Hotel du Vin Edinburgh

Hotel du Vin Edinburgh stands at 11 Bristo Place in the Old Town, in a building that once housed nurses of the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. The address sits between the University of Edinburgh's central campus and Greyfriars Kirkyard, home of the Greyfriars Bobby statue, so the National Museum of Scotland, the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile are all a short walk away. Waverley station is roughly fifteen minutes on foot, and many city bus routes pass nearby. The building's Victorian character is combined with the Hotel du Vin brand's boutique styling: dark woods, rich colours, wine-themed touches and individually decorated rooms. Accommodation spans Standard, Superior and Deluxe Rooms plus Suites, generally with large beds, deep baths or rainfall showers and good soundproofing for a central location. The bistro is the heart of the hotel, serving classic French-leaning and British dishes, a wine list that is a defining feature of the brand, and a cooked breakfast that guests commonly describe as a highlight. A bar and a whisky snug stocked with Scotch malts give visitors a cosy place to sample regional spirits, and the snug is a popular choice on cold evenings. A small gym is available for guests, though there is no pool or full spa. Service is relaxed and personable rather than formal, appealing to couples, friends on city breaks and business travellers who prefer character to a large chain property. Rates run from about £150 to £380 per night, rising during the August festivals, Hogmanay and university graduation weeks. The surrounding streets contain numerous pubs, independent cafes and comedy venues, and the area is lively at night, so light sleepers may wish to request a higher or quieter room. Overall the hotel suits visitors who want atmosphere, good food and walkable access to the Old Town's main sights.