18 Craigmillar Park: Edinburgh's BEST Kept Secret (Luxury Awaits!)
18 Craigmillar Park: Edinburgh's "Best Kept Secret" – Did They Tell YOU? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, let's be real. "Best Kept Secret" automatically sets off alarms, doesn't it? Like, does that mean it's SECRETLY expensive? Or secretly… well, you get the idea. I went in with a healthy dose of skepticism, and boy, are my feelings about 18 Craigmillar Park… complicated. Buckle up, because this is gonna be a bumpy ride.
Accessibility & Safety – The Things That Matter (Especially Now):
Okay, first things first: the pandemic. They’re trying. They mention all the things, right? Hygiene certification, anti-viral cleaning products… the whole shebang. And honestly? I did feel reasonably safe. The staff were masked, there were hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE (which, let’s be honest, is a relief and not a surprise anymore). They say "daily disinfection in common areas," but I'm not sure I saw anyone outright scrubbing down the elevator buttons, if I'm being brutally honest. But hey, who am I to judge? They’ve got "physical distancing of at least 1 meter" – which, again, mostly happened, even if the breakfast buffet sometimes felt like a social experiment in awkward shuffling.
Accessibility, specifically: The website heavily implies wheelchair accessibility. (That's a relief for some and a must-have, and it's something they should really be hammering home, SEO style!) The elevator was a godsend and the staff were super helpful navigating hallways. However, the parking situation… Oh, the parking.
Parking's a Nightmare! The "car park [free of charge]" is a MAJOR selling point if you're used to Edinburgh's parking hellscape. But getting a space? Forget about it if you arrive after 5 pm. I spent a good 20 minutes circling, muttering under my breath, before miraculously finding a spot. (I'd like to believe in a higher power, but it was probably sheer dumb luck. I'd rate it a 3/5, depending on your luck.)
On-Site accessible Restauraunts/Lounges: Not exactly sure how they fared with this, I didn't need to be checked personally.
Rooms - Luxury? Maybe. Cozy? Definitely.
So, the rooms. They claim luxury. I'd say… comfortable. My room (a “Non-smoking” – thank GOD) was well-appointed, with all the basics. The "extra long bed" was a definite plus, because I tend to flail at night. The "blackout curtains" were crucial for battling Edinburgh’s unpredictable light. And the "free Wi-Fi" actually worked. The "bathrobes" and "slippers" were a nice touch, making me feel like I was in some kind of low-key James Bond movie.
One Room Snafu: The Toilet Situation. Here's where things get REAL. They mention "additional toilet" in the room features. I had imagined some glorious en-suite situation. No. No, no, no. My "additional toilet" was in… the main bathroom! It was just… there. As opposed to my friends' rooms where there was a single, majestic toilet. It was confusing! And added to the whole weirdness.
Internet & Tech – A Mixed Bag:
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" – YES. And it worked. (Always a win.) "Internet access – LAN" – good for the old-schoolers. "Internet access wireless"– also good! They’re covering their bases here. "Audio-visual equipment for special events"– sounds fancy, but I didn’t see any raves.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Food's the Thing… Or Is It?
Alright, let's talk about the food. They boast a LOT. Restaurants, bars, pool-side bar, 24-hour room service, breakfast buffet, the works. The international cuisine in the restaurant, that's a good start!
Breakfast- A Buffet Odyssey: The "breakfast [buffet]" was… an experience. Imagine a gentle scrum of hungry tourists, navigating a sea of scrambled eggs and questionable sausages. It was…fine. They had a lot of options. "Asian breakfast" was available! ("Western breakfast" too, thank goodness!). The coffee was… passable. The "coffee shop" was probably a slightly better coffee situation. But what stood out was the buffet table. They did have "individually-wrapped food options" (pandemic!) which was slightly reassuring. However, if you're looking for Michelin-star dining, you're in the wrong building. But hey, the breakfast takeaway service was a lifesaver one morning when I had a train to catch.
Other Food Things: "A la carte in restaurant". Great! "Bottle of water." Nice! "Desserts in restaurant." Sounds promising. "Snack bar." Essential. "Vegetarian restaurant." Welcome! What about things like "Happy hour?" You know what? I need a drink.
Ways to Relax - Spa and Leisure - Paradise Found(Maybe?)
Okay, this is where I got excited. 18 Craigmillar Park brags about its spa, gym, and pool. This is the "luxury" element, right?
