Where to Stay in The South East

Apex Hotel - Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Located on the Grassmarket, Apex Grassmarket Hotel looks directly across to the majestic outline of Edinburgh Castle and down on the rolling roofs of Old Town. It is the perfect base from which to explore Edinburgh’s iconic attractions – the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the Scottish National Gallery are just a brief walk away – and an ideal place for rest, relaxation and comfort. Rooms are warm, welcoming, and stocked with superb amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, luxurious Elemis toiletries and 42-inch LCD TVs.

Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

You will find The Balmoral at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No. 1 Princes Street, where the Old Town stops and the New Town begins. The hotel’s majestic clock defines the city’s skyline and since the day they opened in 1902 it has run three minutes fast to ensure you will never miss your train. The Balmoral is a grand railway hotel which offers a combination of classic rooms and exclusive suites. All the rooms have complimentary Wi-Fi, interactive entertainment and many offer stunning views over Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.

The hotel offers a range of bars and restaurants including, Number One, the hotels Michelin star winning restaurant. Furthermore Palm Court, which serves award winning afternoon teas, is an Edinburgh institution that’s as glittering as its glass dome and Venetian chandelier. The hotel also offers an awarding winning spa which is amongst the best urban day spas in Scotland.

Bridge Inn at Ratho, Edinburgh

This lovely 4-bedroom inn is ideally located close to Edinburgh Airport for your final night. All rooms have been individually designed with a traditional feel but modern touches. Every bedroom has views of the Union Canal and the surrounding countryside, en-suite bathrooms, complimentary Au Lait Scottish Fine Soap products, and Egyptian cotton bed linen. The rooms also have flat screen TV’s, free wi-fi, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryers. The restaurant always features the ever popular pub favourites, like fresh haddock with hand-cut chips or the tasty pie of the week. You will also find venison, hake, pigeon, salmon and hand-dived scallops alongside their beautiful 35-day hung beef. In season there is also  locally-shot game.

Caledonian Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Edinburgh

The Caledonian which has been one of Edinburgh’s most popular hotels for over a hundred years has just undergone a major £24 million redevelopment. Situated at the west end of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway hotel nestles in the shadow of the historic Edinburgh Castle, just two minutes’ walk from the designer stores and fashionable bars of George Street.

Offers 241 elegantly furnished guest rooms and suites, many with spectacular views of historic Edinburgh Castle. The hotel’s exclusive spa ‘the Guerlain’ offers a luxurious swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and a state-of-the-art gym.

It is home to two inspired eateries – The Pompadour by Galvin and Galvin Brasserie de Luxe – from the renowned Michelin-starred chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin. Both offer classic French cuisine in elegant and sophisticated surroundings.

Craigielaw Lodge, Edinburgh

Opened in May 2013, the Lodge at Craigielaw is a fantastic base to enjoy some of East Lothian’s golfing gems! Attached to the clubhouse, the lodge boasts 25 well appointed rooms, 13 of which enjoy views across the course to the River Forth, Gullane Golf Courses and the kingdom of Fife, whilst 12 rooms enjoy the quiet and secluded view across a decorative courtyard.

Fraser Suites, Edinburgh, Edinburgh

Located just off the Royal Mile and within a 130 year-old building which used to house the Edinburgh City Council, the Fraser Suites offer fully-serviced, luxurious one-bedroom apartments which are contemporary whilst elegant and grandly finished. The building has a sand stone Victorian facade which has been restored, adding to the sophisticated feel of this property. Each apartment has a fully furnished bedroom with ensuite bathroom, well-equipped kitchenete, comprehensive home entertainment system, complimentary wi-fi access in additional to several other luxuries.

Greywalls, Gullane

Built in 1901 as an elegant holiday home for a dedicated golfer, Greywalls is an elegant Scottish Country House uniquely situated on the edge of the Muirfield championship course. As well as overlooking the famous 9th and 18th greens, the hotel also has stunning views across East Lothian and the Firth of Forth.

