The Witchery by the Castle

Location unbelievable, especially during Fringe and Tattoo. Highly recommend booking early for an August stay so you can also experience street performers, comedy and Fringe shows as well as the Royal Military Tattoo. The Witchery made it oh so special! First, our room, the Old Rectory, is stunning. I can only imagine they all are. The spiral steps up to half of the suites is part of the experience, but don’ t let that stop you from getting a room across the street if none on the turret are available. The Whiskey Experience is right next door, the entrance to the castle a half block one way and The Real Mary’s Close tour a block the other way. Pubs are all around but best of all, the punctual 11:00pm Tattoo parade goes right by your door. We went out at 10:55 and walked ten feet to stand behind a yellow barricade so we could watch it go by; as amazing as the show itself that we experienced the next night complete with the castle dinner. Just utterly rousing watching hundreds of pipes, drums, brass and dancers go by, and then sweep right back into our room to enjoy the ambiance and luxury. We had both the breakfast in the restaurant and breakfast in our room and I preferred the service of the restaurant plus the hot food items. We were given a full bottle of chilled champagne and bottled waters nightly plus cookies, coffee and tea always available in the room. There was a table where you could get take-away and enjoy the setting if you want, because really, the room is an excursion itself. Getting food anywhere after 9:00 at night is tricky so plan accordingly, especially if you are still on another time zone. We did not eat at the restaurant because we experienced the front room for breakfast. Truly, I don’t think I could justify more than two nights at the Witchery financially but one night wouldn’t have been enough to fully appreciate the location. It’s a magical experience I hope to replicate some day, especially in August.

There is nothing I didn't adore about my experience! I took myself for a night of luxury and I will absolutely do it again. I arrived in Edinburgh early, dropped off my bag at reception and went to visit the castle, when I came back to check in, my bag had already been put in my room and I was taken up by a lovely member of staff. I stayed in The Heriot suite, chosen primarily because of the bathroom, which I believe is one of the smaller suites (but still quite a big larger than it appears in photos so there is plenty of room) and it was so decadent, luxurious and comfortable (the bed was like sleeping on a cloud) it far exceeded my expectations, which were high to begin with. No expense has been spared in the decor, everything is of the highest quality and its not just the dazzling aspects that make an impression, the smaller details mean so much as well, a personalised hand signed welcome note, the Dyson hairdryer and straighteners, large bottles of still and sparkling water nestling in the huge silver ice basin along with the champagne as well as a selection of beautiful chocolates. Cookies and crisps were also provided along with the usual Nespresso machine and tea making facilities. I was leaving for an early flight so it was arranged that my breakfast would be brought to my room at 0600 and when I say the selection was really shocking (in the best way possible) I am not exaggerating, the porter who brought it up, in a large wicker hamper, set it all out for me and it really was a feast, of course eaten off Witchery branded tableware. I cannot recommend the experience highly enough, life can be tough, we all work hard and often don't consider ourselves worthy of spoiling, but if you are in any doubt, all I can say is that yes you are and there is no better place to do it than The Witchery!

Had a wonderful 1 night stay, we parked at the sister hotel and were dropped off by a complimentary taxi. The check in process was quick and our cases were taken to the room. We were in the Vestry which was lovely, through a locked gate so very secure in a busy City. We had chocolates and Champagne in the room ,a lovely touch. The room was clean and we had a view of the cobbled lane up to the Castle, it was a very busy time but there was minimal noise from this in our room. We had breakfast in the restaurant but could have had it in our room. There is no bar in the hotel but there are plenty a few yards away . Check out was very quick and a taxi took us back to pick our car up. All the staff were wonderful including the staff at the sister hotel.

This hotel is nothing short of magical. You have to like the traditional, baroque aesthetic, but you are in for a treat if you do. Perfect location, wonderful service, and very unique. The breakfast option of having it set up in the room is lovely. The Sempill suite is enormous. I’ve stayed at 5 star hotels around the world, and this truly lives up to the hype.

We had heard alotnovsoutnrhe infamous witchery restaurant. It most certainly didn’t disappoint. We went for my husbands birthday and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The decor is so lovely the staff attentive and professional. It makes such a nice change to have well trained staff who know how to attend to customers. The food was exceptional. It made my husbands birthday very special. Thank you.