Tigerlily Hotel Edinburgh: The Most Instagrammable Hotel in Scotland?
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the velvet ropes and questionable decor of the Tigerlily Hotel Edinburgh. Is it "Scotland's Most Instagrammable Hotel"? Well, let me tell you, after sifting through the glitter and the (possibly slightly sticky) cocktails, I have some thoughts. And they might not be what you expect… because, let’s be honest, perfect reviews are BORING.
First Impressions: The Glitz and the Grainy Bits
Right, so Accessibility… let's get this out of the way. Finding concrete info on their website about Wheelchair accessible rooms felt like a treasure hunt. They do have Elevator access (thank the heavens), but detailed accessibility specifics? Murky. Call ahead, I beg you. My experience tells me to triple-check everything before booking if accessibility is paramount.
The Services and Conveniences are, on paper, quite stacked. Concierge service? Check. 24-hour front desk? Check. Luggage storage? Check. But here's where the gloss starts to crack a little. Let's say I needed a Doctor/nurse on call… well, hopefully, I wouldn’t be stuck waiting for someone or something to arrive in a hurry! I'm getting a little anxious.
The Room: Glamour, but with a Side of (Maybe) Mold
The rooms are where Tigerlily really tries to sell you the dream. Air conditioning in every room? Bless. Blackout curtains for those Edinburgh nights that never truly get dark? Genius. Bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker? All the luxe trimmings are there, ready for your Instagram close-ups.
They also claim this is a non-smoking room. But, did I smell smoke in my room? I don't know. I'll just leave that there.
Now, the Room decorations are… loud. Think velvet, chandeliers, and a color palette that's somewhere between "Peacock’s Revenge" and "Velvet Overload." It’s a look. A very particular look. It felt like a movie set, cool, but not necessarily somewhere I'd want to unpack my whole life.
And the Internet. They shout about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless. It is there, but the signal strength was… spotty. I actually had to walk to the hallway to get decent reception. It's 2024, people! Invest in better Wi-Fi! The Internet access – LAN wasn't applicable during my stay.
Food and Drink: A Feast for the Eyes (and Maybe the Tummy)
The Dining, drinking, and snacking situation is where Tigerlily really aims to impress. Remember, these are Instagram-able aspirations, the food is secondary. You'll find Restaurants, a Bar, a Poolside bar, and a Coffee shop. Asian breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant and Vegetarian restaurant options are available.
So, the happy hour was great. Cocktails were pretty, and the atmosphere was buzzing. But the food… let's just say my salad in restaurant looked gorgeous, tasted… fine, and left me feeling a little like I'd paid too much for something that wasn’t quite worth it. The desserts in restaurant were more successful; decadent and photogenic.
They provide some breakfast service. Breakfast [buffet] is what I opted for. I have to mention the Daily housekeeping was on point for the most part.
Relaxation Station: Spa Dreams and Cold Reality
Ways to relax include a Fitness center, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. I'm not sure what's up with their Pool with view, my hopes fell flat.
After a long day of sightseeing, I was excited to try the Spa. More specifically, the Body scrub. The massage was… okay. The music was a little too new age, and I felt like I was being gently exfoliated by a giant cotton swab. My skin did glow afterwards, though, so I guess there was a win.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitizing with Style
This is where Tigerlily tries to shine. They advertise Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Anti-viral cleaning products. They offer Individually-wrapped food options and what looks like a Cashless payment service. Rooms sanitized between stays.
I did notice the staff diligently cleaning. I didn't see any Sterilizing equipment, but let's give them the benefit of the doubt.
Things to Do: Your Instagrammable Itinerary
- Things to do are fairly simple in the heart of Edinburgh. You are close to many attractions.
The Verdict: Is Tigerlily Worth The Hype?
Look, Tigerlily Hotel Edinburgh is trying. It's a loud, visually stimulating experience. It's geared towards a certain aesthetic, and if that's your jam, you’ll probably love it.
However, the accessibility is a concern, and the Wi-Fi situation and the food are a bit of a letdown.
