The Witchery by the Castle

This is just the most exciting hotel - fun, historic, decadent luxury. Each of their rooms make you feel like the star of the greatest costume drama. But be warned- it does involve winding turret staircases, 4 poster beds that need the steps to climb in and deep slipper baths…..and you’ll need deep pockets. The memories will last a lifetime

Immersive historic luxury restaurant. Excellent food, candlelight dining, and superb service. Make sure to book your table in the "old section" if possible for the ultimate unique experience. The garden area is also very interesting and inviting, as well.

I stayed in "The Heriot" suite of the Witchery. The suite looked even much better than the pictures. So much luxury, very unique, but also cosy and comfortable. Sleep like a King or Queen. And have a bath in a gothic chapel! The staff was very helpful, friendly and professional. Feels like staying in a Castle, with Edinburgh Castle around the corner. I had a lovely stay. This suite is a dream. I hope to return to explore another suite and enjoy the luxury and unique atmosphere. A stay I will remember with pleasure.

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.

Having stayed in unique, quirky boutique hotels, inns and B&Bs the length and breadth of the UK, I knew for my 50th birthday I needed to stay somewhere exceptional. The Witchery did not disappoint. Our room, the Turret Suite, was resplendent in its gothic decadence. Think red and gold tapestries, dark wood panelling and brocade on a maximalist scale. Walking in after a climb up the lengthy spiral stone staircase supplies the wow factor as classical music gently plays, and it is full of those special extra details such as champagne, chocolates, home made biscuits, robes, slippers, fancy crisps etc. We spent all afternoon in there making the most of the indulgent surroundings, especially the deep, copper bath. Dinner in the candlelit Secret Garden was equally special with a richly flavoursome seafood bisque and perfectly pink lamb Wellington. Too full for dessert, but I received a special birthday treat. We ate in the main dining room for breakfast as opposed in the in room continental option. And what a selection! The pastries were extra buttery, and it was a delight to select a rarely seen option - omelette Arnold Bennet, which I adore. Plus a selection of juices, not just orange and apple. Finally, I must give a special mention to the staff who were delightful, especially the two gentlemen who served us at dinner and breakfast who showed genuine interest in our stay and made us feel especially welcome. And for the girl who fetched the extra champagne flute for our friend to join us in our room for champagne. Sure, it's expensive, and don't go expecting all the mod cons of a modern luxury hotel with spas, experimental cuisine which prioritises style over substance and projects an minimalist aesthetic. This is robust and decadent in a very traditional way, and which centres its history, its Scottishness, and its gothic surroundings. The atmosphere drinks it in, and so will you if you let it.