Victoria Street is the candy-coloured curve that half of Edinburgh believes inspired JK Rowling's Diagon Alley - and right at the top, a red door gives way into the 1864 India Buildings. This is Virgin's first hotel outside the US, and the brand has poured its irreverent spirit into a maze of three listed buildings (excavations turned up siege weapons and a slice of the old city wall!). Inside are 222 bedroom "chambers", a circular lounge beneath a staggering Victorian cupola, a flagship restaurant, and a rooftop with the castle in full view.
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There are 222 sleeping "chambers" in 15 categories and spread across 10 floors. Each is split into two: a dressing area with vanity and walk-in shower, then a lounge with that signature bed and red SMEG fridge. They are surprisingly zen , with neutral tones, original Victorian details and ethically woven Moroccan rugs underfoot. The signature suites are where it gets fun: Richard's Flat is Sir Richard's home-away-from-home, the Eve Branson Suite sits beneath the old church bell tower, and the Kasbah Tamadot Suite hides a tented second-floor lounge strung with lanterns.
The two-zone bedroom layout. There's a proper dressing room, then a sliding door through to a bed with a built-in sofa and a pillar-box-red SMEG fridge stocked with Scottish treats. Clever!
The hotel is built into a hill, so reception is on Level 6 (street level from George IV Bridge). Type the National Museum's postcode, EH1 1EW, into your Maps, or you'll end up at the wrong end of the street.
Some of the bedrooms face Victoria Street and the late-night bars below, and the windows don't hush the noise as well as you'd hope. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room set back from the street.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
Virgin Victoria Street can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made UK trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended UK trips featuring Virgin Victoria Street or get advice and suggestions from one of our UK specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Virgin Victoria Street start from around $90, or US$90, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Scotland’s alluring capital city of ancient architecture, charm, culture and cuisine in spades.