The hotel’s walled gardens contain a hard and grass tennis court, croquet lawn and putting green as well as borders filled with herbaceous plants. The hotels Chez Roux restaurant which is split into four separate rooms, including a Whiskey and Sun room, was awarded Scottish restaurant of the year in 2011. Furthermore the library is like an old fashioned London club and this delightful hotel has the service to match.

Hotel du Vin, Edinburgh

Formally an asylum, this boutique hotel lies just off the bustling Royal Mile, nestled between the iconic castle and Holyrood Palace. Its 47 timelessly furnished rooms and stunning suites feature monsoon showers, luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, plasma TV’s, DVD’s and air conditioning.

The hotel features the trademark Hotel du Vin Bistro with a mezzanine bar serving the finest classic European cuisine from the kitchen, alfresco and private dining, cigar shack, whisky snug and intriguing La Roche tasting room where you can be taken on a pilgrimage around the world’s finest vineyards by the Head Sommelier without having to leave the room! The hotel is bustling with character, as is the al fresco dining in the courtyard, courtesy of the trademark French bistro.

Malmaison, Edinburgh, Edinburgh

The Malmaison is a boutique hotel sitting on the forth of Leith, in a vibrant area of the city only a seven minutes taxi journey from the city centre. The hotel’s 100 rooms offer sophisticated splendor but with a tartan twist. The vibrant boutique brasserie which provides fantastic views over the forth offers classic British cuisine, served using local produce in sophisticated surroundings. There is also a well stocked cellar and a terrace for al fresco dining and drinking. The MALBAR is a quirky and buzzing cocktail bar frequented both by locals and guests and transformed into a laid back lounge offering croissants and coffees during the day time.

Marine Hotel, North Berwick

The Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick is renowned for its beautiful coastal setting and glorious 19th century Victorian architecture. Situated on the East Coast of Scotland, the four star hotel has 83 unique bedrooms to choose from and has been updated in style following a multi-million pound investment.

The atmosphere at this majestic landmark hotel is warm and inviting and the accommodation is stylish and desirable.The hotel also boasts a luxurious spa complex and is also home to the award-winning Craigleith restaurant, where you can enjoy the finest Scottish cuisine in a very Scottish setting, with views of the Firth of Forth. This North Berwick hotel is ideally located for golfers with 20 championship courses in the surrounding area.

Nether Abbey Hotel, North Berwick, North Berwick, Fife

You can expect good, old-fashioned service in a property, which has been renovated with a contemporary feel. Each bedroom has its own character with high ceilings on the first floor and coombes and fireplaces in most second-floor rooms. However, one thing that all bedrooms and bathrooms have in common is that they have all been renovated to a high standard.

North Berwick Lodge, North Berwick

North Berwick Golf Lodge is a former coaching House situated in the heart of East Lothian on the beautiful East of Scotland coastline which now offers exclusive luxury self catering golf accommodation to the highest standard. Located on Fidra Road, North Berwick Golf Lodge is the ideal base for golfers wishing to sample some of Scotland’s finest Links Golf courses.

North Berwick West Links is a 5 minute walk from the lodge & Muirfield – host to The Open Championship – is only a five minute drive away. Indeed the choice is endless with some further 20 courses situated within 20 minutes drive of the lodge including Gullane, Dunbar, Luffness and Archerfield. Furthermore the hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the beach and the town centre and nearby places of interest include The Scottish Seabird Centre, The Museum of Flight and the Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery as well as various Castles and Stately homes.

Guests are free to use the leisure and spa facilities at the nearby MacDonald Marine Hotel which is situated only a 3 minute walk away.

Norton House Hotel, Edinburgh

Built in 1840 as a country retreat and set on 55 acres, this upscale hotel is 2 miles from Edinburgh Airport. Eateries include a fine-dining restaurant, a buzzy brasserie and a conservatory lounge. Spa facilities include an indoor pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a steam room, a sauna and a gym. There are also treatment and relaxation rooms.

