A sprightly hop, skip and jump from Central Station, this good-value, design-led hotel is ‘an excellent choice’ in the busy centre. ‘It hasn’t got all the frills and fancies of a large hotel but, at this price and quality, it is brilliant.’ Step through the classical portal of Caledonian Chambers, between bland shopfronts, and take the lift to the penthouse to discover Scandinavian-influenced urban cool, and a welcome with tea, coffee and treats (perhaps cupcakes today, ice cream tomorrow). Neatly styled bedrooms (some snug) have a wooden floor and cheery colours; a power shower in a bathroom ‘pod’. Well-thought-through details, such as blackout curtains, bespoke desks and feather-and-down duvets, make them better than basic. ‘Our room was quiet, despite overlooking the dramatic glass roof of the train station.’ The city’s eating places are all within easy reach, but guests wishing to stay in may appreciate the simple suppers, sourced from local delis, served four days a week. There’s ‘a wide choice’ at breakfast: fresh fruit, yogurt and freshly baked bread; cheeses and cold meats; eggs cooked to order. (ADL, JL)