Nira Caledonia

Rooms

Nira Caledonia has a range of room categories: Junior and Jacuzzi Suites, Townhouse – in both Grand and Petite configurations – and Wee Doubles and Wee Singles.

Some rooms have access to the garden, others are a cosy hideaway up in the rafters. And whilst the larger rooms are situated at the front of the townhouses facing onto the street, we really liked the smaller, quieter rooms at the back of the buildings, with beautiful views over Stockbridge and The Water of Leith.

We stayed in a Junior Suite (Wilson), which overlooked the quiet, cobbled street below. A wonderfully high ceiling with a stunning chandelier stole the show, and we loved the 2 huge sash windows festooned by a vast swathe of curtains and pelmets. Decorative influences were from the Orient and there was everything we needed for a perfect city break, including a full-sized sofa, a coffee table stacked with piles of glossy magazines, and even a revitalising Jacuzzi in the glamorous mirrored ensuite - which was lovely but felt somewhat small in comparison to the vast bedroom. Nespresso machines and a half bottle of complimentary prosecco kept us nicely hydrated.

Stone bathrooms have a tub and shower, luxurious L’Occitane toiletries, robes, slippers and a hairdryer.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Eating in the hotel's wonderful Blackwoods Restaurant was the highpoint of our stay. We recommend you dress up for dinner. The surroundings are elegant, the service is discreet and professional, and it's a classy affair. Beware the food is deliciously rich.

With an emphasis on locally sourced, fresh and often organic ingredients, the menu spans house specialities like Shetland mussels with white wine and chillies, followed by ‘Highland Drovers’: traditional Highland beef reared outside on natural grasses and heathers. Desserts are especially delicious - classic offerings with a twist, like sticky toffee pudding with banana and single malt whisky toffee sauce. Follow your meal with a drink in the cosy bar, Bohemian Blends, where you'll find a vast array of malt whiskies, full-bodied vintage reds and local ‘Innis and Gunn’ beer.

A light continental buffet breakfast is included in the room rate and served in the restaurant. For an extra charge you can also fill up on local fare from the a la carte menu - Scottish porridge, black pudding, Scottish smokies (kippers) and smoked Scottish salmon. We couldn't resist the delicious Scottish fry-up!

The restaurant is closed Sunday-Monday, but luckily there are a number of great local restaurants, bistros and cocktail bars in Stockbridge, a short walk away.

Features include:

• Afternoon tea
• Bar
• Breakfast
• Coffee maker
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Stroll around Stockbridge, where you’ll find a bohemian village-like atmosphere with lots of antique shops and delis. Pop into Herbie’s for Portobello bacon, stone-baked bread and organic cider, and Mellis for artisan cheeses. There's a Sunday market, too
  
• First time in the city? Book a double-decker bus tour and take in the iconic sights: Edinburgh Castle, The Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens, the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Palace and downtown Leith
  
• Spend an afternoon tasting the finest malts at the Scotch Whisky Experience, or drink cocktails at Raconteur, a hidden gem on a deserted street in the centre
  
• Take an energetic walk up Arthur’s Seat to admire the stunning cityscape below and breathe super-pure air
  
• Hit the designer shops around George Street and St Andrews Square, then take afternoon tea in Jenner’s Department Store
  
• Hire a bike and cycle along the Union Canal, play golf, or book a snowboarding class at Midlothian Snowsports Centre
  
• Families will enjoy the pandas and penguins at Edinburgh Zoo

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Golf
• Historical sites
• Hot air ballooning
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Well being

Kids

Children receive a warm welcome at Nira Caledonia, as our son experienced, and kids 5 or under stay for free. There are extra beds and baby cots, and a selection of family DVDs at reception, but no kids' menus at the restaurant.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

The Suites are the best option as they can sleep up to 4 with the use of extra beds. The Executive Doubles can fit a baby cot.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Nira Caledonia is in the New Town, in central Edinburgh.

By Air:
Fly into Edinburgh Airport (12km), which is served by many domestic and international airlines. Alternatively, fly to Glasgow (85km) and drive here (1.5 hours). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
A taxi costs around £25 from Edinburgh and £100 from Glasgow. Alternatively, you can ask for a transfer, hire a car, take the Edinburgh Shuttle (a door-to-door shared taxi service which is cheaper), or take a bus into the centre and walk to the hotel.

By Train:
Edinburgh’s Waverley station is a mainline station, reachable from London and Birmingham in 4.5 hours, Glasgow in 45 minutes and York in just over 2 hours. Nira Caledonia is a short taxi ride away or a 15-minute walk.

By Car:
Edinburgh is a great city to explore on foot so there’s no need to bring a car. But if you do want to hire one, see our car rental recommendations. There's private parking near the hotel (extra cost).

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.

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