WITCHERY BY THE CASTLE
Theatrical gothic hideaway bursting with lush boudoirs
THIS WICKED HEDONIST'S HEAVEN in the heart of Edinburgh has been famously dubbed “the perfect lust den.” No need to take a pile of good books then; you'll be too busy having double candlelit baths and other wicked treats while sipping the waiting chilled bottle of champagne.
Each of Witchery's seven extraordinary suites conspires to create an intoxicating setting, with acres of rampant velvet, extravagant tapestries, strewn cushions, glistening wood paneling and rich jewel colours. It's theatrical, atmospheric and gorgeously Gothic.
Celebs not surprisingly love it here (Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have stayed, among many), and so did we. Stuffed with Victorian curios and collectibles, opulent four-posters, gilded sofas, baronial portraits and polished antique floors, bedrooms are the stuff of OTT fantasy.
Hit the Spot:
Tucked behind Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
Bedtime:
It's hard to choose between those bewitching boudoirs. We loved the sumptuous Vestry Suite.
Be Savvy:
Not for fans of minimalism. And you'll need to book months ahead for weekends.
Be Smitten:
Romantic panache from the rafters down.
Dramatic golds and reds
The Vestry suite, our home for the night, glowed in dramatic red, gold and black. Overhung with a crown and chandelier, an indecently wide bed was piled with cushions made for diving into. A huge roll-top bath beckoned from behind a secret paneled doorway, while a cunningly concealed TV rose from a chest at the bottom of our bed at the touch of a button. Mood-enhancing lighting, glimmering candles and piles of CDs and DVDs completed the idyll. Phew.
Had we decamped in any of the Witchery's other suites we'd have been equally taken. The wood-paneled Guardroom has a tapestry-hung bed and views over Edinburgh's old town; the Inner Sanctum's lacquer-red bathroom has a wonderfully restored Victorian bath and shower; the Sempill suite boasts walls covered in antique leather and a four-poster hung with velvet, while the Old Rectory comes with a huge empire-style day bed. Visiting stars apparently rate the Inner Sanctum, with its raised dining dais and antique-crammed Victorian bathroom.
If you can tear yourselves from your quarters (these are rooms made for staying in bed, after all), Edinburgh awaits... You're just steps from the castle, with its brilliant views over the city, and the myriad attractions of the Royal Mile. And The Witchery's own restaurant is just across the street.
This is just the place for breakfast in bed, and a basket of goodies was duly delivered to our room next morning. We were happy enough to scoff our pain au chocolat and coffee å deux among the pillows, though for an extra charge you can go over to the restaurant for the full works. But in a place like this, do you really want to get dressed?
The Witchery by the Castle was reviewed for Room for Romance by Claire Buckton
Each of Witchery's seven extraordinary suites conspires to create an intoxicating setting, with acres of rampant velvet, extravagant tapestries, strewn cushions, glistening wood paneling and rich jewel colours. It's theatrical, atmospheric and gorgeously Gothic.
Celebs not surprisingly love it here (Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas have stayed, among many), and so did we. Stuffed with Victorian curios and collectibles, opulent four-posters, gilded sofas, baronial portraits and polished antique floors, bedrooms are the stuff of OTT fantasy.
Hit the Spot:
Tucked behind Edinburgh's Royal Mile.
Bedtime:
It's hard to choose between those bewitching boudoirs. We loved the sumptuous Vestry Suite.
Be Savvy:
Not for fans of minimalism. And you'll need to book months ahead for weekends.
Be Smitten:
Romantic panache from the rafters down.
Dramatic golds and reds
The Vestry suite, our home for the night, glowed in dramatic red, gold and black. Overhung with a crown and chandelier, an indecently wide bed was piled with cushions made for diving into. A huge roll-top bath beckoned from behind a secret paneled doorway, while a cunningly concealed TV rose from a chest at the bottom of our bed at the touch of a button. Mood-enhancing lighting, glimmering candles and piles of CDs and DVDs completed the idyll. Phew.
