Brooks Hotel Edinburgh Shortlist*

The sights of the city are within easy reach from this recently restyled 1840s West End hotel. It is owned by Andrew and Carla Brooks (see also Brooks Guesthouse, Bristol, main entry). A cosy sitting room, with honesty bar, invites lounging: there are newspapers, magazines, board games; an open fire when the weather is brisk. Bedrooms vary in size (there are four categories, plus family rooms that sleep four), but all are pleasingly, understatedly styled, and come equipped with a tea tray, an iPod docking station and a DVD-player. There is no restaurant, but a short room-service menu of comfort food includes fish pie, prawn curry, vegetable lasagne. Sleep in till late – Scottish breakfasts, with haggis and tattie scones, are served until 11 am at the weekend. Lounge (honesty bar; jazz/contemporary background music), breakfast room. Private dining room. Free Wi-Fi, in-room TV (Freeview). Small conferences. Courtyard garden. Paid parking nearby (£12 per day). Close to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Children welcomed (cots, high chairs; extra bed £20). 46 bedrooms (some in annexe; 1 suitable for disabled). Per room B&B £69–£189. Closed 23–27 Dec.