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Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

From $215/night • Score: 4.7★ (3120 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

Introduction: A Georgian Masterpiece Reborn

Edinburgh is a city defined by stone, a breathtaking juxtaposition of medieval grit and neoclassical grandeur. Nowhere is this architectural dichotomy more elegantly expressed than in the New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site masterminded by the visionary planners of the 18th century. At the western apex of this grand design lies Charlotte Square, the crowning achievement of Robert Adam, Scotland’s most celebrated neoclassical architect. Completed in 1791, the square was envisioned as the ultimate expression of Georgian urban planning—a symphony of uniform sandstone, impeccably proportioned sash windows, and stately symmetry. Today, seven of these interconnected townhouses have been ingeniously resurrected as the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, a property that marries the austere elegance of the Scottish Enlightenment with a vibrant, bohemian sensibility.

Arriving at the hotel is an exercise in understated grandeur. While the exterior maintains the stoic, honey-toned sandstone facade mandated by Adam’s original blueprints, stepping through the front door immediately shatters any expectations of a stuffy, heritage-bound institution. The lobby is a masterclass in modern maximalism, curated by Turkish-born designer Turkey’s Basha Franklin, where rich jewel tones, sumptuous velvets, and contemporary art installations converse effortlessly with original plasterwork and sweeping cantilevered staircases. It is a space that invites lingering—a lively, design-forward salon where well-heeled travelers, local creatives, and discerning expats mingle over morning coffees or evening aperitifs. At around $215 a night, the property offers a staggering value proposition, delivering a five-star aesthetic and amenity suite at a four-star price point that redefines modern luxury in the Scottish capital.

First Impressions & Architecture

The architectural pedigree of the Kimpton Charlotte Square cannot be overstated. Robert Adam designed the northern facade of the square as if it were a grand palace rather than a collection of private residences, and stepping inside feels akin to exploring the private estate of an eccentric, globally-minded aristocrat who possesses an impeccable eye for design. The hotel’s layout is a labyrinthine delight; because it spans seven distinct Georgian townhouses, moving through the property involves subtle shifts in elevation, charmingly uneven corridors, and unexpected architectural quirks that remind guests of the buildings' centuries-old bones.

Yet, the interior architecture is far from a museum piece. The design narrative here is one of confident juxtaposition. Original features—such as intricate cornicing, marble fireplaces, and grand sash windows framing leafy square gardens—are boldly counterbalanced by mid-century modern furnishings, bold geometric wallpapers, and a rich, moody color palette of forest greens, burnt oranges, and deep indigos. The communal spaces transition seamlessly from formal drawing rooms with high ceilings and velvet drapes to hidden, intimate alcoves ideal for quiet reading or hushed conversation.

The beating heart of this architectural ensemble, however, is undoubtedly The Garden. Created by glassing over the central courtyard that once separated the townhouses, this sunlit atrium is an architectural triumph. Dominated by a soaring glass roof that floods the space with Edinburgh’s notoriously fickle natural light, The Garden is a verdant indoor oasis. Towering ficus trees, cascading ferns, and lush hanging foliage create a tropical microclimate in the heart of Scotland. It is a brilliant spatial intervention that transforms what was once exterior dead space into a vibrant, social epicenter where the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living dissolve entirely.

The Room Experience

Accommodations at the Kimpton Charlotte Square are divided across various categories, ranging from snug, cleverly configured boudoirs to sprawling suites that channel the grandeur of a Georgian stately home. Regardless of the category chosen, every room maintains a commitment to comfort, tactile luxury, and narrative-driven design. The rooms eschew generic corporate hotel aesthetics in favor of a residential feel that makes you feel as though you are staying in the stylish Edinburgh townhouse of an exceptionally well-traveled friend.

Entering a typical room, the sensory experience is immediate. Parquet flooring is softened by plush, bespoke wool rugs, while beds are dressed in crisp, high-thread-count linens and crowned with oversized, textured headboards. Lighting is layered and atmospheric, utilizing mid-century brass sconces, designer table lamps, and clever recessed illumination that highlights the restored architectural details of the historic buildings. High ceilings—particularly on the lower floors—enhance the sense of voluminous space, while large sash windows offer picturesque views either over the leafy, cobblestoned expanse of Charlotte Square or down into the hotel’s internal courtyards.

