a standout memory of any trip to Edinburgh.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers the ideal blend of history, luxury, and whimsy, making it the perfect choice for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of Edinburgh.

There are numerous hotels to choose from in Edinburgh and there are some very elegant and refined options in the New Town but options for luxury hotels in Old Town are limited and the Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is the true standout due to its location, service, and overall look and feel. The hotel will only add to your overall experience in this remarkable city.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Edinburgh. In need of further inspiration? Check out Yaroslava Andrijauskas’s guide, Foodie's Trip to Edinburgh, Scotland.