The Glasshouse, Edinburgh review: a historic church reimagined as one of the city’s most distinctive boutique hotels

Edinburgh is full of oodles of stunning boutique and luxury hotels. And for those who enjoy a touch of heritage with their stay, The Glasshouse, Edinburgh, is an excellent choice. Just a short walk from Waverley Station and the Royal Mile, during our recent visit, we discovered a chic, designer bolthole with the added bonus of a generously-appointed garden.

While this stay was hosted, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We review The Glasshouse, Edinburgh

The Glasshouse, Edinburgh Snapshot

Hotel: The Glasshouse, Edinburgh
Address: 2 Greenside Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AA, Scotland
Number of rooms: 77 rooms and suites
Brand: Autograph Collection by Marriott
Year opened: 2003 (within the restored former Lady Glenorchy Church)
Style: Contemporary boutique luxury with historic Gothic architecture
Best for: Couples, city breaks, whisky lovers, culture seekers and business travellers wanting a peaceful central location
Dining: The Brasserie serving breakfast, The Snug Lounge for afternoon tea and drinks, seasonal rooftop events, and room service
Wellness facilities: Complimentary access to neighbouring Nuffield Health gym, swimming pool and sauna
Family friendly: Interconnecting rooms and spacious suites available
Pet friendly: No
Parking: On-site parking available (charges apply)
Nearest station: Edinburgh Waverley (around a 10-minute walk)
Prices from: Approximately £250 per night, depending on season and room type.

The arrival

There are some hotels where the building tells as much of the story as the service, and The Glasshouse in Edinburgh is one of them. Hidden behind the striking façade of the former Lady Glenorchy Church, the hotel has one of Edinburgh’s most memorable entrances. After serving the city as a church for more than 170 years, the building was transformed into a 77-room luxury boutique hotel in 2003, carefully preserving its dramatic stone frontage while introducing contemporary interiors behind it. The contrast works beautifully; stepping through the historic entrance reveals a calm, modern lobby that feels stylish without losing sight of the building’s heritage.

The welcome was every bit as impressive as the architecture. I was greeted by Georgie, an English receptionist who moved to Edinburgh for university seven years ago and, like so many visitors, never found a reason to leave. Her warmth, humour and genuine enthusiasm for both the hotel and the city immediately set the tone for my stay. Check-in was swift, efficient and refreshingly personal. Following a series of travel delays, she instinctively swapped the traditional welcome Prosecco for a much-needed glass of water, talked me through everything I needed to know, and personally escorted me to my suite. It was thoughtful service that never felt rehearsed, something that remained consistent throughout my stay and made The Glasshouse stand out among the many luxury hotels I’ve visited.

The rooms and suites

My home for the stay was in one of the hotel’s Garden Suites, room number 46, and from the moment I stepped inside, it felt less like a hotel room and more like a stylish Edinburgh apartment.

The layout cleverly separates the sleeping and living areas, creating distinct spaces to relax and unwind. The décor is contemporary but warm, with subtle nods to Scotland through restrained tartan accents on the cushions rather than obvious Highland clichés. It’s elegant, comfortable, and somewhere I genuinely looked forward to returning to after a day exploring the city.

The suite is equally practical for business travellers. A generous desk provides plenty of workspace, there are numerous conveniently positioned plug sockets, and the television is easy to stream to from your own devices. A complimentary minibar and Nescafé coffee machine complete the thoughtful in-room amenities.

While a little more traditional in style than the rest of the suite, the bathroom feels undeniably luxurious thanks to its generous proportions. Twin sinks, an oversized bathtub, separate shower and bidet all add to the sense of indulgence, while the Elemis toiletries are a welcome premium touch.

The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the suite’s direct access to The Glasshouse’s spectacular rooftop garden, where views of Calton Hill can be enjoyed. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a private terrace before leading into one of Edinburgh’s most unexpected green spaces. Clever mirrored glazing means guests enjoy uninterrupted garden views while maintaining complete privacy inside the suite.

Whether enjoying a quiet coffee first thing in the morning, reading beneath the trees in the afternoon or sipping cocktails as the sun sets, the rooftop garden quickly becomes the heart of the hotel.

During my stay, it also played host to one of The Glasshouse’s regular guest events: a whisky barbecue where Scottish distilleries introduced visitors to their whiskies through guided tastings accompanied by delicious barbecue dishes. It was relaxed, informative and wonderfully social, a brilliant way to experience Scotland’s national drink while chatting directly with the people who produce it. If you’re planning a stay, it’s well worth checking what events are taking place during your visit.

Food and drink

Breakfast is served daily in The Brasserie between 7 and 11 am, combining an à la carte menu with a thoughtfully curated semi-buffet. Rather than overwhelming guests with endless choices, the buffet focuses on quality, offering freshly baked pastries, cereals, charcuterie, Scottish smoked salmon and local cheeses. The à la carte menu then provides freshly cooked breakfast dishes, such as eggs and pancakes, making for a far more enjoyable experience than the sprawling buffets found in many larger hotels.

The Snug Lounge is home to a bar with an extensive whisky collection. It feels super cosy and includes a circular fire, which would be a lovely gathering place on a chilly day. A select menu, including pasta, salads, and charcuterie, is served throughout the day.

One of the highlights of my stay was afternoon tea, initially served in the wonderfully cosy Snug Lounge, we actually asked to move outside into the rooftop garden to enjoy the summer sunshine. Accompanied by a delicate rose-infused tea, the beautifully presented selection included finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of exquisitely crafted miniature pastries. Travelling with a vegan dining companion, I was equally impressed by the care taken with the plant-based offering. Rather than feeling like an afterthought, the vegan afternoon tea was every bit as indulgent as the traditional version, with freshly baked vegan scones and a thoughtful selection of sweet treats.

Wellness

The Glasshouse doesn’t have its own spa or fitness centre, but guests are provided with complimentary access to the neighbouring Nuffield Health fitness club.

Frequently asked questions: The Glasshouse, Edinburgh