STAY : Review of Malmaison Hotel, Dundee

It stands very grand along the Tay Waterfront in Dundee, the older stonework contrasting with the modern contemporary cladding of its neighbour, the V&A. For me the Malmaison Hotel signifies the start of the waterfront area and the city centre. It's where all the ‘cool kids’ are located, the trendy area of Dundee that’s been regenerated and is now filled with its share of varying dining experiences from a juice bar, to a pasta bar, from a boulangerie to a cheesemonger, from craft ale bars to boujee cocktails drinkeries.

REVIEW OF MALMAISON, DUNDEE

The Malmaison Dundee is where luxury meets comfort thats affordable. The entrance is grand and will most certainly give you that “wow” when you walk in. Serious bouquets of flowers greet you as they pop against mirrored walls, large windows and the colour purple.

Check in is swift and friendly and within a matter of minutes, you’ve got your two room key cards in hand and are heading for the elevators.

OUR SUITE

We were booked into a Suite and oh my sweet giddy aunt, it was beauty that greeted us at the door. Stepping inside, you’re first greeted with the “monumental” king sized bed, that in any other room would drown everything out, but the size of this Suite can handle the sheer volume of bed. With gorgeous soft white linen and a faux fur cover, this is one cosy space I couldn’t wait to climb into that night.

You’ll also find generous cupboard space with robes and slippers, and your tea/coffee making facilities; a desk, plasma screen TV and a large couch sitting snuggly in the bay window giving you views over the bridge, the water and the V&A Museum.

The Suite also comes with a lounge area and a round day bed, Nespresso coffee machine and another plasma screen TV.

I love the aubergine/purple colour of the walls and the continued use of colour throughout the Suite - the daybed, the couch, the cushions and the curtains. It’s so relaxing, very comforting and cosy.

The bed is extremely comfortable and so spacious. I felt like I’d only slept on one part of the bed when I woke up the following morning. My only niggle is that if you are a light sleeper or if light annoys you, then maybe push a chair up against the curtain nearest the bed. The curtains don’t sit flush against the wall/window, so when you are plunged into complete darkness at night time, it’s a bit hard to take when sunlight hits you right on your face at 5am! However, as the bed was so big, you can also just move around the bed! (hehe)

The bathroom is possibly larger than most one bed apartments in Edinburgh. It features a roll top bath, double monsoon walk in showers and double sinks with black glam tiles and large fluffy white towels. (thank you Malmaison for realising that large fluffy towels are the best).

Every single detail is well thought out and perfect. It’s just a gorgeous Suite!

THE HOTEL

The Malmaison boasts 91 sumptuous rooms and suites spanning six fabulous floors. The stunning Victorian building offers fabulous facilities and amenities yet retains and respects original features as they were built in 1899. Check out the central staircase and the gorgeous bannister on the restaurant level.

They have a fabulous contemporary restaurant and a stylish cocktail bar plus great board rooms and spaces for meetings, parties and events.

Whilst they don’t have their own carpark area, there is a carpark located directly opposite the hotel. It costs approx £15 for 24 hours.

BREAKFAST

I have to say, I adore a hotel breakfast. I’m not sure what it is about it, but I love it and breakfast here is no exception. I love hotel toast - its the epitome of holiday time for me; and love a buffet and a cooked breakfast. The choice is substantial from fresh fruit, pastries, cereals etc to a fully cooked Scottish Breakfast and all the other varieties of breakfast you want. Service it quick and friendly.

If you are looking to spend a night or a few nights in Dundee, consider staying at the Malmaison. It is super accessible, easy to find and navigate, smack bang in the middle of Dundee with most eating, drinking, shopping and culture facilities within walking distance. You’ll have a wonderful nights sleep in their super comfy beds, fill up on a hearty breakfast and be ready to explore the city.

The Malmaison Dundee is

• Dog friendly - although their restaurant is not.

• No complimentary carpark but there is one located directly opposite which costs approx £15 for 24 hours.

• Disabled access - check directly with the hotel.

• Do check out my previous blog posts on where to eat, drink and what to do in Dundee

  • 24 hours of food, drink and art in Dundee - www.tartanspoon.co.uk/home/travel-dundee

  • 24 hours of food and drink in Dundee - www.tartanspoon.co.uk/home/travel-visit-dundee-scotland

  • Dine at Franks Wine and Pasta Bar - www.tartanspoon.co.uk/home/eat-franks-dundee

  • Lunch at Gellery 48 - www.tartanspoon.co.uk/home/food-gallery48-dundee

• For more information on Dundee, visit the Visit Dundee website - www.visitdundee.com

Malmaison Dundee, 44 Whitehall Cres, Dundee DD1 4AY www.malmaison.com/locations/dundee

I was invited by Visit Dundee to spend 24 hours in the city reviewing places to stay, eat, drink and do. My stay at Malmaison was complimentary but the views are very much my own.