“It's all about you,” trills the Hudson’s information pack. Nice try, but I’m really not sure it’s all about me.

Boutique-inspired and slickly modern, this is no place to kick off your shoes and relax in cosy slippers, in case the style police come knocking at the bedroom door. I felt underdressed without an iPod.

But best things first. This 30-bedroom former post office, which opened in June, has a superb location: 50 yards from the busy West End of Princes Street, but surprisingly quiet, except at 3am at weekends, when Edinburgh’s club-goers take to the streets to parade their imminent hangovers. Earplugs are useful.

We asked for a standard double (£130 room only), but were offered an executive front room (£150) for £90. It was a decent size, but the small window and dark brown and olive decor made it dim and drab, even with half a dozen lights switched on. At dusk, it felt like drowning in mushroom soup.

Which is a pity. For all the angular production-line design (“too masculine”, said my wife), it was well-equipped with hairdryer, iron and ironing board, plasma TV, small safe, broadband, power shower (and bath), smart toiletries and tea and coffee tray, though we had to put the kettle on the floor to plug it in. The bed, an adventure playground of cushions, pillows and bolsters, was large and comfortable.

We had booked dinner in the bar, but the receptionist, as friendly and efficient as all the staff we met, looked us up and down, deduced we were over 25, and suggested it would be quieter in the reception-area café. She was right. At 8pm on Saturday, the bar was a bedlam of pounding pop that took me back to seventies' discos.

Secluded in the café, we had a pleasant and serviceable meal. The menu is all-purpose modern brasserie, with inexpensive main courses including burgers, wraps, noodles, steaks and mussels: Cajun, Thai, Chinese, you name it. The lemon sole in tempura batter was light; the penne with tomato sauce and Mediterranean vegetables was contrastingly heavy.

Next morning, as part of the à la carte breakfast, my cereals — two sachets of muesli — cost £1.95. Fruit platter with yoghurt: attractively presented. Scrambled eggs: light and creamy, if salty.

So, on the whole, not all about me.

Bottom line: Stephen McClarence paid £90 for a double room and £17.90 for breakfast for two.

Sampling the fare: Dinner for two (one course) was £39.90, including £18.20 for drinks.

What we think: Haven’t boutique hotels run their course? What about a bit of charm for a change?

Best thing: Location.

Worst thing: Dim room.

Access all areas: Wheelchair access to dining areas and three bedrooms.

Need to know: Hudson Hotel (0131-247 7000, www.thehudsonhotel.co.uk ), 7-11 Hope Street, Edinburgh.

Room: 5 out of 10.

Food: 6 out of 10.

Service: 9 out of 10.

Value: 7 out of 10.

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