You’ve seen the photos. Those mint-green kitchens, the wicker chairs, and that specific shade of dusty rose that launched a thousand Instagram grids. Honestly, when Eden Locke Edinburgh first landed on George Street, it felt like a stage set for a design magazine. But here’s the thing—style usually expires. Most "aesthetic" hotels feel dated within three years, yet this place somehow feels more relevant now than it did when it opened.
Maybe it's because the "aparthotel" concept has finally moved past being a weird middle ground for business travelers. People actually want to live in their hotels now.
Staying at Eden Locke Edinburgh isn't just about having a bed in the New Town; it’s about having a legitimate flat with a Smeg kettle and enough space to actually breathe. It’s a Georgian townhouse on the outside, but the inside is a total 180. Architects Grzywinski+Pons basically took a historic shell and stuffed it with tropical plants and soft lighting. It shouldn't work in the gray, rainy Scottish winter. But it does.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
George Street is fancy. Too fancy? Sometimes. People see the address and assume they’re going to be surrounded by stuffy high-end boutiques and overpriced cocktails. While that's partially true—you are literally a stone's throw from Harvey Nichols—Eden Locke sits at the quieter, western end of the street.
It’s strategic.
You’re close enough to the action of Princes Street and the Royal Mile, but you aren't trapped in the tourist vortex. If you walk two blocks north, you’re in Stockbridge, which is basically the soul of Edinburgh. That’s where the locals actually go for Sunday markets and independent bookshops like Golden Hare. Most visitors stay in the Old Town and wonder why everything feels like a "Harry Potter" theme park. If you stay here, you get the version of the city where people actually live.
The tram from the airport stops at St Andrew Square, which is about a ten-minute walk away. It’s easy. Just don't try to drag a massive suitcase over the cobblestones if you can help it. Edinburgh’s terrain is a workout you didn't ask for.
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The Apartment Breakdown: Is It Actually Functional?
Let’s talk about the "L" shaped sofas. They are iconic to the Locke brand, and in Eden Locke, they are usually a muted pink or gray. They look great, but are they comfortable? Surprisingly, yeah.
The rooms are categorized as studios or one-bedroom suites. Unlike a standard hotel room where you’re basically trapped on the bed if you want to watch TV, these are actual living spaces. You have a kitchenette. We’re talking a real hob, a microwave, a fridge, and enough utensils to actually cook a meal.
Will you cook? Probably not. You’re in Edinburgh. The food scene is too good. But having the option to make a piece of toast at 11 PM without paying £20 for room service is a game-changer.
One thing to note: the "Internal" rooms. If you’re looking for a deal, you’ll see these listed cheaper. They don’t have windows to the outside world; they look into the atrium. It’s quiet. Really quiet. But if you’re the type of person who needs natural sunlight to wake up, you’ll want to spring for a street-view room. Just be aware that George Street can be noisy on a Friday night when the bars let out. The windows are thick, but sound is a persistent beast.
The Little Details That Matter
- The Coffee: They usually partner with local roasters. It’s not those plastic pods that taste like cardboard.
- The Tech: High-speed Wi-Fi that actually works. If you’re a "digital nomad" (a term I hate, but let's use it), this is one of the few places in the city where you can actually take a Zoom call without the signal dropping.
- The Bathroom: Kinsey Apothecary products. They smell like a spa and won't leave your skin feeling like parchment paper.
127: More Than Just a Lobby
Most hotel lobbies are transition spaces. You check in, you leave. 127 (the coffee house and bar at Eden Locke) is a destination in its own right. During the day, it’s filled with people on MacBooks sipping oat milk lattes. By night, it turns into a cocktail bar.
It doesn't have that "hotel bar" vibe where everyone looks lonely and out of place. It’s vibrant. They host events—yoga, creative workshops, DJ sets. It feels like a community hub. If you’re traveling solo, this is a massive plus. It’s easy to meet people here without it being weird.
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The staff doesn't wear suits. They wear whatever they want, basically. It’s a relaxed, "lifestyle" approach that avoids the stiff formality you find at the big-name luxury hotels further down the street. It’s refreshing.
Comparing Eden Locke to the Competition
If you’re looking at Eden Locke Edinburgh, you’re probably also looking at places like Malmaison or maybe an Airbnb in the West End.
Here’s the reality.
Airbnbs in Edinburgh are becoming a nightmare due to new short-term let regulations. Many are being shut down or are run by management companies that give you a code and zero help if the boiler breaks. Eden Locke gives you the apartment feel with a 24/7 reception. If your key card fails at 3 AM, there is a human being there to help you.
Compared to Malmaison or The Glasshouse, Eden Locke is younger. It’s brighter. It’s less "velvet and dark wood" and more "linen and plywood." If you want the traditional Scottish experience with tartans and stag heads, go to the Witchery. If you want to feel like you live in a cool European city, stay here.
The Financial Reality
Is it cheap? No. Edinburgh is expensive. But if you factor in the kitchen and the sheer square footage, the value proposition is high. You can save £30 a day just by eating breakfast in your room.
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Rates fluctuate wildly. During the Fringe Festival in August, prices go through the roof, just like everywhere else. If you can, visit in the "shoulder" seasons—late September or early May. The light in Edinburgh is incredible during those months, and the crowds are manageable.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
When you check in, ask for a room on a higher floor if you want more light. The Georgian windows are huge, but the street-level views can feel a bit exposed if you don't keep the blinds shut.
Don't skip the local recommendations from the staff. They usually have a "City Guide" that isn't just a list of paid sponsors. They’ll tell you to go to Lowdown Coffee on George Street (literally one of the best cafes in the UK) or suggest a walk through the Dean Village.
Also, check their "Locke Perks." They often have partnerships with local gyms or studios. Since the hotel doesn't have a massive fitness center of its own, this is how they bridge the gap.
Next Steps for Your Edinburgh Trip:
- Book Direct: Locke often has "longer stay" discounts if you’re staying more than three nights. It’s worth checking their official site before hitting the big booking engines.
- Pack Layers: Even if the hotel is warm and tropical-feeling, Edinburgh is not. The wind tunnel effect on George Street is real.
- Explore the New Town: Don't just head straight for the Castle. The New Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. Walk the "Circus" and look at the architecture.
- Download the App: Locke has an app for checking in and out. It’s actually functional and saves you standing at the desk if you’re in a rush to catch a train.
Eden Locke Edinburgh isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a specific vibe that works because it doesn't try too hard to be "Scottish." It just tries to be a good place to stay. And in a city full of tourist traps, that’s plenty.