Gleneagles Townhouse – Boutique Luxury and Historic Grandeur in Edinburgh
Set in the iconic St. Andrew Square, Gleneagles Townhouse brings the legacy of the legendary Perthshire estate into the heart of Edinburgh with striking success. This boutique hotel combines heritage architecture, refined interiors, and first-class hospitality, offering a unique urban retreat that feels both luxurious and intimately personal.
Location: Prime and Prestigious
Gleneagles Townhouse enjoys one of Edinburgh’s most desirable addresses, nestled in the neoclassical grandeur of a former bank building in New Town. Just minutes from the city's main shopping avenues, art galleries, and Waverley Station, it offers unbeatable access to the best Edinburgh has to offer – while maintaining a serene, exclusive atmosphere that feels worlds away from the bustle outside.
Design & Atmosphere: Classic Meets Contemporary
The hotel’s interiors are a masterclass in adaptive reuse: vaulted ceilings, ornate stonework, and original ironwork details pay homage to the building’s history, while soft lighting, custom furniture, and a muted palette bring a distinctly modern warmth.
Every corner of the Townhouse feels carefully considered — from the grand entrance with its sweeping staircase to the elegant corridors that lead to a collection of 33 uniquely designed rooms. There’s a clear sense of identity here: Scottish heritage with a contemporary twist, executed with restraint and style.
Rooms: Sophisticated, Comfortable, and Uniquely Styled
Each room at Gleneagles Townhouse has been individually styled, blending period features with bespoke furnishings and all the modern comforts you’d expect from a luxury property. Expect sumptuous beds, curated minibars, and high-spec bathrooms outfitted with marble and walk-in showers.
The attention to detail is notable — from high-thread-count linens and vintage-inspired lighting to thoughtful touches like artisan coffee setups and locally sourced amenities. While the rooms feel indulgent, they never feel overdone.
Dining & Amenities: Elevated but Relaxed
Though this is not a full-service resort like its Highland namesake, the Townhouse still offers plenty to impress:
The Spence – The hotel’s restaurant is a beautifully restored banking hall, offering an all-day menu that celebrates modern Scottish cuisine with flair. Even if you’re not staying, it’s worth visiting.
Lamplighters Rooftop Bar – A hidden gem with stunning views over the city skyline and a fantastic cocktail list.
Wellness Club – Guests have access to a fully equipped gym and wellness area, including cryotherapy, infrared saunas, and spa treatments.
For those looking to work or unwind, the Members’ Lounge offers a calm and elegant co-working space that rivals any private club in the city.
Service: Polished, Personal, and Warm
The service at Gleneagles Townhouse is everything you’d expect from the Gleneagles name — professional, intuitive, and discreet. Staff are genuinely warm and well-trained, offering a level of service that feels high-touch but never overly formal. From arrival to checkout, you feel looked after.
Value: Discreet Luxury, Sensibly Priced
While Gleneagles Townhouse is priced at the higher end of Edinburgh’s boutique hotel offerings, it delivers excellent value for what’s included: exceptional location, design-forward rooms, elegant communal spaces, and standout service. It’s a perfect choice for couples, solo travelers, or business guests seeking an upscale but relaxed home base in the city.
Final Verdict: A New Edinburgh Icon
Gleneagles Townhouse is not just another boutique hotel — it's a refined sanctuary that elevates the Edinburgh stay experience. With its bold mix of history and modernity, quietly luxurious rooms, and standout location, it easily ranks among the city’s top places to stay. Whether you're a loyal fan of the original Gleneagles or a first-time visitor, this Townhouse delivers charm, comfort, and character...
Read moreWe wouldn't stay here again. Especially if you have children with buggies, I do not recommend staying here. The sheer amount of stairs you need to traverse to get to your room from the main entrance is a huge inconvenience.
Also, they are severely understaffed. I read some of the other reviews that mentioned the same, but decided to give them the benefit of the doubt because it's still a new hotel so I was hoping they would have worked out the kinks. Our friend highly recommended the original Gleneagles so we thought that maybe the townhouse would be a great choice despite the other negative reviews. We were choosing between the Gleneagles Townhouse or the Balmoral, we really wished we had stayed at the Balmoral instead.
We couldn't be more wrong. It seemed like the hotel was run by a bunch of kids on a tight budget. The service is not at all what a five star hotel should be.
