Hotel The Point Edinburgh

Point Hotel is so-named because of its situation on the corner of a narrow junction connecting Bread Street and Fountainbridge Road. The hotel is ideally situated for exploring the Old Town, and the narrow lanes and lovely rows of terraced houses at the base of Edinburgh castle. Turn right as you leave the hotel to get to Grassmarket ? a lively area with many bars and a scattering of vintage shops. Then follow the winding Victoria Street up to Royal Mile and the castle. The hotel is a 10 minute walk from Haymarket Railway Station, from where you can catch a direct airport bus service, or a 20 minute walk from Waverly Station (Edinburgh's main rail station). Just 10 minutes away from the start of Princes Street and George Street, Edinburgh's main shopping areas are easily accessible.

The top floor of Point Conference Centre (a couple of doors down from Point Hotel) opens its doors to the public on the last Thursday of every month, when it becomes the Sky Bar. With floor to ceiling glass windows and a large terrace area, the bar has stunning panoramic views in all directions, and is the perfect place from which to admire the sun set over Edinburgh castle. The space holds up to 130, can be hired out for private events complete with bar and BBQ!

Point has a spacious, contemporary feel to it, which is its most attractive feature. On the ground floor, the reception, restaurant and adjoining bar are vast, and buzzing with activity. One of the downsides to the hotel is that Wi-Fi is not yet free for guests (although the hotel hopes to change this following the refurbishment). Wi-Fi currently costs £15/24h and £6 per hour, or free Wi-Fi is available in the Monboddo Bar.

One of Edinburgh's larger hotels, Point has 139 rooms in total. Rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes due to the peculiar shape of the hotel, and a number of room types (Standard, Superior, Junior Suite, Point Turret Suite) suit a variety of budgets. Many of the rooms have views out onto Bread Street, and 30 of them have spectacular views of the castle, so check this when reserving. Bedrooms are decorated simply but stylishly with retro wooden panelling and mood lighting. Bathrooms come equipped with bath and shower, and are modern and clean. Some basic complementary products are available, too.

The Bread Street Brasserie Restaurant is a vibrant dining area on the hotel's ground floor. The restaurant is easy-going and full of light, with an entirely glass front, and service is friendly but professional. The restaurant prides itself on its fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Choose from fresh seasonal salads, and aged Scottish steak with a delicious pepper sauce. Hearty classic are paired with inventive healthy options. The food is good value and the waiting staff are knowledgeable and happy to advise you should you have trouble choosing! Breakfast is served in the sunshine-flooded Brasserie from 7am-10am (11am at weekends), and guests can help themselves to a vast continental buffet, or order a cooked breakfast from the menu. Over on the other side of the reception, The Monboddo Bar is a sleek and fashionable space in which to wind down after a long day out. The bar serves original cocktails alongside pub classics and a number of specialist Scottish whiskeys. Even if you're not staying at Point Hotel, drop in for a late-afternoon drink as a break from sightseeing.