colin stone | Frost Magazine

The Knight Residence is a modern 6-storey townhouse on a quiet street between the two main train stations in Edinburgh, Haymarket and Waverley. There are two topiary balls in silver sparkling pots on either side of the front door. And a buzzer entry system for residents who have not yet checked in. Colin Stone MA, the General Manager of The Knight Residence, greets us from the concierge desk, situated in the lobby between the front and inside doors, and gives us a tour of the facilities and our city two-bedroom apartment.

Coffee & DVD’s

First things first: the keys. We are given a front door key and a key to our apartment as well as an electronic key ring sensor that opens the inside door of this townhouse. A nifty safety feature that I like.

The ground floor of The Knight Residence is a cosy living space full of newspapers and DVD’s. There is also a press and go coffee machine incase residents want a cappuccino to go. My partner is instantly drawn to the smell of roasted beans and makes us each a coffee before taking a seat on one of the two armchairs.

“We offer free wifi,” says Colin while calling the lift to take us to the 2nd floor. “But you can rent any of our DVD’s for £2.00 if you want a change from Netflix or Blinkbox.”

I often get lost in big hotels and forget where my room is. But that won’t be an issue here. When Colin ushers us from the lift to our apartment, we notice that all the doors have namecards on them. Ours says ‘Miss M Volpi,’ which makes us smile.

Colin opens the door and deposits our bags in the first bedroom. This apartment has a video ID entry system (incase you are expecting guests), laminate floor in the hall, one twin bedded room and one double room (each with a wardrobe, dressing table, set of two white bathrobes and slippers, alarm clock and TV), bathroom, lounge, dining room and kitchen. Every room looks chic and clean. And there is plenty of natural light.

The Kitchen

“We’ve stocked the kitchen with a few breakfast essentials for you,” says Colin while walking into the open plan sitting room and dining area that adjoin the kitchen at the back of our apartment. “Just to make you feel at home.”

The fridge contains two large cartons of fruit juice (orange and cranberry) and there is a sliced white loaf ready for toasting in the bread bin. But what impresses me is the selection of cereals, biscuits, jams, spreads, teas and coffees all displayed in a large wire storage rack on the kitchen counter.

There is Alpen, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Weetabix. Shortbread that looks homemade. Good quality raspberry and strawberry jam and orange marmalade. There is a choice of either Lurpak butter or Flora spead and teas ranging from herbal to traditional. There are fairtrade sachets of instant hot chocolate and freeze dried coffee (both strong and decaf) alongside a large 4-cup cafitiere with one pouch of freshly ground coffee. I often have trouble deciding what I would like to eat for breakfast. But The Knight Residence really does offer a selection of morning food to suit all palates.

The kitchen is fully equipped with toaster, microwave, hob, oven, fridge, sink and washing machine. There is a selection of cutlery and ceramic plates/mugs as well as plastic plates, cups and bowls for children. You could easily prepare a home cooked meal here. And we are sad that we have pre booked a table at Amarone restaurant instead.

The Bathroom

Colin shows us where the bathroom is before leaving us to get ready for our evening out in Edinburgh.

The bathroom is lit by spotlights and has a mirrored back wall. It’s a big space with a neat toilet basin and a sink big enough for two people to use at the same time. There is a bath with an electric shower overhead on the far side of the room and a heated towel rail next to the door.

The Knight Residence is big on protecting the environment. Not only are their profits from the car park used to plant native trees in Scotland (www.trees4scotland.com), their choice of toiletries are all eco-friendly and in eco-friendly packaging. I’ve never come across the ‘BeeKind’ range of products from Gilchrist & Soames before. But it’s a snazzy concept in looks, logo and logic.

“BeeKind to yourself by not using products with parabens, phthalates or artificial colours. BeeKind to your neighbours, animals, waiters and waitresses. Most importantly, BeeKind to the environment so future generations can enjoy your planet’s breathtaking beauty.”

The 30 ml bottles are all made from paper and the main ingredient in each product, whether it be shampoo, conditioner or body lotion, is honey. A portion of BeeKind’s proceeds are used to support honey bee and sustainable pollination research.

The Knight Residence also encourages you to re-use your towels instead of having them washed ever day of your stay.

The Personal Touch

“If you need anything at all, just ring down to reception,” says Colin before exiting our apartment. “We can order you a taxi for later or provide you with personalised directions and a map of how to get to where you want to go in Edinburgh on foot.”

My partner and I veg out in front of the TV for an hour to unwind, before phoning Colin and asking him to book that taxi…

The Knight Residence is much more than a home from home. It’s a haven of efficiency and environmentally friendly living. ALL your worries are obliterated from the moment you step through that door with your name on it. And ALL you can do is relax and let the pampering begin.

If the personal touch is what you’re looking for, then The Knight Residence should be on your accommodation list for that next trip to Edinburgh. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

*Our City two bedroom apartment was £402.00 per night. It accommodates 4 adults and 1 child.

Other prices are as follows:

City studio apartment: £264.00 per night
City one bedroom apartment: £287.00 per night
City two bedroom apartment: £402.00 per night
Comfort one bedroom apartment: £264.00 per night
Comfort two bedroom apartment: £402.00 per night
Comfort three bedroom apartment: £598.00 per night

*Rates quoted are inclusive of utilities, service and VAT. Ancillary services, such as phone, fax or newspapers, will be charged as taken.

Car Parking is charged at £7 per night. Profits from car parking are used to plant native trees in Scotland. www.trees4scotland.com

We like…

THE LOCATION

THE BUILDING

THE STAFF

YOUR NAME ON THE DOOR OF YOUR APARTMENT

THE SECURITY

KNIGHT KNIGHT SLEEP TIGHT TEDDY BEAR

THE KITCHEN SUPPLIES

THE ECO TOILITRIES

THE SERVICE