Hotel Colessio Stirling Review – Boutique Stay in the Old Town with Epic Views
If you’re planning a trip to Stirling and want somewhere central, comfortable, and quietly elegant, Hotel Colessio is a superb shout. Sitting proudly in Stirling’s Old Town, that wonderfully Scottish pocket of cobbles, history, and dramatic skyline, the hotel blends heritage with modern comfort in a way that feels both grand and relaxed.
A Building With Stories to Tell
Hotel Colessio has lived many lives. Before becoming a boutique hotel, it was a bank… and then a maternity hospital. You can still feel that sense of history in its bones: the tall ceilings, many staircases, the old‑world façade that looks straight out of a period drama. It’s the kind of building that makes you pause before you walk in.
And once you’re inside, the vibe is calm, soft, and surprisingly contemporary. Nothing stuffy, nothing overdone; just a peaceful, grown‑up atmosphere that makes it very easy to unwind.
Rooms With a View (and What a View)
The bedrooms are genuinely impressive. Large, comfortable, and well‑equipped, with everything you need for a proper weekend away:
• Cupboards and storage
• Tea and coffee station
• Hairdryer
• Safe
• Plenty of space to spread out
They’re also dog‑friendly, which is a huge win if you’re travelling with a four‑legged pal.
But the real star? The view. From many of the rooms you get an epic, straight‑on look at the Wallace Monument rising above the landscape in the distance. Waking up to that is something special.
The bathrooms are equally generous: spotless, bright, and fitted with a superb shower. Ours also had what would have been an absolutely epic bath… if only we’d had time to enjoy it.
Location, Location, Location
If you’re exploring Stirling, you honestly couldn’t pick a better base.
You’re minutes from Stirling Castle, the Old Town Jail, the Tolbooth, and all the winding lanes that make this part of the city so atmospheric. Everything is walkable, and the hotel sits just far enough from the bustle to feel peaceful.
Dining at 1825 at Colessio - Sunday Jazz & Velvet Seats
Hotel Colessio is currently a bed‑and‑breakfast‑only stay, but they’ve recently introduced Sunday roasts in their 1825 restaurant and naturally, we had to try them.
The dining room itself sets the tone beautifully: massive velvet‑clad seats you can sink into, crisp white tablecloths, and that soft hum of relaxed weekend chatter. Add in a live Sunday jazz singer and you’ve got the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger long after your plates are cleared.
The menu is classic, comforting, and proudly Scottish. You can choose from a two‑course (£27pp) or three‑course (£35pp) lunch, with the option to add a wine flight for £25 or £35pp depending on how indulgent you’re feeling.
Starters
We kicked things off with the ham hock terrine, a generous slice served with sourdough toast, mustard seed, and a bright tomato salad. It was lovely: salty, savoury, and perfectly balanced with that little pop of acidity from the tomatoes.
The “textures of beetroot” dish was equally delicious. Earthy beetroot, creamy goats cheese, and crunchy walnuts, it’s one of those combinations that never fails, and they executed it beautifully.
Mains
For the main event, you can choose from:
• Scottish roast beef - the classic, carved thick and served with all the trimmings
• Chicken ballotine - elegant, tender, and packed with flavour
• Butternut and lentil Wellington - the vegetarian option
Desserts
Desserts lean into the classics - sticky toffee pudding, fruit salad with ice cream, or a whisky Eton mess, but we couldn’t resist the cheese plate. It does come with a £15 supplement'.
Breakfast is buffet‑style with a hot menu available to order. Think eggs Benedict, or like us, breakfast rolls with your choice of fillings. The only thing I’d change? I’d love to see them upgrade from filter coffee to something a bit more barista‑level. But that’s me being picky.
Value for Money
Hotel Colessio isn’t overly expensive, especially for its location and the size of the rooms. The average nightly rate tends to sit around £100–£150 per night, depending on the season, very reasonable for a boutique stay in a historic Scottish city.
For the comfort, the views, the calm atmosphere, and the proximity to everything Stirling has to offer, it’s excellent value.
It pays to book directly with them as they offer the following perks:
Complimentary glass of Fizz on arrival
Late checkout at 12noon
Free pet stays - max of 2 pets per room
10% discount at the bar
Final Thoughts
Hotel Colessio is one of those places that quietly surprises you. It’s stylish without being pretentious, historic without feeling old‑fashioned, and comfortable without costing a fortune. Whether you’re exploring Stirling for the first time or returning to soak up more of its history, this is a brilliant base especially if you love a good view and a relaxed Sunday roast.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT HOTEL COLESSIO
Free wifi
Parking costs £10 for 24 hours
They are dog friendly
24 hour front desk
10 minute walk from the train station
My shower rating 10/10
My bed rating 9/10
Hotel Colessio, 33 Spittal Street, Stirling,FK8 1DU www.hotelcolessio.com
