Review of Hudson Hotel, by Lucy Cowie

A lively townhouse hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh’s elegant New Town, Hudson Hotel is a short stroll from the buzzing restaurants and bars of George Street and lies just around the corner from Prince’s Street’s stretch of high street stores.

Occupying a fine 18th-century building, part of which was once a post office, its comfortably furnished rooms and convenient central location attracts business travellers during the week while at weekends couples make the hotel their base. Dark wood panelling and chocolate leather sofas create a warm tone in the cosy communal areas and friendly staff contribute to a welcoming, informal atmosphere. 

Those seeking a good night out in Edinburgh don’t need to venture far from their rooms; the Hudson’s popular bar is packed with an energetic mix of locals and guests each weekend. The expansive bar also serves a reasonably-priced menu of sharing plates and hearty mains such as Hudson’s speciality homemade burgers.

If a few drinks make the night take a decadent turn, you can request complimentary VIP entry to the Hudson’s own ‘boutique’ basement club Bacaro, which plays electro as well as more mainstream chart music. In-room honesty mini-bars are furnished with prosecco and wine for a more intimate evening.

Egyptian cotton sheets, fluffy white dressing gowns and fragrant H2K bath products add a touch of class to the Hudson’s 31 rooms. Ranging from the compact standard – with shower rooms neatly concealed behind sliding doors – to more spacious executive suites which boast sofas and, in one suite, a balcony with wooden furniture for a brisk Scottish sundowner, the rooms share a simple yet stylish brown and red colour scheme.

Flatscreen TVs provide access to a pay-per-view entertainment system, safes in each room are available to secure valuables, and your favourite daily newspaper can be delivered to your door. The well-lined curtains make it easy to sleep well into the generous breakfast period – which ends at the wonderfully lazy time of 11am every day.