Had we decamped in any of the Witchery's other suites we'd have been equally taken. The wood-paneled Guardroom has a tapestry-hung bed and views over Edinburgh's old town; the Inner Sanctum's lacquer-red bathroom has a wonderfully restored Victorian bath and shower; the Sempill suite boasts walls covered in antique leather and a four-poster hung with velvet, while the Old Rectory comes with a huge empire-style day bed. Visiting stars apparently rate the Inner Sanctum, with its raised dining dais and antique-crammed Victorian bathroom.
If you can tear yourselves from your quarters (these are rooms made for staying in bed, after all), Edinburgh awaits... You're just steps from the castle, with its brilliant views over the city, and the myriad attractions of the Royal Mile. And The Witchery's own restaurant is just across the street.
This is just the place for breakfast in bed, and a basket of goodies was duly delivered to our room next morning. We were happy enough to scoff our pain au chocolat and coffee å deux among the pillows, though for an extra charge you can go over to the restaurant for the full works. But in a place like this, do you really want to get dressed?
The Witchery by the Castle was reviewed for Room for Romance by Claire Buckton
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery. |
|||
|
|
||
|
|
||
Dining in
Chef Douglas Roberts serves up such classic dishes as oysters au naturel with lemon, shallot relish and Tabasco, steak tartare with French fries and a quails egg, and decadent dark chocolate torte with lavender icecream.
Soak up your flamboyant and moody surroundings: there’s salvaged oak panelling from St Giles Cathedral and a Burgundian Chateau, gilded leather screens and antique tapestries. Luxurious red leather banquettes are reminiscent of the House of Lords. Ceilings are panelled with painted heraldic scenes and rough stonework betrays the building’s medieval origins. The huge antique brass gothic church candlesticks are something of a Witchery trademark.
The Secret Garden alongside is a reclaimed courtyard with a slate flagstone floor, more oak panelling, tapestries and orangery windows looking out onto the tiny hidden terrace that gives the place its name. A monumental 16th century beamed ceiling is painted with intriguing references to the Tarot.
Dining out
If you fancy a brief foray out of your suite, try the very contemporary rooftop restaurant at the Museum of Scotland or Prestonfield Hotel’s lavish Rhubarb restaurant, headed up by the chef who prepared Madonna’s wedding breakfast.
Where?
The Witchery by the Castle and The Secret Garden
What’s cooking?
Try goat's cheese and rocket tart and red mullet poached in star anise. You can share the passion fruit and mascarpone custard trifle afterwards.
Dress the part
Match the theatrical atmosphere in something suitably glam.
Top table?
We loved No. 18 – though we think you'll like them all.
See & Do
Mighty Edinburgh Castle is a must-see and only 50 yards away. Stroll from there down the Royal Mile to Holyrood House at the far end.
Spa
Soak together in your double-ended bateau bath whilst sipping your complimentary champagne and trying out all the Molton Brown lotions and potions.
Shop
For designer names and big-name stores like Harvey Nichols head to Princes Street and George Street. For more quirky shops explore Victoria Street, home to a “liquid deli” and the Witchery’s favourite cheesemonger. Shopping for a rock? You won’t go far wrong with a visit to society jeweller, Joseph Bonner.
Play
The only nightlife you’ll want is back in your boudoir with your complimentary champers. Most guests only emerge to have dinner, then head for bed.
Dates
August
There’s a whole heap of festivals in town this month including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the International Festival and the famed Fringe.
December/January
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the biggest party north of the border.
Chef Douglas Roberts serves up such classic dishes as oysters au naturel with lemon, shallot relish and Tabasco, steak tartare with French fries and a quails egg, and decadent dark chocolate torte with lavender icecream.
