There’s no secret that Edinburgh is renowned as one of the most stunning cities in Europe, and fortunately for me, I get to reside in this historic jewel. Although Edinburgh is my home, there is nothing I adore more than to experience a staycation in my city, especially since the logistics of foreign travel is currently very confusing. Vacationing in Edinburgh allows me to explore the abundance of high-quality accommodation and to renew my appreciation for this small but perfectly formed city, which in turn enables me to share my thoughts with so many of you.
One of my favourite parts of this city is New Town, and it is no surprise that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its cobbled streets, elegant buildings and endearing green spaces exude a certain unique charm that I believe can never be emulated in any other city. Situated on one of the main streets of New Town is 29 Queen Street, a selection of beautifully appointed self-catering apartments housed in a distinguished Georgian building. I was recently invited along to stay in one of their apartments and I couldn’t wait to see what all the fuss was about.
As you enter the impressive facade of 29 Queen Street the main door opens onto a navy blue hallway, exuding an elegant feel that combines both contemporary design with glimpses of original architectural details. This marriage of old and new is evident throughout the whole building, winding up its graceful stairway and into each of the apartments. Situated over three floors there are nine apartments to choose from, seven studio apartments, a one-bedroomed apartment and a two-bedroomed apartment. Although each one of the apartments exudes its unique size and layout, this distinguished high-quality luxurious style is noticeable throughout.
I was particularly impressed with the apartments convenient check-in process, which consisted of an email sent on the day of arrival, allowing me to open a link and enter the apartment using a keyless entry system. I was staying in Apartment Two, their only two-bedroomed apartment located on the basement level of the property. Although 29 Queen Street is situated on a busy city-centre street, as soon as you walk into the apartment the outside hustle and bustle seemed to drop away providing an instant feeling of calm. The spacious apartment is decorated using a variety of subdued hues including creams, greys, light blues and olive green. Sometimes contemporary design can exude a certain coldness, but the clever use of these serene tones and a scattering of textural accessories immediately brought a sense of tranquillity, warmth and comfort.
The apartment is composed of a living room, bathroom, double bedroom and one box room along with the addition of a bespoke kitchenette. The living room is bright and airy with endearing sash windows which even on the basement level allows the light to flood the room. The space has been thoughtfully designed with modern furniture, artwork and accessories that resonated with the kind of style I like, so I instantly felt at home. The clever use of cushions, throws and lighting provided lots of interest and cosiness, which is very much needed during the cold Scottish winter months. I particularly loved the soft velvet green sofa which was the perfect place to kick back with a glass of wine after a long day wandering the city. The apartment also benefited from underfloor heating which kept the space at a comfortable temperature throughout my stay.
Located just off the living area was the bedroom which carried on that calming natural palette of greys, creams and white making it the perfect sanctuary from the city. Backed by wooden panels, the comfortable bed embellished with a throw and cushions was the ultimate in comfort. I am very picky with beds and I’m also a light sleeper but the soft premium linen along with the quiet of the night meant I was able to have a very pleasant sleep. A clever built-in recess in the wall doubles as a storage place for clothes and a wooden dressing table and wall-mounted mirror is the perfect place to get changed (for the image conscious folk like me). Exposed stonework incorporated into the room was also a lovely addition, amplifying those homely natural nuances. Subtle details such as marble style side tables brushed brass down-lights and sculptural glassware all add those beautiful final touches. Although small in size the wood-panelled box room echoed the same details and I can imagine this being a cosy cubby for children.
Although the apartments are located in the centre of town and on the doorstep to an abundance of restaurants and bars, there is still an option to dine in. Situated in the living area is a bespoke foldaway kitchenette which at first glance looks like a normal cupboard. This cleverly designed piece of furniture opens up to reveal a small kitchen area that includes everything you could need to cook and dine within the apartment. This included a cooker hob, microwave/oven, sink, dishwasher along with a selection of dishes, silverware, glassware and an array of cooking utensils. The addition of a dining table is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy your home-cooked meal (or takeaway if your anything like me and don’t want to cook).
The majority of the bathroom is covered in sleek white metro tiles, contrasted with matt black accessories to continue that overall contemporary vibe. It’s only when you look towards the shower, where the room takes on a more daring hue. The injection of orange geometric shower tiles provides an interesting contrast, a vibrant zone to wake you up in the morning. The walk-in shower is spacious and roomy and includes a selection of premium environmentally friendly skin and hair care products from Scottish brand Laura Thomas. After a fantastic sleep, it was great to enjoy a good quality shower and wrap myself in the fluffy white towels provided.
The benefit of being on the basement level was having access to your very own private courtyard. It wasn’t particularly warm enough to use it during my stay but I can imagine it is the ideal place for an evening drink or an alfresco meal in the summer. Being located at the back of the property means it was quiet and sheltered from those well known Scottish winds.
Due to their very convenient location and impeccable design, I wouldn’t hesitate to book these apartments again and will most definitely recommend them to people visiting Edinburgh. These apartments would be perfect for a multitude of guests, whether for business, a night away or tourists looking to explore the city for a longer duration. Being housed in such a beautiful Georgian building in the middle of New Town means you get to experience the very essence of Edinburgh and the architecture that makes this city so special. Each morning when you step out the elegant entranceway directly into the heart of the city, you will be glad you made the choice to stay at 29 Queen Street.
Blu Blazer Guy Rating:
Location – 5/5
Accommodation Design – 4/5
Accommodation Amenities – 4/5
Cleanliness – 4/5
Comfort – 5/5
Fancy a little trip to 29 Queen Street? Get 20% off your booking and a free bottle of bubbly in your room by using my code BLUBLAZERX29QS
Some T&C’s:
– Only available on reservations between Jan-April and Oct-Dec 2022
– Bookings to be taken directly here or the ALTIDO website
– Bookings should be 2 days or more
– Discount on standard rate only
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