The Glasshouse

The Glasshouse offers a contemporary boutique atmosphere with nods to Scottish culture and inviting public spaces, including a cozy lounge and a rooftop garden.

Edinburgh’s past and present converge within the striking entrance to The Glasshouse, where the modern glass structure of the hotel emerges from behind the original Gothic façade of the 170-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church. Inside, nods to Scotland’s rich heritage appear throughout the contemporary property: the modern and trendy lobby, illuminated by contemporary light fixtures, also has a sitting nook lined with books on Scottish history, and an extensive collection of local Scotch whiskies can be sipped beside a sleek tabletop fire pit in the upstairs lounge.

The Glasshouse is conveniently located within walking distance to Calton Hill, Princes Street, the Royal Mile and Waverley train station. A member of the Autograph Collection, the boutique hotel houses 77 simple yet spacious rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows as well as modern comforts like heated bathroom floors, iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs—all at a reasonable price point. Some rooms have private terraces overlooking the city, while others open directly onto the rooftop garden. The top accommodations are the 25 suites, each named after a different single malt whisky (guests can even enjoy a complimentary dram of their suite’s namesake whisky at the hotel bar). 

One of the property’s main draws is its rooftop garden, a quiet oasis within the city that encompasses two acres of manicured grounds. During the warmer months, a private picnic of Scottish delicacies can be enjoyed on the lawn, set against the backdrop of Calton Hill’s historic monuments. The rooftop also hosts a variety of events for guests throughout the peak season, including barbecues and a pop-up bar (in addition to a regular roster of weddings and parties).

In the morning, the Brasserie serves a lovely breakfast spread in a light-filled space overlooking the lush greenery of neighboring Calton Hill, while the cinnamon-scented Snug is a cozy and social lounge where guests mingle each evening at tables and on couches surrounding the fireplace. The Snug bar offers a selection of more than 100 Scotch whiskies, in addition to an all-day dining menu. The hotel’s afternoon tea, offering a Scottish take on the British tradition, is served in either the Brasserie or the Snug.

A true highlight of the hotel is the Glasshouse staff, comprised of friendly team members who go out of their way to assist guests and ensure a comfortable stay. There is no gym or spa, but guests can pay a small fee to access the members-only fitness center Nuffield Health—which features a spacious gym, a sleek pool, saunas and a café—located inside the Omni Centre directly next-door to the hotel. (The Omni Centre is also home to several restaurants and a cinema.)

There are a small number of interconnecting suites that could work for families, but the hotel is better suited to couples and groups of friends.