Edinburgh's Hidden Gem: The Place You NEED to See!
Edinburgh's Hidden Gem: The Place You NEED to See!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because I’m about to spill the tea on the place you absolutely, positively HAVE to see in Edinburgh. I'm talking about Edinburgh's Hidden Gem: The Place You NEED to See! Forget those cookie-cutter hotels. This place… this place is an experience. Let’s dive into the delightful (and slightly chaotic) chaos, shall we?
First Impressions (and a Little Bit of Rambling)
Okay, so first things first: accessibility. Look, I'm not a mobility expert, but I did notice a decent-looking elevator situation and facilities for disabled guests. They say it’s wheelchair accessible. That’s a good start, right? You know, it's the little things that matter – like, is the lobby door heavy to open? I didn't have to personally use a wheelchair, but the place felt…considerate. That's the word. Considerate. Now, let’s move on, before I get too bogged down in the practicalities. Because let’s be honest, what you really want to know is: is it magical?
Internet, Wi-Fi, and the Digital Age (Ugh)
Right, the internet. Crucial. Especially if you’re like me and need to Instagram every single moment of your life (judge me, I dare you!). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! THANK GOD! No more paying extra to stalk my ex on Facebook. And you can get Internet access – LAN, if you're into that sort of thing. Me? I'm all about the Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi in public areas too, which is a lifesaver when you’re trying to find the best haggis spot – or, you know, send that urgent email that can wait. Okay, I'm still getting used to this whole digital detox thing.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… and a Pool with a View! (OMG!)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Picture this: a pool. An outdoor pool. With a view. I spent an entire afternoon just floating, occasionally sipping something fruity (I’m a sucker for a good cocktail, and the poolside bar was on POINT). The water? Glorious. Okay, before I go into a full-blown reverie, let's reel it in. There’s also a fitness center (apparently, some people actually exercise on vacation!), a gym/fitness, a sauna, a spa, a steamroom, and a full-on spa/sauna situation. Yes, please. I mean, I’m more of a “lie around and be pampered” person, so I heavily investigated the massage options. They had a whole menu of options, including body scrubs, body wraps, and a foot bath. I'm pretty sure I tried them all. It was HEAVEN. Okay, maybe not heaven, but damn close. The pool definitely gets my vote for one of the best parts of the hotel.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Zombie Apocalypse (Just Kidding… Mostly)
The good news? Cleanliness and safety are clearly taken seriously. They’re using anti-viral cleaning products and doing daily disinfection in common areas. The staff are trained in safety protocol, and there's hand sanitizer everywhere. They also have a first aid kit and a doctor/nurse on call. Honestly, I felt safer there than I do walking down my own street. And, a big plus: you can opt-out of room sanitization, which, hey, I’m all for a little less intervention in my personal space. I'm talking about the room sanitization, not the pool bar.
They went all out on the post-COVID precautions. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and security [24-hour], which helps you sleep at night. And, they’re making sure that the kitchen and tableware are sanitized, safe dining is set up, and single-serving food is available. It was great to see that the staff were clearly adhering to the safety protocols, which put me at ease and enabled me to enjoy my trip fully.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Because Calories Don't Count on Vacation, Right?)
Right, let’s talk about the good stuff. Food. Glorious, glorious food. There are restaurants! Plural. I remember one specifically, with an a la carte in restaurant menu and was pretty stoked to eat there. They had Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, options for vegetarian restaurant, and so much more. The coffee/tea in restaurant, were great. The salad in restaurant was fresh, crisp, and amazing. The desserts were to die for. Of course, a breakfast [buffet] and breakfast service exist as well as a western breakfast is available. They even offer breakfast in room I wish I knew that for my first morning, but the poolside bar, had the drinks, right? They had a bar, of course, but they also provided alternative meal arrangement, which I think is awesome. The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver on a few occasions. The staff was always on top of it, and the food was always top-notch. My go-to was the soup because. comfort. food.
Services and Conveniences (Because We’re All a Little Spoiled, Deep Down)
The services are basically the perks that make you say, "Wow, that's nice." Think of it as an amazing place to stay. There's a concierge service, which is invaluable. Also of note is concierge. I’m talking car service, baggage handling, and all of the insider tips you could ever need. There's daily housekeeping, which is a godsend when you’re as messy as I am. They have an elevator, laundry service, concierge, a convenience store (for those midnight chocolate emergencies). They even had facilities for disabled guests, and can provide you with facilities for disabled guests. They offer food delivery and gift/souvenir shop, just in case you need a little something for your loved ones. There's luggage storage, so you don't have to lug around your suitcase all day before you check-in.
