Hotel Indigo Edinburgh, Scotland

In Edinburgh's New Town, you're in an ideal location on the edge of the St James retail quarter. The shops at George Street are only a ten-minute walk away, too.

There are great transport links - you're within walking distance of Waverley Station, and the tram from the airport stops directly outside the hotel.

By car: around an hour from Glasgow, 2 hours 30 minutes from Newcastle and 4 hours 30 minutes from Manchester. Paid parking available nearby.

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 a 10-minute walk to the hotel. Book trains to Edinburgh.

Originally a collection of Georgian townhouses, this boutique hotel has contemporary style - with Hotel Indigo's signature colour palette of chocolate, tangerine and turquoise. The architectural photography and feature walls in bedrooms which reference Edinburgh are interesting.

There aren't too many facilities other than the small bar and gym. However, staff are friendly, helpful and have excellent local knowledge. While there's no on-site parking, guests receive a 40 per cent discount for a local car park.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Gym
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are simple with minimalist furniture. Feature walls depicting the city's historic buildings adds some interest. There are pops of colour through velvet chaise longues and armchairs. Bathrooms are bright, but most only have showers.

Room types: Standard Room, Premium Room, Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, desk, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

The hotel serves breakfast only with a well-chosen cold buffet, as well as hot food cooked to order. Dishes include porridge, pancakes, eggs Benedict and the full Scottish. A nice touch at breakfast is that coffee and tea is freshly made, with plenty of refills available. Staff are happy to recommend suggestions for evening meals, whether you're after casual or fine dining.

Breakfast: continental cold buffet breakfast and hot food to order. Served daily from 7am.