Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh occupies the historic India Buildings at the top of Victoria Street, in the heart of the Old Town between the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile. It is the Edinburgh member of Richard Branson's Virgin Hotels brand and brings a playful, design-led approach to the historic heart of the city.

Rooms are called chambers, and there are also suites. Each chamber includes a yoga mat and a SMEG fridge stocked for snacks, details that sum up the brand's mix of comfort and fun. The hotel app includes Lucy, a digital personal assistant for requests during your stay, and guests can earn Virgin Points.

The hotel's food and drink spaces are a big part of its character. Eve hosts brunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, a supper club on Wednesdays and a Wine Down Thursday in the Eve Courtyard. Commons Club runs a chef's table from Thursday to Saturday and a weekend lunch roast, and the Oculus Lounge serves afternoon tea at weekends. Check the hotel's website for current times and booking for each of these.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh suits couples, groups of friends and travellers who like a contemporary, social hotel in a historic setting. The hotel offers room upgrades and special rates through its website, so compare these before booking elsewhere, and download the app before you arrive so you can make requests from the start of your stay. Ask about suites if you are travelling as a family or want more space. Its location also suits festival-goers, as many Fringe venues are within a few minutes' walk in August, though rates and demand rise sharply during the festival, so book early if you are visiting then.

Victoria Street, which curves down from George IV Bridge to the Grassmarket, is lined with independent shops and restaurants. From the hotel, the Royal Mile is a minute or two uphill, the National Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Kirkyard are around the corner, and Edinburgh Castle is about ten minutes' walk. Waverley station is around ten minutes on foot, though the walk involves some hills and steps. Contact the hotel directly by phone or email for general enquiries, and use the separate sales address for meetings and events.