Arrived from Dublin Saturday, 10th. October, 1998, Aer Lingus E1242, and booked through the Tourist Information desk at Edinburgh airport.

The sweeping curve of stone buildings in Eglinton Crescent is just like something out of a postcard, so I'm already impressed.

Entering the long, wide passage there's a dining room on the right, and ahead I see a staircase, and tartan wallpaper !

Ted Sutherland, the manager, greeted me so warmly, I was glad I'd taken the recommendation of the lady at the airport.

I was taken up the wide, winding stairway (no lift) to a dear little rose-coloured room, #11, at the top. Nice fabric and furnishings, with both a double and single bed, writing desk, TV, roomy wardrobe, coffee-making facilities, bathroom with shower.

Out the bedroom window I could look across to the distant hills pass the Firth of Forth, and from the bathroom window, a view down to the grounds below.

The restaurant downstairs with deep cherry red carpet, red walls above the timber wainscotting and pictures all over the walls could have been a bit much, yet the rooms proportions with such high ceilings and windows at either end returned the balance and it looked very inviting.

Meals in the 'Pictures & Prints Restaurant' were wonderful ! Breakfast, dinner, and even a welcome cup of coffee late morning or in the afternoon after traipsing around Edinburgh, there was a nice, homely feeling here. The far end - set up as a bar - was equally inviting, with comfortable seating and of course, more pictures.

Personally recommended - and please say hello to everyone for me if you visit.

Departed lunchtime Wednesday, 14th. Oct. British Airways BA435 for Amsterdam.

How far is it ? - 410 miles (660 kms)