Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#37 of 163 hotels in Edinburgh
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection, earns praise for its friendly and helpful staff, with many guests appreciating the anticipatory service, despite occasional inconsistencies. Its rooftop garden, comfortable accommodations, and prime location for exploring nearby attractions are frequently highlighted by travelers. However, some guests find the hotel's value lacking, mentioning overpriced aspects and underwhelming amenities.
While rooms are noted as spacious, complaints about noise, complex layouts, and datedness are not uncommon. The hotel's charming atmosphere and cleanliness generally leave a positive impression, even with some mentions of wear and minor cleanliness issues.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Well-appointed
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveller reviews and learn more about how the site works.
I can’t begin to say enough nice things about this hotel. I was originally slated to stay at a hotel down the street and was persuaded by a local colleague to switch to this hotel based on the quality, view, and location. I’m thrilled I made the switch. First off, Ryan, the hotel manager, went to exceptional effort to ensure I was satisfied with my room and was so accommodating. The room itself was very comfortable and well arranged, including the sitting area, Nespresso machine, and opening to the garden with a view of Calton Hill from my third-floor room. The bed was very comfortable and had the all-important master switches for the lights right next to the bed. The bathroom was spacious and lovely complete with heated floor and a towel warmer as well as a large bathtub. On three evenings, I entertained colleagues at The Snug, which is the private hotel bar. The food, drinks and service were excellent. My guests enjoyed the central fireplace area and cozy atmosphere. The fantastic scotch collection earned fans as well! The true highlight of my visit was concierge Jonathan, who was unfailingly helpful to me and the numerous business visitors I had throughout my stay. All visitors had a brilliantly warm welcome and assistance planning our week in Edinburgh courtesy of the delightful Jonathan. The consensus of my colleagues was they wished they’d changed hotels with me to stay at this beautiful hotel with the attentive (but never overbearing) hospitality. The conversation when we were considering an activity was literally, “We should ask Jonathan!” and it came from people not even staying there. That’s service! One person stayed, but you have eight new fans! I will definitely stay here in the future and look forward to doing so. I spend about 140 nights per year in hotels and the Glasshouse is probably the brightest spot of the last five years. The staff have refined the art of hospitality in a perfect location, while still offering unmatched privacy and tranquility. Bravo!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from K6120ATryanr, Front Office Manager at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Responded 31 Jan 2020
Dear BrandiBax, Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review on your recent stay. I am very pleased that my staff, specifically Jonathan was able to make such a memorable stay with us. This feedback will be shared with The Glasshouse team. Hoping we will be able to welcome you back again to the Glasshouse again soon. Kind Regards, Ryan Ritter Front Office Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This stay was splendid from start to finish. I was delighted to be upgraded to a Balcony Suite on arrival. It was spacious with fine city views, a vast and exceptionally comfortable bed, and a a the bathroom with toasty underfloor heating and a large deep bath as well as a good shower.
The staff (especially Mohamed) were all welcoming, very friendly and unfailingly helpful. Nothing was too much trouble and they were proud to show off their hotel and to assist me to make the most of my visit to Edinburgh.
The dining room was flooded with natural light, elegant and comfortably furnished and laid out with impeccable service, a wide range of delicious well-presented food and good views of Calton Hill.
The furnishings were smart and the roof garden extensive and beautifully restful. The Snug Bar was very comfortable.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ryan R, Front Office Manager at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Responded 15 Jan 2020
Dear Fensurfer, Thank you for taking the time to write a review on your recent stay with us. I was delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and the staff were able to deliver an exceptional experience. Your feedback will be shared with our team members, especially Mohammed. Hoping to welcome you back again soon. Kind Regards, Ryan Ritter Front Office Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Tho hotel is positioned just a short walk away from Waverley station (Edinburgh has two and they are not within walking distance). It’s not slap bang in the middle but close enough to get to all the sights and shops within reasonable walking. It’s also next door to the Playhouse.
All the reviews mention the staff and it’s true they all put a great effort in to being both polite, helpful and cheery. We arrived very early but as a room was ready checking in wasn’t an issue. I am a Marriot member so this was rewarded with a free upgrade to one of their suites which was very nice. I was escorted up to my room which was a good job as navigating your way around the hotel isn’t that easy until you get your bearings.
Although the hotel has a very old frontage it’s very new and everywhere is fronted by glass hence it’s name. Our suite was just off the bar which we thought was going to be a noise problem but wasn’t as the noise proofing is excellent. The suites have a very large shared balcony giving excellent views of the city and out to sea in places.
