The Glasshouse Hotel

Character and identity

The Glasshouse is one of Edinburgh's more architecturally arresting stays: a sweep of glass grafted onto the Gothic façade of the former Lady Glenorchy Church, reopened as a hotel in 2003 and meaningfully refreshed in 2018. The 77 rooms and suites feel light and contemporary, with generous windows that pull in the sky. The signature is the two-acre rooftop garden, a genuine lawn with palm trees and deck chairs looking out over Calton Hill. Downstairs, the refurbished Snug Lounge handles the traditional Scottish register, with leather sofas and close to 100 whiskies. Service is warm, and room service is unusually good.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The rooftop garden and the Calton Hill setting are what set this place apart from anything else in the city, and they are reason enough to book. Pay up for a room with the hill view, avoid the lowest street-facing categories, and time a drink on the lawn for sunrise or late afternoon. Order the steak and fries to your room rather than queuing for the Brasserie at breakfast.