Stay at the Rutland Hotel
How Good Is This Luxury Boutique Hotel in Edinburgh?
Are you considering a stay at the Rutland Hotel in Edinburgh? You will not be alone as it is one of the most centrally located hotels in the city. Originally a Georgian townhouse, the home of the renowned surgeon Sir Joseph Lister, the Rutland was completely renovated in 2008 and is perfectly located near Princes Street, in the heart of the city. But how good is this four star hotel compared to other luxury boutique hotels in Edinburgh City Centre?
I've read hundreds of reviews from guests who have stayed at the Rutland over last couple of years and the following is a clear and unbiased summary of what these guests really thought of their stay at this hotel.
What's special about the Rutland Hotel?
- It has won many prestigious awards including the Johansens Champagne Taittinger Award For The Most Innovative Wine List 2009, and Scotland's National Hotel Awards The Most Exciting New Restaurant of 2009, as well as the 2009 Shoty Awards Best New Scottish Hotel, Best Design and Best Bar.
- The Rutland is a stylish, modern boutique hotel and popular eating venue, with dramatically, yet tastefully decorated rooms, super-comfortable and roomy beds, and equipped with the latest technology.
- The hotel is extremely fashionable and modern, but at the same time it feels accessible and comfortable thanks to the friendly attitude of the staff.
- Location: Perfect central location in Rutland Street, at the fashionable West End of Princes Street. It has a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle.
Read Rutland Hotel reviews or check for discounted room rates.
What do guests really think?
The vast majority of guest reviews since the 2008 renovation are extremely positive with very few negative comments. They show that the Rutland offers accommodation, food and service of a very high standard, with many added extras. Although the hotel is not inexpensive, most guests believe that it's excellent value for money. As with most hotels, there were some guests who were not happy with their stay at the hotel, but these were very few.
- Almost all reviewers loved the central location as it is extremely convenient for shopping, as well as dining and visiting the city attractions.
- They were pleased with the numerous special touches that the hotel provides, and felt that these made a real difference to their stay.
- They felt that while many boutique hotels can seem pretentious and snooty, the atmosphere at the Rutland was down to earth and welcoming, thanks to the attitude of the staff.
- With a couple of exceptions, the guests loved the quality of the food, and the efficient service in the award-winning restaurant.
- Lastly, but not least, they loved the beds!
My Recommendation
The Rutland does seem to go the extra mile in terms of guest comfort, in addition to making their guests feel welcome and valued, and many guests commented that it exceeded their expectations. If you are looking for an exclusive, yet relaxed hotel in the city centre, with excellent room comfort, and award-winning restaurant facilities, then I would definitely recommend this hotels as a potential choice.
Book the Rutland Hotel or find other luxury hotel deals in Edinburgh.
In Depth Review of the Rutland Hotel in Edinburgh
Stylish 4-star boutique hotel. Very central location just off Princes Street.
Average room price per night: £100-£203 ($157-$319)
What is the Rutland Hotel like?
Renovated in 2008, the Rutland Hotel is a stylish, 4-star boutique hotel, with just 12 rooms. The rooms are funky and dramatically decorated, equipped with the latest technology, and there is an award-winning restaurant on the first floor serving modern Scottish dishes. It is cool without being pretentious, and exclusive whilst remaining relaxed and inviting.
Building and room design
- The Rutland has just twelve rooms, two of them having superb views over Edinburgh Castle.
- The rooms are individually and tastefully decorated, with signature white headboards and vivid colours, high quality fittings and a superb attention to detail.
- Many guests commented on the excellent sound-proofing in the rooms saying they could not hear noise from outside, although there were a couple of exceptions to this.
- Each guest room is equipped with the latest technology, such as (free) Wi-Fi, a flat-screen LCD TV and an iPod dock.
- Many reviewers mentioned the ultra-comfortable beds and top quality linen, as well as the fluffy bathrobes and towels.
- The amenities in the rooms seem to be above average, with filter coffee, designer teas and free bottled water in the guest rooms, and Korres bath products in the bathrooms.
- Some of the bathrooms come with a Jacuzzi bath and overhead shower (which were not to everyone's liking), whilst others have walk-in rain showers. A couple of people mentioned that the showers and baths were quite fiddly and difficult to use, and the design meant that some of them flood the floor fairly easily. Many people loved the speaker system in the bathrooms!
Staff and level of service
- Almost without exception, the reviewers were full of praise for the staff, whom they found helpful and having excellent local knowledge.
- Some reviewers mentioned that whilst the Rutland is an exclusive and luxurious hotel, they found the staff (in all areas, including the restaurant and bars) to be friendly, approachable and welcoming.
Food and drink
- The Rutland has a restaurant upstairs, with two dining areas, one dramatically and fashionably decorated with spiralling glass balls, serving local and seasonal ingredients. Many reviewers loved the quality of the food, and the excellent value, as well as the prompt and friendly service.
- The ground-floor bar (also serving breakfast and lunch) is a popular cocktail venue, with its signature cocktail, the Lipgloss. Some guests felt that the drinks here are excellent value for money for a city centre bar.
- The One Below is the Rutland's cool and unique lounge bar, the first interactive iBar in the UK, where guests can listen to their own iPod music in vaulted booths.
- Breakfast was considered by the majority of reviewers to be excellent, with freshly squeezed orange juice and food prepared to order, including local dishes such as Loch Fyne kippers. A small number of reviews did not rate breakfast so positively, though.
Location and parking
- Although the entrance is on Rutland Street, the hotel is in fact situated in the West End of Princes Street, convenient for shopping and also close to the financial district.
- There is no parking at the hotel itself, but free on-street parking is available nearby in the evenings and on Sundays, and there is an NCP car park within a short walking distance.
- The shuttle bus from the airport (currently £6 return) takes about 20 minutes and stops almost directly in front of the Rutland.
Nice touches
- A delicious homemade complimentary muffin in the room on arrival, as well as a jar of jelly beans, and an Ian Rankin novel to read during your stay.
- GHD hair straighteners in the bathrooms were much appreciated by the ladies!
- Some guests reported receiving discount vouchers for the hotel restaurant and The One Below, although it is not known if this is across the board.
- More than one reviewer appreciated the fact there was fresh milk in the mini bar for their tea and coffee.
- Many of the sweets and drinks in the restaurant and bars are served with home-made warm Scottish shortbread.
Book the Rutland Hotel or find other four and five star hotels in Edinburgh.
Staying at the Rutland, Edinburgh - Web links
- Rutland Review - Hotel Review Scotland
- Travel: The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh - Scotsman.com
- Rutland Hotel Restaurant - Sunday Herald
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