Address: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh.

Phone: 0131-556 5565.

Web address: www. scotsmanhotel.com.

First impressions: The stunning former home of the Scotsman newspaper has been transformed into a five-star hotel - at a cost of £90m. Lots of marble and wood pannelling with the names of former editors stencilled on to the walls.

What are the rooms like? The 56 bedrooms and 12 suites are all different. Decorated with tweeds from Scottish estates and funky artwork. Widescreen TV, DVD player, computer with internet access.

The bed test: Crisp sheets and a firm mattress, plus a pop-up TV at the foot of the bed and a box of Edinburgh rock on the pillow.

The bathroom test: Deep, stand-alone tubs, showers with overhead and side jets, and oodles of Molton Brown toiletries.

The restaurant: The fine dining restaurant and Scoop! brasserie are not yet open (due July/August). Small residents' restaurant provides modern Scottish fare.

The bar: Known as Room No 399 because of the 399 different bottles of whisky displayed in glass cabinets around the walls. Clubby and intimate.

What is there to see within walking distance? All the city's main attractions are a few minutes away: the Castle, Princes Street, the Palace of Holyrood, Salisbury Crags.

What is there to see within a 10-minute drive? Traffic willing - and in Edinburgh it rarely is - you could be at the Forth Road Bridge, or paddling in the sea at Cramond beach.

How much a night? Prices start at £149 per night for a single or double room. Suites from £300. Penthouse £800. Special weekend rates available.