Hotel Review: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

Situated just off the west end of Princes Street and a 15-minute walk from the castle, Grassmarket (passing the Saturday market on the way) and all the sights of the Old Town. The Meadows and Morningside, home of Miss Jean Brodie and full of small shops and cafés, is ten minutes along the Lothian Road. Take in a play at the Lyceum across the street, then eat at The Timberyard, located in a former prop and costume store.

By plane: flights from London to Edinburgh take 1 hour 25 minutes. The hotel is a 20-minute drive. Paid on-site parking available. Book flights to Edinburgh.

By train: 4 hours 30 minutes from London. The hotel is a 10-minute drive (or 20-minute walk) from Edinburgh Waverley. Book trains to Edinburgh.

Inevitably busy but never impersonal, there's an extravagance of space with the gleam and gloss of leather, polished walnut and granite. There's a hint of retro too, with a touch of 80s Phillipe Starck, but warmer, and nods to Scotland - a little tweed here, tartan there - but mercifully not 'touristy'.

Enjoy all the advantages of a big hotel: room service, laundry and dry cleaning. The airport shuttle service is pretty handy too. Best of all, the concierges greet you as if you're the best thing that's happened all day and they're good for last minute tickets and reservations.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are big and bright and of course there's a desk (and comfortable chair) where you can write postcards, a safe, minibar and useful international sockets for electrics. But oh - the deeply, gloriously comfortable beds. Bathrooms have showers and a bath, but glass walls may provide a little too much information for some.

Room types: Classic, Sheraton Club Lounge, Sheraton Club & Spa, Suite, Grand Suite

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

The One Square bar and restaurant with its tall windows, warm colours and curvy banquettes feels special but not stuffy. Elevated brasserie-style food with a distinct Scottish accent is served all day. Pickled raspberries sing in a carpaccio of venison, while a fillet of stone bass comes with a perfect potato soufflé.

One Square Bar & Brasserie: seasonal Scottish produce. Mains include One Square burger, Isle of Lewis mussels and chicken supreme. All-day dining, open daily.