Cheval Abbey Strand

One for royalists and history lovers, this exclusive aparthotel nudges up against the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom of the Royal Mile, with views onto the striking Scottish Parliament building and Arthur’s Seat.

The 16th-century building was at one time a medieval almshouse, at another a debtors’ sanctuary and Mary Queen of Scots is also said to have bedded down here.

Now converted into nine contemporary studio, one-bed and two-bed apartments this is one of the fanciest addresses in town.

Each apartment is named after a former inhabitant and the open-plan living spaces, some with original features including the odd medieval fireplace, are high-end and sleek, the fabrics specially commissioned, the furniture bespoke.