Where to Stay for Hogmanay
Photo from Flickr by p_c_w
The world famous Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh attract thousands of visitors from around the globe to this fantastic city. Many see it as the hub of Hogmanay celebrations, with the capital of Scotland really turning into party central for the celebrations. The question is: where to stay? Below we’ll give you an idea of some of the best hotels and the option of renting a cottage too.
Hotels
Hotels are one option but they can be very expensive. The Balmoral in Princes Street is very popular with discerning tourists, being the height of five-star luxury. Based in Edinburgh’s main shopping area and only 25 minutes from the airport, this hotel is truly in the thick of the celebrations. If you’re looking for something a little less extravagant, you could book in at the Jurys Inn. Being part of a successful chain, you usually get exactly what you require from a stay at Jury’s: comfort, mod cons and a relatively affordable bill at the end. Beware – prices may well be hiked for the Hogmanay celebrations. Based on the famous Royal Mile, this brand of Jurys Inns is perfectly placed to take advantage of the partying that will be going on throughout the festive period.
On the real budget end of the scale is the Edinburgh House Hotel. Being a three-stay accommodation, it’s budget but quality too. There’s a lovely, homely atmosphere to the hotel and the staff are very friendly and welcoming.
The benefits to staying in a hotel are obvious – pretty much everything is done for you. You won’t have to make your bed, launder your towels or even cook for yourself. If you’re looking for fuss-free accommodation, hotels are probably the best way forward.
However…
Renting a Cottage
There is also the possibility of renting a holiday cottage. While hotels are the ultimate lazy choice, some people love the flexibility of self-catering accommodation, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re in a rental cottage, you decide when to get up, when to eat and when to roll in. Okay, you can roll in at any hours in a hotel too but in your own cottage, there’s no one to spot you!
The conveniences of cottage renting are fantastic. You can launder your clothes, meaning you don’t have to pack as much. You can do a shop in advance for your food for the week, saving a fortune on dining out. And while we’re talking about budgeting, renting a cottage often works out far cheaper than hotel accommodation. You can share the cost amongst friends and book for a block of nights to receive package prices.
Renting a cottage in Scotland is one of the best ways to see what the area has to offer. Scotland has a wide range of cottages to choose from, and many of these can be found within Edinburgh. Where better to place yourself for the Hogmanay celebrations?
Regions
There are certain areas of Edinburgh where it is advisable to rent a cottage. If you want to be in the thick of the Hogmanay celebrations, it’s best to place yourself in the city centre. Of course, this is the area in which prices will be at a premium, especially towards the end of the year. If you can, base yourself near to Regent Gardens or West Princes Street Gardens to ensure that you are as central as possible. Queen Street is a hub of activity with streets rich with bars, restaurants and cafes.
If you would rather place yourself a little out of the action, you could head up towards the Royal Botanic Garden. This is still central enough to ensure you can enjoy the sights that Edinburgh has to offer, but you won’t be in the thick of the revelling crowds. Holyrood Park in the south east of the city is another central yet less crowded region that you could target if you’re looking for a slightly quieter stay in the city.
If you’re looking for Scotland holiday cottages, be sure to enquire about the quality of the heating system (and presence of a working fireplace for sheer cosiness) as it can get pretty frosty in December!
Hogmanay Celebrations
Every year, Edinburgh pulls out every stop imaginable to make sure residents and tourists enjoy a rip-roaring time. Prior to the 31st, there will be the traditional Torchlight Procession on the 30th. The opening event will feature thousands of torch carriers creating a line of fire that will begin at the Royal Mile and extend all the way to the fireworks finale at Calton Hill. If you are looking for traditional Scottish fare, The Ceilidh is simply unmissable. Held on the 31st, you can head to this traditional ceilidh to dance the night away. With a traditional ceilidh caller on stage, you’ll be directed through plenty of traditional Scottish dances and when you’re done, the location on Mound Precinct will provide you with the perfect platform from which to admire the fireworks.
On Hogmanay, a street party will kick off with 80,000 revellers enjoying the music provided by top music acts (last Hogmanay saw performances from the legendary Mark Ronson, Friendly Fires and The Vaccines). Probably one to avoid if you’ve got young kids, this is a hardcore crowd for hardcore partying! Set against the incredible backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this promises to be a breathtaking event. It’s always an incredible event and you will never, ever forget New Year’s Eve 2012 if you head to Edinburgh to ring in 2013. Have fun!
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