Kimpton Charlotte Square, an IHG Hotel

Kimpton Charlotte Square, an IHG Hotel Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Kimpton Charlotte Square, an IHG Hotel honestly feels like stepping into one of those period dramas — you know, the ones where everyone’s impeccably dressed and living in Georgian townhouses. This five-star property sits right on Charlotte Square, which is basically Edinburgh’s answer to a perfectly preserved 18th-century drawing room, and I mean that in the best possible way. The building itself is this gorgeous sandstone beauty that somehow manages to feel both grand and welcoming at the same time.

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s the thing about staying in Edinburgh‘s New Town — you’re literally in the middle of everything that matters, but tucked away from the tourist chaos of the Royal Mile. Charlotte Square is where locals actually want to live, and you’ll understand why the moment you step outside. The Georgian House museum is right next door if you’re into that sort of thing, and Princes Street shopping is just a few minutes’ walk down the hill. What I really love is that you can easily walk to Edinburgh Castle or pop down to Stockbridge for some proper browsing — it’s that sweet spot where everything feels accessible without being overwhelming.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was one of those spaces that makes you want to extend your trip just to spend more time in it. The beds here are genuinely something special — I’m talking about the kind of sleep where you wake up actually refreshed instead of feeling like you’ve been wrestling with hotel pillows all night. The design strikes this perfect balance between Scottish heritage and modern comfort, with rich fabrics and thoughtful touches that feel authentic rather than trying too hard. And honestly, the views over the square or towards the castle (depending on which side you’re on) are worth the splurge.

Dining & Amenities

Breakfast here is actually worth getting up for, which says something coming from someone who usually grabs coffee and runs. They’ve got the full Scottish spread alongside lighter options, and the vegetarian and vegan choices are genuinely good — not just afterthoughts. The restaurant has this lovely atmosphere that works whether you’re having a business dinner or celebrating something special. There’s also parking available, which anyone who’s tried to navigate Edinburgh’s streets will tell you is basically like finding gold.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is how it manages to feel like a proper luxury hotel without being stuffy or intimidating. The staff seem to genuinely care about making your stay work, and there’s this sense that they understand Edinburgh — they’ll point you toward the good whisky bars or tell you which closes to explore for the best views. Couples especially seem to love it here, and I can see why — there’s something romantic about staying somewhere that feels like it’s part of the city’s story rather than just dropped into it. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re experiencing the real Edinburgh, just with much better thread count.

Facilities