Open Arms, Near Gullane

The Open Arms, near Gullane is a charming small hotel ideally located between North Berwick and Gullane. It is also within striking distance of Edinburgh. This luxury hotel provides fantastic views over the 13th Century Dirleton Castle. Located in the golfing paradise of North Berwick, there are 20 courses situated within a short distance of the hotel. The hotel is ideal for a relaxing break with its historic features and expansive gardens making for a tranquil retreat. The hotel has two restaurants, the charming and intimate library renowned for its fine dining and Deveau brasserie which offers an extensive choice of dishes in a more relaxed setting.

Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh

Built in 1687 as the grand baroque home of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Prestonfield is now one of Edinburgh’s most luxurious 5-star hotel with 23 stylishly opulent rooms and suites. Opulence, theatre and luxury are combined in James Thomson’s quirky and stylish reworking of this A-listed historic century mansion where minimalism is banished and maximalism rules!

In addition to the dramatic bedrooms and sumptuous suites, there is his destination restaurant – Rhubarb – alongside a collection of stunning private dining rooms, opulent salons and historic public rooms. Rhubarb is one of Edinburgh’s most luxurious fine dining restaurants and provides a decedent and glamorous experience, alongside tasty Scottish fare. Prestonfield is situated only five minutes from Edinburgh’s finest shopping streets and the historic attractions of the Royal Mile, yet, surrounded by twenty acres of gardens and parkland, it provides the privacy and seclusion of a country estate.

The Bonham, Edinburgh

The Bonham is a luxury four star boutique hotel situated in the West End of Edinburgh. Set in a quiet leafy crescent, a stone’s throw away from the main attractions and surrounded by the stunning backdrop of this magnificent Scottish capital city, The Bonham is without a doubt one of the most stylish hotels in Edinburgh. The sophisticated restaurant at the Bonham serves simple but elegant dishes using locally sourced seasonal Scottish produce and also offers an excellent, well-edited wine list to complement your meal. The hotel also has a small complimentary car park with valet service available, which is both rather useful and unique given its location in the heart of the city.

The Golf Inn, Gullane

Located in Gullane, a picturesque golf haven, the Golf Inn is a friendly and relaxed inn only a short walk from the Gullane No 1 course. It is one of the best places to eat in the vicinity and the rooms are comfortable & have recently been refurbished.

Derek Johnstone the hotel’s chef and manager has previously worked in Michelin Star restaurants and is passionate about creating food where the true taste and quality of the ingredients shines through. With only six rooms and a cottage annex the Golf Inn is a intimate retreat where people can unwind and enjoy the fabulous food, great hospitality and warming atmosphere.

The Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh

The Royal Scots Club is a welcoming private members’ club in the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities, Edinburgh. Situated within one of the capital’s finest Georgian streets, the Royal Scots Club offers that rare combination; the charm of a country house hotel with a cosy club atmosphere. The Royal Scots Club has 25 individually designed, en-suite bedrooms, traditionally furnished with all the luxury facilities you would expect from a high class hotel.

The hotel is ideally located within one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful areas. With its Georgian architecture and traditional fixtures, the Royal Scots Club truly captures the warmth and character of Scottish country house. The hotel is within walking distance of Waverley train station and Edinburgh’s major bus links.

The Ship Inn, Elie, Elie, Fife

This is a fantastic inn situated in the popular seaside town of Elie.  The superb restaurant & bar is a lively meeting point for visitors and locals alike and the individually-designed bedrooms have literally just been refurbished to the highest of standard. After golf you can spend the evenings in its world famous beer garden, with its new Beach Bar or have a bite to eat in the spectacular first floor restaurant overlooking Elie Bay which serves fresh Scottish seafood as well as The Ship Inn’s famous fish and chips!