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If there is one thing Scotland does well (aside from the haggis, witches, shortbread, and whisky), it’s goth chic. Virgins to the Scottish capital might at first be put off by the lingering clouds that eclipse the city in a somewhat never-ending mysterious gloom. Yet, it’s this very melancholy gothic palette that gives it that extra dose of spellbinding razzmatazz. But who, right now, encapsulates this magic mood best? Cue 100 Princes Street, the new and exclusive residents-only boutique hotel from the South African-born brand Red Carnation Hotels.
The period building, wedged in between the bustle of the countless shops that line Princes Steet, was formerly the Edinburgh HQ of the Royal Overseas League member’s club and was the final purchase of Red Carnation, patriarch and serial travel entrepreneur Stanley Tollman before he died in 2021. Much of the feel and look of the place has been led by the late businessman’s daughter, Toni, whose eye for detail and respect for the building’s naval heritage shows.
With a devilishly sexy mood board quite obviously inspired by the late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, the vibe here is refreshingly (and instantly) different. Flanked only by a simple pole crowned with a black flag and emblazoned with the number 100, there’s a feeling of gratuitous exclusivity as soon as you hit the marble reception counter. Low-lit, period features, from dusky chandeliers to the marvellously whimsical stairwell decorated in several murals in ode to travel and exploration by painters Croxford and Saunders, simply, wow. Upstairs is just as fantastical. Five bespoke tartans by master weaver Araminta Campbell (of The Fife Arms fame) take centre stage alongside member areas kitted out in all sorts of naval paraphernalia from portraiture to globes, model ships, buccaneer totems, and fabulously dressed staff (think even more tartan).
The rooms are just as glorious. There are 30 up for grabs, and all take their cue by various design cues – some ostentatiously pomp and over the top, while others are far more classic and reserved. All that bespoke tartan I mentioned earlier, and as the wondrously friendly Resident Manager Laura Jamieson-Smith notes, “reigns supreme.” Wherever you end up, all boudoirs are decked out in all things exotic with some boasting city views and marble bathrooms. But, as with any hotel, one room always takes the title of “the best,” and in this instance, this award goes to one of the two signature suites we stayed in for the night, The Archibald.
Sitting next door to its equally grand sister suite, The Isobel, the first-floor dream pad is a crash course in tartan print maximalism with quite virtually every nook, cranny, and crack covered in Scottish laurels. Faux silk flowers, mountains of literature, old mason jars, cushty couches, a pineapple gold lampshade, and grand headboard are nice touches, but the showstopper is the view of Edinburgh Castle canvassed and framed by a mammoth desk and huge floor-to-ceiling windows. The bathrooms, a vision of marble, are deliciously welcoming thanks to the roomy tub, but the backlit blues and red couple with the “100” branded towels, bath amenities, and slippers are a little on the “too much brand here” tacky side.
Food? It’s all served in The Wallace on the hotel’s second floor. The great thing about eating here is that it’s all wonderfully fuss-free, to the point, and classically Scottish. The man to thank for this is South African chef Wilhelm Maree, an alum of Western Cape sister hotel Bushman’s Kloof. The all-day menu has comfort food in mind, steered more towards quality locally sourced ingredients. Think steak and chips for dinner and a wildly massive full Scottish fry ups (featuring haggis, haggis sausages, tatties, Scotch salmon). Then there was my personal favourite, the afternoon tea. Three tiers feature the usual suspects, but the circular chicken and almond sandwiches based on the home recipe of 90-something Red Carnation matriarch Bea Tollman and the momentous whole carrot cake complete with cream cheese icing that was so good I put my leftovers in the kitchen fridge.
To walk all the food off the hotel arranged a Harry Potter tour of the city for me, part of their many guest-first and bespoke tailored excursions they offer. Fan or not, it’s a great way to see Edinburgh and a fascinating insight into how much the ancient metropolis served as an inspiration to JK Rowling, along with many other famous Scottish poets and novelists.
Overall, the beauty of staying here is that you get to experience Edinburgh through a refreshingly new lens; one that is private, exclusive, and away from the humdrum of the crowds at “it” crews. It’s special, unique and that little bit more different, and in the best way imaginable.
Top Takeaways
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland. The closest international airport is Edinburgh and trains regularly depart and arrive at Edinburgh Waverly Station from several other UK destinations, including London.
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Gothic chic. Think of your favourite fairytale and just make it devilishly sexy.
Food + drink: Classic Scottish with absolutely no fuss or chef’s drivel whatsoever. Here it’s about good food minus the stuffy price tag.
Amenities: Bar and restaurant. The hotel works with a nearby gym, so ask if you need to shed a few pounds post that gluttonous afternoon tea.
Our Favourite Thing About the Hotel: It’s residents only. In this day and age where everything is so accessible, it’s nice to see somewhere that’s that little bit more closed off? The benefit? It allows the staff to be that extra bit more attentive and personable, and that they are.
What’s Nearby? The city of Edinburgh. Need we say more?
Any personal neighbourhood recs? Wake up early. You are slap bang in the middle of town, so setting the alarm early pays off if you want to have the castle grounds and the Royal Mile to yourself.
Rooms: 30
Pricing: From 550 USD per night, including breakfast.
Closest Airport: Edinburgh International