Edinburgh, Scotland, March 2014 -- As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is the ideal place to start or end a visit to the country. And since this year marks Scotland's "Homecoming" celebration, it's expected that visitors from around the world who have Scottish roots or a love of the country - or even those with no family history or who haven't visited yet but wish they did have a connection - will be drawn to the country as a vacation destination. Connoisseurs Scotland proudly boasts several members of its collection of luxury properties in Edinburgh, each with its own style and personality. Guests just need to determine which of these hotels offers the size, location and amenities that best suit their individual travel ideals. Any of these spots makes a great base of operations for exploring the city, where tourism highlights include historic Edinburgh Castle, The Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile, an array of art and history museums, historic churches, monuments to famous Scots, beautiful gardens, and, of course, great shopping.

The Scotsman has a fascinating history as the former headquarters of the city's daily newspaper. The property, located in Edinburgh's historic North Bridge area just around the corner from the Royal Mile, was built in 1905; in 2001 it was lovingly transformed into a luxury hotel that boasts 69 rooms and suites, plus the North Bridge Brasserie and the Scotsman Spa. The architects took care to keep as much of the original design intact as possible; as a result, no two rooms are alike and every bedroom has been individually designed. The hotel is incredibly family-oriented, providing free breakfasts to all guests under the age of 12. The Scotsman is the only Edinburgh hotel that offers views of five major attractions: Edinburgh Castle, The Firth of Forth, Leith, Princes Street and Calton Hill.

For a different view of that hill, a visit to The Glasshouse may be in order. This boutique hotel, which recently retained its five-star VisitScotland status, caters to business and leisure travelers alike, hosting them in 65 guest rooms furnished in a contemporary style. It's a popular romantic retreat, offering a year-round Romance Package that includes champagne on ice and chocolate-coated strawberries on arrival, turn-down service with scattered rose petals, full Scottish breakfast, and late check-out. The property's two-acre roof garden is one highlight of a stay here; guests can admire the foliage or spend time enjoying the spectacular view across Edinburgh. Another great vantage point is The Observatory, where continental and a la carte breakfast is served daily. The restaurant provides an unparalleled view over Calton Hill. The Glasshouse is aptly named, as its glass façade creates a striking silhouette.

Glass was also key component during the complete renovation of the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in 2012. All 269 guest rooms and suites feature mood lighting, media hubs and a Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed. Rooms are decorated in Scottish hues, and the designer's use of glass and reflective surfaces ensures that all rooms are open and spacious. Many of the rooms boast an impressive view of Edinburgh Castle, which is about a 10-minute walk from the property. The hotel's One Square restaurant is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike - serving everything from afternoon tea to more than 52 varieties of gin - but its One Spa is perhaps the biggest highlight of a visit here. The spa offers an array of treatments, a rooftop hydropool, a thermal suite, and a complete gym and fitness facility.

For those who prefer a more intimate setting, 21212 is billed as a "restaurant with rooms" - four bedrooms, to be exact, and a Michelin star. Each is large and beautifully appointed and boasts its own dedicated lounge area. All rooms are located on the top two floors of the stately town house that also plays host to one of the city's finest dining establishments on its main floor. Visitors to Edinburgh shouldn't miss the opportunity to dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant. Award-winning chef Paul Kitching, the establishment's co-owner, was recently named an official "food and drink ambassador" for Scotland; he's part of a national campaign aimed at showcasing the country's culinary contributions to the world's food scene. The property is located along Royal Terrace, a charming residential district that gives diners and overnight guests a pleasant glimpse into the everyday life of the city.

The Atholl is another small luxury property located in a charming home - this time in the New Town neighborhood. Each of its four luxury suites has its own kitchen facilities (including special refrigerators for wine and cheese), elegant living and dining rooms, and multiple bedrooms. One - the Dundonald - even boasts its own whisky tasting room. The property's size allows for an unmatched level of personal service, with staff members quietly attending to every detail. Dining experiences at The Atholl are provided by chefs trained by chef Albert Roux, whose restaurant was the first in the United Kingdom to be awarded three Michelin stars. The nature of The Atholl makes it ideal for executives, dignitaries and celebrities who are seeking a bit of privacy mixed with luxury on their visit to Edinburgh.

Connoisseurs Scotland's collection of 28 luxury accommodations includes these city-center properties as well as country house hotels, golf resorts and exclusive-use properties located throughout the country. Two other members are based in Edinburgh: Rocpool Reserve Apartments, located in the city's chic west end, are perfect for extended stays, and the Royal Scotsman luxury sleeper train departs from Waverly Station. Further information about these featured properties, Connoisseurs Scotland, room rates and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk.

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Mindy Bianca

mindy@gilliesandzaiser.com

212-724-7783

Gillies and Zaiser

CS-3-March 2014