Review: Hotel Du Vin, Edinburgh

Whisky Snug, Hotel Du Vin © Hotel Du Vin

Being a relatively new addition to Edinburgh, we were immediately struck by the spacious courtyard with its Cigar Bothy nestled in the corner. The Cigar Bothy is an octagonal partially roofed structure with a charming fire, comfy seating and table service. Checking in, we were told it's considered one of Edinburgh's best smoking areas; not hard to believe.

In the boutique Hotel Du Vin chain, all rooms are named after wines; and if you're lucky enough to have a room named after a champagne, you've arrived.

We were delighted with the spacious Krug studio: silver baroque wallpaper contrasts with a simple yet elegant, large wooden bed. There's a petite balcony opposing the luxurious open-plan bathroom bigger than many other hotel rooms itself. On one side there's a freestanding bath with a perfect view of a plasma TV (don't forget the remote). Walk further into the bathroom's second area and you'll find a huge 'monsoon' shower room. If you've just arrived after a long journey, this is the perfect place to freshen up in style.

Alluring as the 47 bedrooms are, Hotel Du Vin has the feel of a spacious house with rooms that invite a good roam. Winding corridors lead to cosy corners with intimate sofas and tables. There's a mezzanine bar overlooking the restaurant, with glass-fronted wine cellars showcasing the hotel's trademark fine wines.

Weather allowing, the Cigar Bothy is the most scenic setting for a wine tasting. Visiting on a Sunday, we were lucky enough to have the area to ourselves, and settled in with a bottle of Huia Marlborough Pinot Noir, brought by a patient waiter (they'd sold out of the enticingly named Mount Difficulty). Guests must vacate the outdoor seating at 2230, as we were politely reminded, so we headed for the Whisky Snug, which can be accessed from both the courtyard and the main reception.

The Whisky Snug is as cosy, and whisky themed, as it sounds: tomes on the tipple line the bookshelves while whisky boxes adorn nooks and crannies. A fine array of single malts beckon from glass-fronted cabinets; the selection is impressive. The waxed leather armchairs prove to be a comfortable spot in which to enjoy an Ardbeg.

If you want to make the most of your room's DVD player, there's a limited but reasonably well-selected library at reception, including popular movies of the last few decades (we opted for Johnny Depp in Blow). You can also relax to your favourite CDs. The Krug room has a separate TV in the bedroom; what better place to settle down for a movie?

Breakfast is served until 1000 in the restaurant, which has the same open-plan, antiquarian-yet-airy feel. B&B includes a cold buffet with breads, meats, cheeses, cereals, yoghurts and fruits: you can enjoy a delicious vanilla pod with your fruit salad. The raised buffet area boasts a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the kitchen, should you wish to watch your cooked order being prepared (which costs extra). This little innovation is typical of Hotel Du Vin: think stylish, organic and understated modernity. Good show.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro
11 Bristo Place, Edinburgh
Tel: (0131) 247 4900.
Website: www.hotelduvin.com/edinburgh
Prices start at £195 per night for a standard double.