Introduction
A popular alternative to staying in a hotel while away on a leisure or business trip, is to find a serviced apartment. These offer privacy and more space, ideal for families or friends on holiday or corporate clients. An apartment can save you money with self-catering facilities, and the flexibility of staying for a few days or a few months. Edinburgh - the number one city destination in the UK according to Conde Nast Traveller readers - offers the visitor a diverse range of private short-term apartments, all very different in location and style.
The A List is fairly new on the scene having been developed within the past year (2004-2005) and is a totally different concept in the world of serviced apartments. The A List is about buying into a lifestyle. It's about experiencing luxury, class and the ultimate in personal concierge service. Special packages are available for romantic weekends, a week or two during the Edinburgh Festival, and discounts for long-term corporate guests.
The Apartments
The company has created a small collection of luxury designer apartments in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The modern apartments in Edinburgh are bang in the centre of town to the east of the Georgian New Town with secure private parking. This perfect location is just a short walk to Princes Street, Harvey Nichols and other designer shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants. Each apartment has two double bedrooms, one with an en suite shower-room, main bathroom, kitchen, living room, with an additional room for dining, as an office or extra bedroom. The Edinburgh collection is based around the theme of Fashion; the fabulous interior design and furnishings have been conceived by Patrick Haddad of Design Concept with artwork by Marc.
Each apartment is totally distinctive in style being inspired by fashion designers Chanel, Puci or Valentino. The Label: Valentino is a master of elegance and opulence. Fabrics tend to be both delicate and rich-lace, chiffon and silk crepe, alongside wool, leather and suede. Valentino has long been popular among European royalty, American socialites, and celebrities. Julia Roberts wore Valentino to accept her Oscar in 2001. The menswear collection is known for sharp, classic tailoring. The Valentino A List apartment captures this glamorous, sexy Italian look - black leather sofas and armchairs, flowing, cream organza window drapes, silk fabric artwork and wall hangings. This is all complemented throughout with polished wood, stainless steel, gleaming ceramic tiles and marble. The subtle colour scheme is a blend of taupe, tobacco, soft grey, white and black.
As you would expect in a contemporary city apartment, the décor is minimalist and exceptionally chic and sleek. Quality, quality, quality from stunning lamps and lighting, floor rugs, white cotton bed linen to the hand-made soap and unique A List toiletries. The brilliantly designed curving, walk-in, en- suite shower room gets the Wow factor. Relax in the spacious sunny lounge with wide screen multi channel TV, DVD and CD player. Unlike the typical experience of staying in a hotel, the A List apartment has a completely secluded and private ambience where no one will disturb you unless you request service or in-house catering. Lounge around, sleep, bathe, work, cook, read, watch a movie, listen to music, and entertain guests for drinks or dinner, all amidst gorgeous furnishings in your luxurious 'home from home'.
Dining at home
A fully fitted and equipped steel and beechwood kitchen has everything you could possibly need for self-catering including a dishwasher and a separate laundry room. There's a neat breakfast bar with stools for a quick morning coffee and croissant. A superb welcome gourmet hamper of coffee, milk, wine and other goodies will keep you going until you stock up the fridge. If you wish a full grocery pack to be delivered when you arrive, then this can be arranged in advance.
Part of the unique concept of the A List is the personal service that is offered. If you wish dinner in your apartment, an excellent menu is available (at extremely reasonable prices). Perhaps start with freshly steamed mussels swimming in white wine and garlic, followed by Roast Gressingham duck breast, the best quality Scottish Salmon or a delicious Asparagus risotto, finishing with Cheesecake or Chocolate fudge cake. The meal can be prepared and left for you in the kitchen so that you complete the cooking and eat at leisure. For the ultimate VIP service, a chef will prepare dinner in your kitchen and serve the meal course by course at a candlelit table. This is a wonderful experience, highly recommended - private, romantic and fun for a couple or the ideal solution for entertaining friends or business colleagues.
A superb continental breakfast is delivered to the apartment each morning - all part of the magical butler service offered to guests. While there is a daily maid service, this is arranged at a time to suit you and unlike some hotels, Housekeeping will not disturb you unannounced at 8am or 7pm just when you are in the shower.
A List guests are given a list of selected, and preferred restaurants, bars and shops so for the stranger to the city, you will be recommended the best places are to eat and drink - Harvey Nichols, (with special A List menu), Cosmos, Valvona & Crolla, Centotre and the Living Room
At Leisure
A List guests have access to a local health club and even beauty treatments can be arranged in your apartment. Your concierge will be able to arrange city tours, car hire, conference and meeting facilities, theatre tickets and restaurant reservations as well as babysitting, a chauffeur and personal shopping. A List partners giving special discounts include Harvey Nichols and at Hamilton and Inches for fine gifts and jewellery.
Conclusion
From the moment we walked in the front door, we felt totally relaxed and completely 'at home'. Indulge in glamorous design, and 5 star quality from furnishings to gourmet food. Whether you are visiting Edinburgh for a weekend or a month, for business or pleasure, experience the VIP A List lifestyle. This is your own, new luxury city apartment from where to explore the city by day and chill out by night - you won't want to leave!More Information
For more information or to make a reservation see the A List Apartments Web site or e-mail info@edalist.com.
