The Balmoral Hotel

This is the grand dame of Edinburgh’s hotel scene and still holding its own, even as an influx of high-end apart-hotels take up residence in the Scottish capital.

A palatial presence at one end of Princes Street, topped with its iconic clock tower, this regal Victorian railway hotel is a landmark, standing sentinel at the point where the medieval Old Town meets the Georgian ‘New’.

From the sparkling marble foyer, dripping in fresh flowers, to the 167 rooms and suites, it is still, thanks to design director, Olga Polizzi’s alchemy, the epitome of elegance.

The Balmoral has it all; a Michelin-starred restaurant – and classic bistro, a bijoux whisky bar with 500 malts, an urban spa – and a sense of style that money just can’t buy – although you will need a healthy bank balance to check in.

This one’s best suited to those who know class when they see it – and Harry Potter fans, who can check into the JK Rowling Suite.