The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection

My husband, toddler, and I recently stayed at The Glasshouse during our visit to Edinburgh. While parts of our stay were absolutely lovely, a few areas fell short of the five-star experience we anticipated. That said, several staff members made a lasting impression and truly deserve recognition. Conall, the bartender, truly elevated our stay. His deep knowledge of whisky and the distilling process enriched our evenings — his recommendations were spot-on, and his professionalism and attentiveness shone through, even during busy periods when he was solo behind the bar. We found ourselves looking forward to our nightly nightcaps and chats with him. Sam, who was newer to the team, was also lovely — professional, warm, and personable. She was attentive to our needs and checked in with us to make sure we were enjoying our experience. Lastly, there was a staff member whose name I regret not catching — One morning at breakfast I asked if there were any recommendations for places to take a toddler to “burn off steam” and suggested Princes Street Gardens as a nearby park. We went that afternoon and it ended up being a wonderful outing for our family. She was incredibly warm and kind to our toddler and made us feel relaxed during our morning meal. We stayed in the Glenlivet Suite, which was beautifully appointed and included thoughtful touches like welcome drams of Glenlivet 12 and miniature chocolates. Its proximity to the bar/lounge was ideal for us — after our young son was asleep, we could enjoy some quiet time nearby with the baby monitor. The rooftop garden was another highlight — a peaceful and lovely space in the heart of the city with roof top games and beautiful views. The location is excellent: close to nightlife and major attractions, yet tucked away enough to offer a quiet retreat. If you’re driving, the nearby car park worked great — with the hotel’s 50% discount for prebooking, it was convenient and easy, especially traveling with a child. That said, a few areas fell short of the five-star standard. Housekeeping was inconsistent and required repeated follow-ups for basics like trash removal and fresh towels — particularly frustrating with a child in diapers. Turn down service is offered but we did not see much of a difference during our stay besides the corners of the bed comforted folded over and the blinds closed in the evening. Room service options were very limited, slow to arrive, and underwhelming. While our experience at breakfast the one time we went was positive due to the staff, the actual food offerings, though extensive, didn’t live up to its price tag. Lastly, the bar itself could benefit from snack offerings — even simple plates like hummus, chips and salsa, or a cheese board would encourage guests to linger and enjoy the space more. All in all, there’s a lot to love about The Glasshouse: the thoughtful staff, the rooftop garden, the location, and the ambiance. But for a hotel that markets itself as five-star, there’s some work to be done in consistency and service. Still, we had a meaningful stay and appreciated the moments (and people) that made it special.