The hotel overlooks the waterfront at the rejuvenated and bustling harbour of Leith and is housed in a former Seaman’s Mission, an imposing baronial-style Victorian building with clock tower.

Each of the 100 spacious bedrooms is individually designed, and some boast four-poster beds and magnificent views across the Firth of Forth. For a rush of decadence there is the main suite, called Port of Leith, where a four-poster bed stands in the middle of a large, high room that is draped in fabrics and enjoys fantastic views across the cobbled courtyard to the River Leith.

Throughout all rooms is Malmaison’s trademark attention to detail. There are wall-mounted plasma TV screens suspended above concealed DVD / CD players, moody lighting, serious wines and delectable nibbles. Slate-floored bathrooms provide a monochrome space for pampering, with their drench showers, plentiful towels, romantic candles, and yummy toiletries to take away.

The Brasserie serves wholesome French cooking and really interesting wines in an atmospheric setting of candlelight and leather banquettes, while the light and airy bar offers all day dining and drinking. On warmer days, there is outdoor seating on the cobble-stoned quayside overlooking the waterfront, where summertime events include jazz on the quay.