There’s something immensely heiter (German for cheerful/joyful) about discovering a space that blends style, comfort and community. The kind of place that invites you to calm down, soak it all in, and feel like you belong. The Hoxton, Edinburgh — the brand’s first Scottish outpost — is exactly that kind of place.

Tucked into a row of elegant Georgian-inspired townhouses in Edinburgh’s West End, this thoughtfully designed hotel manages to feel both timeless and modern. With 214 rooms spread across Grosvenor Street, it offers everything from snug singles and bunk rooms for solo travellers and friends, to spacious three-bedroom houses ideal for longer stays or group getaways.

From the moment you walk into the lobby, you’re met with a warm, eclectic energy. Think soft teals, antique blues, dusty pinks and ochres, a vintage Murano glass chandelier, cosy nooks lined with mid-century chairs, and bold tapestry by local artist Jasmine Linington. It’s the sort of space that encourages you to sit a little longer, sip your favourite drink, and people-watch. The intimate, five-seater screening room just off the lobby — complete with velvet chairs and a retro popcorn machine — is a lovely surprise.

The rooms play with period charm and playful modern details: raspberry red headboards, pineapple coat hooks, sage-toned walls, and whimsical touches that feel distinctly Edinburgh. Some of the larger rooms feature skylights perfect for stargazing from the bath.

And then there’s Patatino. The hotel’s trattoria-style restaurant, inspired by long Italian lunches and bold Southern charm, is a destination in itself. With striped awnings, floral prints, a baroque fountain and a menu that fuses Italian favourites with Scottish ingredients (yes, that includes a haggis pizza), it’s equal parts theatrical and comforting. Whether you’re grabbing a Negroni at golden hour or lingering over tiramisù, this seems to be the place that turns a simple meal into a joyful ritual.

As with all Hoxton properties, community is at the heart of this hotel. Local artist exhibitions, a partnership with youth homelessness charity Rock Trust, and a curated concept store filled with Edinburgh’s best independent artisans, creatives and brands add depth and purpose to the experience. There’s even complimentary Brompton bikes to explore the city, and for those travelling sustainably, a generous “Good Rate” reward for going by rail between Hoxton hotels.

The in-house concept store filled with Edinburgh’s best independent artisans, creatives and brands

In true Hoxton spirit, this isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s a place to gather, celebrate, and connect. From its event spaces and meeting rooms to the beautifully restored interiors, The Hoxton, Edinburgh invites both locals and travellers to slow down and savour the moment.

If you find yourself in Edinburgh — or need a reason to go — this one’s worth the trip.

Images: The Hoxton

There are places so magical that they can engage in a conversation with you. The beautiful Ottmanngut is one of those places. Ottmanngut is located in the spa town of Merano, in the region of Northern Italy called Südtirol, and its history dates back to 1290. We had the pleasure of speaking with its owner, Martin Kirchlechner, whose family has owned the house for generations.

Why did you decide to open a bed and breakfast?

I did not actually decide to open it. We simply decided to renovate the family house. At the time, my grandmother was 82 years old and could not manage the house by herself anymore. Our original plan was to renovate the house and then hire someone to take care of it. However, the renovations took almost two years instead of the planned six months, during which we became intimately acquainted with every inch of the house. After putting in so much effort, I couldn’t just hand it over to someone else. This is how my dream of having a bed and breakfast came true.

What was the most challenging element of the renovation?

The house had not been touched since the 1950s or 1960s, and like many other houses from this era, there had been work done that wasn’t particularly good. Our main focus was on revitalizing the house and restoring some of the original features. We discovered the old wooden floors beneath the linoleum and opened the entrance from the breakfast room to the orangery. At the same time, we wanted to modernize the house a little bit, as before our renovation there was only one bathroom per floor and no heating. Right from the beginning, my father knew exactly where he wanted to place the family furniture and hang paintings, so we didn’t really cooperate with any designers or architects.

What sets Ottmanngut apart?

I believe, one of the significant differences is that Ottmanngut is our family house – it always has been and still is. As a result, the interior features antique family furniture. Our family is constantly somewhere nearby, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring everything is to our liking and that we feel comfortable and at home here. Many of our guests share that they sense this atmosphere, feeling as though they are entering a welcoming family house.

If you had to choose, what is your favorite aspect of the house?

Without a doubt: our breakfast. Since 2014, we have taken a unique approach to our breakfast offerings. We create a three-course breakfast menu that changes daily, and we bring it directly to your table. This approach gives us the opportunity to stay true to ourselves, using almost only seasonal ingredients, sourced from mostly organic farmers in the area. It also allows us to reduce food waste to a minimum. Moreover, it provides us with the freedom to experiment and be creative.

Can happiness be found in a weekend getaway that feels like home?

Absolutely! We often emphasize the feeling of being at home. However, it shouldn’t replicate one’s own home, where the laundry basket is full and the dishwasher is waiting to be put in order. But it should have a warm and inviting ambience of a home.

How would you characterise your guests?

For the most part, our guests understand what it means to run a house in the manner we do. They treat everything and everyone with respect. Yet, the most delightful moments occur when guests arrive, and an immediate connection is established. It's like being on the same page right from the start.

When choosing a place for your own travels, what matters most to you?

Several things need to align for that overall feeling. I consider the sourcing of food, how it is produced and where it comes from. I check if the place seems to have cozy spots to read and relax. As well as getting to know, who my hosts are. Also, I am interested in how they treat the environment.

What is the one thing that you want your guests to leave with?

I hope that they leave with this ultimate feeling – the one you have after spending a great evening with interesting people, sharing delicious food and good drinks. When you’ve had great conversations, and it leaves you with a blend of happiness, tranquility, and newfound knowledge.

Ottmanngut is… an authentic place that allowed us to be ourselves, we don’t change for our guests. We embrace ourselves.

Upon entering, what is the most likely sight or scent you will see or smell…

You are likely to spot one of our three turtles and catch the aroma of lemon blossoms.

When in Merano, you can’t miss… the panoramic Tappeinerweg walking path above the town, slow strolls along the river promenades and a dining experience at restaurant Meteo. Exploring the Steinachviertel, the old historic town center, is also a must.

Andrea Juckem is a writer and co-creator of the bi-lingual online magazine NIKA (which means niche in English). She has always been attracted to people's stories and communication but it was not until recently that she decided to put it all in words that have an impact: Andrea now uses her (Czech and English) writing to express emotions and share meaningful thoughts and stories.

HEITER SPOT: The Hoxton, Edinburgh

HEITER SPOT: Ottmanngut – a place so beautiful that it will carry a conversation with you