The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square - Reviewed.
It has long been an ambition to visit Scotland's vibrant capital city of Edinburgh, a destination that visitors seldom come away from with a negative word to say. This festive season I was fortunate enough to have a few days off between Christmas and New Year and so we finally took the opportunity to head north.
The hour long flight time from London Heathrow was refreshingly straightforward, as was the ability to walk through the airport without passport control (domestic flights do have their perks!). The airport was linked to the city centre via a very reasonably priced tram (about £6.50 with an open return!) and within 25 minutes we found ourselves overlooking what is arguably one of the most imposing castle fortresses in Europe, Edinburgh Castle.
Our hotel for this trip was the newly opened Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square, one of two hotels the newly re-branded Principal group had in the city. Upon arrival, we were immediately impressed with the location of this stunning town house property, overlooking the picturesque Charlotte square. The interior was impressively designed to provide a welcoming feel with a wonderful blend of modernity and familiarity in the decor and furnishings.
Our spacious junior suite on the second floor had a circular shape with period features, a quirky bathroom layout and a fireplace. Nice touches included a tuck box and a vinyl record player whilst the soft colour schemes ensured a truly homely, cosy environment. The bed was huge to say the least and provided a truly enjoyable nights sleep which was only bettered by the waterfall shower to rejuvenate for another day in the harsh winter weather of the city.
The hotel boasted a spacious bar and dining area and a gorgeous internal glass atrium which provided natural light during the day and the feeling of an alfresco dining terrace in the evening (without the weather!) - an ideal place to while away a few hours with a cocktail. A small but impressive detail for me was their mini-shop display, offering all the essentials you may need during a stay but also, rather uniquely the opportunity to purchase a classic orange penguin book. There is something wonderfully simplistic and nostalgic in that offering which has stayed with me since.
Overall, I often leave city centre hotels underwhelmed, they provide comfort and security but little else and more often than not are designed to form a base for your wider travels in the city, however, Principal have certainly created a gem with the Principal Charlotte Square. A hotel in its infancy and over shadowed by its more established brother, The Principal Edinburgh George Street, but nonetheless a fabulous destination hotel that befits the stunning city it calls home.
For more details on this property visit: https://www.phcompany.com/principal/edinburgh-charlotte-square/
