It’s that time of year when we’re bombarded with enticing offers for exotic holidays. However, if you’re after a culture-rich, budget-friendly weekend getaway to break up the winter monotony, Edinburgh is calling your name. British tour company Evan Evans has seen a surge in demand for Scottish tours following the return of BBC’s The Traitors. With a 44% increase in Google searches for stays in Edinburgh in January (and a 27% rise in Scotland-wide searches), it seems many of us are keen to head north and experience Scotland first-hand. So, whether you’re off to the Scottish capital for sightseeing, to follow in the footsteps of the One Day cast, or to flaunt your new Claudia Winkleman Traitorcore-inspired wardrobe, we’ve got the perfect hotel for you. Our head of shopping shares her experience at the 5-star Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – and her joy at discovering the surprisingly affordable yet luxurious hotel’s fun connection to the Harry Potter series… Virgin Hotels Edinburgh review The location
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is located on an iconic and picturesque road
(Image: Virgin Hotels)
If you’re all about being at the heart of the buzz, then you’ve struck gold. The hotel, a fresh face since its 2022 opening, nestles on Victoria Street, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic and picturesque roads. And here’s a fun fact for you: rumour has it that this very street was the muse behind Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. So, for Harry Potter fans like myself, it’s nothing short of enchanting from the get-go. Plus, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the Royal Mile, the majestic Edinburgh Castle (with some rooms offering a prime view!), not to mention the myriad of unique shops, lively bars, and eateries that give the Old Town its distinctive allure. It’s an absolute gem for a city getaway, whether you’re in town for the sights, the shopping, or simply to bask in the historical atmosphere – I’d wager it’s the most ideally placed hotel in Edinburgh. Rooms
The rooms are a delightful mix of comfort and quirky-but-modern Scottish charm
(Image: Virgin Hotels)
The accommodations, charmingly referred to as “chambers,” are a harmonious blend of cosy comfort and a modern twist on Scottish style. My stay was in a Chamber King, where a dreamily comfortable king-size bed awaited me, along with a vista of Victoria Street. The layout is open and inviting, featuring a snug vanity spot and a generous rainfall shower. The welcome bag brimming with local treats like chocolate, candles, and gin was a delightful surprise that really made my entrance special. Not to forget, each room comes with a Nespresso machine, an assortment of teas, and a mini-bar stocked with local confections and spirits. The mini fridge, in a striking retro red, perfectly complements the brand’s colour scheme and other vibrant accents such as the doors and room keys. Facilities This hotel has thought of everything. The Oculus Lounge is a gorgeous space filled with natural light, and it’s the perfect place to head to for afternoon tea. If you’re a book lover, you’ll adore the Funny Library, which is packed with quirky books and comfy seating for a chilled-out reading session. For me, though, the rooftop terrace is the real showstopper. Edinburgh’s skyline is breathtaking, and being able to take it all in from a stylish rooftop bar is a serious perk. Whether you’re sipping on a morning coffee or an evening cocktail, the views are just stunning. I didn’t head to the gym because I only stayed two nights, but there is a 24-hour gym on-site. After walking 20k steps each day I was there, there was no way I could manage hitting the treadmills! Food and drink
Food at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh doesn’t disappoint
(Image: Virgin Hotels)
I always judge a hotel by its breakfast, and let me tell you, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh did not disappoint. Eve serves up a delicious Scottish breakfast (yes, including haggis for those feeling adventurous) alongside a range of international options. Everything was fresh and cooked to perfection. The buffet, which you can work into your package for an additional £25, was one of the best UK buffets I’ve experienced, with top-quality smoked salmon, cooked sausages, scrambled eggs, bagels and granola on offer, to name just a few. If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite, Eve is a brilliant choice. With its relaxed atmosphere and Italian menu brimming with comfort food classics, it’s a real crowd-pleaser. Interestingly, it’s named after Richard Branson’s late mum. Whether you fancy a burger, fresh seafood, or just a top-notch cocktail, there’s something for everyone here. Plus, the decor is ultra-chic – think exposed brickwork, warm lighting, and a lively vibe. Top tip: Ask the bartender in Eve to whip up an Old Fashioned with some local whisky – it’s delicious. Also, if you’re sticking around for dinner, do try the slow-cooked beef risotto because it was great. See the sights Zoe shares her list of top spots to visit and eat at below
Zoe headed to Arthur’s Seat, which is a scenic hike from the hotel
(Image: Zoe Cripps)
Uplands Roast, The Meadows: for the best ever hot chocolate (a 10-minute walk from the hotel) Arthur’s Seat: for incredible views and to visit the spot One Day was filmed (a 50-60 minute walk/hike from the hotel) Ikigai Ramen, South Bridge: amazing ramen lunch bowls (a 5-minute walk from the hotel) Cask & Vine, Canongate: cosy little wine bar with a great whisky and cocktail menu (a 5-minute walk from the hotel) Kyloe, Rutland Street: one of the city’s top-rated steak restaurants with a big menu of choice (a 15-minute walk from the hotel) Kilted Donut, Grassmarket: 10/10 donut selection and located right next to the stairs from One Day (a 5-minute walk from the hotel) Book it When it comes to pricing, considering it’s a 5-star hotel with plenty of luxurious touches, an excellent location and top-tier service, I really think the pricing is fair. Rates start from £180 for a room per night on Booking.com with the more premium suites costing a bit more. For rates including breakfast and cancellation options, you’re looking at around £250 per night. You can also check out Virgin Hotels’ website here directly for offers. Flights from UK airports to Edinburgh are also affordable – I flew from Gatwick to Edinburgh for around £45 return via EasyJet. See Skyscanner here for your options. In a nutshell? I booked a trip to Edinburgh to escape the post-Christmas chaos and to fill the gap until my summer holiday. Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying this mini break (and the hotel) more than some of the tropical trips I’ve taken in the past. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
