Time to head back up to Edinburgh! This round, I test drove the lovely Principal George Street. Around since the 1700’s (!!), the hotel recently received a face lift and was lauded by Conde Nast as the spot to stay in Edinburgh. It’s among some great restaurants, bars, and shopping in New Town. Obvious choice!

The lobby was absolutely stunning. The kind (and not unattractive) concierge staff helped to make the stay just so. They were so friendly with odd cab company contract bookings and accepting a package for a friend, classily wrapped in a Zara bag. And just off to the left was the bustling resto, bar, and coffee shop, Burr & Co., which is a meeting spot for locals – confirmed by locals. Check. Their flat white did not disappoint.

My room was VERY spacious. The bed was pretty comfortable, but mostly I was after this room for the headboard game.

I should have had a party up in here!

You could hear the room next door through the wall, just nearing the verge of annoying, but it wasn’t anything my sleep sound app couldn’t mask.

I arrived on the sunniest day of the week and the view to the water wasn’t too shabby either. Lots of literary references through the hotel too, thanks to its previous resident, Susan Ferrier – literary equivalent Jane Austen, per a Sir Walter Scott. Guess that Robert Burns hung out here quite a bit as well. Probably in my room.

The bathroom was very Euro standard. A shower for someone half my height and minimal counterspace for a dop kit. No big deal.

There’s a safe and fridge that houses a touch of complimentary water. One item to note is that the hotel never was renovated into air conditioning. They do provide you with a Dyson fan. I ended up sleeping with a window cracked – the heater was old and super insensitive as well. I must admit, I would not stay here in the summer.

All in all, great spot. It was good to try something new and for a lack of work events in the evening, provided a great jumping off point to some killer bars and restos (and Harvey Nichols). More on that next.