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You've got to hand it to Gleneagles, it’s a brave move opening a second hotel when your flagship, Gleneagles, is probably the most famous in Scotland. But while the OG is known for its countryside luxury, Gleneagles Townhouse is found slap-bang in the centre of Edinburgh. In a building that was originally a bank for over 200 years, this is a very swish, very chic urban hub, with the crowd to match.
Gleneagles Townhouse takes its ‘a place to gather and be glorious’ tagline incredibly seriously – after all, it has three bars, a restaurant with a UK-wide reputation and is known for parties that go well into the wee hours (in fact, I’ll fight you for a Hogmanay ticket).
Once you’ve checked into the 33-room 5-star boutique hotel (which is also a private members club, darling), you’ll never want to check out. And before you wrinkle your nose at its members’ club status, rest assured, you’ve never seen a more eclectic bunch when it comes to the Townhouse crowd – sure there’s the chic monied members, but you’ll wade through a mix of Edinburgh’s coolest locals (of all ages) to get to the bar. The only thing in common when it comes to this set of customers? Great taste.
What are the rooms like at Gleneagles Townhouse?
Each of the bedrooms is completely unique, but every single one offers a take on Georgian elegance, with incredibly high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling sash windows. But all manage this perfect blend of chic, playful city break, and the Scottish country estate charm Gleneagles is so known for.
They certainly do indulgence well – my bedroom featured a bed so expansive I couldn’t actually tell that my plus one was there, and the walk-in monsoon shower could easily have fit a small village. As for the decor, expect deep wooden floors, luxurious soft furnishings, antique rugs and mid century furniture, while bathrooms dramatically clash racing green bathroom tiles with rich marble (and a touch of illustrated hunting dog wallpaper, for good measure).
Through those fabulous windows, your room boasts some of the best views of the city centre imaginable, and despite your proximity to the hustle and bustle, you'd never know – I slept like a log.
Of course, an indulgent room comes with indulgent bits – we were well stocked with Gleneagles Blend Origin Coffee, Pekoe Tea from just down the road in the neighbourhood of Leith and in-room snacks aplenty. There were Gleneagles’ own brand bathroom products a-plenty, seriously cosy robes and slippers, a big ol’ telly with free films, magazines laid out on the table and a well stocked mini-bar should you fancy a tipple. In other words, you shouldn’t ever, ever want to leave.
What are the facilities like at Gleneagles Townhouse?
The underground bank vaults of the building have been converted into ‘The Strong Rooms’, a wellness space fitted with a cryotherapy chamber and an infrared sauna, as well as a fully equipped gym and studio space. Check the schedule for your stay, as there are around 40 classes a week (yoga, pilates, HIIT and the likes). Guests can also book massages, facials and other wellness therapies held in the treatment rooms.
For members, there’s the Member’s Lounge, which is good for work trips with meeting rooms and good coffee. And right up top, hotel guests and members are like are welcome to visit the rooftop bar, Lamplighters. Offering views across St Andrews Square, there’s a massive outdoor seating area in which to enjoy some rare Scottish sunshine (though the inside is just as beautiful), with an expertly-mixed cocktail.
What is the food and restaurant like at Gleneagles Townhouse?
I could bang on about The Spence all day, so consider yourself lucky that you’re getting a condensed version. Anyone can visit the restaurant and I’ve been there countless times since the hotel’s opening in 2022, and if you assume The Spence is just a hotel restaurant, you couldn’t be more wrong. As a food destination alone, it holds its own against some of Edinburgh’s best. And if you’re an afternoon tea kind of person, it’s our top afternoon tea in the city, too.
As Gleneagles Townhouse was a bank for the best part of two centuries, The Spence is quite the thing to behold before you’ve even got a plate in front of you – with dramatic glass domed ceilings, ornate cornicing, stone column and ornamental gold details, all encompassed by delicious soft pastels. You’ll be hard pressed to find restaurant interiors in Edinburgh quite as jaw-dropping as this.
Now, the food. While there is no such thing as a bad choice when it comes to The Spence’s menu, there are cult favourites that any Edinburgh foodie worth their salt will stand by: beef tartare (which comes in either a starter or main course size), West Coast scallops and the infamous Baked Alaska (prepared and set alight at your table).
Service is where The Spence really sings, and guests have the option to choose their final courses from a dessert and cheese trolley, wheeled table side. Breakfast, then, is an equally indulgent affair – we opted for heaving bowls of porridge adorned with sour cherry, toasted almonds and amaretti, as well as pastries (a non-negotiable order for the table).
What’s the area like around Gleneagles Townhouse?
Well, put simply, you couldn’t be more central if you tried. Gleneagles Townhouse is just a minute’s walk from Princes Street and thanks to its location with endless transport options, you can easily make your way to any of the capital’s most famous neighbourhoods and attractions. Should you fancy a day trip out of the city, Edinburgh Waverley train station is just a five minute jaunt away.
DETAILS
Address: No. 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2AD
Expect to pay: Rooms from £340 per night.
Closest transport: St Andrew Square tram stop, located opposite the hotel.