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Partner PostsRoom service: Scotland's top ten 'play away' hotels revealed

Room service: Scotland’s top ten ‘play away’ hotels revealed

By Kirsty Topping

WELCOME to the Bal-immoral. One of Scotland’s poshest hotels has been named as a haven for well-heeled cheating couples.

Edinburgh’s Balmoral came fifth in a list of Scotland’s top 10 destinations for conducting an illicit affair.

Rooms at the five star hotel, conveniently situated next to the city’s main train station, cost up to £670 a night.

Celebrity guests include JK Rowling, who completed the Harry Potter series in room 652.

The figures were revealed in the survey of 6,000 people carried out by extra-marital dating site illicitencounters.com.

But lovers on a budget also made an impact on the chart, with the Travelodge on the M80 at Stirling emerging as the second-most popular.

Edinburgh was the most popular destination in Scotland for conducting trysts with three hotels featuring in the top ten, including the number one location, King’s Manor.

The three-star Best Western hotel came fourth in the UK, according to the poll.

Les Solley, director of the hotel, said he was “shocked” to find Kings Manor on the list.

However he speculated that their proximity to major transport routes may have contributed to their position in the rankings.

He said: “As a family-owned and run hotel we are shocked to hear of our ranking in this list.

“However, with our great facilities and location, combined with good-value pricing and easy transport links, we are not surprised that a wide range of customers find us a desirable location for meeting up.”

The Dunblane Hydro Doubletree bagged sixth place in the list.

The £184-a-night, four-star hotel’s manager, Robert Glashan, said the news was “fantastic”.

He said: “It doesn’t surprise me because we are a very big hotel in the centre of Scotland and we are a very romantic destination.”

He added: “There are lots of good reasons to come here. Whether you bring your golf clubs or mistress is up to you.”

Sara Hartley, of Illicit Encounters, added: “The Best Western is affordable, is great for rail and road links and is still close to one of the most romantic cities in the country. It’s the total package.”

A spokeswoman for Travelodge Hotels said: “Guests can do what they like when they book a room at one of our hotels. As long as it’s not illegal, it is their business.”

No-one was available for comment from the Balmoral.

The full list:

1. King’s Manor, Edinburgh

2. Travelodge, Stirling M80

3. Holiday Inn, Strathclyde Park

4. CitizenM Hotel, Glasgow

5. The Bamoral Hotel, Edinburgh

6. Dunblane-Hydro Doubletree, Dunblane

7. Travelodge, Central Glasgow

8. Central Rose Street Travelodge, Edinburgh

9. Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen

10. Days Inn, Abington

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