I won’t pretend to be a Scotland expert. With just one visit under my belt, I’m still new to the charms of this remarkable country. What I can do is share a few highlights from a recent mother-daughter getaway to Edinburgh.
My daughter was looking for a break from her study abroad program in Lisbon. Her only request? A destination with a crisp fall climate—and a budget slightly beyond the usual Eurorail and youth hostel fare. (Mom was picking up the tab, after all.) We settled on Edinburgh for its blend of wild natural beauty, rich history, and just a touch of Harry Potter magic.
Where We Stayed: 100 Princes Street
Our home base was the newly opened 100 Princes Street, part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. I had previously stayed at the brand’s Rubens at the Palace in London, and this seemed like a fitting follow-up.
The hotel officially opened in April 2024 and occupies a prime location on Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street, which forms the visual border between the historic Old Town and elegant New Town. Formerly a private club, the boutique property features just 30 rooms and suites—intimate, elegant, and perfectly situated.
Getting there was a breeze. We took the light rail to Princes Street station, and from there it was a short walk to the hotel. A tartan-clad porter whisked our bags away while we admired an elaborate, five-story mural by Croxford & Saunders that traces the story of exploration and the colonial era (tastefully rendered). We paused in the lounge, where a roaring fire and castle-facing windows welcomed us. Tea and shortbread in hand, we were given a quick orientation before heading up to our room.
We stayed in a spacious suite with a private patio. Natural light filled the room, softening the deep emerald-green rug and rich jewel-toned accents. The bathroom was outfitted with marble and glossy tiles, a soaking tub, and luxurious Scottish toiletries. Small details stood out: a washcloth tied with tartan ribbon, a welcome dish of fudge, and plush linens that made for a heavenly sleep.
Each morning we enjoyed breakfast in the lounge. Hearty, beautifully presented, and a true standout—well worth including in your stay.
Room Tour
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Exploring Edinburgh: From Castles to Cobblestones
Edinburgh is wonderfully walkable, and 100 Princes Street is ideally located for first-timers. We began with an unofficial Harry Potter walking tour, hitting fan-favorite stops including:
- The Elephant House Cafe (where J.K. Rowling finished her draft)
- Victoria Street, the colorful inspiration for Diagon Alley
- Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city and said to be the spark for Hogwarts
We meandered through shops, picked up tartan scarves, and soaked in the cobblestone charm at every turn.
On day two, we laced up our walking shoes for a longer excursion to The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Located at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from the castle, it took about 40 brisk minutes to reach on foot. While we skipped the palace tour, we did explore the surrounding grounds and made our way into Holyrood Park, home to Arthur’s Seat.
This extinct volcano offers one of the best hikes in the city, with panoramic views that reward even casual walkers. The trailhead is just steps from the palace, and the roughly two-mile hike took us two hours, including plenty of photo and dog-petting stops. Note: good footwear is a must—though not overly technical, the trail can be rocky and uneven.
A Taste of Scotland: Whisky and Dining
Post-hike, a long soak in our suite’s tub was followed by a real treat: the hotel’s Whisky Tasting Experience. Led by head bartender and whisky ambassador Dario Orsili (an Italian with a serious Scotch pedigree), the 90-minute experience was equal parts education and indulgence.
Held in the Ghillie’s Pantry, a private tasting room stocked with over 100 whiskies (some sources say 200+), this session was an in-depth look at Scotland’s national spirit. We learned about regional differences, distillation methods, and how to detect the nuances in aroma and flavor. It was a standout moment in our stay—and exclusive to hotel guests, adding to the intimate, resident-only feel of the property.
As for meals, two stood out:
- Bon Vivant (55-57 Thistle Street, EH2 1DY): Cozy and close to the hotel, this restaurant charmed us with its approachable menu and welcoming vibe.
- Adfern (10-12 Bonnington Road, 0131 600 0067): A bit farther afield but worth the trek. The menu of sharable small plates was inventive and delicious—we ordered nearly everything. Reservations are a must.
Scotland 101: A Quick Geography & History Primer
If you’re fuzzy on the U.K.’s structure, you’re not alone. Here’s a simple cheat sheet:
- Scotland is one of four countries that make up the United Kingdom (UK), alongside England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- It has its own government, legal system, and education policies, though certain powers (like international affairs) remain with the UK government in London.
- The currency is the British Pound (£), though Scottish banks issue their own notes—interchangeable in theory, if not always in practice.
And then there’s Great Britain, a geographic term referring to the island that includes England, Scotland, and Wales (but not Northern Ireland).  Not Ireland (either part). Yes, that’s right Ireland is split in two. Northern Ireland is in the UK then there is The Republic of Ireland a totally separate country. As Ross (from FRIENDS) would say: Could they make this any more confusing!?!? The full official name is: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
As for the monarchy: King Charles III is sovereign of all four nations. Scotland had its own monarchs for centuries, but in 1603, King James VI of Scotland also became James I of England. The kingdoms formally united in 1707 under the Act of Union.
Final Thoughts
Scotland was a big success. While I still might muddle my Great Britain vs. UK fast facts, I think this is a great spot for a foreign adventure. We picked the perfect home base for our adventure. The staff at 100 Princes Street were thoughtful, attentive, and genuinely proud of their new hotel. With sweeping castle views, warm Scottish touches, and a real sense of place, the property offers far more than luxury—it offers belonging. In a city steeped in history and lore, that might be the most enchanting experience of all.
Book your stay at 100 Princes here.
Want to Explore More of the UK?
Planning a longer stay or thinking about bringing the kids next time? We’ve got more travel tips and inspiration to help you make the most of your time in Great Britain. Whether you’re chasing magical moments or crafting a family-friendly itinerary, these guides are packed with practical advice and must-see spots:
- Harry Potter Studio Tour Review
Everything you need to know before visiting this magical must-see just outside London. - 48 Hours in London with Kids
A kid-approved itinerary for making the most of a short stay in the capital.
From Edinburgh to London and beyond, we’re sharing the stylish, smart way to travel through the UK with your family in tow.
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