RÌGH Residences Edinburgh review: George Street apartments are a perfect alternative to Airbnb for a Scottish capital stay

An Airbnb stay certainly has its charms — cosy home vibes, the thrill of “living like a local” and the delightfully mismatched cutlery that somehow adds character. But it’s not always all artisanal coffee makers and Instagrammable corners.

There’s the creeping menace of skyrocketing cleaning fees, the gamble of a host who ghosts when the boiler packs up at 2am, and, of course, the nerve-wracking guest review waiting to dissect your tidiness at the end — all things that might well encourage you to make a beeline for the comfort of a hotel.

RÌGH Residences in the Scottish capital Edinburgh nails the sweet spot between homey charm and five-star efficiency. In these sleek, fully equipped apartments, all the conveniences are covered — climate control, heated bathroom floors, and housekeeping on tap — without the stress of deciphering temperamental appliances or navigating awkward host exchanges.

Middle East Traveller checked into a Boulevard Apartment, with views over the sandstone facades of Edinburgh’s New Town, for a weekend escape to the Scottish capital.

The Hotel

In the heart of Edinburgh’s ‘golden rectangle’ — a clutch of sooty sandstone streets at the centre of the tourist favourite New Town — this collection of 27 apartments is an ambitious first full building for RÌGH, which manages a handful of self-catering accommodation options scattered across the city.

Just steps from Edinburgh’s most buzz-worthy restaurants, boutiques and ancient landmarks, the design-focused, tech-forward property commands a prime corner perch, with storybook views of the streets below leading to landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street.

The focus here is on creating a seamless experience with as little human interaction as possible. There’s no need, for example, to deal with a human when checking in or at any time throughout the stay (it’s all done via a handy iPad app) — but if you do need someone, or something, they’ll be there within minutes.

The team can also arrange airport transfers as well as tours of Edinburgh and beyond (at an extra cost). While there’s officially a fee for early check-ins or late departures, RÍGH promises to “do its upmost” to be flexible free of charge.

Repeat guests can sign up for the company’s rewards scheme, which grants upgrades and free breakfast while giving points for each stay that can be redeemed against future bookings. Although that might not be useful at the moment unless you’re a frequent visitor to Edinburgh, it’s definitely one to consider as the company looks to expand its footprint in the city and further afield.

The Arrival

After a breezy four-hour train ride from London, it’s a quick 10-minute stroll from Waverley Station to reach the RÌGH Residences building. Punching in the code we received ahead of time, we glide through the discreet front door and head up to the lobby via elevator.

Check-in, available from 3pm, is friction-free. There’s a staff member stationed behind the desk when we arrive mid-afternoon, but the process is totally self-guided through a slick iPad setup. A quick tap, a few details, and out pops our room key from a handy slot — then we’re off to the room.

To make things even quicker, complete the formalities online before arrival, skip the front desk entirely, and head straight to your room using your phone as a mobile key.

The Room

With 16 different accommodation types, ranging from the petite Cosy Apartment to the grand Penthouse Suite with enviable views of Edinburgh Castle, there are lots of options to choose from.

In our Boulevard Apartment, looking out over the handsome golden facades of George Street, soft blue cabinetry and brass hardware anchor the kitchenette, nodding to classic Shaker influences, while a tufted headboard, plush pastel accents and pale herringbone wood floor exude understated luxury.

Scottish weather is famously fickle, but inside, climate control lets you set your ideal temperature, whether it’s toasty after a wet walk down George Street or cool on a surprisingly sunny day. The sleek bathroom is a blissful retreat, with the toasty tiles beneath your feet and the invigorating monsoon shower feeling like an antidote to the elements outside.

The apartments are unapologetically tech-forward — tablets at your bedside let you dim the lights, browse local tips, or order a service with a tap, while the oversized smart TVs come Netflix-ready for rainy nights in.

Bookings include access to free laundry facilities, making long stays a breeze, plus a chic communal lounge where freshly brewed coffee flows all day and warm pastries are served first thing in the morning.

The Service

Service here is deliberately low-touch. Staff are on hand at the property most of the day, but the real magic here is the tech-forward approach.

Need housekeeping, extra towels, or a late check-out? Just tap the iPad in your room and it’s quickly sorted. For anything else, the team can be reached by phone, email, WhatsApp or iPad chat from 8am to 10pm, with emergency support on call 24/7.

The Restaurants and Bars

While RÌGH doesn’t have its own in-house restaurant (apart from those irresistible pastries in the lounge), there are plenty of options in the neighbourhood — including a branch of trendy Rosa’s Thai just across the road, burger joint The Boozy Cow a few minutes walk away and much-loved Indian restaurant Dishoom on nearby St Andrew Square.

RÌGH has also teamed up with Côte Brasserie to offer guests a deal on continental breakfasts, while for a broader range of options the New Town is well-served by delivery apps including UberEats, JustEat and Deliveroo.

Why Stay?

The flexibility and homey comforts of an Airbnb with the convenience of a hotel. Whip up a quick meal in your fully equipped kitchenette, enjoy freshly brewed coffee in the communal lounge or tap into hotel-style perks like fluffy robes, ESPA toiletries, and housekeeping on demand.

Add in a prime George Street location and tech-savvy touches like in-room tablets, and you’ve got a hassle-free home base that feels effortlessly luxurious.