Missoni, the Italian fashion house known for vibrant prints, colourful knits and glamorous resort wear, has opened its first boutique hotel in Edinburgh’s historic quarter. Signature-print kilts replace caftans in a whimsical hybrid of Scottish and Italian style. The same can be said of the interiors: an enormous pair of mosaic urns marks the entry into the capacious, light-filled lobby; walls are rendered in lacquered reds, oranges and purples; furniture blends eras, with mid-century design classics accompanying pieces from renowned Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The 136 guestrooms are spacious and chic with silver leather headboards, opulent bathrooms, classic Missoni print linens and robes, espresso machines and Bang & Olufsen flat-screen TVs. And it wouldn’t be an Italian job without a large, communal-style restaurant (Cucina Missoni) and a slick cocktail den (Bar Missoni) serving a bellissimo negroni.
View imageSource: Qantas The Australian Way August 2009