The Howard

AN INTIMATE AND discreet townhouse hotel with all the flavour of vintage Edinburgh, The Howard straddles three Georgian houses in the heart of the city’s 17th century New Town.

Boldly patterned wallpapers, oil paintings and plush armchairs make The Howard a deeply comfortable hotel that’s a home-from-home in the Scottish capital. All 18 classic rooms and suites are named after Edinburgh streets.

The Howard’s standout features is its team of immaculately uniformed butlers, who take care of everything from car parking to ironing and from to late-night room service eats to theatre bookings. Nothing’s too much trouble for your personal Jeeves, and they’ll even run you a late-night bath complete with candles and bubbly.

Afternoon teas

Dinner is served in The Howard’s intimate restaurant, The Atholl. This was originally created as a dining room just for guests, but proved so popular with locals – especially for its famous afternoon teas – that it has grown into a sophisticated and sought-after place to dine. It seats just 14, however, so do book ahead.

Pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps are served in the drawing room, warmly furnished with deep sofas and winged armchairs to sink into after a hard day's shopping or sightseeing. The Howard’s super-convenient location means you’re just minutes from Edinburgh’s big sights and top shops. Private guest parking (with valet parking, naturally) is another big plus.

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