Basically this place is a bunch of wannabe trendy (think Wallpaper* circa 2001) rooms above a grotty shopping mall. Outrageously overpriced considering there's nowt much else usually on offer at a 3, 4 or (this place isn't really 5 is it?) star hotel. Reception is like entering the Leith branch of Argos. If you like hype...

We had a one night stay here in July. On advice found at Trip Advisor we asked for a quiet garden room and that's what we got. Really nice room, clean and quiet. We liked the fact that it overlooked a roof garden and was away from the noise of the street. I think you would perhaps not have such a peaceful night if you had a room facing onto the street and other reviewers have commented on this. Not the cheapest hotel but we had a really good night and would recommend it.
Tip - Skip the breakfast (expensive) and instead head down to Valvona and Crolla, a famous Edinburgh Italian deli, for a cheaper, convenient alternative. Only 5 minutes away down Leith Walk.

My husband and I had quite an exceptional experience as we were upgraded to a suite at check-in. Our room was amazing with an enormous balcony. There was a sense of luxurious minimalism - pure white bed (very comforatble), rotating flat screen tv, leather couch, huge bathroom broken into a dressing/sink area, and a bathtub room with a separate shower. We were thrilled as it was the first decent shower we had in over a week (closest to American in plumbing and functionality). If I were staying for a business trip, I might be annoyed that there was no gym or restaurant in the hotel despite the pricing, but for a pleasure trip, it made no difference.

We stayed at The Glasshouse on Sept 5 for our 15th wedding anniversary in the Oban Suite. Most of those reviewers who gave the hotel a rating of less than 5 seem to do so because they felt it lacked the gym, spas etc of a 5 star hotel. This is true; the hotel is actually a luxury boutique hotel which will not obtain a 5 star rating as it lacks the necessary amenities. However, if you are there for a short stay to see the sights and sample the nightlife, restaurants etc, then it is perfect.

The Oban Suite was very roomy and fitted out in a luxurious manner. The artwork and table adornments throughout the hotel are very classy as is the design of the reception with its' fireplace and water feature. We did not get outside to the rooftop garden as it was raining, but it looked beautiful.

The little touches like the decanter of malt whiskey, the candles and turndown service at night and the service by William, the doorman make for a great ambience. In fact, all the staff whom we had had contact with were excellent. Despite previous comments about minibar prices, £3 for a bottle of Peroni beer in the room is on a par for minibars in major hotels. We have stayed in top hotels all over the world and the Glasshouse is on a par with any in terms of room standard and quality.

If you want a bland room in your large chain with the usual bustle at reception, then fine. If you want a quiet pampering, then go to The Glasshouse!