Melville Castle Hotel

Melville Castle is a bit of a destination in itself, and staying here feels like a step back into another era. It all starts with a long and scenic drive through the woods (the grounds are 54 acres!), which sets the mood for the grand finale at the end of the road. The 18th-century Gothic castle is impressive, with time-worn stone, crenelated walls, and towers sporting arched windows, all surrounded by a massive green lawn and woodlands.

Inside, the lobby reverberates with damask patterns, gilded touches, and a generally regal air. An elegant fireplace crackles with flames; a candle brass chandelier hangs overhead; and an elaborate flower arrangement sits before a gilded mirror. Once a hunting destination for Mary Queen of Scots, the property still retains some of that influence, with mounted deer heads and other hunting regalia peppered about. The inviting Library Bar, with leather couches flanking a fireplace, book-lined shelves, candelabra wall sconces, and tartan carpeting paving the floors, is a cozy space that encourages lingering. The Brasserie Restaurant is equally atmospheric but has a different kind of ambience with its cellar location and exposed stone walls. Most guests staying here are leisure travelers visiting Edinburgh.

The hotel is situated on over 50 acres of woodland grounds outside of Edinburgh, which is about a 25-minute drive away. It neighbors the Kings Acre Golf Course (nine-minute drive) and is also near the Melville Golf Centre (four-minute drive) and the Broomieknowe Golf Course (seven-minute drive). There are a handful of restaurants within a five- to 10-minute drive of the property, as well as some shops, but a car is necessary to get around (on-site parking is free). Nearby attractions include the Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World (four-minute drive) and the Gilmerton Cove caverns and tunnels (eight-minute drive). The Eskbank train station is a six-minute drive away. There's a bus stop that's about a 13-minute walk from the hotel that gives access to Edinburgh (35-minute ride to the center). Edinburgh Airport is about a 20-minute drive away.

Guest rooms can feel a bit underwhelming compared to the hotel's public spaces, especially the entry-level Classic Rooms. Carpeted floors and cream-colored walls are a neutral background to wooden furniture, floral curtains, and colorful bedspreads. Superior Rooms and suites add more of a royal touch with elegant four-poster beds and gilded mirrors. Windows offer lovely views over the grounds. All rooms have desks as well as armchairs, while suites have separate living rooms with couches and armchairs .Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee-making facilities, electronic safes, telephones, irons/ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Note that some rooms are duplexes situated on two levels.

Bathrooms are small and simple, and fixtures could use an update, but they're clean and equipped with shower/tub combos. Natural Extracts toiletries are provided. Suites have whirlpool tubs.

There's not too much offered by way of features at Melville Castle, but a handful of extras enhance a stay here, the highlight being dining. This takes place in the atmospheric Brasserie Restaurant and Cellar Bar, situated in the cozy castle cellar. It's open for dinner and offers Scottish fare with a contemporary twist, utilizing local, seasonal ingredients, plus it has a good wine selection. The Library Bar, equally full of charm, has a more limited menu but offers a selection of bites for lunch, including soup, sandwiches, and pizza. Continental and full Scottish breakfast is included in rates. Room service is available.

There are four meeting rooms available for a variety of functions, including a grand ballroom. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, as is parking. There's even a helipad on-site. Weddings are popular here, and there are full facilities to cater to them.