The beginning of the year… and the less- fun-part of Winter stretches in front of us. If only we had a little sparkle to look forward to, a pick me up to see us through. How about Westender’s pick of the best Winter City Breaks across the land?
By Tracy Mukherjee
Winter City Breaks Scotland
Short breaks really should be mandatory in Scotland to see us through this time of year. In fact, written in to Scot’s Law. How else do we keep our spirits up with lengthy dark days, freezing temperatures and the hump of packing up the Christmas decorations? I’m proposing the Bill now.
All joking aside, a night or two away, something to look forward to, does get you through. With such a short break there is even the possibility of babysitters giving you a child free break. But with the weather questionable to say the least, some inside cultural sights might be the best options. Museums, art galleries, theatre…a city break perhaps? Westender has chosen its pick of the best luxury accommodation across our fair cities. Glass of vino in hand and read on.
Hotel du Vin Glasgow
Yes, it’s just along the way, but that’s the point. See our city, our West End as a tourist might. This stunning hotel is a landmark at One Devonshire Gardens. Its iconic fairy lit trees has set the famous Victorian terrace aglow for so many years. The bar at Hotel du Vin is a destination venue all on its own. With sumptuous cream teas and elegant cocktails, even if you don’t leave the hotel, you’ll have a cosy decadent break. Winter breaks at the hotel are incredible value.
Until the end of March, the hotel has some fantastic Winter Season offers.
Friday Treats is an exclusive Friday retreat package. What better way to start your break than with a welcome bottle of Champagne? A frosty wander round the west end then back for a cosy night sleep and a hearty full cooked breakfast at Bistro du Vin. Sounds perfect.
Or you might want to choose a Lazy Sunday offer? A long weekend including a fabulous Sunday night stay, with £50 food & beverage credit for a sumptuous dinner at Bistro Du Vin. Too cosy to get up in the morning? It’s covered – you have a late checkout!
There are several Winter season deals available to choose from and some incredible Food and drink offers including Wine Tasting in One Devonshire’s gorgeous cellar.
And all right on your doorstep…
w:hotelduvin.com/locations/glasgow/
Market St, Edinburgh
With the best vista in Edinburgh, Market St is a chic hotel situated behind Waverly Station. So, in terms of location,there’s no contest. Centrally located, stunning rooms and, in my humble opinion, the best bar in Edinburgh, Market St is a shoo-in for great accommodation in the capital. Nor’ Loft sits in the penthouse of the hotel, overlooking Princes St and the gardens. Brave the cold and sit on the outside roof terrace with cosy covers provided. If that sounds a tad ‘fresh’ in January, inside stylish fires are set into the wall of the hotel bar. In terms of offers, why not grab Market Street’s ‘Winter Bubbles’ offer in the early months of 2025? Guests will receive an exclusive rate, a complimentary champagne breakfast and 10% discount on food throughout the hotel. Time to head for the capital…
Hotel Indigo, Dundee
Next on our run down of best Winter city breaks in Scotland, we head up to Tayside. Set in a 200-year-old Jute Mill, this boutique hotel has décor reflecting its industrial history. Bare brick walls and timber flooring have sympathetically been restored, with nods in the décor to Dundee’s past industries of jute, jam and journalism.
In terms of location, the hotel is a stone’s throw from the waterfront, with the V&A museum and HMS Discovery. Dundee has a fantastic gastro scene as well as some of the best Speakeasys in Scotland.
But Hotel Indigo may simply be just too tempting to leave. In which case, dine at the Daisy Tasker where locally sourced produce will be transformed into some glorious Scottish fayre. Following which, kick back in the brand-new bar Eighteen22 for a sip or two of the amber nectar… Uisge Beatha!
Jan/Feb offers at Hotel Indigo include
three-course dinner bed and breakfast option with some excellent flexible rates available. Or check out the hotel’s Valentine offer for that special someone in your life.
One of my favourite places to visit, head to the city of discovery this Winter.
w:ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/gb/en/dundee/dndid/hoteldetail
Ness Walk, Inverness
Situated on the River Ness, the five star Ness Walk is a unique retreat hotel. The Grade B listed building has been designed with the original features blending with modern architecture. The hotel is unique in its blessed seclusion, surrounded by trees and on the river, yet in the heart of the city. Relax by the fire with a glass of fizz before taking a wander along the river or into town.
Accommodation at Ness Walk really is next level. If you decide to pamper yourself, opt for one of the stunning hotel suites. But the room types, all named after the beautiful trees on the River Ness, have the most beautiful views. Cedar rooms have outside terraces on the courtyard overlooking the Hotel’s private woodland garden. With Oak rooms on the first floor having an unspoiled view over the River Ness, the upper floor hosts the bright and airy Laurel rooms. You really are spoiled for choice.
If you want to eat at Ness Walk, the hotel restaurant Torrish won’t disappoint. With afternoon teas and a stunning a la carte menu, you can retire to bed satisfied for a night of truly contented slumber.
The Winter Slumber offer at Ness Walk sees a cosy two-night stay coupled with champers on arrival and a decadent dinner for two on your first night. Fear not, for on your second evening you’ll be treated to a cheese board and a bottle of merlot. Now that really is an indulgent break.
w:nesswalk.com/offers/winter-slumber/
Malmaison, Aberdeen
Set in a granite mansion in the Granite City, Malmaison Aberdeen is a warm retreat against the North Sea breezes. Glorious rooms, all come with those oh-so recognisable ‘Mal’ ingredients. Stylish décor, fabulous toiletries and just THE comfiest of beds; you really won’t want to leave the room. But wait, there is the small matter of the day spa. Get some well-deserved pampering or head to the gym – Malmaison has all on site. And then it’s time to kick back at Malmaison Bar & Grill. With signature cocktails, beers and wines, food menus feature all your favourites. Mal has your catering needs covered, including the dynamite grilled steaks and a of course, the famous sticky toffee pudding.
This winter, why not enjoy a stay at Malmaison Aberdeen with up to 15% off when you book ‘advance purchase’ rates two weeks or more before your stay.
w:malmaison.com/locations/aberdeen/
For more information on destinations, winter breaks, city breaks in Scotland visit –
Return to Travel and Leisure Articles
