| Scottish
History in the Old Town of Edinburgh by Isla Campbell
Edinburgh has the grace of being
one of those cities wherein its ancient history is still predominant in
the city today. From its cultural traditions to the structure of the very
city itself, Edinburgh's past is still very much a part of its present
- and, undoubtedly, its future too.
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, ScotlandAs
the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is one of the most visited cities in
the country, and with good reason. Not only is it the hub of all things
cultural and entertainment, but Edinburgh also happens to be the best city
for getting a taste of Scotland's mesmerising history.
If you're hoping to get more involved
in your exploration of Edinburgh's past, there's no better place to start
than in the city's Old Town. |
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| Comprised of winding
alleys, claustrophobic closes, underground vaults and the famous Royal
Mile, Edinburgh's Old Town will show you how a thriving and modern culture
has been built on top of a fascinating old existence. A simple stroll up
the Royal Mile can take you to any number of Edinburgh closes - tight,
narrow streets that used to lead down to jammed residential areas that
consisted of some of the world's first ever high rises. As Edinburgh used
to largely consist of the mile that reached down from Edinburgh Castle,
there wasn't much space for people to live, so they stacked them on top
of one another in a claustrophobic, frequently filthy way of life that
led to terrible consequences when the Black Plague rolled around many centuries
ago.... read more |
More reading: Explore
Golf in Scotland from Edinburgh
Ghost
Tours in Edinburgh
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| EDINBURGH
FEATURED HOTELS, SCOTLAND |
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Apex
City Hotel Edinburgh
The modern Apex City Hotel
Edinburgh is located on the Grassmarket in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The hotel offers clear views of nearby Edinburgh Castle and is close to
the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, the Parliament buildings and the shops
on Princes Street. Edinburgh Waverley train station is less than a mile
away, while Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is seven miles from the hotel. The
ultra-modern interior of the Apex City Hotel Edinburgh, which opened in
2002, leads off the medieval cobbled streets of the Grassmarket. Leather
and steel armchairs are dotted around the lobby, which offers views of
the castle through large windows. The long Agua Bar and Restaurant
serves Scottish specialities such as mille feuille of Highland game casserole;
the restaurant's crustacea bar offers fresh seafood. Charcoal-coloured
banquettes line the walls, with broad dining chairs on the other side of
the tables. For breakfast, guests can choose from a continental buffet
or cooked Scottish breakfast. |
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Barceló
Edinburgh Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh
The Barceló Edinburgh
Carlton hotel is located in the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland. The Palace
of Holyroodhouse and Princes Street shopping thoroughfare are 800 metres
away and the Dean Gallery is 2 miles away. Set on the historic Royal Mile,
the Barceló Edinburgh Carlton occupies a traditional town-house
property and is spread over ten storeys accessible by lift. At the Bodysense
Health and Leisure Club, there is a fitness room and squash courts, an
indoor pool, sauna, jetted tub, and Turkish bath. Guests of the hotel can
enjoy international dishes in the relaxed, modern Bridge Restaurant. Drinks
are served in the bar. Perched atop a volcanic crag, Edinburgh Castle,
located 1 mile from the hotel, dominates the city skyline and houses the
Scottish Crown Jewels. Castle traditions include the firing of the daily
one o'clock gun and the world-famous Military Tattoo, a display of pipes
and drums, which takes place throughout August.. |
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Grassmarket
Hotel, Edinburgh
Set in a historic grey-stone
building, the Grassmarket Hotel in central Edinburgh, Scotland, is 200
metres from the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Museum of Scotland.
The four-floor hotel is within 800 metres of Holyrood Palace and the Scottish
Parliament. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is six miles away. Staff at the 24-hour
front desk can give tips on sightseeing in Edinburgh. The Grassmarket Hotel's
45 bright, modern guestrooms are decorated in neutral tones with light
wood furnishings. Rooms include televisions, direct-dial phones and tea/coffee
making facilities. Bathrooms have hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. |
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Holyrood
Aparthotel Edinburgh
The modern Holyrood Aparthotel
in Edinburgh, Scotland, is located alongside the Royal Mile, 500 metres
from Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament. The property offers a
24-hour front desk, where staff can book restaurants and theatre tickets.