Are you getting the picture yet? This place? It's got the goods.
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us)
I’m not a parent myself, but I saw families there, and the kids seemed pretty happy. There's a babysitting service, which means you can actually enjoy the spa. I heard they also had kids facilities and kids meal.
Inside the Chambers: What’s Actually in the Room (And the Little Details That Matter)
Let’s talk about the rooms themselves. Because let’s be honest, that’s where you’ll be spending a good chunk of your time. Air conditioning (thank the heavens!). Air conditioning in public area as well! Alarm clock, bathrobes, and slippers (because I am not walking around barefoot on hotel floors, ew!). There's a blackout curtains, which is essential for sleeping in after a night of cocktails. It has a bathroom phone, a bathtub (essential for bubble baths). The closet was big enough to stash all my ill-advised purchases. You'll find a coffee/tea maker, a complimentary tea, and a desk because, hey, you might have to actually work at some point (though I wouldn't blame you if you didn't). The extra long bed, it's great for you to have the best sleep of your life. They have a free bottled water, which is a great start of the day. Hair dryer, and a in-room safe box to protect your belongings. There's a ironing facilities, so you can look presentable for your Instagram photos. And a private bathroom, because of course. The refrigerator, its great to have some snacks and drinks. The satellite/cable channels, is great to relax after a long day of exploring. The separate shower/bathtub, a shower, and a smoke detector, are all there. They has soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, and towels. Finally, I was happy to see wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a window that opens.
Getting Around (Because You Can’t Just Stay in the Hotel Room Forever, No Matter How Tempting)
They have airport transfer, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. There's also taxi service, which is handy for getting around the city.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing is Perfect)
Okay, here's the real talk. This place isn’t perfect. The service was sometimes… slow. We ran into a problem getting our internet to work properly the first day, but it was fixed fast. And the hotel, the hotel chain, is missing a few things, but does that matter when the rest is so amazing?
**The Verdict: You Need to Book This Hotel,
Escape to Kleinsee: Stunning Whole House Getaway (Excl. Flat)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Pinterest itinerary. This is Edinburgh, warts and all. Let's bleed some ink on this, shall we?
Edinburgh: My Messy, Magnificent Muckabout
(A Trip Diary – Subject to Change, like My Mood)
Day 1: Arrival and the Hairy Coo (aka, "I'm Already in Love")
Morning (or, "Where's My Bloody Coffee?"): Landed at Edinburgh Airport. Jet lag, a close, personal enemy, immediately attempted to mug me. Found the tram – victory! (Actually, the tram was fantastic. Clean, efficient, even had Wi-Fi. London, take note.) Arrived at my (pre-booked, thank you future-me) Airbnb in the Old Town. It's…quaint. By quaint, I mean the shower is practically glued to the toilet. But hey, it's Edinburgh. Character is king (or queen, or non-binary royalty, I don’t judge).
Afternoon (aka, "Trying to Look Cultured"): Right, first order of business: the Edinburgh Castle! I'd envisioned myself gracefully ascending, all history and awe. Instead, it was a gentle, uphill trudge battling a biting wind. That's the thing about Edinburgh. Beautiful, but bloody windy. The views from the top? Worth the frozen ears. The Crown Jewels? Sparkly! The sheer scale of the place? Mind-blowing. (And honestly, the gift shop was a bit… much. Three different types of tartan tea towels? Really?)
Evening (aka, "Whiskey and Regret…mostly Whiskey"): Found a cosy pub called "Sandy Bell's" (reccomendation- checked). Live folk music. Absolutely mesmerising. The whiskey? Smooth, like a Highland river. The chat with a local? Even smoother. He told me…ahem… a few too many stories about the history of the place, and my brain got a little… pickled. Woke up with a vague recollection of singing a sea shanty with a bunch of strangers that I hope didn't offend, and a throbbing headache. Lesson learned: pace myself. …Maybe tomorrow.
Day 2: Ghosts, Graveyards, and "Oh My God, I Ate Too Much Shortbread"
Morning ("Spooktacular Start"): Ghost tour, baby! Ok, I'll be honest, I'm usually a big scaredy cat. But it was actually great. The guide was brilliant, weaving stories of the haunted closes (narrow alleyways) with dramatic flair. It's all a bit of a theatrical performance, I know, but still, it was fun!. The Greyfriars Kirkyard (cemetery)? Creepy but interesting. (Definitely saw a shadow move, definitely didn't imagine it).
