The Knight Residence, Edinburgh: five-star serviced apartments
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A short stay at an apartment at The Knight Residence in Edinburgh led me to wondering when opting for a hotel is really necessary. Although renting a villa or apartment seems a natural choice when travelling abroad, it’s something I rarely think of when visiting a city on home turf in Britain, but after my experience in Edinburgh I will do.
The privacy, autonomy and comfort were a boon. I had a bathroom and bedroom, as well as a sitting room/living room and kitchen, all to myself. I could lounge on the sofa and watch TV, choose from a vast selection of DVDs and CDs – the hi-fi had an extension speaker in the bathroom so you can chill out to tunes in the bath – and if I had but the time I could have relaxed reading one of the many novels available for guests to borrow. Nicely decorated in a modern style with ample lighting and plump cushions, the apartment felt like a home from home, and a great place to retire to after a day of sightseeing.
Situated in the heart of the Scottish capital’s Old Town, the owner visited other serviced apartments before purchasing a building to create his own offering. Apparently staff from the Scottish tourist board were stumped when they first visited, since although The Knight Residence doesn’t have a bar or swimming pool as some hotels do, the quality of the decorations and thought that had gone into meeting guests’ needs impressed them so much that the apartments were awarded a well-deserved five-star rating.
Guests can come and go as they please, although there is a concierge service available during the day from 7.00am to 11.00pm. I found the staff to be charming. They were welcoming, friendly and a mine of information, willing to order a taxi, pass on tips about where to go and even directed me to where I could find the best fish and chip shop locally. You can cook for yourself since kitchens are fully equipped with oven, hob, microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge, plus decent cutlery, crockery, cups, glasses and cooking utensils, but info is also given on where to order takeaways that can be delivered to your apartment. Milk and bread are supplied on arrival along with a welcome breakfast including range of cereals and jams, biscuits, tea and coffee. One of the nice things about this arrangement is that you're not confined to breakfast-room opening hours as in a B&B or hotel, and I was able to munch my muesli in peace lounging in of the towelling robes available. Each kitchen also has a washing machine and dishwasher with tumble dryer. And if you need to spruce up you can use your apartment’s iron, ironing board and hairdryer. Every apartment has an electronic safe, direct-dial number for incoming calls with voicemail facility, and a bathroom packed with fancy toiletries, so you feel you have the facilities of a hotel but are staying in a homely atmosphere.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Knight Residence is a short walk from the dramatic Edinburgh Castle, Prince’s Street shopping mecca, the city’s main business districts and most popular tourist attractions. That said, it’s on a side street and not noisy, making for a good night’s sleep.
It’s a place for business people and families alike. I was able to use my laptop thanks to free wi-fi, but PCs are also available for guest to use for free. Business services include fax, email, free internet access and secretarial support. No charges apply for children 17 and under; pushchairs, cots and highchairs are available on request; and a babysitting service is available.
Prices start at £109 per night for a one-bedroom apartment, £139 for a two-bedroom apartment or £179 for a three-bedroom apartment. Car parking costs £5 per night, and in an admirable charitable gesture, the profits of which are donated towards planting native trees in Scotland.
I travelled to Edinburgh from London King’s Cross by rail with East Coast Trains: advance return fares, booked online, start from £33 Standard Class or £95 First Class. Booking is via www.eastcoast.co.uk, by calling 08457 225225 or visiting any staffed station.
Contact tel: +44 (0)131 622 8120, fax: +44 (0)131 622 7363, e-mail:
Services parking, business services, internet access, concierge, air-conditioning
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The Knight Residence
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