The Glasshouse Hotel in Edinburgh is the newest offering from the growing collection of luxury boutique hotels from The Eton Group.
Opened in June 2003, it is situated at the east end of Princes Street, making it an ideal starting point to take in the best of Edinburgh's sights.
Lee Davies set off for the short hop over the border to take a look...
 Chic unique boutique. Three simple words that graced the front of the welcome pack I received prior to my departure to The Glasshouse.
I am always intrigued by straplines claiming to be this and that. Surely not every aspect of the hotel could be 'chic, unique, boutique'?
My quest was laid down.
I took the option to reserve a chauffeur transfer from the airport. There's nothing that annoys me more than queuing for taxis, especially in the cold Edinburgh air.
On arrival at the hotel, I was suitably impressed by the striking blue tinted glass frontage linked to the grey stone façade of the original building that began life as The Lady of Glenorchy Church, some 150 years ago.
Hotel receptions make lasting first impressions, and with The Glasshouse's rose marble flooring, spiral staircase, shattered glass screens, bold works of art, fireplace and ultra modern furniture, my first impressions were very good indeed.
The hotel has just 65 bedrooms. 40 deluxe rooms, seven executive rooms, 16 suites, and two deluxe suites.
We plumped for a deluxe suite, complete with roof top balcony overlooking the city skyline.
Each room is named after one of Scotland's famous whiskies, and we were lucky enough to obtain the Glenmoray suite which came with a complimentary quarter decanter of said tipple. A welcome gesture, as Glenmoray is a personal favourite. Smiles all round.
The room comprises fabulous fusions of design. From the Japanese-style slatted room divider that incorporates a revolving plasma screen TV, to the super king-size bed draped in fine Egyptian linen. The colour scheme is a medley of dark maroon, tobacco brown, taupe and cream topped off by luxurious plum leather L-shaped sofa, real wood flooring and electrically operated curtains to boot.
The super-cool aquamarine bathroom was a real favourite. Imported from Denmark, it comprises a large power shower cubicle that was a real joy to be under, bath tub big enough for two, twin sinks, illuminated storage and a solid limestone floor. All the usual amenities are on tap - CD player, work desk, broadband connections, and a well stocked, if extortionately priced mini bar. £2 for a Kit Kat? Please!
Mini bar prices aside, tt all comes together to provide you with a contemporary, retro, yet casual feel to the room.
More hotel living than staying.
With no restaurant as such, just a breakfast room and no public bar, the hotel provides an extensive selection of delightful food that is available on room service. We opted for breakfast in bed on both days, so didn't get to experience the breakfast room itself, but our food arrived at the exact time we requested (I awkwardly put down 9.50 am to test the service) and was fit for a king.
Although had I been a king, I would have probably been calling for the head of the kitchen manager who, on both occasions, got my breakfast order wrong and short changed me on cutlery.
Not something I would expect from a hotel such as this.
However, one thing I did find to be a great pleasure was the honesty bar and snug, with its 'help yourself', write down what you have consumed policy in operation. Stocked to the hilt with all varieties of whisky, Champagne and spirits it more than made up for the lack of resident bar.
The Glasshouse also has a 'carefully cool' landscaped roof top garden that is accessible for all guests and is overlooked by all of the seven executive rooms.
I can imagine that in summer it is an inviting place to unwind with a glass of your favourite, and enjoy the great views of Carlton Hill and its 19th century buildings and observatory. Unfortunately, it didn't quite have the same appeal in mid-November but still, a unique feature.
Edinburgh is a truly brilliant city to visit. With its multitude of cool bars, history, culture, vibrancy and inner city buzz, all you really need is a good base to see it all from.
So, chic? Rose marbled reception, contemporary artwork, ultra modern flair with traditional roots. Yes, it passes.
Unique? Originally a 19th century church, revolving plasma screen TVs, imported Danish bath suites, decanter of your room namesake's whiskey. Top marks again.
Boutique? Just 65 immaculately decorated rooms, honesty bar, discerningly stylish decor, unique in its concept. Spot on.
By the end of my stay I must admit that I had struggled to counter the 'chic, unique, boutique' claims and bar a few minor faults with service, it is a super place to stay and I would return.
If you enjoy the feeling of exclusivity and indulgence, then you could do no wrong by revelling in all that The Glasshouse has to offer.
Lee flew with mytravellite from Birmingham International Airport.
Chauffeur service provided by 21st Century Chauffeurs of Edinburgh.
The Glasshouse Hotel, 2 Greenside Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AA. Tel: 0131 525 8200
resglasshouse@theetongroup.com
www.theetoncollection.com | 
