Malmaison Edinburgh

The hotel is set over four floors with 100 rooms, all done in Malmaison's bold boutique style. Rooms are spacious by city standards, with strong beds, quality linens and the sort of lighting and décor that feels a step up from the usual chain-hotel look. Many rooms face the water and the higher floors are the ones to request if you want the best dock views.

There's a good mix of room types from classic doubles to larger rooms and suites, which works well for solo travellers, couples and small groups. Bathrooms are modern and practical, with powerful showers that you'll appreciate after 18 in a stiff breeze.

Facilities here are more about location and comfort than resort extras, so don't book it expecting a spa or leisure club. What you do get is a straightforward, well-run base that makes an Edinburgh golf break easy: quick access into town, a relaxed atmosphere and a solid night's sleep before an early tee time.

Food is centred around the Malmaison Brasserie, serving British classics with plenty of Scottish produce. It's open all day, which is ideal if you're grabbing breakfast early, coming back late or just want something dependable without trekking across town. There's also outdoor seating for those rare Scottish sunshine spells, perfect for a coffee or afternoon tea if the weather behaves.

The brasserie dress code is sensibly relaxed. You can go straight from a day out on the courses and still feel comfortable, but it's also smart enough for a proper dinner when you're celebrating a good round. The wine list is solid, the service is attentive without being intrusive and the atmosphere has a good buzz in the evenings without feeling like a nightclub. For groups, it's an easy spot to debrief the day's golf over a proper meal and a few drinks.