The hype
Guests are obsessed with the location and the 'wow' factor of the lobby, but many note the transition to Marriott has brought some service hiccups.
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
$350-550/ night
Book this if You want a high-gloss, apartment-style HQ in a former bank where you can cook a meal, hit a vault gym, and sip cocktails without leaving the building.
Why People Love It
- Stunning Art Deco banking hall architecture that feels like a movie set
- Apartments with full kitchens (washer/dryers!) right on St Andrew Square
- The Register Club on the 4th floor is a top-tier spot for meetings and martinis
Quick Take: It’s now a Marriott Luxury Collection property (formerly Cheval), so expect corporate polish over indie charm, but the location and hard product remain unbeatable.
Reviewed by @thezaisers: I still can't get over the size of this terrace! Staying here felt like owning a private slice of Edinburgh. The views of the Balmoral Clock Tower from the sofa are iconic, and having a full kitchen made our group trip so much more relaxed. Truly a bucket-list stay.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Open Plan' studios are essentially fancy hotel rooms with a kitchenette; you need to book a 'One Bedroom' for true apartment separation.
- You need a washer/dryer and kitchen for a long stay but refuse to sacrifice luxury
- You want to be 2 minutes from the train station and Harvey Nichols
- You appreciate a gym that looks like a Bond villain's lair (it's in the old vault)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.4
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard and generally excellent; transition to Marriott has maintained high standards.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Marble finishes are kept polished, and grout lines are typically spotless.
- Maintenance: The building was heavily restored recently, so wear and tear is minimal. Everything feels solid and expensive.
- Linens & towels: High-thread-count crisp white linens and plush, heavy towels.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of expensive signature scent; rooms are neutral/fresh (unless you cook fish in your kitchenette).
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Trams and buses on St Andrew Square
- Bass from Lady Libertine bar (lower floors)
- Atrium echo from The Register Club (internal facing rooms)
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel rebranded from 'Cheval' to 'The Edinburgh Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel' in July 2025—Marriott Bonvoy points now apply.
- Reception is 24/7, but it feels more like a residential concierge than a traditional hotel front desk.
- The 'Grand Breakfast' is a set price (~£30) in The Register Club; it's excellent but pricey compared to nearby cafes.
What to pack
- Detergent pods (washer/dryer is in-unit but supplies can be stingy)
- Smart casual outfits (The Register Club has a dressy vibe)
- Earplugs if you're sensitive to tram bells or late-night revelers
Room Genie
Best picks
- One-Bedroom Apartment with City View (worth the upgrade for light and people watching)
- Director's Suite (huge terrace, total privacy)
- Penthouse (sleeps 6, insane views, basically a private residence)
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor 'Open Plan' studios facing the atrium (can be dark and lack privacy)
- Rooms directly above Lady Libertine if you sleep before 1am on weekends
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking this stay for a special occasion and would appreciate a room on a high floor (5th or 6th) facing outwards to St Andrew Square to maximize natural light and minimize internal noise from the bar/atrium.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it still a Cheval property?
No. As of July 2025, it is managed by Marriott's Luxury Collection, though many locals and taxi drivers still call it 'Cheval'.
Is there a pool?
No pool. There is a high-end gym in the vault, but swimmers will need to go elsewhere.
Do the rooms have air conditioning?
Yes, which is a rarity in historic Edinburgh buildings. Essential for summer stays.
Is it good for families?
Yes, the apartments have full kitchens and sofa beds, making it much easier than booking two hotel rooms.
How much is the pet fee?
Steep. Expect to pay around £63 per pet per stay.
Can I park my car there?
No on-site parking. You have to use the St James Quarter car park nearby (£24+ per day).
Insider Tips
- ✨
The gym is in the old bank vault—look for the massive original steel door; it's one of the coolest workout spaces in the city.
- ✨
You can order cocktails from The Register Club to your room, but it's often faster to just go up and grab them.
- ✨
Ask for a 'City View' room specifically; 'Atrium View' rooms can feel a bit like being in a fishbowl.
5 things to know before you go
💡The transition to Marriott has made the 'personal touch' feel a bit more corporate/scripted.
💡The lighting in the bathrooms is moody and flattering but terrible for applying detailed makeup.
💡The 'Open Plan' studios have the kitchen right next to the bed—cooking smells linger.
💡You can hear the tram bells from St Andrew Square clearly in front-facing rooms (charming or annoying, depending on you).
💡The lift system can be slow during peak check-out times due to the building's layout.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Cheval The Edinburgh Grand is located and what's nearby.