As budget travelers, we are rarely given a chance to hang out in 5-star hotels, so we jumped to join the Sheraton team for a night of luxury at the refurbished Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh. Staying as part of the “Sheraton Club,” we were in line for the whole luxury experience. And boy, were we pampered from the minute we arrived!
Usually, we have to lug our backpacks up 17 flights of rickety stairs, but as we walked into the reception, our bags were carried to our rooms while we were whisked away to the Sheraton Club lounge for a welcome drink and canapes!
Sure we were getting the star treatment as part of the unveiling of the refurbishment, but you can be guaranteed that you will get the same respect and luxury when you check-in, especially if you are lucky enough to win the 10,000 SPG points.
With our appetites held off for the next few hours, we were led to what is undoubtedly the showpiece of the Sheraton Grand Hotel. One Spa is attached to the Hotel as part of the Club member’s experience. You can even join the One Club separately from the Sheraton resorts.
Fortunately, we were dolled up looking dashing in shirts and skirts, so we were not expected to get a sweat on while we toured the exercise and workout areas. Although Adela and I did head down at 6.30 am the following day for a workout to burn off a few of the drinks we had. It is so lovely to walk through a Hotel directly to the gym rather than run in the cold like we usually do.
We didn’t say no to the Spa treatments, though. However, I did let the masseuse off lightly by offering to have a hand massage instead of a foot massage.
I even nearly fell asleep with the candles, oils, and hippy music lulling me into a dreamlike state. If only we had longer here so we could have enjoyed the rooftop pool as well.
I would have to say that the highlight of the entire night was the food and drinks. Heading behind the chaotic restaurant scenes, we met the world-renowned Malcolm Webster, the Head Chef, and creator of some of the most excellent food we have ever eaten. Plus, the Sheraton team dished out wines to complement every delectable forkful.
It turns out that pairing your food with a decent bottle of red is much nicer than the usual £3 bottle at Tesco.
The only thing left for us to do roll ourselves up to our Club rooms high above the city lights of Edinburgh and collapse on the gigantic bed. I now know why they make more expansive beds than they are long. Purely to fit my fat ass in after scoffing all that food.