Is it "Scotland's Most Instagrammable Hotel"? Perhaps. But more importantly, is it a memorable and genuinely enjoyable hotel? Possibly. Ultimately, it's a curate-your-own-adventure. Just pack your own Wi-Fi extender and lower your expectations of a truly relaxing break.
SEO & Metadata Stuff:
- Keywords: Tigerlily Hotel Edinburgh, Edinburgh hotels, Scotland hotels, Instagrammable hotels, luxury hotels Edinburgh, spa Edinburgh, restaurant Edinburgh, bar Edinburgh, accessibility hotel, wheelchair accessible Scotland, best hotels Edinburgh, Edinburgh city centre hotels.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Tigerlily Hotel Edinburgh! Is it Scotland's most Instagrammable hotel? We break down the rooms, food, spa, accessibility, and those all-important Insta-vibes. Book with caution!
- H1: Tigerlily Hotel Edinburgh Review: Velvet, Vibes, and a Whole Lot of Trying.
- H2: First Impressions: The Glitz and the Grainy Bits
- H2: The Room: Glamour, but with a Side of (Maybe) Mold
- H2: Food and Drink: A Feast for the Eyes (and Maybe the Tummy)
- H2: Relaxation Station: Spa Dreams and Cold Reality
- H2: Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitizing with Style
- H2: Things to Do: Your Instagrammable Itinerary
- H2: The Verdict: Is Tigerlily Worth The Hype?
- Meta Tags:
<meta name="description" content="A brutally honest review of Tigerlily Hotel Edinburgh! Is it Scotland's most Instagrammable hotel? We break down the rooms, food, spa, accessibility, and those all-important Insta-vibes. Book with caution!"><meta name="keywords" content="Tigerlily Hotel Edinburgh, Edinburgh hotels, Scotland hotels, Instagrammable hotels, luxury hotels Edinburgh, spa Edinburgh, restaurant Edinburgh, bar Edinburgh, accessibility hotel, wheelchair accessible Scotland, best hotels Edinburgh, Edinburgh city centre hotels">
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my chaotic Edinburgh adventure at the Tigerlily Hotel. Think less "polished brochure," and more "nervous traveller winging it and spilling Irn-Bru on their itinerary."
Day 1: Arrival, Doubt, and Deep-Fried Glory (and Probably Jet Lag)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Finally made it! After a flight that felt like eight hours of toddler tantrums and questionable airplane food, I land in Edinburgh. The air is crisp, the sky is a glorious, moody grey, and I'm already feeling a mix of giddy excitement and crippling self-doubt. Did I pack enough socks? Did I remember to switch my phone to local currency? (Spoiler: No, to both questions).
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to Tigerlily. My first impression? Instagrammable. Ridiculously, gloriously Instagrammable. Plush velvet, quirky artwork, and a general vibe that screams "bougie, but fun." I fumble through check-in, feeling like a total tourist. The receptionist, bless her heart, is probably used to it. She gives me a keycard, a map, and a look that says "Good luck, sweetie."
- 12:00 PM: Room Reveal! My room is… fabulous. Seriously, I'm officially obsessed. It's all about a blend of modern and classic. A four-poster bed! A freestanding golden bathtub! It's like a movie set, and I'm the star (or, realistically, a slightly bewildered extra). I immediately plop down on the bed, feeling the blissful relief of no longer travelling.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Because jet lag is a beast, I figure I'll stick around the area. I wander over to a neighborhood eatery. It's all a blur. What did I order? "Something fried" is about the extent of my memory. It's delicious, but not memorable.
- 2:00 PM: The Royal Mile. First impressions: cobblestones. So. Many. Cobblestones. My suitcase hates me. I'm struggling to keep my balance. I am a clumsy tourist. I begin to see the gothic beauty of the buildings and the historical feel of the city.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: I go into a pub, and am immediately greeted by a friendly bartender and a perfect Scottish accent. We chat about my travel experience, and I go on this huge rambling monologue where I just chat non-stop. He just listens, and it's exactly what I need.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I crash. Jet lag officially wins.
