First impressions

This discreet five-star hotel is composed of three 1820s townhouses in the New Town area. Georgian ambience, with smart fittings, fabrics, paintings, antique furniture and Bakelite phones. Plush and ever so slightly decadent, but not too naughty.

Why it’s special

Bypass registration and be taken directly to the room by your own butler, who will unpack your bags and run any errands: you get used to pampering very quickly. The guest to staff ratio is regularly 1:1.

Hitting the sack

There are 18 individually styled rooms and three garden suites with their own entrances. But the newly refurbished rooms are the finest. The Abercromby junior suite has a four-poster bed with swaths of burgundy and black silk that match the drapes. The bathroom is sumptuous, with a wonderful shower that has 20 all-round jets.

Sampling the fare

You won’t go hungry. The Atholl room hosts breakfast (hearty Scots and continental), while in the evening it is transformed into an elegant dining room (pan-fried red mullet with chilli and cinnamon couscous; yellow fin tuna on sweet potato rosti, Scottish cheeses).

Added attractions

Five minutes from the boutiques of Prince’s Street; 15 minutes from the Royal Mile and new Scottish Parliament.

Access all areas

Ramp at the entrance, disabled parking space, large print menus and specially adapted room by the end of November.

The bottom line

B&B doubles from £180 and junior suites from £243.

What we think

Nice retreat for a romantic weekend. Let your butler serve you breakfast, lunch and dinner in bed.

Need to know

The Howard (0131-557 3500, www.thehoward.com), 34 Great King Street, Edinburgh.