Afternoon ("Sugar Crash"): Princes Street Gardens! Absolutely divine! The floral clock (a clock made of flowers) was a thing of beauty. Followed that with a deep dive into the world of shortbread. I might have bought too much. Possibly enough to singlehandedly bankrupt a small bakery. The sugar rush was, shall we say, intense. Then, a little retail therapy on Princes Street – (because everyone needs a giant, fluffy hat when the wind is trying to eat your face); and yes I did buy that hat.
Evening ("Loch Ness…Or Maybe Just Dinner"): I should have booked a day trip to Loch Ness, but I didn’t. So I’m not sure I should even bother writing about it. Fine dining. The restaurant was fantastic! Scottish cuisine can be truly wonderful if you are lucky! But I am more than a little tempted to get the feeling that I don’t want to keep up with all the fine dining, maybe some traditional fish and chips might be in order today.
Day 3: Art, Arthur's Seat, and "Did I Really Climb THAT?"
Morning ("Art Attack"): National Gallery of Scotland! I'm not usually one for art galleries, but this was genuinely enjoyable. The light, the space… they had a Monet! A bloody Monet! I also spent an embarrassing amount of time admiring the detail in a painting of a dog. (Don't judge me, it was a very good boy).
Afternoon ("The Everest Complex"): ARTHUR'S SEAT. Oh. My. GOD. I'd seen the photos, thought, "Looks fun enough." No. It’s a mountain. A rather steep, very rocky, surprisingly windswept mountain. Halfway up, I almost keeled over and died. I had to stop, take a deep breath and think, "Look, you've only got yourself to blame". The view from the top? Worth the near-cardiac arrest. Unbelievable. A real "I did it!" moment (followed by a "Never again!").
Evening ("A Quiet Night (Finally)"): A relaxed evening. Some people would call it boring, but "boring" felt good at this point. Ordered some takeaway, and just chilled in my little quirky gaff. Honestly, just letting my brain rest. Edinburgh, you're a killer, but I still love you.
Day 4: Bookshops, Bridges, and "Goodbye, My Beautiful, Brilliantly Battered Body"
Morning ("A Bookworm's Paradise"): The Elephant House! (Yes, the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote some of the early Harry Potter books). Touristy? Yes. But still, a nice cafe, good coffee, and a bookshop next door. Browse a couple of lovely independent bookstores. Found a second-hand copy of something I'd wanted for YEARS. I'm a happy camper!
Afternoon ("Bridges, Baby!"): Took a train out to see the Forth Bridge! Beautiful! It's a feat of engineering, and as the train went over it, it has beautiful views.
Evening ("Homeward Bound, Head (and Legs) Battered"): Time to leave! Edinburgh, you were a whirlwind. My feet ache, my bank account is lighter, and my brain is full of stories. I'll be back. Eventually. Maybe next time I'll remember to pack more sensible shoes. And maybe I will take the Loch Ness cruise!
Final Thoughts:
Edinburgh is messy, vibrant, sometimes frustrating, but always, always, interesting. It's a place you feel the wind in your hair, the history in your bones, and the warmth of a good pub on a cold night. Go. Get lost. Eat too much shortbread. And don't be afraid to stumble (literally). You won't regret it. (Though maybe you'll regret the whiskey.)
Escape to Paradise: Tattvam's Goa Beach Bliss Awaits!
Edinburgh's Secret Spot: The Place You HAVE to Find! (Before the Tourists Ruin it!)
Okay, Spill the Beans! What *is* this "Hidden Gem"? And Is It Actually Worth the Hype?
Alright, alright, fine! It's... okay, hold on, first, a little dramatic backstory, right? I heard whispers, like, *whispers* of it. Old ladies in the market, leaning in, "Have you seen... *the thing*?" And I, naturally, the intrepid explorer (read: easily swayed by gossip), I was *obsessed*. Turns out it’s... *deep breath*... a super-secret, tiny, *almost* impossible-to-find garden nestled *somewhere* near the (cough) Calton Hill. It's supposedly a haven. Pure magic. And honestly? Yeah. It kinda is. But "hype"? Psh. The *real* hype is what happens *after* you find it, and you’re just... *there*. And let me tell you… (Rubs hands together with glee) it's worth every single, shivering minute you spend wandering around lost.
How Difficult Is It To Actually *Find* This Thing? I'm Clumsy. And Have a Terrible Sense of Direction.
