**Edinburgh's Hidden Gem: Royal Overseas League Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!)**
Edinburgh's Hidden Gem: Royal Overseas League Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!) - The Rambling Truth!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just emerged from a stay at the Royal Overseas League (ROSL) Hotel in Edinburgh, and I'm still trying to process it all. “Hidden gem?” They say. Let's get two things straight: Edinburgh itself is a gem, full stop. And frankly, this place… it's a different kind of sparkling. Prepare for a review that's less shiny and more… wonderfully wonky.
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First Impressions (And the Slightly Awkward Elevator Ride):
The ROSL Hotel – they call it "ROSL" – is smack-bang in the heart of Edinburgh, just a hop, skip, and a (slightly uphill) jump from the Royal Mile. Location? Nailed it. Seriously, you're practically tripping over history and charm just by breathing the air. But the actual building? Well, let's just say it has a certain… character. Think grand old dame, slightly past her prime, but still holding her own with a stubborn grace.
The elevator, for example. Let's just say it's an adventure. I'm pretty sure it predates the invention of the selfie stick. It's tiny, slow, and makes a sound like a grumpy seagull trying to digest a rusty nail. (Accessibility: Elevator is present, but consider its limitations for those with mobility issues. See below.)
Accessibility: The Real Deal (And a Few Minor Headaches):
Okay, important stuff first. Accessibility is crucial. The ROSL attempts to be accessible, but it's a bit of a mixed bag. They have an elevator (bless its grumpy little heart!), and some rooms are advertised as wheelchair accessible.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Check. (Probably want to call and confirm specifics to make sure you're getting what you need BEFORE booking)
- Facilities for disabled guests: Check. (But, please do check!)
- Elevator: Present and (mostly) functional. Think: patience, grasshopper.
- Check-in/out [express]: (Possibly - I didn't use this one).
My biggest accessibility-related issue? The uneven cobblestones outside the hotel. Edinburgh struggles with that, period. You’re going to be navigating that. So, be prepared.
Rooms: A Cozy Embrace (And Questionable Décor Choices):
My room? It was lovely, honestly. Not the slick, minimalist aesthetic of some modern hotels. Think more… comfortable, lived-in elegance. Think your favorite aunt’s guest room (the one with the good biscuits).
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Specifics for my room: Free Wi-Fi (thank the heavens!), a comfortable bed, a ridiculously fluffy bathrobe (heaven!), and a view of… well, another building. Which, in Edinburgh, is still pretty charming
- Air conditioning: Actually worked! (A minor miracle.)
- Complimentary tea and coffee. Yay!
- In-room safe box: Tick
- Internet Access (and specifically Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!): A lifesaver! Good connection too.
- Internet access – wireless: Of course. Because, world.
- Non-smoking: Huzzah!
- Bathroom: Perfectly functional, with a decent shower and, yes, a bathtub! (I love a good soak after trudging up and down those Edinburgh hills.)
The décor? Let's just say it's classic. Some might call it “dated.” I’d call it pleasantly anachronistic. Think floral wallpaper, perhaps a slightly faded print or two, and furniture that’s clearly seen a few decades. It’s not trying to be trendy; it’s just… there. And honestly, it suits the place. (Room decorations: Check! If you like that sort of thing.)
Cleanliness and Safety (Because Post-Pandemic, We Care!):
Look, everyone’s on edge these days. So, how’s the hygiene?
- Cleanliness and safety: Absolutely. I saw staff wiping down surfaces constantly.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Hopefully!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yes.
- Hand sanitizer: Plentiful.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Hopefully.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yep.
- Safe dining setup: Yep.
I saw a lot of emphasis on cleanliness. Feel safe. Relax.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Mostly Decent (And a Shout-Out to the Bar!):
Alright, let’s talk chow. Dining at ROSL… well, it’s not haute cuisine, but it's perfectly acceptable.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, with a decent spread – pastries, cereals, cooked items, the usual.
- Asian breakfast: Nope - although Edinburgh has tons of delicious Asian food, so you are covered!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Check.
- Restaurants: Yup. There are a couple.
- Bar: This is where it gets interesting!
The bar is a true highlight. It's cozy, traditional, and well-stocked. The bartenders are friendly, the atmosphere is convivial, and they pour a mean pint (or a strong cocktail, if that’s your poison). I spent a very happy hour there, nursing a whisky and chatting with some fellow travelers. Definitely a spot to linger. (Happy hour: Check!) Don't skip the bar!
Things to Do (And Ways to Relax):
Here's the great thing about ROSL: you're in Edinburgh. Things to do are practically oozing out of the cobblestones.
- Things to do: EVERYTHING! From exploring the Royal Mile to climbing Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh is bursting with history, culture, and stunning scenery.