Day 2: Castle, Cramped Spaces, and a Whisky Revelation
- 8:00 AM: Okay, I'm actually awake! Miracle. Fueled by hotel coffee (slightly underwhelming, to be honest), I drag myself to Edinburgh Castle.
- 9:00 AM: Edinburgh Castle. Oh. My. God. This place is insane. The sheer scale! The history! I get completely lost in the Crown Jewels. It's a dizzying blend of power, wealth, and, let's be honest, a bit of bloody history. One minute I'm admiring a sparkly tiara, the next I'm shuddering at the stories of sieges and executions.
- 11:00 AM: A tiny little shop. I squeeze my way into this shop selling anything and everything. Books, antiques, and trinkets, etc.
- 1:00 PM: Time to get serious. It's whisky time. I decide I'm going on a whisky tour. I'm not a connoisseur, I was just curious. The tour guide is a true character, with a voice that could charm the haggis off its plate. The tasting itself is a revelation. One smooth, smoky sip and I finally understood. It’s this almost indescribable, warm, enveloping feeling. Suddenly I'm seeing the world in a whole new light. It's an embarrassing moment.
- 3:00 PM: I'm sitting at a table outside a little cafe sipping coffee, and I suddenly feel overwhelmed. I'm enjoying a great coffee, but it's so beautiful around me…I get emotional. I just sat and quietly watched the world go by.
- 6:00 PM: After a long day, I just feel like relaxing at the hotel. I get room service and watch something on TV. Pure bliss.
Day 3: Food, Fury, and Finding My Feet
- 9:00 AM: I'm just strolling. The sun is glistening, and it's a total pleasure. I'm getting the hang of this "tourist" thing.
- 10:00 AM: I'm ravenous. I find a local bakery. The pastries are incredible, and I'm finally getting the hang of the whole "ordering at a counter" thing.
- 11:00 AM: I stumble into a vintage shop and lose myself in the racks of clothes, the stacks of vinyl records. My credit card screams in protest.
- 1:00 PM: I am SO hungry. I find another cafe. I order another plate of fried food. What's wrong with me?
- 3:00 PM: I stroll around the city again. I sit on a bench and watch the people. I realize something. I actually love Edinburgh. Everything about it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I find a nice restaurant. I have a great time.
Day 4: Departure (and a promise to come back)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at Tigerlily. Sigh. I don't wanna leave. This place is great.
- 10:00 AM: Pack. Panic. Did I buy enough souvenirs? Did I see everything? Probably not.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out. Goodbye, plush velvet and golden bathtubs. You were a delight.
- 12:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. Reflecting on my trip. There were frustrations, but also moments of pure joy and discovery. I feel tired, exhilarated, and already plotting my return.
So, there you have it. My completely unvarnished, slightly messy, and utterly real Edinburgh adventure. It wasn't perfect. I got lost, I overspent, and I probably ate way too much fried food. But it was mine, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go book my next trip…
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Tigerlily Edinburgh: The Instagrammable Hotel... or Just a Pretty Face? (A Messy Q&A)
Okay, is Tigerlily REALLY as Instagrammable as everyone says? Because, let's be honest, Instagram lies.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because the truth is... it mostly is. Yeah, the interiors are gorgeous. Think velvet, chandeliers, quirky art, and a color palette that'll make your eyeballs sing a happy little tune. I'm talking serious #interiordesigngoals. I saw one girl practically *living* in the bathroom, just snapping away at the marble sink. And honestly? I get it. It’s begging for a photoshoot.
BUT... (and there's always a but, isn't there?) Remember when you tried to recreate that perfect avocado toast and it looked like a swamp monster had been near it? Yeah. Real life. Sometimes the lighting's a bit off in the rooms, or the angle just isn't working. I spent a good twenty minutes wrestling with my phone trying to capture the perfect shot of the bed (because, obviously). And let's be real, you're probably going to be elbowing about 5 other influencers who had EXACTLY the same idea. Just saying.
What's the *vibe* like? Is it all just posing and pretending?
