Regent House Hotel

The Regent House Hotel occupies a restored Georgian townhouse built in 1805, and many of the building's original features have been retained. There's a small and handsome reception area with a wood desk, decorative antique clock, and a winding staircase leading to guest rooms. The visually striking breakfast room has crown molding, gold wallpaper, royal blue carpet, and decorative blue-and-white china plates set on a high shelf that rings the room. It's an elegant dining space, and there's also a leafy terraced garden courtyard out back in which to relax. The hotel tends to draw couples looking for an intimate stay with a romantic, homey atmosphere that won't break the bank.  

The Regent House is situated on a quiet cobblestone street in the New Town district, a historic area filled with neoclassical architecture. Numerous cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs are within a short walk. The Broughton street bus stop is right outside the hotel, York Place tram is a two-minute walk, and the Edinburgh bus station is five minutes on foot. Edinburgh Playhouse and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery can also be reached in five minutes on foot. The hotel is roughly an eight-minute walk from the base of Calton Hill, which features several monuments and superb city views at its top. The base of the hill is also the eastern end of Princes Street, which offers high-end shopping. Attractions like Edinburgh Castle, Old Town and St. Giles’ Cathedral, Scott Monument (dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott), and the picturesque Grassmarket are all with 10 to 15 minutes by bus or tram from the hotel. Edinburgh Waverley train station is 10 minutes by tram from the Regent House, and Edinburgh Airport is about a 25-minute drive or 40 minutes by tram. 

Guest rooms at the Regent House feature wood furniture and many have gracious elements like crown molding, curtain valances, and even decorative fireplaces. Overall, spaces are simple and elegant, though some may find them a bit spare, but they're given a visual pop with pink bedspreads in a tartan-plaid print for a distinctly Scottish touch. Some rooms feature pink walls, burgundy or pink carpeting, and royal blue desk chairs. The 17 rooms don’t have mini-fridges, but all come equipped with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Some bathrooms are more attractive than others, with distinctive, checkerboard-tile floors, and some are shared, but all have showers or shower/tub combos, heated towel racks, hairdryers. There aren't any toiletries, however—only soap dispensers above sinks. Views are of the street or courtyard garden, and the hotel also has a next-door annex with a three-bedroom apartment done in mostly neutral tones with a kitchen and living room.

As a guesthouse-style property, the Regent House has little in the way of on-site facilities. It offers a serene outdoor courtyard garden with tables and chairs for guests to sit and relax. The free continental breakfast (free for hotel guests, fee for apartment guests) features cold cuts, cheeses, toast, and a few other items, and the spread gets mostly favorable reviews from past guests. Room service is available for no extra charge. The hotel doesn't have a restaurant or other facilities. Tourist assistance is provided by the front desk, which is closed overnight but staff is available 24/7. There's no on-site parking, but nearby public parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that there's no elevator and guest rooms are situated on the second and third floor; staff is on-hand to assist with luggage.