- Fitness center: Nope.
- Spa: Nope.
- Pool with view: Are you kidding? Nope.
- Sauna: Negative.
- Gym/fitness: Nada.
This isn't the place to go for the spa treatments. This is the place to come to the city. Then come back and relax after.
What you can do at ROSL is relax in that bar, curl up in a comfy chair with a book, or just soak up the atmosphere.
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials (Mostly):
- Services and conveniences: Mostly there!
- Daily housekeeping: Yep.
- Concierge: Present and helpful.
- Currency exchange: Yes.
- Elevator: Mentioned above!
- Laundry service: Checked.
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Available -- but I did not use them.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yup.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Real Deal:
Let’s be clear: the ROSL Hotel isn’t perfect. It's not the sleekest, most modern, or most luxurious hotel in Edinburgh. But it has something a lot of those places lack: character.
I found a few minor imperfections—a slightly wobbly table here, a slightly creaky floorboard there—but honestly, that just added to the charm. It’s a place with history, charm, and a genuine, welcoming feel. It's not trying to be something it's not. And I loved that.
My Biggest Takeaway: The Community
This isn't just a hotel. It's a social club, too. Members of the Royal Overseas League are staying here, and that gives it a unique, friendly vibe. I found myself chatting with people from around the world, sharing travel stories, and feeling a real sense of community.
The Verdict?
The Royal Overseas League Hotel is an Edinburgh hidden gem. If you're looking for a cookie-cutter, impersonal hotel experience, this isn't for you. But if you want a comfortable, charming, centrally located hotel with a unique atmosphere and friendly staff, then you absolutely should book it.
My Emotional Reaction? I left feeling genuinely refreshed, relaxed, and slightly in love with the place. I'd happily go back
Unbelievable Kaifeng Luxury: Green Tree Inn Gulou Square Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your glossy, picture-perfect itinerary. This is a real attempt at planning a stay at the Royal Overseas League (ROSL) Hotel in Edinburgh, with all the messy, glorious chaos that life (and travel) entails. Prepare yourself for digressions, opinions, and the very real possibility of me losing track of the days entirely. Here we go… (Deep breath)
Edinburgh Escapade: A ROSL Hotel Adventure (Probably) - Subject to Change (Definitely)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Scottish Sigh (and Maybe a Panic Attack)
Morning (ish): Okay, so the flight. Let's just say I had a moment at the airport. You know the one – the frantic search for the essential passport, the near-miss with a rogue suitcase, and the internal monologue screaming, "Did I pack enough socks?!?" Survived it. Landing in Edinburgh. Breathtaking. Seriously, even the airport is handsome. My internal monologue switches to "Don't muck this up, self. Edinburgh is a dream."
Afternoon: Arriving at the ROSL Hotel. The excitement! Hopefully, the doorman doesn't judge my slightly frazzled appearance. (Okay, very frazzled. Plane food, man. Plane food.) Check-in: Praying for a decent room. Preferably not next to the elevator, also not at the very far end of the hall. My ideal scenario is 'facing the castle view.' Fingers Crossed!
- Anecdote: Last time I was in a Scottish hotel, I swore I heard bagpipes playing in the pipes. I'm not sure if it was a real thing or my brain was just overloaded with all of the Scottish imagery.
Early Evening: Unpacking (or, um, attempting to). The sheer terror of realizing you've brought way too much/little. Attempt to embrace the "less is more" philosophy. Fail miserably. Admire the room (fingers crossed, remember?). Is the view actually the castle? SQUEEEEE! (If yes, expect a lot of gushing.)
Evening: First foray into Edinburgh! This is when my lack of planning really starts to show. Wandering! Walk towards the castle, because duh. Soak it all in. Get hopelessly lost in the charming, winding streets. This is inevitable, and I accept it. Find a pub, any pub (preferably with a cozy fire and a decent pint). Order the Scottish fare. Probably a Haggis, neeps, and tatties - but am I brave enough to eat this? (Well, probably… eventually.) Expect a blog on all of this!
- Imperfection: I'm awful at directions. Really, truly awful. GPS is my only friend, and even then, it sometimes fails, leading to me wandering through a suspiciously empty alley, wondering if I've accidentally stumbled into a secret society.
Day 2: Castles, Cobbles, and a Questionable Cheese Scone
Morning: The Castle! Edinburgh Castle, to be precise. (See, I'm learning!) Prepare for crowds. Prepare for awe. Prepare to be slightly disappointed when the "Crown Jewels" turn out to be…well, jewels. Still, the views! The history! The sheer grandeur of it all! Snap a million photos. Feel slightly embarrassed by how touristy I've become. But who cares?
