Looking for a spotlessly clean, modern apartment as a base right in the heart of Edinburgh’s glorious Old Town? You just found it. The Aparthotel Adagio sits right on the Royal Mile at the historic centre of Edinburgh, with handy kitchens meaning you can eat in or out in Scotland’s capital city. They can sort you breakfast too to set you up for a day of sightseeing.
Why Stay?
The location is the number one draw here. I mean we were staying right in the heart of one of Europe’s great cities. We could just amble up to Edinburgh Castle and down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse – where the Queen stays when she is in town. Our apartment gazed out towards Calton Hill, one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, topped with an observatory and a columned monument that looks more Ancient Greek than modern Scotland. It’s quite the view and not one I was expecting.
I really liked that they had a range of apartments to suit all different needs. We stayed in a one bedroom apartment that was set up for four people. We had the main bedroom, while the girls slept through on a sofa bed in the main living space. They also do a studio apartments set up with a double beds, or two twin beds.
What’s it Like?
It may sit on the deeply historic Royal Mile, but there is nothing old fashioned about the Aparthotel Adagio, a 4-star tourist residence that offers 146 completely furnished apartments and studios. The light and airy reception is alive with colour and space, setting the tone for the rest of the place.
Our apartment had a surprising amount of space thanks to the way they’ve really thought about where to put furniture, what space-saving furniture they can use, and the layout. The kitchen was great with a decent size fridge coming in very handy. Also they had the utensils you actually need – unlike many apartments we have stayed at. I liked to that there were two table areas so the girls could do their own thing while we enjoyed a coffee together. There is good wardrobe space too.
At the moment with Covid precautions they offer a great grab and go breakfast. We loved this. You simply hand in your order the night before and then it’s ready for you in the morning to take back up and enjoy in the comfort of your apartment. Over our two mornings we tucked into croissants, pain au chocolat, yoghurts and fresh fruit, as well as cereals and porridge, with decent coffee and fruit juices.
Top Tips
Dine out at least one night at The Garden Bistro. We’d never been here for a full meal before and it’s a real treat. We took the tram there and walked through the surrounding park to get there. At night you can only get into the walled garden the restaurant sits in so it feels like you have your own wee green oasis. You can dine outside under the heat lamps, or retreat indoors and survey the greenery from there. It’s hard to make all four of our family happy – but they managed! I tried both main course, a superbly cooked seam bream and also a deeply flavoursome duck dish. We washed them down with a Rioja Gran Reserva and ended the night with their well-curated cheeseboard.
Bring extra luggage for shopping. The high street shops and big stores of Princes Street are within easy walking distance. Then the wee boutiques and curios of the Royal Mile tempt too with more unusual items you just cannot find anywhere else. Look out too for the massive new St James Quarter mall.
Reasons to Book
- Ideal location right on Edinburgh’s world-famous Royal Mile.
- Unlike many places to stay on the Royal Mile they are pet-friendly.
- Those grab and go breakfasts.
231 Canongate, EDINBURGH, EH8 8BJ. https://www.adagio-city.com/gb/hotel-9289-aparthotel-adagio-edinburgh-royal-mile/index.shtml