If you’ve got money to throw off North Bridge, spend it at the Scotsman instead (20 North Bridge, 556 5565, www.thescotsmanhotel.co.uk, from £195). Located in a building that was once the titular newspaper’s headquarters, the hotel combines all that was best in the building’s original design with extensive modern comforts. If that’s not grand enough, look no further than the Balmoral (1 Princes Street, 556 2414, www.thebalmoralhotel.com, £240-£310) or the Gothic Witchery (225 5613, www.thewitchery.com, £250).

More affordable, and rather hipper, is Rick’s (55A Frederick Street, 622 7800, www.ricksedinburgh.co.uk, £130) in the New Town and the . The Old Town has Jury’s Inn (43 Jeffrey Street, 200 3300, www.jurysdoyle.com, £78-£130) and Tailors Hall Hotel (139 Cowgate, 622 6801, www.festival-inns.co.uk, £110).

The Hotel Ibis (6 Hunter Square, 240 7000, www.ibishotel.com, £50-£75) is good value, and Frederick House Hotel (42 Frederick Street, 226 1999, www. townhousehotels.co.uk, £60-£150) is near the train and bus stations. The best rooms are those at the front.