Hotel Du Vin

Hotel du Vin

It’s the Edinburgh Festival and we could hardly be in a better position for the fringe fun. Hotel du Vin & Bistro is near bustling Bristo Square, but a peaceful distance from the hoards in a historic building that’s accessed through a characterful courtyard complete with a cute Cigar Bothy.

Our room is a Studio Suite, one of the larger of the hotel’s 47 rooms, and has a seating area as well as a huge bathroom with a roll top bath and a walk in monsoon shower. There are two flatscreen TVs, including one by the bath if you’re in the mood for serious relaxation. Decor is warm and cosy, with classy woods and tartan touches to suit the Scottish setting. It’s got a generously sized wardrobe, and local magazines and a festival guide to help you plan.

This being Hotel du Vin, we plan to eat and drink for starters and share an aperitif in the relaxing bar with friends before heading to the bistro for dinner. The chicken liver parfait is an excellent starter and we share a succulent Chateaubriand steak served with pomme frites and sautéed spinach. Our sommelier recommends an organic Chilean red called Coyam, and we approve. The cheese trolley tempts us and it’s time to go out exploring and walk some of it off before bed and breakfast. A good buffet breakfast is included with the room, and there’s the option of cooked to order, which you may not require if you go the Chateaubriand route.

Staff are friendly, while our fellow guests and diners are a mix of well-heeled tourists and small groups – there’s the gentle hum of wine appreciation without anything getting too hectic. Our room is quiet and well served by a lift, though it’s worth the walk upstairs to admire the art and the mezzanine bar – there’s definitely no shortage of drinking destinations here.

Perhaps if you’re familiar with other Hotel du Vins, you’ll find this a mix of reassuringly familiar and distinctly Scottish. It’s a classy central bolt hole with plenty of special offers to tempt you, too, so keep an eye on their website – their Sunday night stays are a particularly civilised way to conclude the weekend.