| Product: |
Point Hotel |
| Date: |
24/01/01 (258 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Style. Location. Value.
Disadvantages: Few (unless you hate minimalism).
Worth staying at this hotel for the artistic experience.
Point Hotel is a minimalist art statement. Converted in 1995 from an early-20th century CoOp store by the architect who now owns it, the hotel positively shouts Design, Minimalism and Good Taste – in the nicest possible way.
The Point of this hotel is that “less is more”. From the uniquely atmospheric foyer (less lighting), to served by the receptionists (in their less fussy, almost plain black collarless uniforms), through the lifts (with less chiming) to the heart of the hotel (with less on the walls) and the bedrooms (with less clutter). It works. And even its name (Point Hotel) has less in the way of definite articles.
The foyer is amazing. A deep, straight shape leading away from the street with large glass walls on two sides – and not a single light in the main area. The only illumination comes from over the reception desk, and that is cunningly hidden. Sounds simple now I have described it, but it took me a while to understand what created this atmosphere.
The walls are mainly white. The only decoration comes from coloured fluorescent tubes and neon strips. And I do mean coloured – as you step out of the lifts, you see walls washed with violent pink, bright orange… The rooms are also mainly white – without a single work of art to clutter them, unless you count the large black leather sofa in most rooms – and with all decoration limited to a rectangle of blue glass overlapping a rectangle of bright yellow. And the beds, under the indulgent white duvet and white bedspread, are soft and comfy. The bathroom is similarly minimalist, with the only light coming from a rectangle of frosted glass in the wall-sized mirror. Some rooms have a large sliding-door-like sheet of black glass to draw across the window instead of a curtain. All of which makes you wonder about the imitation antique dressing table and
wardrobe which seem to be standard issue in every room; an attempt at eclecticism, or a cheap job lot? But basically, very cool and satisfactory, unless you hanker after your conventional old-fashioned idea of comfort and luxury.
All of the rooms seem to have the routine television (a small one though), and the finish is not extraordinarily high. But the staff are consistently helpful and friendly. My colleague needed to work, but forgot to bring an adaptor – so they allowed him to use one of their office PCs!
It is located in the centre of town, in Bread Street (just near Grassmarket). The immediate surroundings are a bit insalubrious, but not so bad that they are threatening. On the plus side, there is a simply amazing choice of pubs and restaurants within five minutes walk. Mind you, the in-house restaurant is very good value indeed - £12.95 for three interesting, unusual, and distinctive courses. The bar is also very stylish, albeit loud, and littered with attempts at art – not my favourite.
Finally, a little tip: the most stunning rooms are the almost round ones on the corner.
Summary:
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Last comment:
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SusanLesley - 24/01/01 Wow! Sounds fascinating. We often holiday in Scotland so this will be one worth remembering, thanks. |
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