The Grassmarket Hotel

So you've heard about the Edinburgh Festival.....you're planning to go, have a few days in Edinburgh and take in some shows.....but where to stay?  Well your accommodation couldn't get any more Fringe friendly than The Grassmarket Hotel located in the hub of The Old Town at 94 - 96 Grassmarket.  It's in an historic location second to none, populated with shops, bars, cafes restaurants and Fringe venues not to mention that it's a stones throw from Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and Waverley Station (890 steps away apparently, but who's counting).

Needless to say you don't have to wait until Festival time to visit Edinburgh, it's one of the worlds premier tourist destinations and with the great value for money accommodation on offer at The Grassmarket Hotel there's no excuse for not planning a visit at any time! 

The hotel has recently been refurbishing rooms and they've been shortlisted for the laterooms.com Best Kept Secret Awards in the Best Interiors category and it's easy to see why.....

.....and not only is it luxurious, it's probably Edinburgh's most family friendly hotel.....with Tunnocks Teacakes and a copy of The Beano and The Dandy coming as standard in every room!

Even when the Festival and Fringe aren't on, Edinburgh at night is an absolute delight with a host of pubs clubs and restaurants to choose from and many of the best are within a short walk of the hotel.  

The Witchery Dining Room

If it's dark, delicious gothic splendour you're after you have to visit The Witchery just a few yards away from the entrance to The Castle for a dining 
experience you'll never forget.

It has developed a world-wide reputation for its exceptional dining experience, showcasing the very best of Scotland's produce in the most magical of settings. Now in its fourth decade, the Witchery is a Scottish fine dining landmark, much loved by loyal locals, its celebrity fans and visitors to the city alike.

You wont get stung here.....

If it's a great pub you're after situated in the historic heart of Grassmarket, The Beehive sits in the shadow of The Castle and boasts a history going back around 400 years. With a drinks license thought to have existed since it was a 16th Century coaching inn, the present building replaced The Beehive Hotel in the 1860's. It incorporates a main bar, a satellite bar (The Honeypot), a 100 seat dining room, a meeting room and one of the best gardens in the city centre.

You wont have a
ghost of a chance

For an unforgettable, scary and spooky experience don't forget to book an award winning Cadies & Witchery guided ghost tour. Established in 1984, the Cadies have been scaring people from all over the world almost every single night since, and their walking tours have become one of Edinburgh's must-see attractions. 

For a truly inspiring shopping experience, look no further than Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.  From The Castle come down the Castle Wynd or Upper Bow steps to the Grassmarket for some retail therapy that gives you a true taste of modern Scotland.

The area is full to brimming with Scottish designers, artisans and independent merchants selling everything from gourmet food and drink and luxurious knitwear to cutting edge fashions, antique books and unique gifts. Most shops are owner operated; adding to the feeling that your shopping experience is truly special.

So have I convinced you yet.....not only is The Grassmarket area of Edinburgh a joy for the avid tourist, The Grassmarket Hotel is the jewel in it's crown.....and if you are heading to Edinburgh for The Festival I can only offer you this piece of advice from past 

experience.....

BOOK EARLY!

For the best rates it's always better to contact them directly through their website and if you're really lucky you'll catch one of the monthly offers of 10 'Mates Rates' rooms at £1 (are they mental) which you can find out about when you subscribe to their mailing list.

Just to prove they're not afraid of The Trip Advisor they even have a live feed to it on their website.....

262 reviews of Grassmarket Hotel in Edinburgh

Grassmarket Hotel

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

Based on 262 traveller reviews

TripAdvisor Popularity Index:^#111of 139 hotels in Edinburgh

Most Recent Traveller Reviews:

• 7 Sep 2012: “Stayed here our last night in Edinburgh. Loved the decor in the room, and bathroom! Had...” more
• 4 Sep 2012: “Had a wonderful stay at the Grassmarket during thje Fringe gestival for 3 nights The hotel...” more
• 2 Sep 2012: “When booking and paying in advance ( about 750 for 5 nights) we were encouraged by...” more
• 25 Aug 2012: “Having previously stayed here at the very end of 2009, finding the location to be excellent,...” more

• Read reviews

• Write a review

© 2012 TripAdvisor LLC

Smoked Salmon Tarte Tatin

Here's another Tarte Tatin recipe but with a twist this time.....courtesy of those lovely food blogging people at..... JustLoveFoodLeith 


And that twist I mentioned... its muffin size  Shetland Smoked Salmon, Samphire, Herbs, Crowdie and potato Tarte Tatins with a duck egg and lime mayo served with seasonal leaves.

Ingredients:

Scottish smoked salmon slices

Samphire

Chopped chives

Spring onion, sliced finely in diagonal

Parsley leaves (not chopped but whole)

Waxy potatos simply boiled, peeled and crushed (Charlottes jersey Royals or Maris Peer are ideal)

Crowdie (you could substitute cream cheese)

Butter

Sea salt flakes

Freshly ground pepper

Preparation:

1. Line a muffin tin with butter.
2. Cover with smoked salmon slices to the brim, add the potato mix (potato, all herbs, Crowdie cheese, the samphire and season to taste).  Then overlap the ends of the salmon slices to cover the mix.
3. Top with a round of puff pastry (you can make your own, but as usual, Ralph says..... ready made works just as well).  Make sure to tuck in the ends of the pastry all around the edge of the tin.
4. Egg wash it and bake at 220 C for 20 minutes.
5. Take it out of oven and let rest for 5 minutes and then turn by placing a plate or board over before turning so they do not crumble (like they do on The Great British Bake Off).

Serve with seasonal salad, a nice mayo of your liking and a wedge of lime or lemon.

If you're feeling adventurous, for a delicious accompaniment make a Samphire Butter with white balsamic and the juice of one lime.

In a saucepan simmer the Samphire, some parsley and coriander stalks with butter, freshly ground pepper, add just a splash of white balsamic vinegar, the juice one lime, cook for about 5 to 7  minutes until tender, blitz and pass through a fine sieve, let cool and ready to serve.