Vintage style and a cool, contemporary air mix at this recently revamped 1840s West End hotel within easy reach of the city’s landmarks. It is owned by Andrew and Carla Brooks (see Brooks Guesthouse, Bristol, main entry). The elegant, clubby lounge has deep leather seating, a stash of periodicals, board games and an honesty bar; a DVD library provides entertainment for guests who want a quiet night in. Well-appointed, good-value bedrooms, some suitable for a family, have flashes of personality in an antique desk or dressing table, say, or a vintage lamp or designer chair. Lie in at the weekends, when Scottish breakfasts are served until 11 am. There’s no restaurant, but a room-service menu of easy dishes (fish pie, roasted vegetable lasagne, Kerala prawn curry, each £10) is available till 10 pm. 10 mins’ walk to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.