The Telegraphs Billy Bain found the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Edinburgh

GOOD KNIGHTS SLEEP: Knight Residences fivestar apartments are perfectly placed if youre on a weekend trip to Edinburgh.

SHINING KNIGHT C
URIOSITY piqued by the breathless cheerleading of past guests and the ranking of best hotel in the UK by reviews aggregate site Expedia, it was only a matter of time before I crossed paths with Edinburghs prestigious Knight Residence.
Located just 10 minutes from the Grassmarket, this chic yet unimposing fivestar residence offers occupants the choice of one, two and three bedrooms among its 19 self-catering apartments. A sleek and tasteful opulence is immediately apparent upon arrival. However, the main driving force behind the Knights success story soon made itself obvious an unrivalled dedication to customer service. The energetic and friendly staff made sure we knew they existed solely to ensure our needs were met in an efficient, unobtrusive manner. Each member of the team is there to provide you with the very highest standards in Scottish hospitality. Greeted by Magdaline at the front desk, my fellow Weegie adventurer Jim instantly struck up a rapport, with both exchanging local knowledge and mutually recommending

Success down to dedication to customer service

nearby restaurants and attractions. Hotel rooms are all very well but unless youre booked into the penthouse suite of Trump Tower, its rather likely your room may be a touch restrictive leaving little option but to collapse onto your bed after a tiring day sightseeing or sampling the wares of the local hostileries. Self-catering apartments such as the Knight Residence offer the perfect solution to this single-room dilemma, providing guests with not only somewhere to sleep but also to sit and relax, to cook and comfortably enjoy your own food among friends or family without formality or time restriction. The Knight has been offering this option in Edinburgh for over 13 years, in which time the idea of renting apartments for a few days in major cities has caught on. With a spacious and wellappointed kitchen, neat dining area, stylish yet functionary living room and luxurious bedrooms, the spotless apartments offer ample space to unwind and are just a short walk away from major attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Upon entering the well-equipped kitchen, Jim and I immediately set about inspecting the contents of the Knights complimentary breakfast basket which includes cereal, two pints of milk, a loaf, Earl Grey tea, real

coffee, hot chocolate, locally-made shortbread and fresh orange juice. A previous guest had also generously left an unopened tub of Ben & Jerrys ice cream in the freezer a nice touch, but not one I can guarantee for every patron. A quick fumble through the complimentary CD collection revealed David Bowies Hunky Dory sidled against an Alison Moyet Greatest Hits and a Paul Young solo album. From the sublime to the ridiculous, all tastes are catered for unless Scandinavian battle metal is your thing. Even then, turn up Paul loud enough and youll certainly start a war in anywhere I lay my hat. Wifi is, of course, as vital as oxygen to many in the Western world these days and no-ones airways will be restricted at the Knight Residence, with a very powerful signal able to stream HD effortlessly without stuttering. The spacious, sleek bathrooms offer a generous sink area, a large spotlessly clean tub, power shower and an audaciously-sized heated wall mirror. This, combined with the generous offering of complimentary Arran Aromatics goodies, allows patrons a perfect personal pampering spot to get ready for the evening or spruce up for the day ahead. From the bathroom then to the bedroom, and its immediately apparent things may

The spotless apartments offer ample space to unwind

have turned out differently for Michael Jackson if he had ever booked into the Knight Residence, such is the absolute guarantee of a good nights sleep. Sinking into the Queen-sized bed with Egyptian cotton sheets and huge plump, soft pillows, its wasnt long until consciousness was snuffed out. The helpful concierge, on duty all hours, only adds to the apartments friendly yet informal appeal, while a full range of Sky Sports channels allows guests to sit back and relax while taking a break from the delights of Auld Reekie. The Knight Residences management pride themselves on attention to detail, and the selection of DVDs available to watch to the welcome packs provided to guests including activity packs and teddies for the kids allow them to achieve this on every level one can expect from a desirable, luxury residential complex. For the best of both worlds, to enjoy fivestar service yet feel as comfortable and relaxed as you would in your own home, the Knight Residence offers the perfect solution for families and solitary travellers alike. Dont hesitate to enjoy a Knight to remember the next time youre in town.

F The Knight Residence Serviced Apartments F 12 Lauriston St, Edinburgh EH3 9DJ F 0131 6228120 F www.theknightresiden ce. co.uk

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