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Best for drama queens
£££ THE WITCHERY
After a day exploring the Old Town’s narrow,
atmospheric wynds, eke out the fantasy
with a night at this sumptuous bolthole near
the castle. Sequestered within two ancient
buildings at the top of the Royal Mile, each
of the hotel’s nine rooms is embellished with
antiques, the walls are hung with tapestries,
and grand four-posters are draped in opulent
silks, velvets and brocades. Add romantic
bateau baths for two, hidden doors leading
to secret studies and the odd suit of armour,
and you’ve got the ingredients for a fabulously
over-the-top stay.
ROOMS: From £595. thewitchery.com
Best for history buffs
££ CHEVAL ABBEY STRAND
At the bottom of the Royal Mile, sandwiched
between the Scottish Parliament and the
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Abbey Strand has
seen it all. Once a medieval almshouse, it has
also served as lodgings for Mary, Queen of
Scots’ courtiers and a sanctuary for debtors
during the 18th and 19th centuries. Now it’s
a quirky designer aparthotel featuring nine
accommodations. Each is named after one of
the Strand’s former inhabitants, and their sash
windows frame views of Arthur’s Seat and the
Scottish parliament building. Design-wise,
expect duck-egg blue panelling juxtaposed
with exposed stonework, and bathrooms
with rolltop tubs and geometric black-and-
white tiles.
ROOMS: From £145. chevalcollection.com
62 NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.CO.UK/TRAVEL
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