The Spa - A Sanctuary (Mostly): The "Massage" was heavenly. Truly. The "Spa/sauna" added another layer of relaxation, and the "steamroom" was fantastic. The "foot bath" was a nice touch. I spent a good hour completely zoning out in the sauna, which was bliss. The "pool with view" was beautiful, though a bit chilly for my tastes. The "Fitness center" was well-equipped, though I skipped it.
The Swimming Pool - A Disappointment, for Me: The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" was lovely but cold!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things (and Not So Little):
They've got the basics covered: "Daily housekeeping," "concierge" (helpful!), "laundry service" (essential). "Doorman." Fancy! "Elevator." Thank God. "Luggage storage." Always useful. "Currency exchange." (Handy after arriving!)
Other Observations:
- "Check-in/out [express]" vs. "Check-in/out [private]": I chose express, and it was speedy. The "contactless check-in/out" was also appreciated.
- "Gift/souvenir shop": A small, but useful, selection.
- "Facilities for disabled guests": Seem to be present based on the website.
- "Babysitting service": Makes sense for a family-friendly hotel.
- "Safety deposit boxes": Always a good idea.
- "Air conditioning in public area": Great for hot Edinburgh days.
- "Cash withdrawal": Always a needed feature.
The Verdict: Best Kept Secret?
Maybe not a "best kept secret," but it is a good hotel. It's comfortable, reasonably priced by Edinburgh standards, and the spa is a serious draw. The service is friendly, the rooms are fine, and the safety measures are reassuring. It's not perfect (parking, the confusing toilet situation), but it has a lot going for it. I'd go back. And that, in my book, is a decent recommendation.
SEO & Metadata Nuggets:
- Keywords: Edinburgh hotels, luxury hotel Edinburgh, spa hotel Edinburgh, Craigmillar Park, accessible hotel Edinburgh, free parking Edinburgh, hotel with pool Edinburgh, hotel with spa Edinburgh, family-friendly hotel Edinburgh.
- Meta Description: Review of 18 Craigmillar Park in Edinburgh: honest assessment of accessibility, safety, rooms, dining, spa & leisure facilities. Get the inside scoop!
- Title Tag: 18 Craigmillar Park Review: Edinburgh's Best Kept Secret? (Luxury Tested!)
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a trip plan for a stay at 18 Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh. And trust me, it's gonna be less "meticulously crafted itinerary" and more "winging it with a map and a healthy dose of caffeine-fueled optimism." Let's GO!
Destination: 18 Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh (aka, the starting point of all glorious chaos)
Duration: 5 Days (ish… We'll see how long my sanity lasts)
The Vibe: A whirlwind of history, charm, haggis, and potential for spectacular failure. Think "Bridget Jones meets Braveheart" but with more questionable fashion choices.
Day 1: Arrival & Edinburgh's First Embrace (Hopefully, It's a Gentle One)
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Land at Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Ugh, airports. The place where dreams go to die… slowly. Pray to the travel gods that my luggage actually arrives this time. Seriously, I'm traveling with a suitcase I've lost more times than I've won at the lottery.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Taxi/Uber to 18 Craigmillar Park. Hopefully, the driver speaks a little English… and knows how to navigate the labyrinthine streets of Edinburgh. God, I hope they don't drop me on the wrong side of Craigmilllar Park.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Check in, dump luggage, and immediately… faceplant onto a comfy couch. Okay, not really. Gotta look around. See if there's a cute cafe nearby. I'm desperately in need of caffeine, my brain is basically a blank slate. And if the place has decent scones, I may go to heaven.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Holyrood Palace & Scottish Parliament. Okay, I'M supposed to be impressed, right? The place of Mary Queen of Scots must be filled with history. Try to remember some of the stuff I learned in school. Probably just gonna stare wide-eyed at the architecture 'cause I'm not the best with history.
- Evening (6:00 PM - onward): Pub crawl through the Old Town. Time to embrace the Edinburgh nightlife! Find a cozy pub, chug down a pint of something local, and soak up the atmosphere. Maybe… just maybe… I'll brave the haggis. Wish me luck. (Note to self: learn the words "no, I'm not Scottish" quickly for the inevitable, "Ach, you're Scottish, aren't ya?"
Day 2: Castle Dreams & Underground Secrets
- Morning (9:00 AM - Noon): Holyrood Palace & Scottish Parliament again if I didn't get to finish last time.
