On the corner of George Street and Fredrick Street in Edinburgh, is the exclusive RÌGH Residences, a stunning conversion from a former bank into serviced apartments.
If you want the convenience of your own private apartment combined with the luxury of a top hotel within walking distance of the centre of Edinburgh, the RÌGH Residences in George Street are perfect.
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George Street in the New Town of Edinburgh, runs parallel to Princes Street and is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, some of which spill out onto the pavement for al fresco drinks and dining. With St Andrews Square at one end and Charlotte Square at the other, it is the ideal spot to base your visit to Edinburgh.
I was recently invited to have a stay at the RÌGH Residences. George Street has always had a soft spot in my heart. My grandparents lived at No. 37 and I spent a lot there when I was younger. Since then, George Street has changed greatly but still is one of my favourite streets in Edinburgh.
RÌGH Residences
The Rìgh Residences have a range of 25 luxury apartments with cosy studios and elegant suites, each with a seating area and a kitchenette
The Studios and Apartments are designed for two guests with pet-friendly and accessible options. They can have twins, king or super-king beds.
The Suites all have a private lounge area and are for up to three. There is also the option to have a dining area in the Castle Suite and a desk in the Edwardian Suite. While the Firth of Forth Suite has a bedroom as well as a sofa bed in lounge.
The Tûr and King George III Suites sleep up to five people. Both have two bathrooms and the King George II Suite has two kitchenettes.
Checking in
The check-in procedure is very smooth. There are staff on hand until 8 pm, but the self check-in is very easy to use.
A couple of days before your stay, you receive an email from Rìgh Residences with your check-in details. This will include an entry code to the front of the building and your check-in times.
When you arrive at 71 George Street, you can either take the stairs or the lift to the first floor. Through the door are the self-service check-in stations. Simply tap the screen and select “check-in”. After entering your name and date of the stay, your key card is printed. Extra cards can be printed if you are travelling with others.
My Boulevard Apartment
My apartment was on the third floor with views over George Street.
The bijoux apartment feels like home the minute you walk in. The room’s soft furnishings are in tones of grey and pink with the fireplace tiled in complimentary pink tiles. With original moulding and subtle contemporary accessories, the apartment felt modern and yet kept the traditional Georgian features.
The King-Size Bed
The king-sized bed has an oversized padded grey leather headboard. The mattress was firm and comfortable with crisp white linen, topped with a white embroidered cover and coordinating pink and grey cushions.
The bedside tables had charging pads for phones and other devices. There was also a Roberts traditional-looking pastel pink radio.
On the wall opposite the bed is a large flat-screen TV with the extra benefit of SKY TV.
Modern Technology
Check-in is not the only modern technology used at RÌGH Residences. Each of the apartments has an in-room tablet. On the tablet, you can select a range of guest services including laundry, a local guide where you can arrange tours, a breakfast button so you can see details of breakfast, arrange luggage storage if you still want to explore Edinburgh after you check-out and more.
Not only that, on the wall as you come in is a control panel. With the touch of a button you can control the lights, blinds and curtains. Another button on the control panel requests housekeeping to clean your apartment. Beside the bed were charging pads for phones etc all the plugs banks also had a USB sockets.
Kitchenette
Kitchenettes tend to conjure up a small cramped cooking area. Nothing could be further from the truth in the apartments in RÌGH Residences.
Although the kitchenette is compact, it is fully equipped. There is a kettle and a pod coffee machine for making hot drinks with a selection of teas and coffees to choose from.
To one side of the counter, there is a two-burner Smeg induction cooker hob. Below the counter are a dishwasher, and fridge, stocked with milk, still and sparkling water and even some Irn Bru.
In one of the pull-out cupboards, is a selection of cooking utensils including a grater, whisk, can opener, garlic press,a ladle, serving spoons and knives. The cupboards above the counter contain plates, bowls, cups, glasses and pans.
Bathroom
The en-suite bathroom has a large walk-in shower, generous sink and vanity unit, lovely fluffy towels and gorgeous ESPA toiletries to pamper yourself. On the bed is a cosy bathrobe for each guest and complementary slippers (you are encouraged to take them home with you).
