The Howard, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member Edinburgh, Edinburgh - Reviews, Room Options & Prices 2025

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About the Hotel

34 Great King Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH3 6QH

The Howard, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member, is an elegant 5-star hotel located in Edinburgh's historic New Town. This Georgian town house offers a luxurious retreat with a traditional ambiance and modern conveniences. Guests benefit from a central position, allowing easy access to various business and cultural attractions. The hotel is surrounded by neoclassical architecture and upscale boutiques, perfect for both leisure and work-related stays.

Location

Situated in New Town, The Howard is less than a five-minute walk from six art galleries and other major attractions. The area is home to numerous neoclassical masterpieces and provides easy access to vibrant shopping districts like Princes Street. With convenient transportation options, staying here allows guests to explore Edinburgh's rich history and cultural landmarks.

Rooms

The Howard features eighteen individually characterized rooms, each designed to offer a unique experience. Each guestroom includes a luxury private bathroom with complimentary Penhaligon toiletries. Rooms come equipped with air conditioning and 24-hour room service, ensuring maximum comfort during stays. Some rooms even offer additional seating areas and spacious layouts for a more generous feel.

Eat & Drink

Dining at The Howard is an exclusive experience, notably at the Atholl restaurant, which seats only 14 guests in an intimate setting reminiscent of a private drawing room. Dishes are meticulously prepared by a dedicated culinary team, emphasizing the quality and presentation of each meal. Guests can also enjoy breakfast in bed, Afternoon Tea, or opt for in-room dining served by a private butler for a touch of luxury.

Leisure & Business

The hotel provides a range of leisure and business amenities, catering to a variety of guest needs. A team of professional butlers assists guests, while the venue accommodates meetings and events for groups of 8 to 50 participants. Additional services include personal shopping, laundry, and dry cleaning, helping guests to focus on their stay in comfort and style.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Superior Twin Room

Max:

2 persons

25 m²

Bed options:

2 Single beds

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Luxury Twin Room

Max:

2 persons

25 m²

Bed options:

2 Single beds

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Superior Double Room

Max:

2 persons

27 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Getting around

A guide to all available transportation options

City Centre

Edinburgh 1.2 km

Airports

Edinburgh (EDI) 15.0 km

Dundee (DND) 95.5 km

Train

Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 1.0 km

Bus

Bus stop400 m

Facilities

Experience a variety of amenities at the boutique hotel, crafted to ensure your comfort and unforgettable moments

Delicious Dining Experience

“I had the pleasure of dining at The Howard and was thoroughly impressed. Our meals in the dining room were great; on one evening, we indulged in a set meal that featured exquisite nuveau cuisine. The quality of food far exceeded my expectations, with a perfect blend of flavors that made each dish nice. The attentive service throughout dinner made the experience even more enjoyable.” view full review

Luxurious Room Amenities

“During my stay, I was lucky enough to be accommodated in a beautiful large room with Georgian-style decor. It featured a comfortable couch, a well-appointed bathroom that included both a shower and a luxurious tub, and thoughtful touches like sealed hair combs and elegant toiletries. I particularly enjoyed the cozy ambiance that made it feel like a home away from home.” view full review

Spacious Luxurious Bathroom

“The bathroom in my room was a dream. With marble tiles and his and hers sinks, it felt like a personal spa. The combination of a large bathtub and a separate shower made getting ready each day a pleasure. I loved the attention to detail with high-end toiletries provided, making it a pampering experience every time I stepped in.” view full review

General

Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Lift

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Room service

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Spa & Leisure

Jacuzzi

Room features

Air conditioning
In-room safe
Sitting area
Dressing area
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Washing machine

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
Direct dial telephone
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

