Virgin Hotels’ 5-star boutique establishment is nestled unassumingly right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and Grant Dickie pays a visit and rests his head to see just what the hotel has to offer.
As you wander the majesty that is Edinburgh’s Victoria Street, ogling the colourful shopfronts and historic charm, you would be forgiven for missing the red door nestled in the upper bend of the street. Behind this door you will find Virgin Hotel Edinburgh.
Step over the threshold and you enter surroundings that match the grandeur of the city itself, just with a contemporary twist. Personally, I felt that I was stepping into a modern and luxurious hotel, but also a grand historic home with its panelled walls, sprawling corridors and lack of large open spaces that are usually synonymous with big hotels.
The staff at reception welcomed me warmly and couldn’t be any more lovely, directing me the quickest way to my room. I opted to take the stairs to my Junior Suite to experience more of the panelled corridors since I was only one floor up.
Opening the door, I was met by a chic and spacious room. The dressing area with vanity unit, double wardrobe and dressing table was cleverly separated from the living and sleeping area by the enclosed shower and toilet which formed an island in the middle of the room. The bed was large and inviting, while the lounge was complete with comfy sofa, large TV and all the necessary tea, coffee and snacks. To my surprise, my window looked out onto the iconic Victoria Street, something I would never have realised as I heard no noise at all coming from outside.
I decided to freshen up after a day in the office and the combination of the rainfall shower and Arran Aromatics body wash and shampoo rejuvenated me. Before heading back down to the public areas of the hotel to find somewhere to read my book.
I spent part of my evening relaxing with my current read in the Funny Library – a small, cosy space near the reception boasting floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books and curios making me feel as if I was sitting in someone’s living room. Unfortunately, The Scarlet Lounge was closed for an event when I was visiting, but I managed to catch a glimpse of the plush room that looked very comfy and a great place to unwind!
Back up in my room, it was time to turn in for the night. The large TV swivelled to face the bed so I could watch a movie before sleep claimed me in the comfy bed.
After waking, washing and dressing the next morning, I head downstairs for breakfast in Eve – the Italian restaurant-come-breakfast-room. Here, a large buffet breakfast selection is available as well as an a la carte menu. Sitting by the large windows overlooking the outside patio area, I opted for the Eggs Royale – I can’t say no to poached eggs and smoked salmon. I was pleasantly surprised, as the Eggs Royale came slightly different to what I am used to, with the sliced smoked salmon having been swapped for large chunks of hot-smoked salmon, giving that same smoky flavour but with a bit more meat. The staff here were also very attentive and friendly.
Another interesting aspect of Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is that there is an artist in residence. Jennifer Court – self-taught artist and illustrator – was in residence from August to October 2025, creating her unique work in The Unicorn Room. You will also be able to see her artwork of the hotel with the iconic red door which was commissioned by the hotel long before her residency took place after Court’s original version (the building as a registry office before its transformation into the hotel) caught the eye of the Virgin Hotel team.
When you stay at Virgin Hotel Edinburgh, make sure to find out who is in residence and you can even arrange to meet and see the artist at work.
All in all, the experience of staying at Virgin Hotel Edinburgh was one full of relaxation and visual splendour. Something I would happily return to experience again.
To find out more, see current room rates and book, visit https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh
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