Soak up your flamboyant and moody surroundings: there’s salvaged oak panelling from St Giles Cathedral and a Burgundian Chateau, gilded leather screens and antique tapestries. Luxurious red leather banquettes are reminiscent of the House of Lords. Ceilings are panelled with painted heraldic scenes and rough stonework betrays the building’s medieval origins. The huge antique brass gothic church candlesticks are something of a Witchery trademark.
The Secret Garden alongside is a reclaimed courtyard with a slate flagstone floor, more oak panelling, tapestries and orangery windows looking out onto the tiny hidden terrace that gives the place its name. A monumental 16th century beamed ceiling is painted with intriguing references to the Tarot.
Dining out
If you fancy a brief foray out of your suite, try the very contemporary rooftop restaurant at the Museum of Scotland or Prestonfield Hotel’s lavish Rhubarb restaurant, headed up by the chef who prepared Madonna’s wedding breakfast.
Where?
The Witchery by the Castle and The Secret Garden
What’s cooking?
Try goat's cheese and rocket tart and red mullet poached in star anise. You can share the passion fruit and mascarpone custard trifle afterwards.
Dress the part
Match the theatrical atmosphere in something suitably glam.
Top table?
We loved No. 18 – though we think you'll like them all.
See & Do
Mighty Edinburgh Castle is a must-see and only 50 yards away. Stroll from there down the Royal Mile to Holyrood House at the far end.
Spa
Soak together in your double-ended bateau bath whilst sipping your complimentary champagne and trying out all the Molton Brown lotions and potions.
Shop
For designer names and big-name stores like Harvey Nichols head to Princes Street and George Street. For more quirky shops explore Victoria Street, home to a “liquid deli” and the Witchery’s favourite cheesemonger. Shopping for a rock? You won’t go far wrong with a visit to society jeweller, Joseph Bonner.
Play
The only nightlife you’ll want is back in your boudoir with your complimentary champers. Most guests only emerge to have dinner, then head for bed.
Dates
August
There’s a whole heap of festivals in town this month including the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the International Festival and the famed Fringe.
December/January
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the biggest party north of the border.
GETTING THERE
Location
Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NF
Parking
There’s a NCP carpark in Castle Terrace, behind the castle.
Trains
Edinburgh’s Waverley Station is a five minute walk
Taxis
Around GBP 3 to the station, or GBP 20 to the airport.
Airport
Edinburgh Airport – nine miles
Rooms and suites
Seven suites
Special features
Decadent decor, antiques by the shipload and fabulous bathrooms with indulgent baths.
Also…
Each suite has a TV, DVD and CD player.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 295, inclusive of continental breakfast and champagne.
Open/closed
Closed 25 – 26 December
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Possibly the world’s only candlelit breakfast is available in the restaurant until 10am. However, the norm is to have continental breakfast (included in room rate) served in your suite.
Room service
Getting dressed is a chore for most guests at The Witchery – so a continental breakfast hamper is brought to your room.
Children
No
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
Main European languages
Wedding license?
No – but you can hold a reception in The Witchery restaurant for up to 50 guests.
Your contact
David Wright – general manager
Location
Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2NF
Parking
There’s a NCP carpark in Castle Terrace, behind the castle.
Trains
Edinburgh’s Waverley Station is a five minute walk
Taxis
Around GBP 3 to the station, or GBP 20 to the airport.
Airport
Edinburgh Airport – nine miles
Rooms and suites
Seven suites
Special features
Decadent decor, antiques by the shipload and fabulous bathrooms with indulgent baths.
Also…
Each suite has a TV, DVD and CD player.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 295, inclusive of continental breakfast and champagne.
Open/closed
Closed 25 – 26 December
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Possibly the world’s only candlelit breakfast is available in the restaurant until 10am. However, the norm is to have continental breakfast (included in room rate) served in your suite.
Room service
Getting dressed is a chore for most guests at The Witchery – so a continental breakfast hamper is brought to your room.
Children
No
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes
Languages
Main European languages
Wedding license?
No – but you can hold a reception in The Witchery restaurant for up to 50 guests.
Your contact
David Wright – general manager
