Travel: The Atholl, Edinburgh

WITH its imposing facade looking on to one of the grandest crescents in 
Edinburgh’s New Town, the Atholl is not so much a hotel as a collection of luxury apartments with personal hotel service.

Owned by ICMI Properties, which has other high-end hotels – including Inverlochy Castle, near Fort William, and Greywalls, East Lothian – the Atholl comprises four ‘suites’ that have been kitted out with all the latest technology and decorated with lush furnishings, hand-painted murals and an eclectic selection of contemporary artwork.

WINING AND DINING? Each suite has its own stylish kitchen, where you can either try a bit of culinary experimentation yourself or enjoy the exclusive services of a personal chef working under the auspices of the legendary Albert Roux. Breakfast is served in the suite and included in the price. Suites also have their own wine cellars featuring some of the world’s top wines (ranging up to £2,500 a bottle) and come with state-of-the-art fridges that will acclimatise the selection of gourmet cheeses from chilled to ready-to-serve in a matter of minutes.

We enjoyed a marvellous meal of the freshest seasonal produce, cooked in front of our eyes by our own chef and served by the general manager at the table in the spacious living room. After a pre-dinner glass of champagne, we began with a dainty amuse bouche that was followed by warm asparagus salad with morels and duck egg. Next came a palate-cleansing scallop tartare with apple and coriander sorbet and espelette pepper. The main course was loin of Borders lamb with fondant potato and lamb jus, while wines were served to complement each course. All this was rounded off to perfection with a delicate vanilla chiboust with rhubarb and champagne sorbet.

ROOM SERVICE? We stayed in the three-bedroom Abercromby suite, which is arranged over two floors and has the added luxury of an outdoor terrace with its own gas fire and hot tub. The comfortable and stylish master bedroom, with its woven bamboo wallpaper, opens on to the terrace and benefits from a large dressing room and an en-suite with both shower and deep, free-standing bath.

WORTH GETTING OUT OF BED FOR? Despite the myriad attractions of the capital being on the doorstep, you might not actually want to get out of bed – or at least leave the comfort and privacy of your suite. The Abercromby even has a media room with a super-sized flatscreen telly.

BUDGET OR BOUTIQUE? The Atholl is about as far from budget as you can get – more ultra-boutique. With prices from £1,000 a night for the one-bed Palmerston to £2,500 for the three-bed Dundonald (with its own whisky tasting room) and Abercromby suites, you need seriously deep pockets for a stay here.

LITTLE EXTRAS? No expense has been spared, with Bulthaup kitchens, Nespresso coffee machines, Gaggenau wine fridges, Riedel glassware, Bernardaud crockery, Bose TVs and sound systems, Duravit and Philippe Starck bathroom fixtures and Penhaligon’s toiletries. Plus David Calder Studios, an exclusive personal training and wellness company, can provide a range of health and fitness experiences in the privacy of your suite or at its nearby premises.

GUESTBOOK COMMENTS? The interior designers have been a tad over-enthusiastic – sometimes you need to know when it’s enough already. The dressing area in the master bedroom lacked a mirror (or, better still, two – one for intricate work such as make-up and hair, plus a full-length version for checking your ballgown isn’t tucked into the back of your tights).

The Atholl, 11 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh (0844 736 0047, www.theatholl.com). Albert Roux and Michel Roux Jnr will be hosting an exclusive lunch and dinner at the Atholl on 5 October, lunch from £55; dinner from £95; To book call 08447 360047.

ILONA AMOS