Cosy Corner
There is a table with a chair and comfy sofa to use if you are maybe in Edinburgh for work, having your coffee or planning your day out in the city.
Artwork
The artwork is of contemporary and historic watercolours of George Street and of Edinburgh.
Lighting
The lighting in the room has been well thought out. Overhead spotlights give ample light.
A big drum ceiling light over the bed gives a soft diffused light, while the two side lights over the bed are perfect for reading by.
The modern light over the table is bright enough to work but still subtle enough for a romantic breakfast. There is under-cabinet lighting in kitchen area and lighting in the wardrobes as you open the doors.
The View
When you are staying in a city, particularly one as beautiful as Edinburgh, the view from your window, is important. From the third floor, the view down George Street was perfect. The William Pitt The Younger statue at the crossroads leads your eye down Fredrick Street.
However, looking up over the rooftops to the right, you can see Edinburgh Castle. From the castle, you can follow the buildings down to the left including popular tourist spots like the Camera Obscura, St Giles Cathedral and the Assembly Hall on the Mound.
Extras
In the wardrobe are a safe, iron and ironing board, and coat hangers while there are a hairdryer, straightening irons and a shoe cleaning kit in the drawers below. There is also a luggage rack to place your suitcases on.
One item that annoys me about many hotel rooms is the mirror sizes. I do tend to like having a quick reassuring look in a full-length mirror before I head out. Just outside the bathroom is a full-length mirror, perfect for checking how you look. Next to the mirror, just above the skirting board, is a plug for the hairdryer and straightening irons!
If you are staying in Edinburgh for some time might also like to read Day Trips from Edinburgh.
Breakfast
There is no cafe or restaurant in the building, but RÌGH Residences has an agreement with Côte Brasserie at No. 51 George Street to provide breakfast.
If you have booked breakfast with your room, you can head to the Brasserie and give them your name and that you are staying at the RÌGH Residences. They will have a note of your booking and you can have breakfast between 8 and 10 am.
If you have not pre-booked your breakfast, you can still have breakfast at Côte Brasserie. Mention that you are staying at the Residences and you can pay them directly. The Guest Relations Team can make a reservation for you. Simply press the “CHAT WITH US” button on your in-room tablet to arrange it.
Guest Lounge
On the first floor is a guest lounge where you can sit in the bay window to enjoy a coffee, work or just look at the views in Fredrick Street. There are coffee and tea facilities as well as a selection of cakes and pastries if you want to indulge.
Checking-Out
Checking-out is as easy as checking-in. Tap the ‘Check Out’ button on the tablet in the Reception on the first floor and drop your key card into the box provided and you are done.
Travelling to the RÌGH Residences
By car
There is no parking on George Street, but there are a could of options nearby:
Just Park on Young Street – 5 minutes walk – 1 Young St S Ln, Edinburgh EH2 4JB
NCP on Castle Terrace – 15 minutes walk – Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW
St James Quarter – 13 minutes walk – Via St James Place: EH1 3BP or Via Leith Street: EH1 3AS
By Train
If you are travelling by train, you will arrive at Waverley Station. From the station, it is about a 10-15 minute walk along Princes Street and then up to George Street. No. 71 is about half way along George Street.
From the Airport
Airlink 100 bus to Stop PF on Princes Street close to Fredrick Street and walk up to RÌGH Residences
Bright Bus to Stop PY on Princes Street close to Castle Street then walk up Castle Street and turn right on George Street to RÌGH Residences.
Tram to Princes Street Stop close to Fredrick Street and walk up to RÌGH Residences
RÌGH Residences, George Street, Edinburgh – Essential Information
Check-In: from 3:00 pm
Check-Out: 10:00 am
Address: 71 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3EE
Book your stay at the RÌGH Residences here
Final Thoughts
I found the location and convenience of RÌGH Residences perfect for a trip to Edinburgh. The flexibility of an apartment over a conventional hotel would be great for a work trip or a vacation to the city.
Disclosure: I was hosted by RÌGH Residences, however, all views, opinions and photos are my own and remain the copyright of The Silver Nomad.
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