Breakfast was freshly cooked to your order and was lovely although a bit steep at £25 a head.
We managed to get a special promo deal which was made even better with our free upgrade. If paying standard tariffs it’s top of the tree but is very nice and very convenient if travelling by train.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TGHFOM, Front Office Manager at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Responded 8 Mar 2020
Dear AMB-Reviews, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent stay with us! I am delighted that you were able to enjoy your stay with us and will share your feedback with our teams. Hoping to have the opportunity to serve you again in the future. Kind Regards, Ryan Ritter Front Office Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent two nights at the Glasshouse in early September as a couple. The hotel itself is an interesting and very original building, with lots of great architectural features. Our room had a terrace that had brilliant views over Leith. The styling of the hotel has a slightly 1950s 'mad men' vibe and it feels quite cool, if a little tired (scuffs, worn surfaces) and in need of some tlc. We didn't opt for breakfast as the charge was £35 per head (?) which was excessive. The hotel is restaurant is closed for other catering at present and there is no room service. However, there are lots of brilliant cafes, restaurants, bistros and bakeries within a five minute walk so we did that instead. It's a great central location so if you want to be in the thick of it, it's a really good base. It can get noisy during the night as there are lots of restaurants, pubs and nightclubs nearby.
There were a few things that we felt let the hotel down seriously. The first was this: if you are having a lie in and put out the 'do not disturb' sign, then your room does not get cleaned at all. We were out for a substantial part of the day and night, leaving ample opportunity for cleaning. At £250 per night, it is simply not good enough to not have enough staff onsite to turn rooms over during the day.
Our second more serious issue was to do with cleanliness of the public facilities. There was a note included at check in that stressed that the hotel had extra cleaning staff on duty to maintain cleanliness during COVID19. However, at night we went to the 'Snug Bar' on an evening when there was a wedding reception going on outside on the roof terrace. I asked where the nearest loo was and was directed down a corridor to some single cubicles. These toilets were being used by the wedding party and inebriated guests without masks on were coming in and out of the building to use them and they were in a repulsive state. Every surface was wet and sticky and the toilet seats were covered in urine. I was disgusted and alarmed by this in the context of rising COVID numbers in Scotland.
From our perspective, there appeared to be an understaffing issue. As well as the lack of cleaning staff, the bar staff were also disinterested and slow and the quality of the gin cocktails (served in plastic glasses, £10, no cucumber in a 'cucumber lemonade') was very poor.
When we checked out the next day, we decided that if we were asked about our stay then we would mention these issues and give opportunity for a response. We weren't asked, so I have written it up here. It is unacceptable for a 5 star hotel, charging these rates, to offer such poor standards of hygiene and service. I diced with giving the hotel 1 star based on this, but overall it's a good space and a good location. It's certainly not earning it's 5 stars at present though.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:good views from the front, but noisy
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ryan Ritter, Guest Services / Front Office at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Responded 29 Dec 2021
Dear kate s, Thank you for sharing your review of your recent stay with us. I was very saddened to learn about your experience and want to reassure you this is far from the standards that our team strives to provide. Please do accept my sincere apologies and appreciate your feedback as its crucial to continue to grow. Should you wish to discuss this any further or would be returning back to Edinburgh you can contact me directly at ryan.ritter@theglasshousehotel.co.uk. Wishing you a lovely New Year. Kind Regards, Ryan Ritter Rooms Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Glasshouse is in a central location so it's easy to walk most places like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, etc., but 2 small things: 1) The way the hotel is situated, you can't be picked up or get dropped off via a taxi or Uber right in front of the hotel. They have to let you out or pick you up down the street which is a bit of an inconvenience. 2) It's located a few doors down from a theatre (the kind with plays) so there's always a ton of pedestrians about and when the theatre lets out, it's chaos and everyone is scrambling for a cab/uber at the same time (tough if you need to be somewhere). However, we can't say enough about the service as it was excellent from the time we got there until the time we left. The receptionist, concierge, bar staff, restaurant staff, etc., were all friendly, helpful and over and above in everything. The continental breakfast was plentiful with good variety. Prices for food and drinks were reasonable. The rooftop garden was also a nice feature. The hotel is a combo of old and new and some things they did well and some things weren't thought out very well. The lobby is small but renovated and modern looking. Rooms seemed to be renovated but ours was small, somewhat dark, a bit musty and hard to air out. The bathroom was semi small and just a bit awkward: there is no storage at all. The sink is a pedestal with no cabinet underneath so it would have been nice to have a cabinet somewhere to keep cosmetic bags, etc. out of the way. When you get out of the shower, the door pushes the shower rug to the side as they didn't leave room for it so the floor and your feet end up wet. There are also no vents in the bathroom and the toilets are super noisy when flushed. You can hear them flushing all around and above you as well (no doubt plumbing wasn't easy in this old building). Even with these small flaws, if you want a reasonable, centrally located hotel with great staff, this is a good place to set your bags. Slainte!
