Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel

The renovation must have been an extraordinary one, judging from the pains that have been taken to preserve the building’s original Georgian character alongside its modern improvements and contemporary decoration (including some only-in-Scotland touches, like the very liberal use of Harris tweed upholstery). The contrasts are deftly handled, never awkward, the rich hues of the modern furnishings set off brilliantly against the stately architectural backdrop. Classic rooms make the most of the basics — plush beds dressed in Egyptian cotton, baths clad in Spanish marble — and the better rooms and suites quickly grow to sprawling proportions, as in the three extravagant signature suites. You’ll lack for nothing, either in comfort or character — this place, to put it simply, is up there with any of ‘em.

And it earns every one of its five stars. There’s a full-service spa, an inviting (and capacious) bar, and a fine-dining restaurant occupying the massive old ballroom, as well as a salon whose afternoon tea service, for our money, leaves most conference rooms in the shade — literally, in the case of the 40-seat basement cinema.