In the lap of luxury
House of Gods | Photo: Asa Rodger
by Ellis Cochrane
After including House of Gods in our January issue, we simply had to experience it for ourselves. Ellis Cochrane takes us with her to the opulent boutique hotel for an overnight stay like no other.
Tucked under South Bridge in Edinburgh’s Cowgate, House of Gods’ neon sign on an otherwise nondescript street lets you know that you are in exactly the right location.
As soon as you enter through the front door you are transported to another era and find yourself in the old-world atmosphere of Lilith's Lounge Cocktail Bar. From the glimmering gargantuan mirror ball hanging from the ceiling to the burgundy velvet seats and signature incense-smoke scent wafting throughout, it is a feast for the senses.
In the Versailles-style Classic Room the sumptuous four-poster bed, covered by a lush velvet throw and scattered with rose petals and golden balloons, invites you to sink in. In the bathroom, the marble shower room has temperature-controlled underfloor heating—a welcome respite after braving the Scottish winter weather outside—and Cole & Lewis toiletries.
The glamorous Lilith’s Lounge | Photo: Ellis Cochrane
In a break with the familiar, instead of a guest telephone on the bedside table for calls to the front desk, House of Gods uses WhatsApp. Whether it’s ordering a cocktail (or two), requesting extra pillows or asking for great recommendations on places to eat and shows to see or tips on exploring the Scottish capital, it can be done from your own mobile.
Each room also comes equipped with a butler button, allowing guests to press for either Breakfast, Prosecco or Milk & Cookies.
When checking in, your Millionaire’s Cocktail experience is booked and brought to your door later that evening. A knock at the door announces one of the sharply dressed barmen carrying a vintage cocktail trunk, which opens up to reveal a shaker and two glasses. And what awaits is one of the creamiest and richest alcoholic drinks that I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting.
This is in addition to the complimentary £50 bar tab, courtesy of the ‘Treat Me Like I’m Famous’ package.
In Lilith's Lounge Cocktail Bar you can choose from a variety of beautifully prepared cocktails and unusual flavour combinations. Or you can have them delivered directly to your room.
The House of Gods No. 5 cocktail | Photo: Ellis Cochrane
Served in a glass that emulates the famous Chanel perfume, the House of Gods No. 5 cocktail is packed with fiery ginger flavour. While the Bohemian Gold cocktail combines fizz with sweet honey in a tribute to music icon Freddie Mercury.
The evening of divine decadence is rounded off by a butler delivery of milk and cookies and access to Netflix, Amazon Prime and Freeview channels to enjoy a special movie night in. Breaking off a piece of gooey chocolate cookie, it was time to hit play on one of the latest movie blockbusters on a television that cleverly reveals itself from behind a mirror.
At the press of a button at 8am sharp, a breakfast hamper packed full of delicious options is delivered to your door. Housed within the substantial wicker basket, you’ll find bagels, cinnamon roll-style muffins, granola and yoghurt pots, hot coffee and hot water to make tea, plus milk, orange juice and traditional hotel breakfast fare such as tiny glass jars of jam, individual sugar servings and breakfast tea sachets.
To top it off and truly start the day in style, two Mimosas arrive moments later. And with the ‘Treat Me Like I’m Famous’ package, late checkout is at 12pm, allowing for a suitably self-indulgent morning of lounging around before heading back out into current day Edinburgh.
Breakfast hamper | Photo: Ellis Cochrane