Read more
Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Ask for a higher room with a balcony so you can see the city.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ryan R, Front Office Manager at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Responded 26 Jan 2020
Dear RenAroundTown, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent stay with us. I was very delighted to learn that the staff was wonderful all throughout the hotel and will share this with the teams. My apologies about flaws that you experienced whilst staying with us however was glad that you enjoyed your overall experience whilst in Edinburgh. Hoping to have the opportunity to welcome you back once again in the future. Kind Regards, Ryan Ritter Front Office Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were quite disappointed with this hotel. From outside you arrive at a grand exterior and walk into a beautiful reception. Unfortunately, not quite the same attention has been applied to the rooms which are in desperate need of renovation and have plumbing that could weaken the dead. The rooms were clean cleaned to a high standard it was just hard to believe that anyone would rate this hotel 5 star with the cheap worn furniture and broken glass sinks in the bathroom.
We had drinks in the bar on both nights that we stayed and considering our group doubled their customer base the staff couldn't have looked more disinterested if they had tried. After sitting for 15 minutes we had to send someone up to the guy at the bar to ask for some drinks, he seemed too busy playing with the bottles to bother with the customers so on both occasions we left and went to a bar outwith the hotel.
The breakfast was tasteless and cold, you could have used my English muffin as a hockey puck and I sat waiting for orange juice for 20 minutes. They did however refund the breakfast when they noticed that we had left without eating any of it.
The location is great and the building has lots of potential, unfortunately, it just didn't seem like anyone other than the reception staff cared.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ignacio Sans Garcia, Other at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Responded 19 Aug 2021
Dear WallaceR, We value all guest feedback to help us improve on the service and facilities and I am grateful for your comments. I am terribly sorry that you left us disappointed and have discussed your feedback with the respective Heads of Department on how they can improve on your points raised. They have addressed your comments with their teams and shall take appropriate action through training to ensure improvement. Thank you again for your comments and I hope we may have the opportunity to welcome you back again in the future Kind regards, Ignacio Sans.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I was staying at the hotel for 12 days and the the first thing I loved was that the staff was very helpful and courteous. International travel can be very tiring and as soon as I arrived, being greeted by friendly faces who make your check in easy was a plus. The room had access to a balcony, heated towels, bathrobes, slippers and a bathtub, which other hotels in the area don't. During my full stay the staff was extremely helpful and they took good care of me. Considering that I have stayed at other hotels in Edinburgh, The Glasshouse was a very pleasant experience. The customer services is excellent.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TGHFOM, Front Office Manager at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Responded 9 Mar 2020
Dear Merlynpereira, Thank you for taking the time to complete our survey on your recent stay with us. I was delighted that you enjoyed your stay and that are staff took very good care of you throughout your stay and time in this iconic city. Hoping to have the opportunity to welcome you back to The Glasshouse again in the future. Kind Regards, Ryan Ritter Front Office Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
From the second I walked into the hotel the staff was by far the friendliest and kind staff I have ever encountered. Not just a few staff, every single one of the employees made an effort to make my stay as pleasant as possible. The rooms were spacious, the bathroom was large and very relaxing, my shoes were polished while I slept, the Nespresso machine was an excellent added addition and the bar staff were not only talented in preparing cocktails, they were very fun to talk with.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:I was on the bottom floor in room 100, it was quiet and secluded.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ryan R, Front Office Manager at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Responded 22 Jan 2020
Dear Shelbyk714, Thank you for taking the time to write your five star review on your recent stay with us! I am very delighted that you enjoyed your stay and the staff made a memorable experience. Your feedback will be shared with our team members. Hoping to welcome you back again to The Glasshouse again in the future! Kind Regards, Ryan Ritter Front Office Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed over for a show at the Playhouse. The hotel is literally sandwhiched between the Playhouse and the Omni centre (where we had dinner) so it was perfect location wise. Everything about the hotel says quality, from the reception area to the corridors and the rooms of course. And the little Snug bar area with table fire feature. Our room was the Calton Hill Suite, Garden View. This has access to the roof garden which was a nice feature allbeit not really the weather to be outside. There are chairs and a table in the roof garden outside each room. The hotel windows are mirrored so you could keep the curtains open without feeling like people in the roof garden could