Okay, the vibe is… *aspirational*. If aspirational was a cocktail, it would probably be named something ridiculously fancy, with edible glitter. It's upscale, a little bougie, but (crucially!) it *tries* not to be stuffy.
You'll see people dressed like they've stepped out of a magazine (or, more likely, off the runway from some show I've never heard of). The music's cool, the cocktails are inventive, and the staff are generally helpful and friendly. I'd say, "friendly with a side of polished", which is nice. But be prepared for the occasional "I'm-too-cool-for-school" glance. It's the price you pay for pretty decor, I suppose.
I once saw a dude in a full suit *taking* a selfie with the waiter. The waiter, bless his heart, was smiling. It was… an experience. So, yeah, posing happens. Let it roll. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Embrace the ridiculousness, and order that fancy cocktail!
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they actually comfortable? And is the price worth it?
Okay, the rooms. They're stylish. They're generally well-appointed. BUT... My first room, I was in the very first room. It was *teeny*. Like, I could touch all four walls if I stretched. It felt a bit like being in a luxury shoe box (though a very *stylish* shoe box). I was a tiny bit disappointed. But, and this is important, I asked for another room. And they were happy to move me! The next one was fabulous; spacious, great view, and the bed? *Heaven*. So, yeah, worth it *if* you get a decent room. Be prepared to maybe ask to switch if needed.
As for the price? It's not budget travel, let’s be real. It's definitely leaning towards the pricier end. Is it "worth it"? Well, that depends. Are you a sucker for design? Do you *love* a good cocktail? Do you want to feel like you're living in a magazine spread? (guilty!) Then, maybe. If you're on a shoestring, maybe look elsewhere, or at least consider staying for just one night for the experience. I spent a fortune on the cocktails alone, and the regret only set in after the third one.
The food. How's the food at the restaurant? And the dreaded breakfast situation?
Okay, the restaurant. I'm a HUGE fan of their burger! The vibe is generally good, even if a *tad* too loud at times. Actually, I really enjoyed the brunch, I'm a real sucker for brunch, and Tigerlily Edinburgh delivers. The food is well made, the cocktails are lovely, and there's a general buzz of people enjoying themselves. It’s a popular spot, so expect it to be busy, but I've never had a terrible meal. (And now, that I think about it, I need to get my hands on that burger *again*). The food is a solid win.
The dreaded breakfast situation... Honestly? It's fine. It's not life-changing, but it's not terrible either. They do a good full Scottish breakfast, if that's your thing. The coffee's decent, and, crucially, they have a wide array of options. It's good fuel for a day of exploring. It's not the reason to stay, but it's certainly not a reason to run screaming. Think "standard hotel breakfast, but a bit nicer."
Is the location convenient?
The location? Excellent. You're right in the heart of things. Right on George Street, smack dab in the middle of all the action. Shops, restaurants, bars, all within a short walk. The castle isn't *right* there, but it's easily accessible. Taxis and Ubers are readily available. I got a bit lost once, wandering around. But a quick Google maps search was all it took to get me back to the hotel. Score!
Basically, you're in a fantastic location for exploring Edinburgh. That’s a HUGE plus.
If you could change one thing about Tigerlily, what would it be?
This is tough. Maybe… more outlets in more convenient locations. It's the digital age! We all need to charge our phones *constantly* to snap those Instagrammable pics, and sometimes, the outlets were a bit of a hunt. I ended up crawling around on the floor behind the desk to keep my phone juiced up. It wasn't my most glamorous moment. Also, maybe a few more "quiet spaces" away from the bustling bar, because sometimes you just want to be in your room to regroup and not feel like you’re in the middle of a party!
Overall, would you recommend staying at Tigerlily?
Honestly? Yes. With caveats. (I *love* my caveats.)
If you're looking for a stylish hotel in a great location, that’s picture-perfect, and are willing to accept a slightly "scene"-y vibe, then absolutely, yes. It's a fun experience! Just manage your expectations. Don't go expecting perfection. Go embrace the beautiful chaos of it all. It's a good time. And, you know, the burger is worth it alone. Prepare to take a lot of photos! Don’t forget to charge your phoneBest Hotels Blog
