voco Edinburgh – Royal Terrace, an IHG Hotel

voco Edinburgh – Royal Terrace, an IHG Hotel Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to voco Edinburgh – Royal Terrace, an IHG Hotel feels like stepping into one of those perfectly preserved Georgian postcards that Edinburgh does so well. The building sits on this gorgeous tree-lined terrace that honestly makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a period drama — but in the best possible way. It’s one of those places where the architecture actually lives up to the hype, and you know what, that’s not always a given in a city where every second building claims to be “historic.”

Location & Neighborhood

Here’s the thing about Royal Terrace — it’s tucked away just enough to feel peaceful, but you’re still ridiculously close to everything that matters. I mean, you can walk to Princes Street in about ten minutes, but you’re also right next to Calton Hill, which gives you those Instagram-worthy views of the city without the tourist crowds that swarm Arthur’s Seat. The area has this lovely residential feel where you’ll see locals walking their dogs and heading to the corner shops, which I actually prefer to being right in the thick of the Royal Mile chaos.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in had that perfect balance of modern comfort and Georgian elegance — think high ceilings and original features, but with a bathroom that actually works properly and Wi-Fi that doesn’t cut out every five minutes. The beds are genuinely comfortable (not just hotel-brochure comfortable), and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling like you’re living in a shoebox. What really impressed me was the attention to detail — proper blackout curtains, decent lighting for reading, and parking that doesn’t cost more than your dinner.

Breakfast & Dining

The breakfast setup here is what I’d call “properly Scottish” — they do a full English and Irish spread that includes all the essentials, plus some local touches that show they’re not just phoning it in. The buffet format works well, especially if you’re the type who likes to graze rather than commit to one massive plate. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ingredients — the bacon wasn’t that weird rubbery stuff you sometimes get at four-star hotels, and they actually know how to cook eggs properly.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is how it manages to feel both sophisticated and welcoming without being stuffy about it. The staff seem to genuinely know the city well — they gave me directions to a brilliant little pub that I never would have found otherwise. Couples particularly seem to love it here, and I can see why — there’s something romantic about those Georgian windows and the quiet elegance of the terrace, plus you’re close enough to great restaurants and bars for proper date nights. It’s the kind of hotel where you feel like you’re experiencing the real Edinburgh, not just the tourist version of it.

Hotels in Edinburgh place guests beside gothic spires, cobbled wynds, and galleries filled with Scotland’s boldest creatives.

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