Edinburgh is a city of layers. You have the medieval grit of the Royal Mile, the neoclassical order of the New Town, and then you have Festival Square. It’s right here, tucked between the financial district and the shadow of the Castle, that you find the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh. Honestly, if you’ve ever walked past the glass facade of the Usher Hall or grabbed a coffee near the Lyceum, you’ve seen it. It’s been a fixture since 1985. But here’s the thing: it doesn't feel like a relic.
Most luxury hotels in Scotland's capital try to sell you on "olde worlde" charm. They want you to feel like you’re in a Walter Scott novel. The Sheraton doesn’t do that. It’s polished. It’s expansive. And, most importantly, it houses One Spa, which remains—arguably—the best urban thermal experience in the UK.
The Reality of Staying at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh
People usually book this place for one of two reasons. Either they’re here on a corporate dime because it's the heart of the "Exchange" district, or they’ve seen photos of the rooftop hydropool. Let’s talk about that pool. It’s not just a gimmick. Even when the Scottish rain is coming down sideways and the wind is howling off the Firth of Forth, that water is warm. You’re floating there, steam rising around you, looking directly at the jagged volcanic rock of Edinburgh Castle. It’s a vibe.
The rooms were overhauled a few years back. They went for a "Grand Room" concept that uses Scottish wools and muted tones. No tartan overkill. It’s subtle. You get these massive windows that, if you’re lucky with your room choice, frame the Castle so perfectly it looks like a high-def wallpaper. But keep in mind, the hotel is big. We're talking 269 rooms. If you’re looking for a tiny, boutique "hidden gem" where the receptionist knows your cat's name, this isn't it. This is a well-oiled machine. It’s efficient.
What the Lobby Tells You
The moment you walk in, you notice the scale. The lobby is cavernous. It smells expensive—that specific blend of wood, citrus, and clean linen that Marriott’s premium brands have mastered. You’ll see a mix of people. Tech founders in hoodies, wedding parties in full Highland dress, and tourists looking slightly overwhelmed by the sheer size of the place.
One Spa: More Than Just a Hotel Amenity
You can’t write about the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh without focusing on One Spa. It’s technically a separate entity connected to the hotel by a glass walkway. It’s six floors of glass, stone, and water.
Most hotel "spas" are a converted basement with a sauna that smells like old socks. One Spa is the opposite. The Thermal Suite is the big draw. They have the salt room, the crystal steam room, and the hammam. But the real pro move? The bio-sauna. It’s less aggressive than a traditional Finnish sauna, meaning you can actually sit in there and breathe without feeling like your lungs are evaporating.
💡 You might also like: Wingate by Wyndham Columbia: What Most People Get Wrong
- The Rooftop Hydropool: Open year-round. It’s the hotel’s "Instagram" moment, but it holds up in real life.
- The 19-metre swimming pool: Serious enough for actual laps, not just splashing.
- Fitness: The gym is massive. It’s not just two treadmills and a yoga mat; it’s a full-scale club used by locals who pay a hefty membership fee.
I’ve heard people complain that the spa gets crowded on Saturdays. They’re right. If you’re staying at the hotel, go on a Tuesday morning. You’ll have the place to yourself. It changes the entire experience from "busy public pool" to "private sanctuary."
Dining at One Square: Gin and Granite
The main restaurant is One Square. It’s a bar, a lounge, and a brasserie all rolled into one. They have their own gin. Seriously. It’s called One Square Gin, made by Pickering’s at the Summerhall distillery just down the road. It’s heavy on the Mediterranean botanicals.
The food is "modern Scottish." What does that actually mean? It means they take local ingredients—Loch Fyne salmon, Aberdeenshire beef—and they don’t mess with them too much. The Tweed Valley rib-eye is a standout. It’s charred properly.
However, let’s be real. Edinburgh has one of the most competitive food scenes in the UK. You have Michelin stars scattered all over Leith and the New Town. One Square isn’t trying to be The Kitchin. It’s trying to be a reliable, high-quality spot where you can have a business lunch or a post-spa burger. It’s comfortable. The terrace is great for people-watching on Festival Square, especially during the Fringe in August when the whole area turns into a beautiful, chaotic circus.
Why Location Matters (The Non-Touristy Version)
Most tourists want to stay on Princes Street. Those people are wrong. Princes Street is loud, crowded, and full of chain stores. The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh is located on Lothian Road.
