The Rutland

The Rutland, Edinburgh: A Michelin Key Selected Blend of Style and Convenience

The Rutland, Edinburgh, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its prime location, stylish design, and exceptional service, offering guests a memorable stay in the heart of the Scottish capital. Combining the elegance of a boutique hotel with the flexibility of luxury serviced apartments, it caters to diverse traveler needs.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Rutland is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "great boutique hotel" and "right up there with the best". Its selection as a Michelin Key hotel further solidifies its reputation for delivering outstanding experiences rooted in quality, consistency, and character. Guests appreciate its blend of no-nonsense style with a welcoming charm.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love The Rutland for several key reasons:

• Location: Its enviable position at the west end of Princes Street provides cracking views of Edinburgh Castle and easy access to major attractions, shopping, and nightlife.
• Design & Style: The hotel boasts a modern, contemporary design with designer prints and modernist furnishings, often featuring local photography and vibrant graphic accents. The serviced apartments, in particular, impress with their spaciousness and stylish themes, including pop art.
• Service & Staff: Friendly, helpful, and amazing staff are frequently highlighted as a major positive, contributing to a welcoming and comfortable experience.
• Dining Options: The on-site restaurants, Kyloe (a top steak restaurant) and The Huxley (an all-day eatery), are significant draws, offering high-quality food and a lively atmosphere.

3. Room Quality

The Rutland offers both boutique hotel rooms and luxury serviced apartments, each designed for comfort and style.

• Hotel Rooms: These are described as clean, contemporary, and surprisingly peaceful despite the central location. They feature calming neutrals with vibrant graphic accents, high-quality amenities like Arran Aromatics toiletries, Nespresso coffee machines, GHD hair styling tools, and well-stocked minibars. Some rooms offer stunning views of Edinburgh Castle.
• Serviced Apartments: These are particularly praised for their "wow factor" due to their size, high ceilings, and distinct designs. Available in one or two-bedroom configurations, they often include a full-sized kitchen, Sky TV, comfy sofas, and a study area, making them ideal for longer stays or those seeking more space. Bathrooms are often described as looking "right out of a fancy showroom".

While generally comfortable, one guest noted their room was "a little dark" and another mentioned a bed that was "a little hard".

4. Dining Experience

The Rutland houses two popular dining establishments:

• Kyloe Restaurant & Grill: Known as one of Edinburgh's top steak restaurants, Kyloe offers expertly sourced Scottish beef.
• The Huxley: This all-day eatery serves up comfort food classics and cocktails. Breakfast, often served here, is a highlight, with the full Scottish breakfast being "top-notch". While there isn't a buffet, guests order from a menu, which some prefer, though one guest missed the speed of a buffet. Breakfast is not always directly included with the room but a discounted option is available nearby.

The ground-floor bar also serves cocktails, breakfast, and lunch, while a darker, more intimate lounge space is found downstairs. The focus on locally sourced ingredients is also a key aspect of the restaurant's offering.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the exceptional service and friendly staff at The Rutland. Reviews commend the team for being "very pleasant and helpful", "friendly", and "amazing and very welcoming". They provide tour assistance and concierge services, ensuring guests have a smooth and enjoyable stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Rutland boasts an "excellent" and "fantastic" location at the west end of Princes Street, on a quiet street yet only a five-minute stroll from the city's main thoroughfare. This central position places guests within easy walking distance of major attractions such as Edinburgh Castle (a 15-minute walk), the Grassmarket, Stockbridge, and the Old Town's Cowgate for nightlife. Excellent public transport options, including nearby tram stops, make exploring the wider city effortless.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges are not explicitly stated, descriptions of The Rutland as a "stylish boutique hotel" and an "upscale" property, combined with its Michelin Key selection, suggest a premium pricing. The Michelin Key itself acknowledges "value for the price" as one of its criteria, indicating that the experience offered by The Rutland is considered to be commensurate with its cost. Guests seeking comfort, convenience, and style are likely to find it a worthwhile investment for exploring Edinburgh.

8. Common Complaints

While generally very well-received, a few minor criticisms have been noted by guests:

• One guest found their room "a little dark".
• Another mentioned that their "full Scottish" breakfast came without a potato scone, which they considered an essential item.
• A guest also noted that a room they booked advertised air conditioning and a dedicated workspace, but the assigned room lacked AC and had an inappropriate chair for the desk.
• The gym required an extra step of checking in and getting a separate key each visit.
• One review mentioned a bed that was "a little hard".

Sources

1. lesboutiquehotels.com
2. michelin.com
3. theeverydayman.co.uk
4. expedia.co.uk
5. thecaterer.com
6. michelin.com
7. timeout.com
8. hotels.com