Mailmaison, Edinburgh is a 3-star hotel. It's accompanying Brasserie has also been awarded 2 AA Rosettes - and they deserved them!
Upon arrival at the check-in desk, we were warmly greeted by the receptionist. One of the managers who was walking past even stopped to chat to us. We were staying in the Port o' Leith Master Suite and if you want something special, go for this! The room is large and beautifully decorated with a magnificent 4 poster bed. The decor is luscious, yet tasteful. There is a comfy couch facing a flat screen, wall mounted TV as well as stereo and DVD player. There is the usual coffee making facilities as well as a well-stocked mini-bar, discreetly hidden away in one of the wardrobes. A frosted double door leads to a large bathroom that features a free-standing bathtub - one of the deepest I have seen (I could float in it) that easily fits two people! There is another flatscreen TV above the tub if you want to watch TV or a DVD while you have a soak. There's also a large separate shower (with two shower heads?) and a double sink. One of the lovely things about Malmaison is that they actively encourage you to take the toiletries provided away with you. These ones weren't of the typical hotel standard but were large sized Arran Aromatics' brand, and there was more than shampoo and conditioner - we also had bath soak, massage oil and body lotion (and they are all now sitting in our bathroom at home!)
We had booked a table in the Brasserie for dinner and were quickly seated. The food was amazing. They offer two menus - A 'Homegrown and Local' one and the usual a la carte menu. The homegrown and local one was surprisingly cheap at just under £16 for three courses. As the name suggests, the menu uses food sourced from local suppliers and Scottish farmers and it's a nice touch that they give you more information on the menu about where the food you're eating comes from. The a la carte menu was a more typically priced menu for a hotel of this stature but sounded just as delicious! I ordered Monkfish Grand Mer while my partner has entrecote (steak). The steak was served with marrowbone butter, which to be honest, I balked at however he hoovered it all up as well as his side order of freshly cut chips with a bloody-mary sauce. The fish was perfectly cooked and not at all over-done as many places tend to do. I had a side of spinach and mozerella and the portion was definately on the large side (Malmaison aren't stingy when it comes to portions)! The veg was fresh and the presentation could not be faulted at all!
We retired to our room and room service were more than happy to send up some DVDs for us to watch on the flatscreen TV as well as another bottle of wine.
We missed breakfast the next day due to sleeping in (purely our own fault) but I will definately be making it to the breakfast the next time we stay! read more