Nira Caledonia in Edinburgh
The low-down
A romantic and exuberant home-away-from-home, set across two Georgian townhouses. Nira Caledonia is a hidden gem that’s bursting with personality. It’s tucked away on a quiet cobbled street in Edinburgh’s New Town.
Expect laid-back luxury in the form of dramatic, sweeping staircases, plush velvet furnishings and sultry dark wood flooring. The balance of historical features and contemporary home comforts is just right.
What makes it special?
Nira Caledonia does ‘boutique’ like a pro. Everything you find in the hotel (from the toiletries to the tea bags) has been specially chosen by the owner with sustainability in mind. Almost everything can be sourced straight back to the supplier.
The service is intimate and personalised, without being obtrusive, so guests feel completely looked after.
The 28 suites and rooms ooze sophistication, while providing the home comforts todays’ traveller expects.
Rooms blend neo-classical features with contemporary interior design quirks. Floor-to-ceiling sash windows flood the rooms with light, while eclectic furnishings inject splashes of colour to the underlying brown and cream colour scheme.
As well as insanely comfy 2,000-pocket-sprung mattresses, there’s 24-hour room service, speedy Wi-Fi, enormous smart TVs, artisan tea bags, and Nespresso machines, making you feel right at home.
Dining
The hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar – Blackwood’s Bar and Grill – prides itself on using fresh and local organic produce. They live by the mantra of ‘keeping food miles to a minimum’. The Josper Grill plays a starring role, adding a smokiness to the meat.
The highlight from our meal was the seafood platter, with Scottish west coast rope grown mussels and succulent salmon from Hong Kong-born Eddie Kwok’; one of Edinburgh’s finest seafood suppliers. The bar boasts an impressive selection of single malts as well as their own bespoke whisky blend. The breakfast is divine, and includes dry-cured rare-breed back bacon and traditionally made sausages, as well as fresh fruit, juices, cereals and other healthy options.
Things to do
Stockbridge is a stone’s throw from the hotel. It’s a vibrant village with some trendy brunch spots, fantastic independent shops (be sure to check out the chocolate shop) and a couple of cosy pubs. Nira Caledonia is just a ten-minute walk from Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street too.
Nira Caledonia, 6 – 10 Gloucester Place, Edinburgh EH3 6EF
W: www.niracaledonia.com
T: +44 131 225 2720
E: info@niracaledonia.com