The Lane Hotel – Edinburgh

With Edinburgh being voted the best city in the world to visit on numerous occasions, it is no surprise that it has a fantastic selections of hotels spread throughout the city. From the traditional to the luxury, there is no shortage of choice to fulfil your every need. Personally, I am a great fan of boutique hotels, not only in Edinburgh but across the world. I adore how these smaller establishments have their own individuality, whether it be through the hotels design or through their specific style of customer service.

Situated in the exclusive area of Morningside in south Edinburgh is The Lane Hotel; an exquisite boutique hotel owned by Mark and Amy Kerr. Housed in two beautifully renovated Victorian buildings, there is a choice of individually designed classic, deluxe and luxury rooms to choose from. This small but impeccably formed hotel makes the perfect base for a city trip, whether you are a tourist, business traveller or simply need a little treat to escape the hustle of everyday life.

 

The bedrooms are spread over two buildings; six of their rooms are in a house which has been passed down by the Kerr family for generations and a further selection of rooms are located above their family owned public house.

As soon as I walked into the property I was immediately impressed by the chic and serene space. The Victorian buildings have been thoughtfully transformed and designed by Amy Kerr who also has her own interior design business. She has managed to strike the perfect balance of traditional and contemporary, adding a luxurious touch without compromising the original features of the building. The natural colour palate and the beautifully scented atmosphere brings an immediate sense of calm, providing a delightful welcoming ambience.

I was invited to stay in their Watson Suite; a large and exclusive room located above their family public house. I was immediately impressed by this spacious and chic space, which was elegantly designed and highly thought out. The first thing I noticed was the impressive monochromatic designed carpet, adding an interesting contrast to the surrounding neutral hues. The centre piece was a large bed scattered with an array of contrasting cushions in front of a beautifully upholstered oversized headboard.

The room was adorned with original Victorian features such as intricate cornesing and an elegant ceiling-rose, bringing additional sophistication to the room. Even with its high ceilings and large sash windows, the room exuded a comforting warmth. Adjacent to the large windows were small tub chairs covered in a deep forest green velvet and contemporary glass table providing an excellent space to sit and relax.

The large underfloor heated en-suite was simply breath taking. Its simplistic design was given an injection of colour with stunning and elaborate wallpaper sporting tones of teal and pink. A huge stand-alone bath and an adjacent walk in shower provided the perfect place to relax and unwind to wash the worries of the day away.

 

Of course, the hotel also contains several other individually styled rooms carrying Amy’s vision, each one having its own unique twist. I especially liked their garden room with hues of calming green and its very own private terrace and small garden.

Another of their rooms that really stuck out for me had striking blue headboard and impressive geometric accessories adding another dimension to the decor.

Luckily you don’t have to venture too far if you get peckish. The hotel has its own family run bar and restaurant which is one of Edinburgh’s most famous and oldest public houses. The Canny Man is located only yards from the hotel and provides a fantastic selection of food and drink. Exuding a different vibe from the hotel, this public house takes you back in time with a more traditional feel. Every nook and cranny are adorned with trinkets from the past, providing a warm, cosy and typically Edinburgh feel. From their large selection of Smørrebrød (Danish open sandwich), fresh seafood and a weekly prix-fixed menu, there is a varied range to choose from.

 

As the hotel does not provide breakfast, a special snack room has been created, allowing guests to help themselves to croissants and cakes throughout their stay. In the Watson Suite, you are provided with a selection of snacks, tea and coffee facilities. Being in Edinburgh’s Morningside area, you are surrounded by fantastic local restaurants and coffee houses, where you can enjoy an array delicious breakfasts/ brunch etc. I recommend the nearby Honeycomb & Co providing a delicious selection of food in warm and friendly surroundings or Blackwood Coffee House for fantastic coffee and pastry.

I found my stay at The Lane Hotel extremely enjoyable as it exuded the vibe and design that I am instantly drawn too.

Mark and Amy have managed to create a unique hotel that provides a laid back yet luxurious stay, capturing the true essence of Scottish hospitality; that is warm, welcoming and non-intrusive.  I highly recommend a stay at this exceptional and inviting Edinburgh property, a little piece of heaven in the city.

Until next time Lane Hotel……I’ll be back!

Head to The Lane Hotel’s website for more information on room, rates and how to book a stay.

Blu Blazer Guy Rating :

Location – 4/5
Customer Service – 5/5
Rooms – 4/5
Cleanliness – 4/5
Food/Drink – 3/5