When we look for places to stay, we often want something just a wee bit more unique than the usual white-walled room. While Edinburgh is abundant with accommodation choices, the choice of a serviced apartment that still looks and feels like a hotel, suite is a happy medium. That is where Native Edinburgh steps in, an aparthotel that also doubles as a boutique lounge named Counter that hosts a myriad of events for both locals and guests to attend.
The aparthotel
Native Edinburgh is located on Queen Street in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. The modern aparthotel features 82 serviced apartments spanning over four floors, ranging from studios to one-bedroom apartments. The building boasts a fitness room, a boutique lounge, Counter and a communal laundry room for those staying in the studio apartments.
The brand also highly focuses on sustainability, supporting local suppliers and only cleaning the rooms when asked. Native has received ECOsmart accreditation and a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’ showing off their dedication to the environment.
What is more, guests also get access to the private Queen Street Gardens that even most locals cannot enter. The gardens are a quaint oasis located just across the street from Native, offering the much-needed solace of not having to cram in with the crowds at West Princes Street Gardens.
The décor throughout the aparthotel leaves one feeling calm and energised, as from the moment you walk in you’re met with plenty of green shades of velvet, as well as plants. While the apartments do not have any plants inside, the interior is still well thought-out, with statement walls and modern pieces, as well as Scottish art that completes the full picture.
Counter Native, the boutique lounge
Counter is Native’s focal point, where both guests and locals alike are invited to come to enjoy a drink, some music and good company. While there aren’t events every single night, the space hosts several regular events, such as Lounge Listening Sessions every Wednesday and Friday between 6pm and 8pm.
Recently, the lounge introduced Counter Sessions, which on the last Friday of every month will become a stage for singers, saxophonists and DJs. What is more, the space often hosts workshops like the Flower Art Therapy Workshop led by Ollie & Ivy Flowers where guests can craft their own bouquets.
Visitors can also attend a paint-and-sip workshop, where anyone and everyone can summon their inner artists no matter the skill level accompanied by drinks and some tunes. While drinks are not included in the price, guests will walk away with a brand new piece of art that they created.
Thus, Native Edinburgh is not just a place to rest your head: it’s a place where the community can come together, united by music, art and the love for sustainability.