Byline: SONIA SHARMA
FOR a couple of non-drinkers, it was strange to be stopping at a hotel steeped in the tradition of whisky making.
But you don't have to drink alcohol to appreciate the history of a place.
The Royal Terrace Hotel in Edinburgh values its roots immensely. The building, part of an impressive Georgian terrace, consists of seven townhouses, which originally were family homes for around 100 years.
It was known as Whisky Row, because resident merchants could look out of their windows and see their ships arriving at Leith. In 1861, John Crabbie, best known for his firm's ginger wine, moved into one of the houses and lived there until his death.
It is no surprise then that the hotel would want to maximise its links with the industry.
The luxurious rooms, named after whiskies or distilleries, are individually designed and display historical details about the whiskies.
Me and my husband settled in The Balvenie for our twonight stay, which, according to the pictures and scripts on the walls, dates back to the late 1800s.
replica hublot watchesThe spacious room, with open fire, included all the mod cons but the decor was in keeping with the original period character.
A glass bathroom in the corner with thin, white curtains looked exquisite and we felt it was a real feature of room - until we had to relieve ourselves. If the glass was frosted or the curtains a little less transparent, it would have been perfect.
After a brief rest, we set out to explore the city. As the hotel is set on a hill, there are wonderful views of sexy lingerie china Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Towards the back, there are private gardens which provide a hidden retreat for guests as well as a setting for weddings.
The Royal Terrace is a 10-minute walk from the centre but there are also regular buses. The main attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and Princes Street are easily accessible.
We returned to the hotel for a relaxing evening, a swim in the small pool and a stint in the steam room.
Next was dinner in the stylish Terrace Brasserie restaurant. My food was delicious but my husband pinched a few parsnips off my plate as he felt his dinner needed more filling out. The starter was too light for him, and even with the main course, he was unsatisfied.
But our desserts were mouth-watering and looked too pretty to eat.
We retired for a peaceful night, the hotel offering a tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
We woke at leisure and enjoyed a hearty breakfast, my husband opting for vegetarian food, while I tucked into the full Scottish affair including the haggis.
Another day was spent enjoying the sights of Edinburgh before we made our way back home.
It was a lovely trip, both relaxing and educational. One thing's for sure - I now know more about whisky than anyone else in our household.
FACT FILE 107 bedrooms with a variety of styles, including two with glass bathrooms.
10 luxurious, newlyrefurbished rooms with ornate period features, full length windows and open fires.
Indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. The Terrace Brasserie re
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