Festive stays

Cheval Old Town Chambers

Pretty hard to beat in terms of centrality, the Cheval Old Town Chambers are directly opposite St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile. Its smart apartments, with 24-hour concierge service, have a clean, minimal aesthetic (though sliding wooden doors add character). Meanwhile, sister hotel Cheval The Edinburgh Grand is a New Town alternative and brimming with festive cheer. Until Dec 28 Cheval is offering 20 per cent off selected apartments (minimum two-night stay) and a bespoke Christmas hamper, which includes all sorts of goodies, including Bvlgari hand lotion, candy canes and wooden travel games.

Old Town Chambers from £182 per night; The Edinburgh Grand from £194 per night (020 7341 7052; chevalcollection.com)

The Dunstane Houses

Out towards Murrayfield, this boutique hotel, which is spread across two smart buildings, is very cool, a comfortable balance of old-school hospitality and modern luxury. With the hotel’s two-night Edinburgh Christmas Experience – over Christmas itself – guests will be treated to a mulled wine and mince pie welcome, an Orkney-themed supper on Christmas Eve, a champagne breakfast on Christmas Day, and a five-course champagne Christmas lunch. From £395 per person, staying in a Cosy Wee Double (0131 337 6169; thedunstane.com)

House of Gods

For a decadent stay – think the Witchery for millennials – try this new opening on Cowgate in the Old Town, with velvet bedspreads, hand-built four-poster beds, marble-clad bathrooms, and a cocktail bar in the room. Treat your special someone to the hotel’s luxurious Christmas hamper, which includes a voucher for a Treat me Like I’m Famous – Decadence stay (which includes a cocktail bar tab and an indulgent midnight feast), prosecco and luxury chocolates. House of Gods Christmas hamper from £249 (0131 230 0445; houseofgodshotel.com)