Oh, honey, bless you. My sense of direction is so bad, I once got lost inside a revolving door. Seriously. This place? It's a *test*. Let's put it this way: I walked around for, oh, a solid two hours, battling the Edinburgh wind and my own mounting despair. I almost gave up! I went up, down, sideways, nearly ended up in someone’s back garden (sorry, random Edinburgh resident!). There were moments I was sure I accidentally stepped into a portal to Narnia. The actual directions are... vague. "Near the Nelson Monument," "Look for the wrought-iron gate"... it's like a treasure hunt designed by a sadist. But that's part of the fun, right? (Or is it? Ask me again after you've tripped over a cobblestone for the tenth time.) Honestly, be prepared to sweat, to huff and puff, and possibly to curse under your breath. But don't give up. That's the most important advice.
Right, So I *Find* It. What Makes It So Special? Is It Just Like, Pretty Flowers?
Pretty flowers? Oh, you sweet summer child. Yes, there are flowers. Glorious, abundant, slightly chaotic flowers. But it's more than that. It's... the feeling. The *vibe*. Imagine you've stumbled into a secret, overgrown world. Vines climb the walls, sunlight filters through the leaves in dappled patterns. There are hidden benches, perfect for quiet contemplation (or, you know, having a mini-meltdown about the price of gin). There's usually a gentle hum of bees, the distant sound of bagpipes (because, Edinburgh), and a complete lack of the usual tourist hordes. It's a sanctuary. A little slice of green paradise, right in the middle of a bustling city. It's almost like time stops. Or, at least, the queue for the castle disappears.
I Heard There's a Specific Bench That's "The Spot". Truth or Trash?
YES! Absolutely the truth! There's *the* bench. It's tucked away, a bit wonky, and usually (if you're lucky) empty. I've spent hours on that bench. One time, a squirrel tried to steal some of my sandwich. I mean, *tried*, the little scamp! I glared at it. The squirrel glared back! It was a whole *thing*. Sitting there, watching the city spread out below, all the chaos and drama of the world... and feeling completely, utterly peaceful. If you find *that* bench, sit on it. You *have* to. It's practically a rite of passage. But be warned, if I'm already there, I'm not moving! Find your own bench. (Grumbles about squirrel.)
Okay, Okay, I'm Sold. Any Insider Tips/Warnings?
Alright, listen up, because this is important. First: wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a LOT of walking (and potentially some scrambling). Second: bring a snack. Trust me. Third: BE RESPECTFUL. It's a tiny space, and it's meant to be a quiet escape. Don't shout, don't litter, and for the love of all that is holy, don't take a selfie stick! Seriously. Also be prepared for a little bit of… *unexpected* company. Cats seem to love this place. And sometimes there will be people doing things; who the heck knows what. Just go with it. Fourth and MOST IMPORTANT: Embrace the uncertainty. You might not find it on your first try. You might, gasp, *not like it*! But the journey, the frustration, the eventual *discovery*... that's half the magic. Don't be afraid to get lost. That's where the best moments happen. And if you *do* find it... let me know. I'd love to hear about it. (But don't tell *too* many people. Let's keep this little secret safe, yeah?)
Are There Any Problems With the Place? Because Nothing's Perfect.
Okay, let's be real. It’s not without its… issues. Number one: the weather. Edinburgh is, well, *Scottish*. So, pack an umbrella. And a rain jacket. And maybe a waterproof hat. And possibly a second set of clothes. You get the idea. It can get crowded, especially if you are trying to find the bench. The benches themselves aren't the most comfortable things in the world. Also, I’m fairly certain I saw a spider once. A big one. I screamed a lot. And finally, there’s the whole... *finding* it thing. The struggle is real. Like, *really* real. But that’s the price you pay for paradise, right? (Or maybe it's just a slightly misleading signpost. Who knows?)
What If I'm Super Clumsy and/or Easily Discouraged? Should I Even Bother?
Look, if you're the type who gives up easily, this might not be for you. If the thought of a little adventure makes you break out in a cold sweat, maybe stick to the Royal Mile. But if you're even a *tiny* bit curious, if you like the idea of escaping the usual tourist traps, if you *dare* to get a little lost… then YES. Absolutely. Do it. Even if you end up wandering around in circles for hours, even if you get rained on, even if you encounter a spider the size of your head... the feeling of finally finding that secret garden? The peace, the beauty, the pure *escape*? It's worth it. Trust meDigital Nomad Hotels
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