Style and substance

In the heart of Edinburgh on the historic Royal Mile, this four-star hotel is surrounded by culture. Guests are a short walk from Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament and the city’s famous thoroughfare, Princes Street. The hotel is classy and extremely spacious with 238 stylish rooms, including family and business class rooms as well as suites which overlook the Royal Mile. All rooms include flat-screen TVs and free Wifi and there is 24-hour room service if you get a bit peckish in the middle of the night and fancy a Margarita pizza.

Sleeping matters

Despite the busy, city centre location, all the rooms are well soundproofed, so guests should have no trouble nodding off. If you do, however, most rooms come with a deep sleep pillow spray which helps to relax you. The beds are very comfortable and spacious, and there is the option of a pillow menu if you feel you want to change them. The bathrooms are a good size with powerful showers and complimentary hair and body washes. There is a magnifying mirror for shaving and extensive sink space, so visitors can get ready for nights out comfortably.

Leisure

The Melrose Spa is on the basement floor below the reception. The signature massage is a popular choice and is a simple option if you’re not used to visiting spas. Clients receive a 50-minute full body massage in a cosy and tranquil candlelit room. The therapists are very accommodating and encourage you to tell them if you feel anything needs changing about your treatment, such as if you need more work on a certain area. Rose and jasmine dominate the treatment and leave you feeling rejuvenated yet relaxed. There's also a sauna, steam room, indoor heated swimming pool and gym.

Food for thought

The Itchychoo Bar and Kitchen prides itself on using the finest Scottish ingredients to create delicious lunch and dinner dishes. The menu is reasonably priced and there is a great variety of options. Guests are also welcome to dine at Cucina, located five minutes away from the Radisson Blu in the Radisson Collection, on the corner of George IV Bridge. This eatery is much pricier, with mains between £13 and £30, but the higher cost is reflected in the superb hospitality. The chefs take great care over the presentation of dishes, and there are options to suit all tastes with a selection of meats, fishes, and vegetarian meals. There are also gluten free and vegan options.Our recommendations include the haggis scotch egg starter, the pork fillet and belly main and the sensational sticky toffee pudding.

Drink in the sights

Cucina is complimented by the sophisticated Epicurean bar at the Collection, which serves a range of cocktails, as well as wines, spirits and draught beers. The Oaxaca Dream, which is dominated by a smoky tequila-type spirit called Montelobos Mezcal, comes highly recommended, as does the Espresso Martini. Bar staff are very happy to help you make a choice.

Rooms start at £113. Visit www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-edinburgh

Stephanie Brawn