34 Great King Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH3 6QH

Map view

34 Great King Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH3 6QH

City landmarks

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

1.4 km

Museum

National Museum of Scotland

1.8 km

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

940 m

Royal Mile

1.2 km

High Street 2 Warriston's Close

The Real Mary King's Close

1.4 km

Queen's Drive Holyrood Park

Arthur's Seat hike

2.8 km

Park

Princes Street Gardens

1.4 km

Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

1.0 km

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

1.3 km

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

2.3 km

St. Andrews House 2 Regent Road

Calton Hill

1.5 km

Church

St Giles' Cathedral

1.5 km

Monument

Scott Monument

950 m

Store

Edinburgh Old Town

1.3 km

32 Calton Hill

Nelson Monument

1.5 km

Museum

The Writers' Museum

1.2 km

Museum

Gladstone's Land

1.2 km

53 Princes Street

Princes Street

880 m

Museum

Museum of Childhood

1.6 km

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One

2.2 km

Ocean Drive Ocean Terminal

Royal Yacht Britannia

3.0 km

2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)

Brass Rubbing Centre

1.4 km

354 Castlehill

The Scotch Whisky Experience

1.3 km

Museum

John Knox House

1.7 km

Museum

Georgian House

1.2 km

Museum

The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland

1.6 km

Gallery

City Art Centre

1.3 km

Square

Grassmarket

1.5 km

Picardy Place

Sherlock Holmes Statue

1.1 km

Nearby

Gallery

Carson Clark Gallery

280 m

Restaurants

The Atholl at The Howard

0 m

34 Great King Street

Oriento

210 m

160 Dundas Street

One20 Wine Cafe

280 m

120 Dundas Street

Star Bar

270 m

1 Northumberland Place

The Royal Scots Club

320 m

29-30 Abercromby Place

Clarks Bar

320 m

142 Dundas Street

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

88%

enjoyed the hotel and would happily stay again

8.8/10

Great

Rooms

8.6

Location

8.4

Service

8.4

Dining

7.6

Justin

United Kingdom, March 2025

6.6/10

I had a lovely stay at The Howard, truly enjoying the personalized service and the luxurious atmosphere. However, I noticed some areas that could use attention, particularly in room maintenance, such as dust on furniture and the need for some refurbishment. Overall, the experience was good, and I would certainly consider returning for another stay.

Rooms

8.0

My room was spacious and well-laid out with a large bathroom featuring a roll-top bath and a shower. Though comfortable, furniture cleanliness could have been better as I spotted some dust on the surfaces.

Service

7.0

The personalized butler service was truly really good, offering helpful assistance from parking my car to delivering room service with a smile. However, I did experience delays in receiving toiletries and bath robes.

Location

9.0

Situated in the lovely New Town of Edinburgh, the hotel is conveniently located for exploring the city on foot while also offering unique parking arrangements, which is rare in this area.

Dining

8.0

I found the dining options to be superb, with high-quality meals that included a fantastic breakfast. The afternoon tea looked particularly good, though I did encounter a few service glitches during lunch.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel offered various facilities, including room service that exceeded expectations. I appreciated the complimentary tea and coffee service as well, which enhanced my stay.

Clive

United Kingdom, February 2025

5.8/10

I had a fantastic stay at The Howard, where the butler service made me feel pampered and cared for. The room was spacious and beautifully decorated, though a couple of the armchairs showed some signs of wear. I particularly enjoyed the dinner, which was of high quality with well-sourced ingredients, but found the breakfast options could’ve been improved, especially the full fried breakfast. Overall, this hotel stands out as one of the best I've experienced, and I’m eager to return.

Rooms

9.0

My room was vast and luxurious, featuring a beautiful four-poster bed and an elegant decor that added a charming touch. The bathroom was well-appointed with two sinks and a huge bath, making it a perfect retreat.

Service

9.0

The butler service was attentive and friendly, always ready to assist without being overly intrusive. I appreciated the thoughtful touches, like having coffee brought to my room and the setup for dinner.

Location

8.0

The Howard is situated in a quiet street, providing a peaceful retreat while still being within a short walk to the bustling Princes Street. The manageable hill is worth the tranquility.

