Neoclassical banking townhouse
Pastel velvet seating and restored stone columns bring energetic, residential glamour beneath a towering glass dome on St Andrew Square.
“Housed in a glamorously updated former bank, Gleneagles Townhouse is a fun, urban offshoot of the palace-like country hotel…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Staff offer attentive personal recognition alongside bespoke Scottish amenities and marble tubs.
Remarkable
A landmark 1850s neoclassical bank topped by six allegorical 1848 rooftop statues.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The best hotels in the rest of the UK
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in Wallpaper* and AFAR.
the style is somehow both ultra-chic and ultra-Victorian, and the accommodations are ultra-luxe, even the cozy top-floor Nook rooms.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Overlooking the gardens of St Andrew Square, the building sits moments from Princes Street shopping and a five-minute walk from Waverley Station.
The rooms
High ceilings frame antique rugs and ornate moldings, while marble bathrooms in select rooms add freestanding clawfoot soaking tubs.
The spa
Subterranean treatment rooms sit behind heavy vault doors, offering full-body cryotherapy down to minus 85 degrees and botanical massages.
The fitness studios
Dedicated movement studios host daily classes ranging from Reformer Pilates to high-energy spinning on terrazzo floors.
The sauna
An infrared cedar sauna sits underground in the former bank vaults, glowing above geometric patterned tiles.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
The Spence
The brasserie serves modern Scottish fare in the former banking hall, featuring West Coast scallops and flambéed Baked Alaska.
This is ostensibly—though not entirely—a members’ club. Yet in most—though not quite all—respects it also functions as a normal hotel.
At the table
Upstairs, Lamplighters pours rare vintage Scottish whiskies on an open-air rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline.
How it began
Built in the nineteenth century as the British Linen Bank headquarters, the neoclassical facade remains topped by six allegorical rooftop statues.
“Inside, feminine touches like pastel seating, delicate lights, and fringed details soften the grandeur of the original marble columns.”
Good to know
Stay here
Gleneagles Townhouse
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Edinburgh
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.