There are times when you want to travel from home to home and a hotel room just won’t do. The Chester Residence is one of those places that can offer you just that and perhaps a little more.
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s prestigious West End, this venue consists of a collection of four Georgian townhouses containing a total of 23 individually designed five-star luxury apartments. They are all boastfully modern, fully equipped with cutting edge technology including flat-screen high definition TVs and DVD players, CD players, surround sound, and fully loaded iPods with docking stations.
In the suite we stayed in, the design is one of stylish sleek straight lines throughout. The main living area is a mixture of brown, black, and greys from the walls to the ornaments which work very well with the large original windows which open onto a wrought iron balcony. The apartment also benefits from work by Scottish artists such as Jonathan Hood and Anthony Scullon.
A huge mirror hangs on the wall in the dining area, giving the illusion of an even bigger space than it already is. Various lamps and lighting create a cosy feeling which is enhanced by a modern fireplace which is essential in what can be a very chilly city. For the culinary enthusiast, the kitchen although compact, provides all the essentials to cook up a treat. It’s equipped with all the usual mod-cons, including a built-in oven with hob, a microwave and a fridge for self-catering as well as a dishwasher and a full range of cutlery and plates. Attention to detail such as separate chopping boards for meat and vegetables are just some of the thoughtful items that can be found around the apartment.
In contrast to the living area, the bedroom was white, light and airy with mirrored floor to ceiling wardrobes. Super soft linen made getting in between the sheets even more inviting. The pillows were firm but if you want them firmer or softer, a simple call to the reception will solve that problem. The comfort stretched through to the bathroom which came with fluffy towels, Molton Brown accessories, a rain shower and bath.
The Chester Residence has its own bar which serves coffee, tea and soft drinks during the day and cocktails and other alcoholic beverages in the evening. A luxury or continental breakfast is also provided upon request. We ordered the continental breakfast which was large enough to last us through until midday. In-house spa treatments are available on request and gym facilities can be arranged at a nearby leisure centre.
Overlooking the Firth of Forth, the Chester Residence is ideal for visiting many of the city’s main attractions, with all sites of historic interest within walking distance of the apartments. Steeped in history, Edinburgh is a destination that attracts the young and old alike.
Expect to pay from £165 per night for a classic apartment. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.chester-residence.com.
We travelled to Scotland with East Coast trains using standard advance returns which were booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk. Prices for London to Edinburgh start from £34.