House of Gods

House of Gods, Edinburgh: A Decadent and Unforgettable Experience

House of Gods in Edinburgh offers a unique and decidedly maximalist boutique hotel experience, frequently described as an "experiential staycation." Selected by the Michelin Key, it stands out for its unabashedly opulent design, exceptional service, and prime Old Town location. While not for those seeking minimalist practicality, guests consistently praise its ability to deliver a memorable and indulgent escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for House of Gods is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently using words like "amazing," "phenomenal," "unique," and "unforgettable." The hotel scores well for staff (9.2), location (9.1), cleanliness (8.2), and comfort (8.2) based on over a thousand reviews. It caters to those looking to "splurge on a night in Scotland's capital" and embrace a "hedonistic style and bohemian, rock 'n' roll feel."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects:

• Design & Vibe: The hotel fully embraces a decadent, gothic, and "vice-fueled" aesthetic with deep reds, velvet, fur, disco balls, and cobra-shaped lamps. This "unapologetically hedonistic" style is a major draw for its target audience.
• Service & Personal Touches: The "Treat me like I'm famous" package is frequently highlighted, including a welcome glass of prosecco, an in-room bottle of prosecco, rose petals and balloons, a cocktail prepared in-room, a £50 bar tab, midnight milk and cookies, an upgraded breakfast hamper, and late check-out. Guests appreciate the "prosecco butler" and the ability to order cocktails via WhatsApp.
• Comfort: The beds are consistently described as "unbelievably comfortable" and a "delight."
• Location: Its central position in Edinburgh's Old Town, specifically in Cowgate, is highly valued, offering easy walking access to major attractions, nightlife, and dining.

3. Room Quality

House of Gods offers three room types: The Cabin, The Classic, and The Suites.

• Design: Rooms are described as "compact, dark, and without a view," intentionally low-lit to create a seductive atmosphere. They feature themes like Orient Express (Cabin) or Versailles Palace (Classic). Decor includes opulent fabrics, oak-paneled walls, and handcrafted four-poster or sleigh beds.
• Amenities: Clever design maximizes limited space with hidden storage and TVs expertly concealed within full-length mirrors at the foot of the bed. Suites offer expanded space, a deep Victorian bathtub, and a cinema projector. Bathrooms are often marble-clad wet rooms, with standalone tubs in suites. Soundproofing is noted as excellent. Complimentary Scottish Fine Soaps toiletries are provided.
• Comfort: Despite being compact, the rooms are functional and the beds are exceptionally comfortable with an abundance of plump cushions.

4. Dining Experience

House of Gods does not have a traditional on-site restaurant for main meals.

• Breakfast: Breakfast is a notable highlight, delivered to the room in a "massive hamper" or "wicker basket." It typically includes flasks of coffee and tea, bottles of orange juice, mimosas, bagels from a local joint (Bross Bagels), yogurt, and muffins.
• Bars: The hotel features "mood-drunk bars" like Lilith's Lounge and the Casablanca Bar, offering playful and rock 'n' roll-inspired cocktails. These bars are integral to the hotel's indulgent experience.

5. Service & Staff

The service at House of Gods is consistently lauded as "phenomenal," "amazing," "friendly," and "attentive." Staff members are described as delightful and happy to help. Communication with the front desk and bar often occurs via WhatsApp, streamlining requests for drinks and snacks. The staff's willingness to accommodate, even for non-drinkers who can swap alcoholic options for soft drinks, is appreciated.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is located in Cowgate, in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town.

• Attractions: It's an "excellent spot for a deep dive into Auld Reekie," just off the Royal Mile and a short walk from major landmarks, attractions, bars, pubs, restaurants, and shops.
• Transport: Edinburgh Waverley Train Station is only a 5-minute walk away. The area is hilly, so taxis from Market Street are an option for those with heavy luggage.

7. Value & Pricing

Rooms at House of Gods start from approximately £89 per night. However, many guests strongly recommend upgrading to the "Treat me like I'm famous" package, which adds around £99. While some reviews mention rooms being "very small against value of the room" or "a little small for the money," the package is often considered "great and well worth the money" due to the extensive inclusions like breakfast, prosecco, chocolates, and a £50 bar tab. Standard room rates can fluctuate, with some seeing prices upwards of £500 during busy periods, while others have found deals around £187 for a Classic Room.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Room Size and Natural Light: Rooms are often described as compact, dark, and lacking natural light or views. This can lead to a feeling of claustrophobia for some and makes tasks like applying makeup challenging due to dim lighting.
• Practicality: The design, while luxurious, isn't always practical. There can be a lack of space to unpack or sit comfortably to eat breakfast (unless in bed).
• Noise: While rooms are generally soundproof, the hotel's location in Cowgate, known for its nightlife, means the area can be lively.
• Minor Maintenance Issues: Isolated reports of things like non-working underfloor heating in bathrooms or dust in hard-to-reach areas have been noted.
• Staff Interaction: One review humorously suggested that the staff, while delightful, were almost "too nice," diminishing the "decadent vice-fueled vibe" with their "peppy" demeanor.

Sources

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5. luxurylifestylemag.co.uk
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7. everythingedinburgh.com
8. expedia.co.uk
9. expedia.com
10. houseofgodshotel.com
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