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.

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.

My fiancé booked us into The Witchery on Valentines day as it is somewhere I have always wanted to stay. I was absolutely blown away with The Guardroom. Photos and videos only capture part of the magic and exquisiteness, to experience the suite in person is something else! From the antique ornaments and old photos on the walls to the luxurious drapes and bedding, we felt like we were part of some royal family staying here. The check in/check out process along with the room tour was seamless and the staff were very professional and friendly without being intrusive. There are 5 rooms in the suite – when you open the door you are met with a stunning waiting area which contained champagne, water and chocolates. You are then led down an elaborate hallway filled with mannequins dressed in real guard suits. The sitting area was truly a wonder – there was something new I noticed in it every time I entered. The bathroom was huge with a stunning bath and cosy underfloor heating and finally the bedroom which was stunning and magical. In the morning we opted for a continental breakfast delivered to our room as we wanted to spend as much time in the room as possible. It contained a great variety of food and beverages and it was a huge portion for 2 people. The staff kindly delivered the breakfast to the suite in a lovely hamper basket and set everything up for us (another royal moment!). I can’t wait to return to The Witchery and experience more of their stunning suites!

Words fail me I'm actually shocked by the meal we just experienced. We came from Belfast for my birthday booked months in advance I was so excited for the day. £56 for 5 scallops which were cold mash really cold steak meant to be medium rare over done had to be returned only to receive an even thinner steak again over done. So late alone while my husband waited for his dreadful steaks at £58. The crab to start tasted of nothing at all (how is that even possible) we left most of the meal and walked out costing us £197 with sides and service charge taken off as a gesture. Service charge should have been the only thing we paid for as the food was a disgrace. Won't be back and actually should have read these reviews before I booked as it

I found The Witchery Hotel after booking dinner reservations at their restaurant and thought to myself "A night here would make a great Christmas gift to my new wife." And I was absolutely correct! I am an amazing gift-giver...and a gift from God myself"...is what I'm sure my wife would say if you asked her.;) We stayed in The Vestry room and it was nothing short of a medieval fairytale castle. The lavishness of every detail was curated to perfection. I went the extra mile to have breakfast delivered to the table in our room, and it was a feast fit for "The King" my wife now calls me. Was this experience pricey? Sure. Was it worth every penny? ABSOLUTELY!!! Save your marriage today and book this room ASAP!

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!