Hotel du Vin Edinburgh

Hotel du Vin is well known for its sympathetic creating of hotels in old, characterful buildings and the HdV in Edinburgh is no exception. A former asylum in the middle of Edinburgh's old town, this hotel is all atmospheric exposed brick walls, candlelight and Victorian steel girders and the effect is unique and appealing. Rooms (the quietest ones overlook the courtyard) are slick, chic and bang up to date but still cosy (with discreet touches of tartan to remind you where you are), with hand sprung mattresses, Egyptian linen and gorgeous drench showers. Downstairs guests always express delight at the little whisky snug, a perfect retreat from the madness of Edinburgh and the best place to round off a meal in the highly popular bistro.