Travel: Class, comfort and chill… in the heart of an Edinburgh Christmas

An ancient castle sits atop a towering hill, gazing down upon a labyrinth of Gothic streets where a forest of spires, towers and chimneys sparkles in the low winter sun.

No, this isn’t the setting of a fairy tale – although there is a type of magic at work here.

This is Edinburgh.

Scotland’s historic, iconic jewel surely must be one of the most bewitching cities in the world, no matter the season.

But the capital’s spell is particularly irresistible at a certain time of year, when cobbled streets twinkle in the glow of fairy lights and the air is alive with the scents of mulled wine and hot doughnuts.

There’s nowhere like Edinburgh at Christmas.

From sprawling markets to ice rinks and world-class shopping, Edinburgh truly has everything you need for an incredible festive trip.

In fact, there’s too much to do all in one day. So why not opt for an overnight stay? But with so many options, where would be best to hang your hat in this winter wonderland?

Step forward RÌGH Properties, who offer a variety of luxury serviced apartments in central Edinburgh locations.

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of staying in RÌGH Residences – 27 gorgeous apartments in a historic building in George Street, right in the middle of Edinburgh’s New Town and just a stone’s throw from St Andrew Square.

The apartments range in scale from cosy studios to spectacular penthouses and combine the opulence of a high-end hotel with the flexibility of self-catering accommodation.

From the moment we ducked out of the freezing weather into the warmth of the welcoming lobby, that air of luxury was evident, with a calming colour palette and hushed, tastefully decorated hallways transporting us seemingly far away from the bustle of the capital’s streets.

Check-in was automated and easy – although helpful RÌGH staff are always on hand around the building should you need them – and soon we were opening the door to our room for the night.

And what a room.

We have been very fortunate to stay in top-class hotels and apartments around the country and beyond, but I can say, hand on heart, that our RÌGH room was a level above anything we’ve experienced to date.

First off, the decor was stunning – a mixture of original features and modern design. The finish and fit of everything, from the kitchen tiles to the light fixtures, was very noticeably of the highest standard.

Even little touches like the designer kettle and bedside digital radio were high end and beautiful. It all came together to create a truly wonderful space, making us feel like we’d discovered somewhere special.

All RÌGH Residences’ rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art room management technology – tablets which put room controls, a local guide and guest services at the touch of a button. Very impressive and easy to use.

Rooms all have fully equipped kitchenettes and lounging areas too, so you’ll be comfortable whether here for just the night or on longer stays – and fluffy bathrobes and slippers are the crowning touch to ensure you can unwind after an exciting day in the city.

Our stay was for one night, and there was some early Christmas shopping to do, so we tore ourselves away from the comfort of the room and headed back into the chill.

As mentioned, RÌGH Residences boasts a central location, putting the New Town on your doorstep.

We headed to St James Quarter, Edinburgh’s latest shopping spot, with both an indoor shopping centre and street-level shops, including some of the most exclusive fashion and beauty brands.

A couple of hours later, laden with gifts and our wallets considerably lighter, we headed back to the room to drop the bags. Then it was quickly back out again for a meal at Amarone – just along the road – and some drinks at the wonderful Alchemist, where the preparation of every cocktail comes with a heavy dash of theatre.

After that, we retired to our home from home and settled in for the evening, melting into the luxury bed and enjoying a restful night’s sleep.

Should you visit in December, RÌGH Residences is only a short walk from the Christmas market on Princess Street, so the big wheel, food stalls and festive funfair are all right around the corner – all under the watchful gaze of the iconic castle, which is made even more dazzling at this time of year by light displays.

And that’s not all; from the handy Christmas ice rink in George Street to St Andrew Square Winter Garden, Edinburgh’s every turn seems to reveal more Christmas enchantment.

I must say, though, that despite the city’s endless, world-class offerings of culture, shopping, food and the rest, it was truly the room at RÌGH that stole the show on this trip. In a city brimming with magic, RÌGH Residences left us completely under its spell.

P.S. This year, Edinburgh adds some cool to its winter charm by opening the Polar Ice Bar. Located on George Street until January 4, the pop-up bar’s tables, chairs and glasses are sculpted entirely from ice. Wrap up!

Factfile

For further information on room types, locations, availability and rates, visit righproperties.com