Tigerlily Hotel

Housed in a lovely historic Georgian house, the Tigerlily is thoroughly modern inside. Decor is whimsical but sophisticated throughout, with a mix of elegant historic details such as wainscoting and working fireplaces in rooms, and statement patterns and funky furniture in common spaces. Huge gray guard chairs stand out against striking black-and-white wallpaper with large flower designs in the lounge, while bright velvet booths and glittery beaded curtains give the restaurant a sleek feel. One of the hotel’s most striking spaces is the Green Bar, which features quirky greenhouse-inspired decor complete with a vertical garden adorned with fairy lights, cute cherry branches, and chic navy velvet armchairs with purple accent pillows. During the day the hotel is mostly quiet save for the popular restaurant, but the vibe changes dramatically at night. Its two bars draw a young, dressed-to-impress crowd in the evening, when the party atmosphere spills over onto the tiny lobby. Lulu, one of Edinburgh’s top nightclubs (to which guests get free VIP passes) is located on the basement level, and its beats carry to the lower floors of the building. It may not be the most romantic vibe, but party animals and those interested in people-watching will be hard-pressed to find a more happening hotel in Edinburgh. 

The Tigerlily is located on a square lined with lovely Georgian buildings and ample parking in the central area. This area is the heart of the New Town, a busy neighborhood that dates back to the 18th century and is home to numerous restaurants and shops. Major attractions such as Charlotte Square, the West Princes Street Gardens, the Edinburgh Castle, and the National Gallery of Scotland are all within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, and shopping along Princes Street can be reached in just over five minutes. Other main sights, including the National Portrait Gallery, the heart of Old Town, the Royal Mile, and St. Giles Cathedral are all about a 15-minute walk away. The Tigerlily also offers easy access to public transport, as Princes Street tram station is just a five-minute walk away, and Edinburgh Waverley train station is about 15 minutes on foot. The hotel is a 20-minute drive, or 30-minute train ride from the airport.

The hotel has 33 rooms and suites, all with handsome wood floors, quality king-size beds topped with an array of pillows, and large windows overlooking either the square or the rear of the building. Each room has been individually decorated, but all feature a sleek combination of classic elegance and contemporary style. Dark textured curtains and throw pillows stand out against the dove gray walls, soft rugs, and suede tufted headboards. Wooden closets with large flower designs in a darker shade of brown are more contemporary touches, as are the abstract and modern paintings decorating the walls. Unique features in some rooms may include working fireplaces, four-poster beds, hanging cocoon-style wicker chairs, and floor-to-ceiling wainscoting in lieu of headboards. All units are equipped with free Wi-Fi, plasma TVs, Egyptian cotton sheets, coffeemakers, robes, and slippers. Additionally, each room features an array of wonderful extras, such as DVD players, professional hair straighteners, and pre-loaded iPod docks with bluetooth speakers. Guests can also expect fruit and water upon arrival, chocolates on the pillows as part of the turndown service, and fresh milk in the fridge for coffee. Bathrooms are similarly upscale and contemporary, with square sinks over wooden vanities, big smoky gray tiles throughout, and large walk-in rain showers or shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. High-end White Company toiletries are standard in all rooms as well. Light sleepers may want to request a room on the top floors and facing the rear of the building, as noise from the bars and the nightclub downstairs can carry.

Tigerlily’s restaurant is known among locals and visitors alike for its excellent menu, which changes seasonally to offer fresh, locally sourced produce and ingredients. The restaurant is a popular lunch pick for local businesspeople, but turns into a buzzing hot spot at night, with throngs of young groups of friends and couples sitting at its stylish booths. A quality a la carte breakfast is served here every morning, but it is not included in all rates. The two hopping bars are the highlight of the hotel, offering over 100 cocktails, several separate areas with comfortable seating, and a fun see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Lulu, one of the trendiest nightclubs in this part of town, is located in the building's basement, and it is common for guests to have to barge their way through the long lines forming at the door on weekends. Lulu is independently run, but Tigerlily guests get VIP passes and can skip the line. The hotel lacks standard features expected at upscale hotels, including a fitness center and spa services.