Hotel Review: The Rock House, Edinburgh

Calton Hill, with its striking monuments, old city observatory (now gallery of modern art) and panoramic views was drawing camera-toting tourists long before Instagram came along. The location means there are steps to negotiate but deeply rewarding views to rival those from the top of the hill. From the peace of the garden, it's hard to believe you can walk to the east end of Princes Street or the Royal Mile in under ten minutes. Three of Edinburgh's hottest restaurants, The Lookout, Gardener's Cottage and Michelin-starred 21212, are clustered around Calton Hill.

By car: The hotel is around 1 hour from Glasgow, 2 hours 40 mins from Newcastle and 4 hours from Manchester. There is no parking on-site.

By train: Glasgow Queens Street to Edinburgh Waverley takes around 50 mins, from Manchester Picadilly it's around 3 hours and from London Kings Cross around 4 hours 45 mins. Rock House is a 10-minute walk from the station. Book trains to Edinburgh.

By plane: Edinburgh Airport (30-minute drive).

From the soft ochre painted exterior to the Arts and Craft influenced interior, with its judicious use of reproduction William Morris wallpapers, heritage paints and an eclectic selection of books. The emphasis is on classy cosiness, from crackling fires and inviting sofas to the comforting purr of the Aga in the family-sized kitchen.

The house is well-equipped with good quality appliances and everything you need to cook. There's a welcome basket of basics and you can arrange to have the kitchen stocked up with food and wine. Comprehensive information is provided about what to see and where to eat and shop. You cannot park onsite, but there is on-street parking available nearby.

• Garden
• Terrace
• Kitchen
• Lounge with TV
• Family-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms combine the pared-back simplicity of sisal rugs and scrubbed wood floors with richly-coloured wallpapers and period beds with soft throws. Bathrooms (there are three in the main house so no queues) make good use of tongue and groove panelling, walk-in showers and long, deep baths.

Room types: Two double rooms and two twin rooms

Key amenities: shared bathroom, hairdryer, free toiletries, books

Rock House is self-catering, and the kitchen is well-stocked with an AGA oven and plenty of cooking equipment. The property is also close to the wide range of excellent bars and restaurants in Edinburgh city centre.