The Witchery, Edinburgh, Scotland

Watching the rising sun light up the mercifully deserted Royal Mile early in the morning is delightful.

​The hotel is located in the Lawnmarket section, on the Royal Mile leading up to the castle gates, right in the heart of the city.
By car: from Glasgow around 1 hour, from Newcastle around 2 hours 40 minutes and from Manchester just over 4 hours. There is no parking on-site at the hotel but it can be pre-arranged at their sister hotel.
By train: from Glasgow Queens Street around 50 minutes, from Manchester Picadilly around 3 hours and from London Kings Cross around 4 hours 45 minutes. The hotel is nine-minutes' walk from Edinburgh Waverley station. thetrainline.com

Not just for incurable romantics, a stay here is an indulgence solo travellers looking for an unforgettable experience should not miss. We love climbing the stairs, putting the key in the door and entering an entirely alternate universe.

We loved the beautifully set table, ready for the generous continental breakfast hamper that appeared at the appointed time: tea piping hot; croissant flakey and warm.

• 24-hour front desk
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Free Wi-Fi

We love using the steps provided to climb into the enormous, curtained, swagged, plumply pillowed, deeply comfortable four-poster bed. All of the suites are extraordinary, but the best views are from the Turret - it's also the biggest.

The Vestry, The Sempill, The Old Rectory, The Library, The Inner Sanctum, The Heriot, The Guardroom, The Armoury, The Turret
Facilities include: TV, Amazon Echo, adjustable mood lighting, Dyson hairdryer, GHD hair straightener, Nespresso machine, fridge

We love the sincerely attentive service: the staff genuinely seem to enjoy the guests enjoying themselves. The main restaurant may have all the semi-ecclesiastical decorative drama but the Garden Room is giddily pretty, especially on a summer evening.

The Restaurant: gothic, theatrical décor, traditional Scottish food, seasonal produce. Open 12-11.30pm every day. Three course set menu £38.50.
Breakfast: a continental breakfast can be delivered to your room. Cooked breakfasts are served in the restaurant.