THE HOTEL: Brilliantly positioned on the Royal Mile, this is a purpose-built hotel (25 years old) that's been designed to fit into its historic surroundings, with arched ceilings and feature windows. Room sizes are good and the interior design is contemporary and modern, yet you feel like you're in a classic hotel of some heritage.
THE CHECK-IN: First impressions are of a classic Edinburgh stone building but the mood inside is modern and the reception is bright and airy. The welcome was warm and the check-in process was informative and handled quickly and efficiently.
THE ROOM: My Business Room had double-aspect views over the roof tops of Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat. Facilities included a seating area and desk, free wifi access, TV, small fridge, kettle and a Nespresso coffee machine. The bathroom was on the small side, but featured a combined shower and bath and a good range of amenities.
THE BUSINESS: There is free wifi access throughout the property and this encourages business meetings in the lounge areas for residents and non-residents alike. The property is at the heart of a historic city but its conference and meeting rooms are designed for the purpose and all have natural light and air-conditioning. There is a ballroom with capacity for 240 people theatre-style, a Great Scots Hall for Scottish-themed events, and seven smaller meeting rooms suitable for groups of 15-plus. Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the financial district and the Scottish Parliament are all close by.
THE FACILITIES: Beyond the regular business facilities there is a small swimming pool, basic gym and three treatment rooms, plus the Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen which offers a selection of tapas dishes. The hotel has its own car park which is a big city centre asset.
THE RESTAURANT: Good sized and with natural light, The Restaurant is famed for its 'Super Breakfasts', buffet-style or full Scottish, but it is not open for dinner – there's the Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen for that.
THE VERDICT: This is the only hotel in Edinburgh with the prestigious Royal Mile address. The location is great, two minutes from the station, and facilities are spot on.
THE DETAILS: 80 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH. Tel: 0131 557 9797; www.radissonblu.co.uk. Rates start from £120 mid-week, room only. Julie Baxter
