
06 Dec 2024
Gleneagles Townhouse, one of Edinburgh’s fanciest hotels, has been named one of the best in the world, while also landing the top ‘City Slicker’ title. National Geographic has just published its list of the world’s 42 top hotels for 2022, with this city centre Edinburgh spot the first to be given a mention.
The plush Gleneagles Townhouse opened after much fanfare this spring, following the transformation of an historic A-listed building on St Andrew Square.
Offering stunning views of the city, the hotel boasts 33 rooms, beautifully designed to offer luxury at its finest, giving off an elegant 20th century theme.
Anointing the Edinburgh accommodation as the world’s ‘best urban hotel’, beating off competition from opulent hotels in both Paris and Chigaco, National Geographic said: “Think Gleneagles and images of the grand Scottish resort spring to mind: sweeping grounds, prestigious golf courses and Georgian facades. But the brand’s new urban outpost offers an elegant foil to the country pile.
“The 33-bed Gleneagles Townhouse is a des res with a difference in the heart of the Scottish capital, featuring a private members’ club, the all-day Spence restaurant and a roof terrace bar with views of St Andrew Square.”
Continuing its praise of Gleneagles Townhouse, National Geographic said: “The vibe is more flamboyant than the original Gleneagles (think Victorian chic with a dash of Wes Anderson), with pink and blue furnishings, chandeliers, cushions galore and dark-green bathroom tiles.
“You’ll find a cryotherapy chamber and infrared sauna in the building’s former vaults (it was once a bank), while the Lamplighters bar, which takes its name from a Robert Louis Stevenson poem, is a guest- and members-only haunt on the rooftop.
“Little wonder the hotel’s tagline is ‘a place to gather and be glorious’.”