Best for history buffs

CHEVAL ABBEY STRAND

At the bottom of the Royal Mile, sandwiched between the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Abbey Strand has seen it all. Once a medieval almshouse, it has also served as lodgings for Mary, Queen of Scots’ courtiers and a sanctuary for debtors during the 18th and 19th centuries. Now it’s a quirky designer aparthotel featuring nine accommodations. Each is named after one of the Strand’s former inhabitants, and their sash windows frame views of Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish parliament building. Design-wise, expect duck-egg blue panelling juxtaposed with exposed stonework, and bathrooms with rolltop tubs and geometric black-andwhite tiles.

ROOMS: From £145. chevalcollection.com