THE FACTS ABOUT THE SCOTSMAN

Scotland Edinburgh

Not only is this a hot address, but The Scotsman appreciates that a good hotel is as much about service (the staff make any inconvenience seem their own responsibility) as it is about looks. The design is sympathetic: decent-sized rooms, a balcony in the brasserie that allows single guests to dine in privacy, with neutral colours, oak panelling and sophisticated lighting. The breakfast menu is designed as a newspaper, in homage to the building's original life as home to The Scotsman. Yet the conversion from office to hotel has not been seamless: it's a bit of a maze, finding the swimming pool, one of the best hotel pools in Britain, involves multiple lift changes. But the value for money makes up for it, a Mars Bar from the mini bar costs just 39p. COST Doubles £135-£250 CONTACT The Scotsman, 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh (0131 556 5565; fax: 652 3652; email: reservations@thescotsmanhotel.co.uk; www.thescotsmanhotel.co.uk)