Some examples of poor service that did not meet our expectations: We told the manager Ben to clean the room one night before we went out to dinner, it never got cleaned. We asked for an umbrella, it took about 3 days for them to finally provide us with one, and one of the days we got soaked from the rain because they claimed there should be an umbrella in the room, but there was not and that they couldn't give us one at the front desk. The bathroom amenities were only replaced once during our 6 night stay, so we were out of basic items like cotton swabs for the week. It didn't seem like they vacuumed or mopped at all during our 6 night stay, I had a dried out contact lens on the bathroom floor for the whole stay that was never cleaned up, which meant that they weren't that thorough with their cleaning. We wiped the floor in the room with a wet wipe just to check how clean it was, the wet wipe was black afterwards meaning the floor wasn't that clean. Before our stay, we requested that the rug be shampooed before we arrived since we had a baby crawling on the floor, no response on that. Echoing other reviews, no one was at the front door to help us bring in our bags which was especially needed given the number of steps you need to go up to even get to the lobby. There was a doorman at the door maybe 25% of the time. The first day we went to the restaurant bar to order a cup of milk for our baby, we found a fly in it and even after showing the front desk the pictures of it, they never offered to remove it from our bill. That should be a pretty basic response to something like that. We stopped calling the front desk from the room because they almost never picked up the phone, and when they did, they took a long time to answer. There were at least 3 instances that they just never picked up the phone so we gave up and had to go down to talk to the front desk directly. The one time they did pick up the phone when we asked to get help to bring our bags down for checkout, the front desk lady responded "I'll be right up." What? What kind of 5 star hotel also has the front desk person being a porter for bags? That's how understaffed they are. Tower heater in the bathroom stopped working on day 2 Overall, it felt like they hated their guests, or at least they hated us.
There are some redeeming qualities about this hotel though, hence the 2 star and not 1 star: Breakfast was solid and well above average. It wasn't the best hotel breakfast we've had but it was definitely a nice treat and something we could count on every morning. Also, the restaurant staff were all very nice and accommodating. The doormen were very nice and friendly the times when they were manning the door. The decor, furnishings, and fixtures in the room was luxurious and very high quality. However, given that the hotel is only a year old, it's already starting to look a bit worn. Location is excellent, the airport tram drops you off pretty much at the door of the hotel, with good restaurants, parks, and shopping right...
Read moreUnforgettable Culinary Delights and Impeccable Service
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Gleneagles Townhouse, and I must say, it was an experience beyond compare. From the moment I stepped through the elegant entrance, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication and warmth that set the tone for an unforgettable stay.
The culinary journey at Gleneagles Townhouse is nothing short of extraordinary. The in-house restaurant surpassed all expectations, offering a menu that seamlessly blends innovation with timeless classics. Each dish was a work of art, meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients. The culinary team's dedication to quality and creativity was evident in every bite, leaving my taste buds in a state of bliss. The diverse menu catered to a range of preferences, ensuring that every guest could find something to delight their palate. Whether indulging in the exquisite flavors of a perfectly cooked steak or savoring the delicate nuances of a thoughtfully prepared vegetarian dish, every meal was a culinary masterpiece.
The attentive and friendly staff at Gleneagles Townhouse elevated the experience to new heights. From the concierge to the housekeeping team, everyone exuded professionalism and genuine warmth. The level of service was unparalleled, with the staff going above and beyond to anticipate and fulfill every need. Their attention to detail and commitment to guest satisfaction created an atmosphere of comfort and luxury that was truly remarkable.
The accommodations at Gleneagles Townhouse were equally impressive. The rooms were tastefully decorated, blending modern amenities with classic elegance. The attention to detail in the room design and furnishings added an extra layer of comfort to an already luxurious experience. The plush bedding, well-appointed bathrooms, and thoughtful touches throughout the room contributed to a sense of opulence that made the stay truly indulgent.
The ambiance of Gleneagles Townhouse was sophisticated yet inviting, striking a perfect balance between upscale luxury and a welcoming atmosphere. The common areas were impeccably designed, providing elegant spaces to relax and socialize. Whether enjoying a drink at the stylish bar or unwinding in the cozy lounge, every corner of the hotel exuded a refined charm that left a lasting impression.
In conclusion, Gleneagles Townhouse is a gem in the world of luxury accommodations. The exceptional food, attentive staff, and top-notch service create an experience that lingers in the memory long after check-out. If you're seeking a truly indulgent retreat where every detail is thoughtfully curated, Gleneagles Townhouse is the epitome of excellence. I look forward to my next visit to this exceptional...
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