Hotel Dunstane house

Dunstane House is located on Haymarket Street, a short walk from Haymarket Station and a longer walk (or short bus ride) from the city centre. A limited amount of private parking is available for guests, although the hotel encourages green tourism where possible. The hotel is also conveniently located on the airport shuttle-bus route, and the journey takes around 20 minutes.

The hotel was built by William Playfair in 1852 - the same architect who designed the magnificent Donaldson's School for the Deaf, which is just a few houses along on the same street.

The hotel's vast, high-ceilinged corridors and rooms are kitted out in opulent wallpaper, gold-gilded mirrors and one-off antique pieces. Wooden paneling lines the halls and the spacious stairwell is lit by a vast stained-glass window. It's the small details at Dunstane House that make it a unique and charming place to stay. Unfortunately there is no communal lounge, but the Stane Bar has a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, and has an impressive range of drinks including over 90 finely selected malt whiskeys. The hotel offers whiskey-tasting sessions and the staff are highly knowledgeable. The hotel's front garden sets it away from the road, and is lovely in summer when picnic benches are installed and guests can enjoy a drink on the lawn. Day passes for a local health club can be purchased from reception.

With only 16 uniquely decorated rooms, the hotel remains intimate and family-like. Guestrooms are decorated traditionally with a slight contemporary flair, and some boast large bay windows with views over the front garden. All rooms have multi-channel flat-screen TVs, complementary Wi-Fi, telephones and tea/coffee making kits. Many also have grandiose four-poster beds lavishly dressed in rich velvets and satin, luxurious wallpaper and sweeping curtains, making the hotel a popular choice for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Skerries restaurant serves Scottish dishes using local, seasonal produce. The menu is specifically tailored to reflect the owners' Orcadian background, and the head chef sources ingredients from Orkney where possible. Fresh seafood platters are available on demand (but you have to give a days' notice). The small dining room provides an intimate dining experience, with classically Scottish décor, a grand fireplace and an impressive collection of antique books. The same menu is served in the Stane Bar, which is a little more casual. Breakfast is served 7.30-10.30am daily and guests can choose between the continental buffet and the cooked breakfast menu.