- Afternoon (Noon - 1:00 PM): Lunch in a cute cafe - a place with a view of the castle, if possible. I'm feeling ambitious, even though I haven't had a proper meal yet.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Edinburgh Castle! Now this is where the real magic happens. I'm picturing myself as a valiant knight, searching for my long-lost love. I'm half-expecting to find a dragon guarding a particularly spectacular view. Okay, maybe not, but I'll be daydreaming. The Crown Jewels better be dazzling.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): "Real Mary King's Close" - Going underground! Embrace the dark, spooky history. I hope I don't get claustrophobic, because I've heard this place is intense. Hopefully, no ghosts decide to tag along… I'd probably scream and run. I'm not ashamed to admit it.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): Dinner and a show! A traditional Scottish dinner perhaps? And a ghost tour!
Day 3: Day Trip Delight - Loch Ness or the Highlands?
- Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Decide. Seriously, the decision is tearing me apart. Loch Ness? Highlands? Both are epic, both involve a long day trip. It's a real-life Sophie's Choice. Do I want the Nessie hunt or the breathtaking scenery? (I will scream if I have to wake up later than 9am, so all these early starts are pushing me to my limit.)
- All Day: The chosen day trip! (Whatever I pick, it’s gonna be an adventure. Hopefully, there'll be less rain than I'm anticipating).
- If Loch Ness: Monster hunting, boat tour, and lots of photo opportunities. I'm prepared to be disappointed by the lack of monster, but I'm willing to be open-minded.
- If Highlands: Scenic drive, majestic mountains, and maybe a whisky tasting? The breathtaking scenery alone is worth it. Hoping for good weather. Even a slight glimpse of sunshine.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Onward): Collapse back at 18 Craigmillar Park. Probably order takeout… and maybe a large glass of wine. Exhaustion is the name of the game.
Day 4: The Royal Mile & Shopping Spree (And Maybe a Bit of Regret)
- Morning (9:00 AM - Noon): The Royal Mile! Walk the length of the famed road. Check out St. Giles' Cathedral and marvel at the architecture. Maybe pick up some souvenirs… that I'll probably regret buying later.
- Afternoon (Noon - 3:00 PM): Shopping! Gotta get those tartan scarves and maybe a kilt (if I'm feeling brave and have had enough whisky). The shops are gonna be crowded, and my wallet is already weeping.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Writers' Museum - Maybe a writing class? Not sure I'm cut out for that. Maybe just a walk around the exhibition
- Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): Farewell dinner. I'm not sure if I'll have enough time to eat at an upscale restaurant. I will go to the pub again.
Day 5: Farewell, Edinburgh (Until Next Time… Hopefully)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): One last breakfast! Scones, naturally. And a strong cup of coffee. Need to fuel up for the inevitable airport chaos.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Pack. Panic. Realise I haven't bought enough souvenirs. Begin considering a second mortgage to buy more Scottish shortbread.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Taxi/Uber to Edinburgh Airport. Last-minute souvenir shopping at the duty-free shop… or maybe not, since I'm still trying to decide on the best way to pack my luggage.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM onward): Flight home. Reflect on the amazing, chaotic, and slightly questionable trip. Start planning the next adventure. Because, let's be honest, I'll be back. Edinburgh has sunk its claws into me.
Important Considerations:
- Weather: Pack layers! Edinburgh weather is notoriously unpredictable.
- Transportation: Walking shoes are an absolute must. Public transport is also a good option.
- Food: Embrace the haggis… or at least try it. You might surprise yourself.
- Pace: This is just a suggestion - go with the flow, get lost, and don't be afraid to change your plans. Some of the best experiences are the unexpected ones.
- Embrace the Mess: This trip will probably deviate wildly from this plan. Embrace it. Laugh at the chaos. That's part of the fun.
And most importantly: Have an absolute blast! Scotland is a magical place, and I can't wait to explore it. Wish me luck!
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Okay, Spill the Beans: Is 18 Craigmillar Park Really *That* Good?
Alright, alright, settle down, because YES. AND NO. Look, I'm a cynical person, okay? I'm the type who suspects every review is subtly paid for, or at the very least, overly enthusiastic. But 18 Craigmillar Park? My brain, after all my years, couldn't compute. Walking into it was like… well, like winning a small lottery. Not *the* lottery, obvs, but a REALLY good scratch card. The kind where you actually *feel* something.
