A 20-minute walk from the Royal Scottish Academy, modern art – and art lovers – find a home at this privately owned boutique hotel in a peaceful row of Georgian town houses facing leafy gardens. The former merchant’s home, refurbished with some flamboyant touches, is hung with contemporary Scottish and Australian aboriginal artwork: at an ‘excellent breakfast’, consume a potato scone under the gaze of one of Peter Howson’s hardmen. Most of the stylish bedrooms are up the red-carpeted stairs (the listed building has no lift); all have views over the garden or towards the Firth of Forth. ‘Nicely furnished and very comfortable’, each room is well equipped with fine teas, ground cafetière coffee, a lambswool throw, and robes and slippers. Tech-obsessed guests, rejoice: smart TVs stream movies on demand; USB charging points are exactly where you need them. Stay in for afternoon tea with champagne in the snug bar, or knock back a cocktail or two before stepping out into the city. Platters of ham, cheeses and smoked fish may be ordered till late, but many of the city’s restaurants are easily reached on foot – Michelin-starred 21212 (see Shortlist entry) is a three-minute walk away.