THE GLASSHOUSE, EDINBURGH

Originally founded by the altruistic Lady Glenorchy, as a free church for the less-wealthy of Edinburgh’s populace to worship, the chapel was constructed in 1846, as a replacement for the original site, which was demolished in 1844 to make way for the development of Edinburgh Waverley rail station. 

The congregation merged with other branches of the church over the next 100 years, eventually becoming known as the Hillside Parish Church. In 1978 the congregation merged fully with the nearby, and much larger, Greenside Church, and the Lady Glenorchy fell from ecclesiastical use. 

The old chapel then underwent a variety of guises, including a carpet warehouse; until in 1986 permission was granted to develop the site, on the condition the then 140-year old façade was retained. After much discussion, building work finally commenced in 2000, and 3 years later, the site was reintroduced to the city of Edinburgh as The Glasshouse Hotel.

FEATURES

Accommodation

Boasting some of the most dramatic views in Edinburgh, the rooms and suites at The Glasshouse all make the most of their floor-to-ceiling windows. Some have private terraces only a few feet smaller than the rooms to which they are attached; others have direct access to the two-acre roof terrace beside historic Calton Hill. 

All rooms are equipped with a range of five-star amenities, from luxurious bedding, full air-conditioning, heated bathroom floors, iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs and complimentary fibre-optic Wi-Fi. 

Dining

Discover contemporary Scottish cuisine at The Glasshouse. Our team of expert chefs have created an evolving menu, using only the very best seasonal local produce, the perfect showcase of Scotland’s natural larder. Begin your day with a hearty full-Scottish breakfast in our Brasserie, boasting dramatic views of Calton Hill; before moving up to our cosy Snug, where you can enjoy Afternoon Tea or our seasonal all-day dining menu, beside an open fireplace. Our Head Chef has hand-picked local suppliers who source only the highest-quality, freshest, in Scottish produce. Campbell Brothers supply all meat and poultry, the quality of product is demonstrated through Campbell Brothers Royal Warrant, as providers of meat and poultry to the royal household. All seafood is sourced from quaysides on both the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea. 

Weddings

A fully-licenced wedding venue that blends history and modernity in the heart of Edinburgh. Deciding on The Glasshouse Hotel for your wedding in Edinburgh means you get to experience the best of both worlds: vibrancy in the heart of Scotland’s capital in our contemporary hotel, with the breath-taking backdrop of historic Calton Hill overlooking our two-acre rooftop garden and luxury Edinburgh accommodation for the wedding party and guests. There are few Edinburgh wedding venues promising such a range of choice. Step through the 172-year-old Georgian archway at the entrance to the hotel, once home to the Lady Glenorchy Church, and instantly pass into a bright and contemporary space. Combined with the rooftop garden, various rooms and pergolas to undertake your vows, and you have one of the most unique and flexible wedding venues in the city.

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Snug

  • Scottish Afternoon Tea

  • Two-acre Rooftop Garden

  • Rooftop Picnic

  • Private Rooftop Barbecue

  • Private Dining

  • Playhouse Theatre

  • Princes Street

  • Edinburgh Castle

  • Palace of Holyrood House