Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, Scotland

In an ideal location at the end of Princes Street, you're close to the shops and National Gallery of Art.

The Old Town is a 10-minute walk; there's a tran stop around the corner that will take you to St Andrew in Square in 5 minutes.

By car: around an hour from Glasgow, 2 hours 40 minutes from Newcastle and 5 hours from Manchester. Paid on-site parking available.

By train: Glasgow Queens Street to Edinburgh Waverley takes around 50 minutes, it's 3 hours from Manchester Piccadilly and 4 hours 45 minutes from London Kings Cross - after which, it's a 10-minute drive (or 15-minute walk) to the hotel. Book trains to Edinburgh.

If you want a statement hotel with history, this is the place for you. Despite being taken over by Hilton, it still has a landmark and special feel.

Staff are delightful and there's a good concierge service. Facilities include a gym, swimming pool, steam room and sauna. There's also on-site parking and valet laundry.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Gym
• Pet-friendly
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Room are classy and decorated in soothing colours. Bathrooms are marble and tiled and while you won't find bateau baths (even in the suites) there are great showers, or a shower over the bath.

Room types: Deluxe, Carriage, Premier, Two-bed Premier, Junior Suite, Suite, Two-bedroom Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, Nespresso machine, access to the Waldorf Astoria Spa, TV, free Wi-Fi

The Pompadour restaurant by Dean Banks focuses on seafood; we would walk over hot coals for Mark Greenaway's soft shell crab in tartare sauce. Head downstairs for joyously informal dining at Grazing by Mark Greenaway.

The Pompadour: fine dining, open for dinner, Wed-Sun. Tasting menu from £105.

Grazing: modern Scottish cuisine, open for dinner, Tue-Sat.

Peacock Alley: all-day dining venue and late night lounge. Open daily.