First impressions? The door itself is… imposing. Feels like you're about to enter a secret society, which, to be fair, you kind of are.
The Rooms: Are They Actually Luxurious, or Just *Pretending*?
Oh, they're pretending alright. Pretending they *aren't* luxurious. Which, paradoxically, makes them even *more* luxurious. The bed? I sank. Legitimately sank. I swear I haven't slept that well since I was a toddler, fuelled by pure, unadulterated nap-time bliss.
But the bathrooms, *that's* where I fell truly, madly, deeply. The rain shower? Game changer. Forget everything you thought you knew about showers. Also, the *heated* towel rack!? I felt like royalty, lounging around in a fluffy robe, plotting to never leave. And yes, I did briefly consider packing the robe in my suitcase.
Breakfast: Worth Getting Out Of That Incredible Bed?
Ugh. This is a tough one. On one hand, the bed. On the *other* hand… the breakfast. The decision was brutal. But look, I'm a sucker for a proper fry-up. And 18 Craigmillar Park *delivers*. Perfectly cooked eggs, crispy bacon, proper sausage – not those weird, processed things – and toast that actually *tasted* of something.
The real victory comes down to what you choose to eat. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT skip the smoked salmon. Actually, I'd trade pretty much *anything* for some of that smoked salmon right now. Damn, I wish I was there.
Is This Place Actually Secret-Service-Level Private?
Secret-service-level? Maybe not. But *definitely* exclusive. It's not the kind of place where you bump into a stag do, or a busload of tourists. The atmosphere is… hushed. Respectful. I think that’s the word. Everyone speaks in whispers, and the only sounds are the gentle clinking of teacups and the distant, almost ethereal strains of… well, I don't know what music it was, but it added perfectly to the atmosphere.
It's the kind of place where you can actually *relax*. And where your phone bill, if the WiFi chooses to disappear(happened to a friend), becomes a minor footnote in the story of your life.
Okay, What *Didn't* You Like? Tell Me the Raw Truth!
Okay. Okay, the *truth*? Finding the place was a bit of a pain. GPS got confused. Ended up circling the block a couple of times, feeling like a total idiot. And the parking. Slightly awkward. The actual approach to the building itself isn't exactly signposted... you *almost* feel like you're trespassing, which, in a weird way, adds to the charm.
Oh, and the price. It's not cheap. But then again, you're paying for a *luxury* experience. And you know what? For once, I didn’t feel ripped off. I was prepared for the worst, and it blew me away.
Service: Stuffy or Actually Helpful?
This is where 18 Craigmillar Park *seriously* shines. Not stuffy at all. Not at all. It’s like they’ve trained a team of super-discreet, super-helpful, mind-readers. You need a drink? Poof! It appears. You need a recommendation? Perfect suggestion, tailored to your specific weird tastes. The staff somehow managed to be attentive without being intrusive, which, honestly, is a rare and beautiful thing.
My Biggest Question: What's The Vibe, Honestly? Is It Actually Romantic?
Romantic? Oh, absolutely. But not the cheesy, forced kind. The subtle, elegant kind. The kind that whispers, "You are worthy of feeling utterly pampered." It's the kind of place where you'd actually *want* to hold hands, and maybe even have a meaningful conversation, rather than just arguing about whose turn it is to do the washing up.
I would recommend going with ANYONE. Your partner. Good friend. Yourself. You are the one who will get the most out of it.
So, Should I Go? Give it to me Straight!
Look, I'm notoriously indecisive. I overthink everything. But this? This is a no-brainer. If you're looking for a little slice of heaven, a chance to escape the mundane, a place where the biggest decision of the day is whether to have another croissant… then yes. Go. Just… save up first. Because after you’ve been, you'll start to see EVERYTHING else as not quite good enough. And you’ll be back, trust me. I'm already planning my return. *Sigh*. Need more money.
What’s the Deal with the Location? Is Craigmillar Actually Nice?
Okay, full disclosure. Before I went, I googled “Craigmillar – is it safe to even *go* there?” Because, let's be honest, I am a cautious person. But the *location*? Yes, it's a little off the beaten path. Yes the streets are quieter at night. BUT. Within the walls of 18 Craigmillar Park, it's a different world. Its location is the reason for the seclusion and the hushed tones... it's a little green oasis hiding in plain sight. It's perfectStay Finder Blogs
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