The Witchery, Edinburgh

Despite being on the Royal Mile, in the heart of the city, it feels wonderfully remote from the stream of tourists. You're within walking disance of sights including St Giles Cathedral, Holyrood Palace and the national museums and galleries.

While there's no parking at the hotel, you can park for free at the sister hotel (a 10-minute drive away) and the hotel will put on a complimentary transfer.

By car: around 1 hour from Glasgow, 2 hours 45 minutes from Newcastle and over 4 hours from Manchester.

By train: Glasgow Queens Street to Edinburgh Waverley takes around 50 minutes, it's 3 hours from Manchester Piccadilly and 4 hours 45 minutes from London Kings Cross - after which, it's less than a 10-minute walk to the hotel. Book trains to Edinburgh.

This is not a hotel for minimalists. There's real attention to detail, from the Pugin-style Gothic wallpaper to the Victorian pressed flowers and Elizabethan Knole sofas. You'll find yourself mesmerised by the mannequins in military uniforms.

While there's no bar or lounge to linger in and you have to check in at the restaurant, service is effective. We loved the warm cookies on arrival and our breakfast delivered to our suite in the morning.

• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Adults-only
• Free Wi-Fi

The suites continue the opulent Gothic theme, with extravagantly draped four-poster beds, tapestries, brocades and antiques. Modern amenities include an Alexa, Nespresso machine and Dyson hairdryer. Bathrooms are also richly decorated.

Room types: The Vestry, The Sempill, The Old Rectory, The Library, The Inner Sanctum, The Heriot, The Guardroom, The Armoury, The Turret

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, hair straighteners, coffee machine, fridge, TV, free Wi-Fi

Much like the suites, the restaurant is all about the atmosphere. Dine upon Scottish cuisine with options including Isle of Mull scallops or Cairngorm venison. Service is sincerely attentive.

The Restaurant: traditional Scottish cuisine, seasonal produce. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Two-course lunch, £29.50.

Breakfast: a continental breakfast can be delivered to your suite. Cooked breakfasts are served in the restaurant.