Dining

7.0

I loved the high-quality dinners served in the small dining room, with excellent presentation. However, I found the breakfast a bit lacking, particularly the full fried options, although alternatives like kippers and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon were good.

Facilities

8.0

I enjoyed the room service and the luxurious touches like fluffy robes and complimentary tea and coffee delivered promptly. The hotel’s intimate size adds to the overall experience.

Emerson

United Kingdom, January 2025

5.2/10

I loved the charm of The Howard, especially the spacious, elegant rooms with luxurious furnishings. However, my recent stay had a few minor hiccups, like missing out on turn-down service and a coffee tray that wasn’t picked up. Overall, it was a good experience, but I felt like the attention to detail slipped just a tad this time around.

Rooms

9.0

My room was a lovely, spacious suite with a beautiful four-poster bed and a free-standing bath. It felt almost as big as my flat! The decor was plush and had a wonderful Georgian touch, making it a cozy retreat.

Service

7.0

The butler service was quite impressive during my stay, though I did miss having the turn-down service on both nights. The staff were extremely charming and provided personal attention when needed, but it seemed like some details were overlooked this time.

Location

8.0

The Howard is nestled in a quiet part of Edinburgh, which I really appreciated. It's close enough to walk to the city center, yet just far enough away to let me relax without the city's hustle.

Dining

8.0

I indulged in afternoon tea and it was fantastic—creative sandwiches, warm quiche, and those diamond-shaped scones hit the spot. I just wish dinner service had been a bit more attentive, as one staff member seemed to prioritize setting new tables over clearing the occupied ones.

Facilities

7.0

Room service was convenient and the coffee on tap was a nice touch, but I noticed that my coffee tray was left unattended longer than expected which was a little disappointing.

Christina

United Kingdom, January 2025

6.2/10

My stay at The Howard was a lovely blend of comfort and charm. the butler service added a personal touch that really enhanced my experience. The location was ideal, allowing for peaceful nights yet easy access to Edinburgh's attractions. though a bit more attention to decor details could elevate the overall aesthetic. Overall, a good experience that I would certainly repeat.

Rooms

9.0

I loved my room, which was spacious and beautifully appointed. the classical furnishings and luxurious amenities made it feel special. The roll-top bath with twin sinks was a wonderful touch.

Service

10.0

The butler service was excellent. they were always eager to help, whether it was with drinks or securing last-minute tickets for attractions. I felt genuinely cared for during my stay.

Location

8.0

The location was perfect for exploring Edinburgh. just a short walk to George Street and Princess Street, yet quiet enough to escape the hustle and bustle at night.

Dining

8.0

Breakfast was a highlight. I enjoyed the full Scottish breakfast, which was freshly made and delicious. Dinner was good too, though one dish didn't quite hit the mark.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were handy. I appreciated the valet parking, especially given the challenges of city parking. The proper tea and coffee service really enhanced the experience too.

Ava

United Kingdom, October 2024

6.0/10

I recently stayed at The Howard for my partner's birthday, and I was truly impressed by the really good service and attention to detail. The location was perfect, just a short walk to Princes Street, and the rooms were large and luxurious though a bit dated in terms of furniture. The butler service was a good touch, making our stay feel special. However, the morning wake-up call didn't go off, which was a bit of a downside.

Rooms

8.0

The room was spacious and comfortable with a stunning bathroom featuring high-quality furnishings. It felt both luxurious and cozy. However, some furniture appeared outdated.

Service

9.0

The service was great, with staff that were friendly and attentive to all requests. The complimentary butler service was especially impressive, catering to our needs promptly.

Location

9.0

The location was fantastic, nestled in the New Town area and just a ten-minute walk from the vibrant Princes Street. It was quiet and peaceful, which I really appreciated.

Dining

7.0

I enjoyed room service during my stay, with tasty dishes like the fish of the day. The breakfast was good, though I found the portions a bit small.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel provided excellent facilities including a good butler service that added a personal touch to our experience. I particularly enjoyed the warm, luxurious environment throughout the hotel.