Earlier this summer, we were invited to a private viewing of Stay Hush, a newly opened aparthotel tucked away just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Hidden behind the historic Cooper’s Close, it feels like the kind of place you might easily walk past without knowing what lies beyond — which, in many ways, is exactly the point.

Described as Edinburgh’s ‘best-kept secret’, Stay Hush takes a slightly different approach to the traditional hotel stay. Rather than simply providing somewhere to sleep, the independent aparthotel has been designed to feel more like a considered city home, bringing together 21 apartments, a neighbourhood café-bar and an informal food concept, all within a stone's throw from Old Town.

The idea is to slow down and experience the Scottish capital from a different perspective. And while the Royal Mile is hardly an undiscovered part of the city, there is something appealing about being able to retreat from its bustle and find a quieter place to settle in.

Designed by Studio LBA, with interiors by S+Co, the spaces combine warm materials with playful details and a distinctly contemporary feel. Throughout Stay Hush, local and international creatives are given a platform, with work by street photographer Nathan Hinze, satirical artworks by David Shrigley and colourful pieces by Glasgow-based studio Risotto adding character to the interiors. Each apartment also includes Archie Worth’s Seek and You Shall Find photography book, while a curated selection of independent magazines from Stack Magazines encourages guests to take a little time to switch off and browse.

The apartments themselves have been designed with “staying” in mind. Studios, lofts, one-bedroom apartments, family-friendly spaces and a penthouse offer different ways to make Stay Hush your home away from home, with fully equipped kitchenettes and details intended to make longer stays feel just as comfortable as a weekend away. There are even dog-friendly options, making it a little easier to bring everyone along.

At the centre of the property is Mile Yard, a neighbourhood café-bar created to be enjoyed by both guests and locals. Mornings begin with breakfast trays centred around Scottish produce and speciality coffee from Obadiah Coffee Roasters, while the all-day café offering makes it somewhere to stop by even if you aren't staying upstairs. Later in the day, the space shifts into a bar serving local beers, cocktails, an international wine list and sharing plates.

Alongside it is Pocca, a Scottish-Italian street food concept centred around freshly baked focaccia pockets filled with seasonal ingredients.

There is a sense of history behind the name itself tpp. Cooper’s Close was once associated with Edinburgh’s brewing heritage and Younger's Brewery, which produced the city's famous Edinburgh Ale. Stay Hush takes inspiration from this past while creating something decidedly contemporary.

And perhaps that is what makes the concept particularly appealing. In a city that can sometimes feel full on, Stay Hush offers a different way of experiencing Edinburgh: less about ticking off the sights and more about having a comfortable place to stay from which to wander, eat, drink, read, explore and return.

For visitors, it offers a well-connected place to stay in the heart of the Old Town without necessarily feeling as though you are in the middle of it. For locals, Mile Yard and Pocca make the space accessible without requiring an overnight stay — and an ongoing repertoire of collaborations, events and music takeovers promises to give the property a life beyond its rooms.

We certainly had a heiter time at Stay Hush, and we hope you will too.

Stay Hush is now open, with bookings available via stayhush.com.

Stay Hush
Cooper’s Close, Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH8 8PA