- Quirky Observation: The sheer volume of tourists. So many camera lenses pointed at the same thing. We're all just trying to capture the magic, aren't we? If there's some good ones, I'm using it.
Afternoon: A wander down the Royal Mile. (See? I am improving.) Absorb the street performers, the souvenir shops, the overwhelming smell of shortbread. Contemplate buying a kilt. (Probably not). Find a cafe. Order a cheese scone. Pray it's good. (Important life lesson: some scones are not good.)
- Emotional Reaction: OMG, the sheer prettiness of the Royal Mile! The architecture! The energy! (Also, the potential for overpriced souvenirs is a little concerning.)
Early Evening: Possibly take a guided ghost tour. Embrace my inner scaredy-cat. (Expect me to clutch my travel companion's arm the entire time). Or, maybe just wander back to the hotel and enjoy a quiet evening.
- Messier Structure: Actually - this one is a toss-up. I'm easily spooked, and ghost tours are usually a bad idea for me. But, I'm in Edinburgh! I should embrace the spooky! But… fear…decisions…
Evening: Dinner back towards my hotel. Try to find an open restaurant, or a pub with some quiet corners to enjoy the Scottish fare or some pub food.
Day 3: Art, Gardens, and a (Possibly Failed) Attempt at Scottish-ness
Morning: The National Gallery of Scotland! (Or whichever one is most recommended). Get my culture on. Pretend to know something about art. Secretly Google all the paintings beforehand. (Don't judge me.) Enjoy the peace and quiet. Let my brain switch off from the busy crowd.
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, the National Gallery is a must-do! Even if you're not a huge art person, it's just… magnificent. Go!
Afternoon: The Princes Street Gardens. A beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. Wander, relax, people-watch. Maybe grab a coffee (and another questionable scone).
- Anecdote: Last time I was in a beautiful garden, a squirrel tried to steal my sandwich. Fingers crossed for squirrel-free zone this time!
Early Evening: Perhaps a whisky tasting. (I'm not a whisky aficionado, but I'm willing to learn! With small shots.) Attempt to pronounce "Laphroaig" without sounding like a complete idiot. Fail spectacularly. Embrace the mess.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Whisky. The smell alone! And the warmth! Even if I don't become a whisky connoisseur, I'm embracing the experience.
Evening: My last night. A final wander through the city, soaking it all in. Find a "proper" Scottish restaurant. Haggis? Yes, definitely. Or maybe a Cullen skink? Take note. One last pint. One last evening to be transported by the city.
Day 4: Departure & the Great Scottish Goodbye (and Maybe a Tear or Two)
Morning: One last delicious breakfast at the ROSL! The thought of leaving is already making me a little sad. Pack. (This time, really try to be organized). Check out. Say goodbye to the amazing staff.
Afternoon: Back to the airport. Reflect on the trip. Compile a list of "things I learned." (Probably mostly things like "don't pack too much" and "Edinburgh is amazing.")
Evening: Back home. Share stories with everyone (be prepared, they are going to be long and rambling). Start planning my return.
- Rambles: I'm already thinking about what I can do differently next time! Book a longer stay! See more of the Highlands! Maybe even learn to play bagpipes…(okay, maybe not).
The Imperfections:
- The Weather: Let's be real, it's Scotland. Expect rain. Be prepared for sunshine! Probably pack an umbrella (or a sou'wester).
- The Food: Expect to gain a few pounds. Embrace the deliciousness! But maybe pack some antacids.
- The Planning (or Lack Thereof): This is a general guideline. It's subject to whim, impulse, and the sheer joy of not having a rigid schedule.
Final Thoughts:
Edinburgh, I'm coming for you! And even if I get lost, mispronounce everything, and eat a truly terrible cheese scone, I'm going to love every messy, imperfect moment. Wish me luck!
Escape to Paradise: Uncover the Secrets of Baan Rabieng, Koh Lanta
Okay, spill the tea! Is the Royal Overseas League (ROSL) Hotel in Edinburgh *really* a hidden gem? Or just another overpriced Scottish snooze-fest?
Alright, alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this is where things get a tad *complicated*. “Hidden gem”? Yeah, kinda. But let’s be honest, it's not like I stumbled upon a unicorn eating a haggis-flavored ice cream cone on the Royal Mile. It's more like… a nice, well-kept secret with a few… quirks. And by “quirks,” I mean the kind that make you question if your socks still match, or if that dramatic sigh you just let out was actually due to jet lag or the sheer Scottish-ness of it all. More on that later. So yeah, it's good. Really, really good. But perfect? Nah. And that's what makes it *interesting*.
Who is this hotel *really* for? Should I, a mere mortal, even consider booking?
