There’s nothing quite like coming back to the comforts of home after a busy day exploring, but imagine that combined with the care and amenities a hotel has to offer. That’s exactly what’s on the menu at Native Edinburgh. The apart-hotel is tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, promising all the style and service of a boutique hotel but with the privacy of a holiday rental.
Just a five-minute walk from Princes Street, Native Edinburgh is situated on Queen Street within a townhouse frontage which exemplifies the Neoclassical and Georgian architecture of the surrounding area.
From outside, it’s not showy, and on entry, you’ll feel like you’re returning to your own high-end city centre apartment rather than a chain hotel. While the exterior of the property represents the historic buildings of the area, inside things are throughly in the 21st century.
The main lobby is rich in earthy green hues, with sumptuous velvet booth seating, contemporary orb lighting and Scandi-chic wooden furnishings. The communal lounge area is sprinkled with houseplants and offers the perfect retreat to enjoy a coffee from the on-site café, a cocktail come evening or catch up on some work.
There’s even a vintage record player nestled in the corner, showcasing iconic albums from The Clash, Bob Dylan and Diana Ross. Native Edinburgh also prioritises community, regularly hosting classes and cocktail evenings for local creatives to enjoy.
A nod to the building’s past remains in the form of the historic staircase, which winds its way to higher floors for those who fancy working their legs, rather than hopping in the lift.
The check-in desk is small, so as not to disturb the homely vibe. Here guests can expect a smooth process with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
Rating: 4.5/5
Native Edinburgh features a selection of apartments, ranging from studio to one-bedroom with an additional sofa bed, which means there is a home-away-from-home for almost every kind of travelling party.
Inside your city apartment, you’ll be greeted by a colour palette of burnt coral and deep ocean blue, while the artwork of Edinburgh Castle roots you firmly in the Scottish capital.
Each apartment room is kitted out with plenty of modern amenities, including über cool retro-look Marshall speakers, a coffee maker, a fully equipped coffee machine and even laundry facilities making this a fantastic option for both long and short stays.
Rating: 3.5/5
Native Edinburgh is home to a bar and on-site café known as Counter, though it doesn’t necessarily advertise itself as a place to dine. The food menu is limited, but given the wealth of eateries just a stone’s throw away, coupled with the fully-equipped kitchens in each apartment, there isn’t much need for an all-inclusive menu here.
The bar and café area are really more of somewhere to enjoy a quick bite to eat while getting on with some work or enjoy a tipple with local creatives. There’s an all-day menu to enjoy, with a small but thoughtful selection of toasties and smaller snacks. Breakfast can also be enjoyed from the Counter if you don’t fancy cooking in your apartment, though it’s a fairly basic offering.
Adjacent to the counter is a grab and go section complete with milk in case you need any for your room.
Though we didn’t try the bar, there’s a well-rounded menu of coffee, cocktails, beers and wines. And if you do want to venture further afield, Native often has partner offers with neighbourhood bars where guests can enjoy treats such as a complimentary cocktail.
Rating: 5/5
Located on Queen Street, just around the corner from Charlotte Square, Native Edinburgh is perfectly located for a weekend exploring the city.
The main tourist hub of the Royal Mile, where fairytale cobbled streets lead towards Edinburgh Castle, is just a 17-minute walk away. You can explore Holyrood Palace and Park with just a 35-minute walk from Native Edinburgh, and while you’re there you can brave the hike up to Arthur’s Seat for some impressive views. Meanwhile, the trendy St James Quarter, home to an array of shops, bars and restaurants is just 15 minutes away on foot.
We stayed in an apartment at the back of the hotel, which ensured a peaceful night’s sleep with no disturbance from street noise.
Rating: 5/5
Double rooms start from £100 per night. Find rooms and book direct on the Native website. Or, compare deals and prices for a stay at Native Edinburgh with Booking.com or Hotels.com.
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