The thoughtful amenities further elevate the stay from comfortable to indulgent. Key features include:

Bathrooms are sanctuaries of modern sleekness, featuring walk-in rainfall showers with exceptional water pressure, gleaming brass fixtures, and geometric tiling that provides a striking visual contrast to the classic decor of the sleeping quarters. For those booking an upgraded suite, separate clawfoot soaking tubs positioned beneath windows offer the ultimate post-exploration relaxation ritual.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

While the historic architecture and gorgeous rooms provide an alluring shell, the lifestyle amenities at the Kimpton Charlotte Square ensure that a stay here is genuinely restorative. Moving away from the bustling streets of the New Town into the hotel's subterranean wellness level feels like descending into a secret subterranean sanctuary designed to melt away the physical toll of travel.

The hotel’s full-service subterranean spa is a rare luxury in central Edinburgh, where historic building restrictions often preclude the inclusion of extensive aquatic facilities. The centerpiece is a stunning 12-meter heated indoor pool, flanked by comfortable loungers and bathed in soft, subterranean mood lighting. It is an idyllic spot for a morning lap or a lazy afternoon unwind. Adjacent to the pool, guests will find a comprehensive thermal suite, featuring a traditional dry sauna and an invigorating eucalyptus-infused steam room designed to detoxify and refresh.

Beyond the spa, the hotel’s atmosphere is defined by an inclusive, effortlessly hospitable social culture. True to the Kimpton brand standard, the property hosts a complimentary nightly social hour in the lobby or The Garden, where guests gather to sample regional wines and chat with the impeccably trained staff. This community-focused ethos extends to pet friendliness; the hotel rolls out the red carpet for canine companions, offering plush dog beds, bowls, and treats upon arrival without any restrictive weight limits. The overall vibe is decidedly unstuffy—luxury delivered with a wink, a smile, and a genuine warmth that sets it apart from Edinburgh’s more austere heritage hotels.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Culinary offerings at the Kimpton Charlotte Square are anchored by BABA, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated dining destinations. Conceptualized as a lively, bohemian nod to the Levant, BABA brings the smoky, spice-laden flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean to the heart of Scotland, utilizing exceptional local Scottish produce as its canvas.

The interior of BABA is an aesthetic extension of the hotel’s broader design philosophy: leather banquettes, brass accents, vintage travel posters, and a bustling open kitchen dominated by a roaring charcoal grill. The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging a convivial, communal dining experience. Diners can indulge in standout dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shoulder infused with pomegranate and mint, charred octopus with smoked paprika, impossibly tender skewers of spiced meats, and an array of vibrant mezze—creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, and freshly baked flatbreads pulled straight from the oven. The cocktail menu is equally inventive, heavily leaning into Middle Eastern botanicals, spices, and regional spirits like arak, resulting in libations that are both complex and deeply refreshing.

When morning breaks, dining shifts back to the ethereal environs of The Garden. Here, breakfast is served beneath the glass atrium amidst the ficus trees. The offering balances hearty Scottish traditions with modern wellness trends: guests can choose between a lavish traditional full Scottish breakfast featuring locally sourced sausages, black pudding, and farm-fresh eggs, or opt for lighter fare such as smashed avocado on sourdough, vibrant acai bowls, house-baked pastries, and artisanal pressed juices. It is an uplifting, sun-drenched space that makes starting the day an absolute joy.

When venturing beyond the hotel doors, guests find themselves perfectly positioned to explore Edinburgh’s dynamic nightlife and dining scene. The bohemian neighborhood of Stockbridge is a short, scenic stroll downhill, offering independent cheese shops, artisan bakeries, and cozy traditional pubs. Meanwhile, the upscale cocktail bars and restaurants of George Street are literally steps away, ensuring that whether you are seeking a quiet dram of single-malt whisky in a wood-paneled den or a late-night molecular cocktail in a sleek lounge, the best of the city is right on your doorstep.

Who This Stay Is For

The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel occupies a rare sweet spot in the Edinburgh hospitality landscape, making it exceptionally versatile, yet it holds a very specific appeal for certain types of travelers.

Practical Travel Notes

To ensure a seamless stay at the Kimpton Charlotte Square, a few logistical considerations are worth keeping in mind:

Verdict

The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is a triumphant exercise in adaptive reuse, transforming Robert Adam’s 18th-century masterpieces into a thoroughly modern, vibrant hospitality hub. By refusing to lean solely on its historic pedigree, the hotel delivers a vibrant guest experience defined by bold design, exceptional wellness amenities, and culinary excellence via BABA. Offering an indoor pool, a stunning garden atrium, and a prime New Town location—all at an unexpectedly accessible price point—it stands as one of the most compelling, chic, and design-forward addresses in the Scottish capital.