Look, technically, you *can* book it even if you're not a card-carrying member of the Commonwealth’s finest. But the whole thing IS an exclusive-ish club, right? It's geared towards… well, folks who like a bit of old-world charm and don't mind a touch of… *Britishness*. Think: comfortable, slightly faded armchairs, a library that smells vaguely of aged paper and quiet contemplation, and a pervasive sense that you should probably use your "indoor voice." (I, of course, failed at that spectacularly, more than once.) If you're the type who thrives on minimalist design and blinding modernity, you might want to steer clear. If you’re looking for a bit of refined history, and, I’ll be honest, a break from the usual tourist traps, then, YES, book it. Just don't expect a neon sign pointing the way.
The Rooms! Tell me *everything* about the rooms! Were they clean? Comfy? Did they have a ghost? (I NEED to know about the ghost!)
Okay, okay, the rooms. Yes, they were *clean*. Thank goodness. And comfy, in a sort of "grandma's house but like, a really cool, well-traveled grandma" kind of way. Think: high ceilings, original features (that could be positively ancient), and decent bathrooms. My room? It had a fantastic view of a courtyard – lovely in the mornings. It *also* had a slightly wonky window that rattled in the wind. Made for a rather dramatic night, I must say. Ghost? Well… nothing definitive. I heard a creak once. And maybe felt a… chill? But honestly, it could’ve just been the Scottish weather, which, you know, is a reliable source of both chills and general gloom. So, no official ghost sighting. But the potential is *definitely* there. You're in Edinburgh, people! Ghosts are practically part of the package!
The Food! Was it good? Give me the lowdown! Did they have Full Scottish breakfasts? I live for those!
The food… Ah, the food. Let’s just say the breakfast was… an *experience*. Full Scottish? You bet your haggis they did! Black pudding? There. Sausage? Yep. Bacon? Absolutely. And it was… good. Really good. Like, the kind of good that makes you consider a second helping, even though you know your arteries are going to stage a revolt later. The dining room itself is beautiful, all polished wood and quiet murmurings. The dinner menu was also solid. They have a particularly good salmon. And yes *chef's kiss* they have a good selection of Scottish whiskey. Oh and the service? Perfect. At least until I accidentally spilled mint tea everywhere. (It happens more often than I'd like to admit.)
What about the service? Were the staff attentive? Did they make you feel welcome? Or were they all stuffy old Scotsmen with monocles?
Okay, this is where the ROSL really shines. The staff? They are *lovely*. Seriously. Smiling, helpful, and genuinely seem to care if you’re enjoying your stay. No monocles in sight, thankfully. More like friendly, efficient, and incredibly patient with the likes of me, who was probably asking stupid questions about castles and secret tunnels every five minutes. They even helped me navigate the Edinburgh Festival, which, let me tell you, feels a bit like being thrown into a swirling vortex of Fringe madness. They were the calm in the storm. Bless them.
The Location! Tell me about the LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Was it convenient for exploring Edinburgh?
Oh, the location! It's. Fantastic. Seriously, smack dab in the middle of everything. A short walk from the Royal Mile, close to Edinburgh Castle, and perfectly positioned for accessing pretty much all the major tourist attractions. You can wander out the door and be knee-deep in history within minutes. The only downside? Traffic. Or the cobblestones. Or the sheer number of people crammed into such a relatively small space. But honestly? Minor inconveniences when you're practically *in* the heart of Edinburgh. Trust me, the location alone almost makes the wonky window worth it.
Okay, Okay, I'm intrigued. But what was the *worst* thing? Be honest! Spill the tea!
Alright, I'll be brutally honest. The worst thing? Hmmm... Okay, here's the biggie: The Wi-Fi. Not great. Could be a little… temperamental. Which, in this day and age, is basically a first-world problem of epic proportions, I know. But still, it's worth noting if you're planning on doing a lot of work or streaming. And, let’s say, it wasn’t amazing. At one point I was tempted to ask a staff member to help me but then I just gave up, watched the rain, and realised that being cut-off was kinda nice for a change. Aside from that, honestly? Nothing. Maybe the occasional draft and the slightly creaky floorboards. But hey, character! And you’re in an old building. These things come with the territory.
Would you stay there again? And more importantly, would *you* recommend it?
Absolutely. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. Despite the questionable Wi-Fi, the rattling window, and my chronic tendency to spill things, I absolutely LOVED my stay at the Royal Overseas League Hotel. It has that old-world charm, and the wonderful thing is that its charm isn't fake! It doesn't feel like a themed hotel. It's a real place, brimming with genuine history. It was a fantastic base for exploring Edinburgh. Yes, I would absolutely recommend it. If you like a bit ofStay And Relax