Why is this better?
📖 Related: Finding Your Way: The Sky Harbor Airport Map Terminal 3 Breakdown
Because Lothian Road is where Edinburgh actually lives. You’re two minutes from the Filmhouse. You’re across the street from the Usher Hall. You can walk to Stockbridge—the leafy, affluent neighborhood with the Sunday market—in about fifteen minutes through the Dean Village. You’re basically at the intersection of the tourist world and the local world.
If you want the "Old Town" experience, you just walk up the hill. You’ll be at the Castle gates in ten minutes. But when you’re done with the bagpipes and the crowds, you can retreat back to the Sheraton, which feels significantly more peaceful.
The Club Lounge Factor
If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member or you’ve booked a Club Room, you get access to the Club Lounge. Is it worth it? Usually. They do a breakfast spread that beats the main restaurant if you hate crowds. In the evening, they serve canapés and drinks. It’s a solid spot to get some work done. The views from the lounge windows are some of the best in the building, looking straight up at the castle ramparts.
Addressing the Skeptics
Some people find the Sheraton too "corporate." I get that. If you want creaky floorboards and ghosts, go to a boutique hotel in a converted tenement. The Sheraton is about consistency. You know the bed is going to be a Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience bed (which, honestly, are some of the most comfortable mattresses on the planet). You know the shower pressure is going to be intense. You know the Wi-Fi isn't going to drop out during a Zoom call.
There’s a certain luxury in things just working.
Sustainability and Impact
The hotel has been leaning into more sustainable practices lately. They’ve ditched most of the single-use plastics in the bathrooms, moving to larger, refillable luxury dispensers. They source a huge chunk of their menu from within a 50-mile radius. In a city like Edinburgh, which is increasingly conscious of its environmental footprint, these things matter.
👉 See also: Why an Escape Room Stroudsburg PA Trip is the Best Way to Test Your Friendships
Practical Insights for Your Visit
If you are planning a trip to the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh, don't just wing it.
First, check the Usher Hall schedule. If there’s a major concert, the area around the hotel gets buzzing. This can be great for atmosphere, but a nightmare for Uber pickups. Plan accordingly.
Second, the "Castle View" rooms are worth the extra cash. It’s not just a marketing gimmick. Seeing the castle lit up at 11 PM from your bed is one of those travel moments that actually sticks with you.
Third, the breakfast. It’s a massive buffet. It has everything from haggis (try it, it’s basically just spiced sausage) to honeycomb dripping off a frame. It can get chaotic around 9:30 AM. Go early, around 7:30 AM, if you want a window seat and a quiet coffee.
Navigating the Spa Rules
A weird quirk: kids are allowed in the main swimming pool at specific times. If you’re looking for a silent, meditative swim, check those times at the front desk. Usually, the early morning and late evening are adult-only.
Also, you have to wear a swim cap in the main pool. They’ll give you one, but it’s a standard "serious swimmer" rule they’ve kept for years to maintain water quality.
Final Thoughts on the Sheraton Experience
The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa Edinburgh isn't trying to be the trendiest hotel in Scotland. It doesn't have a neon-lit rooftop bar with overpriced cocktails and a DJ. It’s the "grown-up" choice. It’s for the traveler who wants a world-class spa, a room that feels like a sanctuary, and a location that lets them see the city without being trapped in a tourist bubble.
It feels permanent. In a city that changes every time the seasons shift, there’s something deeply comforting about that.
Actionable Next Steps
- Booking Strategy: If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, use points. The redemption value here is often excellent compared to the cash rate, especially during August or December.
- Spa Reservations: Do not wait until you arrive to book a treatment at One Spa. It fills up weeks in advance with locals. Book your massage or facial the moment you confirm your room.
- Transport: Skip the taxi from the airport if you don't have much luggage. The Edinburgh Tram stops at West End, which is a five-minute walk from the hotel lobby. It’s faster and cheaper.
- Dining Tip: While One Square is great, you are 300 yards away from Timberyard on Lady Lawson Street—one of the best dining experiences in the country. Use the hotel as your base but explore the local food scene.
- Room Request: Ask for a room on a higher floor. Even if you don't get a Castle view, the city-side rooms offer a fascinating look at the mix of Victorian and modern architecture that defines Edinburgh.