The hype
Travelers love the location and the free tuck box of treats, but opinions split sharply on the 'Townhouse' (charming but small) vs. 'New House' (modern but generic) rooms.
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
$180-350/ night
Book this if You want the sweet spot between a historic Georgian townhouse fantasy and a modern hotel that actually works (AC, good showers, and a killer spa).
Why People Love It
- The 'Swell Room' in the spa (UK's first sound wellness room)
- BABA restaurant is a legitimate destination, not just a hotel dining room
- Free 'Social Hour' with wine and popcorn every evening at 5pm
Quick Take: It's two hotels in one: a creaky-but-charming historic townhouse and a slick modern wing—make sure you know which one you're booking.
Reviewed by @mettahara: I honestly felt like royalty staying here. The bathroom setup with that clawfoot tub and the view of Edinburgh is iconic. Ordering room service and just soaking in the bubbles with a glass of champagne was the highlight of my trip. 10/10 vibes.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Breakfast at The Garden is stunning but gets chaotic with queues on weekends—go early or skip it for a local cafe.
- You travel with a dog (pets stay free, no size limit enforced strictly though 35kg is the official cap)
- You prioritize a high-end gym and spa over a massive room
- You want to be steps from George Street shopping but have a quiet courtyard to retreat to
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Recent reviews praise the 'spotless' condition.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally immaculate. One isolated report of mold on tiles, but vast majority cite 'sparkling' modern fixtures.
- Maintenance: Excellent in New House; Townhouse rooms show minor wear (creaky boards, older windows).
- Linens & towels: High quality, 300 thread count linens. Robes are provided but some guests noted they felt a bit 'moth-eaten' or worn in older reviews.
- Odors & scents: Fresh signature scent in lobby; no lingering smoke/musty smells reported recently.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic noise in street-facing rooms
- Internal hallway noise in the historic wing
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Social Hour' (5-6pm) offers free wine and beer in the lobby—don't miss it.
- Valet parking is steep at £45/day; the train station is a 10-minute walk.
- The 'Tuck Box' in your room with crisps and chocolate is complimentary (a rare find!).
What to pack
- Swimwear for the spa (even if you don't swim, the thermal suite is worth it)
- Earplugs if you choose a Townhouse room (just in case of creaky floors)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premium Double Room with View (New House) for space, AC, and Castle views
- Townhouse Suite for the full Georgian high-ceiling fantasy
Rooms to avoid
- City Single rooms (very tight)
- 1st-floor street-facing rooms (noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would prefer a room in the 'New House' wing for better soundproofing and air conditioning. If possible, a high-floor room with a view of the Castle would be ideal.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool open to kids?
Yes, but only during 'Splash Hours': 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-8:00 PM.
Is it actually pet friendly?
Yes, very. No extra fee, and they provide bowls and beds. Official limit is 35kg, but staff are generally relaxed.
What is the difference between New House and Townhouse rooms?
New House = modern, spacious, AC, consistent. Townhouse = historic, high ceilings, unique layouts, potential for creaky floors and over-bath showers.
Is breakfast included?
Not usually in the base rate. It's a buffet at The Garden, costing around £20-25 if not pre-booked.
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
Yes, the 'New House' rooms have modern AC. Some older 'Townhouse' rooms rely on fans/windows, though upgrades are ongoing.
How much is the deposit?
They typically hold £50-100 per night for incidentals on your card.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a 'Swell Room' treatment in the spa—it's a vibroacoustic chair experience unique to this hotel.
- ✨
The mini-fridge comes stocked with fresh milk and mineral water for free—perfect for your morning tea.
- ✨
You can borrow a designer Strathberry handbag for the evening from the front desk (subject to availability).
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Tuck Box' of treats in the room is actually free, not a minibar trap.
💡The 'Townhouse' rooms can feel like a completely different (and older) hotel compared to the lobby photos.
💡The pool is heated to a very comfortable temperature, unlike many 'heated' hotel pools.
💡You can hear the muffled bass from the gym classes in some lower-floor rooms.
💡The 'Garden' restaurant is essentially a greenhouse—gorgeous when sunny, but loud when it rains hard on the glass roof.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is located and what's nearby.