A library provides films for guests to borrow. A fitness room is also on
site. Apartments include kitchens with refrigerators, microwave ovens,
and coffee/tea-making facilities, as well as dining areas, sitting areas,
sofa beds, and two bathrooms. All provide wireless Internet access (fees
apply), CD players, and satellite television. Bathrooms are decorated with
blue tiles and include hair dryers. |
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Jurys
Inn Edinburgh
The Jurys Inn is a first
class hotel located adjacent to the historic Royal Mile and Princes Street
and within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle. The hotel is a 20 minute
drive from Edinburgh International Airport and convenient to all of the
surrounding area and local attractions. With its central location the hotel
is ideally suited for either the business traveler or the leisure guest
and is sure to meet all of your expectations. The hotel features "Arches
Restaurant", which is open for breakfast and dinner featuring meals at
an attractive price, and "The Inn Pub", which is perfect for a quick lunch
or a drink with friends. Edinburgh offers the best of both a modern city
and a medieval town, and the Jurys Inn will allow you to enjoy all aspects
of your stay. The Jurys Inn offers on site dining and is convenient to
many area shopping and entertainment venues. |
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King
James by Thistle Hotel, Edinburgh
The King James by Thistle
hotel is a city-centre hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, just off Princes Street,
the city's main shopping street. The hotel is 300 metres from the National
Gallery of Scotland and within a mile of Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Airport
(EDI) is seven miles from the hotel and Edinburgh Waverley train station
is 250 metres away. The lobby in the modern King James by Thistle is decorated
with light wood. The concierge desk can book tickets and offer guests advice
on Edinburgh's attractions. Guests can choose from a wide range of international
and regional dishes at Craig's Restaurant, which has wood-panelled walls
and crisp white table linen. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner. Boston Bean Bar serves beers, wines and spirits until late,
and has a light lunch menu. Snacks are available from room service. The
King James by Thistle is close to Calton Hill, which offers panoramic views
of Edinburgh that are regularly used in photographs and paintings of the
city. |
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Macdonald
Roxburghe Hotel Edinburgh
The Roxburghe Hotel is one
of Edinburgh's most famous hotels, situated in historic Charlotte Square,
one of Europe's finest examples of Georgian architecture. Inside the hotel
are well-appointed guest rooms, beautiful public rooms and a modern leisure
club that includes a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym and beauty treatment
rooms. The Roxburghe Hotel enjoys a splendid location, just 200 yards from
Princes Street and half a mile from Edinburgh Castle. 24-hour room
service is available. For their guests dining pleasure, the hotel's Melrose
Restaurant prepares award winning fine cuisine, whereas the Melrose Lounge
and Atrium provides light meals throughout the day. Finally, the hotel's
own Consort Bar has one of the city's finest selections of whiskey. The
Roxburghe Hotel is convenient to fine dining, shopping and entertainment
venues. |
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Marriott
Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Marriott is
a modern hotel situated in the business district of Edinburgh, two miles
from the airport and 4.5 miles from the city centre. After breakfast, guests
can head to the hotel's heated indoor pool or relax in the spa tub, sauna
or steam room. Those feeling more energetic can work out in the gym which
has a range of cardiovascular machines and a free weights area. Guests
can enjoy dining in the Source Bar & Grill or chill out in the café
bar over a light snack and a coffee. Complimentary newspapers are available
in the lobby and business guests enjoy access to a business centre with
high-speed Internet access, 10 meeting rooms and express check in/out services.
Nearby attractions include the zoo, 1.5 miles away and the city centre
4.5 miles away offers a plethora of restaurants, shops, bars and cultural
attractions for visitors to enjoy. Edinburgh Airport is two miles away
with an approximate driving time of five minutes. |
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Sheraton
Grand Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh
The Sheraton Grand Hotel
and Spa in Edinburgh nestles in the shadow of the city's historic castle
and just a short walk from the exclusive shopping on Princes Street. The
hotel is situated in the heart of Edinburgh, one of Europe's most cosmopolitan
cities. The hotel hosts a collection of outstanding restaurants and is
home to one of Europe's most advanced city spas. An elevated glass walkway
carries guests from the hotel into the serene setting of One. Inside this
renowned spa, guests will find healing spa waters, heat and steam experiences,
and a state-of-the-art fitness studio. Hotel guests have complimentary
use of the swimming pool, Cleopatra baths and gymnasium. The Sheraton is
a well-known dining destination. The Terrace, with views of the Piazza
of Festival Square, is a good location for breakfast or an informal meal.
At the One Spa, Ristorante Santini offers authentic Italian cuisine served
in a stylish, modern setting. |
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The
Glasshouse Edinburgh
The Glasshouse Edinburgh
is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Less than 10 blocks from the hotel are
landmarks including The Edinburgh Playhouse Theater, St. James shopping
center, National Gallery of Scotland, Princes Street Gardens and St. Giles
Cathedral. Edinburgh Castle is less than one kilometer away. The hotel
is approximately 12 kilometers from Edinburgh Airport. The glass architecture
incorporates the facade of the 150-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church into
the Glasshouse Edinburgh. A two-acre rooftop garden is landscaped with
lawn, shrubs, a patio and paths offers view of Calton Hill. The roof garden
is open all day and often hosts sculpture exhibitions. The Snug, is a self-service
bar. The Restaurant Szenario serves buffet breakfasts and lunches. In the
summer, seating is available on the summer terrace. |
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Latest update: May 11, 2010
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