The Bonham

SET ON A LEAFY GEORGIAN TERRACE in Edinburgh’s West End, The Bonham shows just how fabulous a Scottish Victorian building can look when it’s given a makeover in coolly contemporary clothes. 

Brilliantly located in a quiet crescent within easy walking distance of the Royal Mile (and a magnet for visiting celebs), this townhouse boutique hotel is packed with sleek ‘n’ chic contemporary flair.

Tall Georgian windows and original features are set off by The Bonham’s custom-designed furnishings, bleached wood floors and bold artworks. Swagged drapes, crushed velvet throws and splashes of purple, mulberry and rust add style while thick carpets, big beds and enormous baths pile on the cosseting  factor.

Views over the Forth

Size doesn’t matter when it comes to the light and airy, slickly styled bedrooms – even the smallest have decent queen sized beds and plenty of personality. Some sport floor to ceiling windows, and all have fluffy robes and softest cotton sheets for those don’t-get-out-of-bed weekends. Bathrooms come well stocked with Molton Brown body products.

Rooms at the rear have views over Edinburgh’s New Town and towards the Forth river, while those at the front overlook grassy Drumsheugh Gardens. One has a black leather headboard and stripey carpets for something a bit edgy, while another has an Edwardian free-standing copper bath. Two luxurious suites rustle with rich velvets, leathers, silk and suede.

Public areas in the contemporary-spirited Bonham are just as striking. Lofty natural proportions have a distinctly modernist edge in the trendy reception lounge, while upbeat artworks throughout feature some great up-and-coming Scottish talent.

Ready to eat? Sleek urban styling and dramatic artworks by Tilo Stengel mark out The Bonham’s coolly minimal restaurant as something of a destination in its own right. Dine on rosette-winning classic French dishes, and look forward to great Scottish breakfasts here when it’s time to (sigh) get up out of bed.

Staff win huge plaudits for their nothing’s-too-much-trouble attitude. With Princes Street and Edinburgh’s top sights within easy walking distance (and a guest carpark being another plus), this townhouse boutique hotel makes a capital Edinburgh base.

© Room for Romance