Edinburgh’s Palm Court at The Balmoral Hotel enjoyed a phenomenal 2024, serving 39,000 cups of tea and hosting 1,820 hours of live harp music. The venue is a popular choice for afternoon tea and Christmas celebrations, offering exquisite teas, festive delicacies, and a luxurious ambiance. Reservations are still available for Christmas Day.
Edinburgh has been named the world’s best city for 2025 by Time Out, beating out global competitors like Chicago and Medellín. Its blend of historical charm, thriving arts scene, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere secured the top spot in the Time Out Index.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is a festive spectacle that transforms the city into a winter wonderland. From enchanting markets to thrilling rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The market is one of the most Instagram-worthy in the UK, with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s iconic architecture. Get ready for a magical holiday experience in Edinburgh!
Ascott Limited expands its portfolio in the United Kingdom with the launch of its first The Unlimited Collection property, the Mount Royal Hotel in Edinburgh. This historic hotel, known for its iconic views of Edinburgh Castle, has been revitalized with modern amenities and a chic redesign. The Mount Royal Hotel offers guests a unique blend of Scottish charm and contemporary comfort, making it the perfect base for exploring Edinburgh’s rich history, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking scenery.
Edinburgh’s newly implemented Tourist Tax, or Visitor Levy, aims to generate revenue to address the city’s financial challenges, particularly in housing and infrastructure. While the tax is designed to be minimal, it raises questions about its impact on tourism and the housing market, reflecting a broader trend in popular tourist destinations.
Edinburgh, a popular tourist destination, is considering a new tourist levy to manage increasing visitor numbers and ensure sustainable development. This initiative aims to fund infrastructure, cultural preservation, and environmental projects, mirroring practices in other major tourist cities like Barcelona and Paris. Public consultation will shape the final levy plan, aiming for a broad consensus before implementation in summer 2026.
A KLM flight bound for Edinburgh was forced to make an unexpected mid-air U-turn due to a technical alert. The aircraft safely landed back at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, with no injuries reported. KLM confirmed that the diversion was a precautionary measure and ensured passengers were rebooked on alternative flights.
S Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Singha Estate, has teamed up with The Ascott Limited to rebrand two of its UK hotels, the Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel and The Grand Hotel Leicester, under The Unlimited Collection brand. This move signifies the brand’s European debut and caters to the growing demand for culturally immersive travel experiences.
EasyJet, the low-cost airline, will begin offering flights from City of Derry Airport for the first time, starting November 4th. The airline will introduce two new routes: Edinburgh and Liverpool, operating twice weekly throughout the year. This expansion aims to improve domestic connectivity for Northern Ireland residents.
Edinburgh City Council’s transport committee has voted against plans for a Workplace Parking Levy, which would have charged businesses £650 per space provided to workers. The scheme was first outlined in 2018 but has been rejected after concerns were raised about the potential impact on low-paid workers and increased parking in residential areas. Liberal Democrat group leader Kevin Lang said that the charges could be easily dodged by stopping vehicles outside houses, while transport convener Scott Arthur suggested that the scheme may not actually have any impact in reducing car use. The Green Party and the SNP had backed the project but it was ultimately rejected by a vote of 6-5.
