Malmaison Edinburgh

Malmaison Edinburgh Overview

First Impressions

Malmaison Edinburgh sits in the Leith area with this industrial-chic vibe that honestly caught me off guard in the best way. The building itself has character — you know, that converted warehouse feel that actually works instead of trying too hard. When I walked in, the dark wood and rich fabrics immediately told me this wasn’t going to be your typical four-star chain hotel experience. There’s something about the way they’ve done the interiors that feels both edgy and comfortable, which is harder to pull off than you’d think.

Location & Getting Around

Here’s the thing about Leith — it’s not right in Edinburgh‘s Old Town, but that’s actually what makes it interesting. You’re about a 15-minute walk to the Royal Mile, which means you get the best of both worlds. The area around the hotel has some fantastic restaurant and pubs that tourists don’t usually stumble upon, and honestly, the waterfront walks are pretty spectacular on a clear day. Plus, there’s free parking here, which anyone who’s tried to drive in central Edinburgh will tell you is basically gold.

The Room Experience

My room had this moody, almost theatrical design — deep purples and blacks with pops of color that somehow didn’t feel overwhelming. The bed was genuinely comfortable (I’m picky about mattresses), and the bathroom had one of those rainfall showers that actually delivers on the promise. What I really appreciated were the little touches — proper blackout curtains, decent lighting for reading, and enough outlets in useful places. The windows looked out over the water, which was a nice surprise since I hadn’t specifically requested a view.

Dining & Breakfast

The restaurant downstairs serves solid modern British food — nothing revolutionary, but well-executed and reasonably priced for a hotel. Breakfast was where they really impressed me though. They do this full spread with everything from continental options to a proper full Scottish breakfast, and the quality was consistently good throughout my stay. I mean, you can tell when hotels phone it in with breakfast, but this felt like they actually cared about starting your day right. The attention to detail in their morning offerings sets them apart from many competitors.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is how it manages to feel boutique without being pretentious. The staff seemed to genuinely know what they were doing — not overly chatty, but helpful when you needed something. I noticed quite a few guests who were clearly regulars, which always tells you something about a place. The combination of being slightly off the beaten path but still well-connected, plus that distinctive style that doesn’t feel like every other hotel, makes it worth considering if you want something a bit different from your typical Edinburgh stay. This hotel delivers a memorable experience that justifies a return visit.

Facilities