see in. If I were booking again I think I'd try for a balcony round the other side where I could look out onto the hustle and bustle of the city. Room had a mini bar which came with a couple of bottles of beer, some cans of coke/fanta/sprite and water. Having the fridge is a great feature for buying your own drinks and snacks. There was also a Nespresso machine with 3 pods and tea/coffee facilities and some good sized drinking glasses. Great Super King bed. Really nice bathroom with separate bath and shower, double sinks and heated floor. Handy DAB radio with bluetooth. WiFi just connects simply with no need to visit a Web page and register details etc which can be annoying. Just pick the guest network and you are done. Cooked Breakfast was nice and a great selection of porridges Yoghurts etc. Breakfast was included, allbeit there was a small mistake where the receptionist didn't have it recorded that breakfast was paid for but a colleague helped and this was a mistake that was quickly sorted. If Breakfast wasn't included it would have been £25 per head which would have been quite a shock had I to pay this separately. I only have one negative point which is in relation to what I assume is the pump for the toilet. Maybe it is to do with the age of the building, but the toilet flush was like the type in a plane or train. Very very noisy, if someone did the toilet while you were sleeping it's very likely you woukd wake up. Also while someone is in the shower, the pump goes approx every 20 seconds. This is very loud and right next to the bed, so again no chance of relaxing in bed while someone else gets showered. However I would stay here again, of course you are paying more than say a Premier in for the night (and I love me a Premier Inn) but if you feel like splashing out, and treating yourself or someone else then the Glasshouse is definitely a great hotel to visit. It may only be something that was put in place for covid but when i booked i didn't have to pay until 11pm the night before arrival, and it would be cancelled if I hadn't paid by then, which takes away the worry about losing cash due to last minute change of circumstances.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ryan Ritter, Guest Services / Front Office at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Responded 19 Feb 2022
Dear 499johno, Thank you for taking the time to share you review with us. We are delighted that you were able to enjoy your stay with us and took advantage of the room features. However disappointed that you experienced plumbing noise that disrupted your rest. Your overall experience seemed to be enjoyable and we can not wait to welcome you back again in the future. Kind Regards, Ryan Ritter Rooms Division Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My partner and I stayed in The Glasshouse as part of a short stay in Edinburgh . I am disabled but still a very careful pedestrian, occasionally overtaken by speeding tortoise. The main reason for our stay was the proximity too, on one side the Playhouse Theatre and on the other The Cosmo Restaurant a buffet style restaurant. Next to that again was the Omni centre a concentration of shopping facilities, small bars, restaurants, a cinema and a very large car parking area with elevators directly into the centre. From this point of view alone, the hotel could not have been more convenient. Too the hotel itself, beautiful, characterful, spotless and supremely comfortable . Our personal requirements given my disability had been relayed prior to our stay, therefore a room suitably equipped, close to an elevator was provided. Checkin, escort to our room and a detailed explanation of the various amenities available within the hotel and their locations, delivered in a very courteous and friendly manner. Our room was spacious and well equipped, so comfortable. We could exit our room directly into a large well maintained garden. The glass which formed one wall of our room and the garden access was one way we could observe the outside, the outside could not observe us. We had no issues with our room whatsoever, my disability was no obstacle. Additionally room service provided throughout the night was outstanding. . A huge thankyou to all of the staff who looked after us during our stay.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from TGHFOM, Front Office Manager at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Responded 5 Feb 2020
Dear David R, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent stay with us. Our staff takes great pride in the level of service provided to each and every guest and will be delighted to learn that we were able to deliver an exceptional experience during your visit. I truly hope we can welcome you back soon to The Glasshouse Hotel. Kind Regards, Ryan Ritter Front Office Manager
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Good morning,
I would say that it depends on your preferences as both rooms feature stunning views.
The difference would be having a private balcony facing the marvellous New Town, while on the other hand would be a private terrace with access to the garden from the room.
I hope this helps you to decide, from my point of view the views of the New Town from the room are really nice.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again should you require any further assistance.
Best regards,
Guillermo Montserrat
Duty Manager
There are more places to choose from in the Edinburgh area.
PRICE RANGE
S$362 - S$671 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the glasshouse hotel edinburgh, glasshouse edinburgh, edinburgh glasshouse, glasshouse hotel edinburgh, glass house edinburgh
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandEdinburghBroughton & Calton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
77
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
