The Edinburgh Grand Scotland

The Balmoral aside, the Scottish capital hasn’t ever really had a hotel worthy of its superior setting. The aptly named Edinburgh Grand, however, has recently arrived to shake things up. Its location, in the former global HQ of the Royal Bank of Scotland, couldn’t be any grander. Crane your neck from the chequerboard-floored lobby and you’ll find yourself staring four storeys up to a glass-domed atrium. The 50 fully-equipped apartments, sleeping from one to six, offer a sumptuous taste of open-plan city living complete with a Bose sound system, cult Malin+Goetz toiletries and panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline, all the way from Arthur’s Seat across the old town to the castle. Once you’ve had your fill of the vista, you’ll find the elegant Register Club bar in the wood-panelled former committee rooms awaits: try the summer-fruit flavours of a 1922 Clover Club cocktail and, if you’re peckish, an expertly executed croque madame or lobster roll. For a meal proper, you’ll find the first Scottish branch of Hawksmoor on the ground floor, with steaks so substantial that you’ll have to decide between ordering a starter or pud. After a dreamy night’s sleep, rustle up breakfast in bed courtesy of a generous supply of pastries stocked in the fully fitted kitchen. Further pluses? St Andrew Square tram stop is practically outside if you’re coming from the airport and Edinburgh Waverley station just a five-minute walk away. Grand. BMcC. Doubles from £249. lateralcity.com