Edinburgh, the city that makes you feel on top of the world, writes

Susan Welsh

Art, and is used by visitors and locals alike.

We spent a couple of hours walking the riverside path, enjoying the wildlife and parks en route before emerging in Leith where a refreshing pint was enjoyed at seafood restaurant and bar The Ship on the Shore, Leith.

Duly refreshed we walked from here to the area around Ocean Terminal before catching the bus back to The Balmoral and our room.

I can thoroughly recommend room 508, as through the archshaped window there’s splendid views of the castle, Scott Monument and Princes Street to be enjoyed.

They even supply a set of binoculars for you to fully enjoy the views.

A luxurious suite with lots of extras, such as a selection of handmade chocolates, fruit basket, small bottle of whisky and high-end toiletries, it was the perfect place to chill out before going down to the hotel’s Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux – son of legendary French chef Michel – for dinner.

The style in this restaurant is very French and tres chic; think gleaming, polished brass and mirrors teamed with soft leather seating and art deco lighting.

The service and food are first class too. Olive tapenade to start, a warming fish soup and Shetland mussels in cider, followed by monkfish with wild rice, perfectly cooked venison and a flavoursome rum baba to follow.

Next morning we were up bright and early to take advantage of the hotel’s swimming pool and spa with Finnish sauna and steam room before tucking into a rather extravagant breakfast – the options on offer included a fabulous seafood, charcuterie and fresh fruit selection.

A bit of pre-breakfast exercise was essential as we needed to work up an appetite as we’d booked in for the hotel’s famous afternoon tea later that day.

It’s offered in the stylish Palm Court, a beautiful high-ceiling, elegant room filled with real palm trees, soft furnishings and luxurious hand-painted wallpaper.