The Caledonian Hotel has long been the flagship of Edinburgh's hospitality sector and a multi-million pound project is planned to transform this grand old lady for the 21st century.

An existing courtyard is going to be roofed over, creating a comfortable and stylish guest lounge, and the bedrooms in the south-west wing will be made bigger.

The Caledonian's two restaurants - the Chisholm and the Pullman - will be merged into a new dining area.

News of the £20 million refurbishment has been welcomed by the Edinburgh Principal Hotels Association.

"The Caledonian and Balmoral hotels are flagship buildings at opposite ends of Princes Street, so a project like this will help the redevelopment of the city's famous thoroughfare," commented chairman Peter Dornam.

Sir Sean Connery is said to be a fan of the 251-room Caledonian, which was built in 1903 and was extensively refurbished by Hilton International only a few years ago.

Just across from Edinburgh Castle on the corner of Lothian Road and Princess Street, the hotel is in a great position for sightseeing in this magnificent city.
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The Scottish city of Edinburgh has been given a glowing report by tourists in the recently released Edinburgh Visitor Survey 2007.

Historic Edinburgh is popular for short breaks and survey respondents gave the quality of service at tourist attractions a score of eight out of ten, according to market research specialist LJ Research.

Edinburgh Castle was the most popular attraction, followed by the palace of Holyrood and the Royal Museum.

"What came out loud and clear here is how much tourists love their whole experience so Edinburgh is in a great position to capitalise on its strengths," LJ Research commented.

A high proportion of visitors stayed in mid-range or luxury hotels in Edinburgh.

The online survey includes around 7,500 visitor responses from over 80 countries.

Edinburgh is currently running its annual Dine Around Edinburgh event, from January 7th to February 28th.

The city's 30 best restaurants such as Duck's at Le Marche Noir, La Garigue and Atrium are offering great value fixed price two-course lunch or dinner offers.
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Edinburgh's Bonham hotel is welcoming guests with pet dogs to stay in its luxury accommodation.

The Bonham has 48 individually designed rooms and suites, and is centrally located in the city's West End.

Regarded as one of finest and funkiest hotels in Edinburgh, it has been named as Scottish boutique hotel of the year.

The understated elegance of this hotel also provides comfort and style within walking distance of the city's shops and boutiques, as well as the financial district.

As well as offering special packages for weddings and other special events, the hotel now has a "doggy dreams" package to allow guests' four-legged friends to stay with them in their suite.

The Bonham will provide a dog bed, doggie toys and treats, a specially prepared meal and recommendations for great local dog walks covering the main sights of Edinburgh.

There is also a well-known in-house restaurant, which has a reputation for innovation and holds two AA Rosettes. Head Chef, Michel Bouyer received his training in Paris.
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Whether it is the dark side of the real Dracula, royal ghosts or the terrible tale of a vengeant father, take a tour of the scariest castles in Europe. Did you know Vlad the Impaler did more than drink blood, that Henry VIII is rumoured to walk the Queen of England's home? How about discovering the spooks in the underground city of Edinburgh or finding the resting place of the daughter chained to a wall in a white dress? For the best places to stay around these landmarks read on.

Dracula's Castle in Romania

This is what Bram Stoker didn't tell you - what the real life Vlad III Dracula liked to do was more than suck blood. According to the artefacts he left behind after his reign of terror in the 1400s, the real Dracula liked much more punishing tortures. Although impalement was his most desired form of torture, Vlad III was also recorded to have burned, boiled and blinded people as well as scalping people or skinning human beings alive.

If you do not have the stomach to stay any closer to the castle than need be, look for a hotel in Brasov, which is one of the closest communities to have survived the reign of the landlord nearby. The castle is buried deep in the Carpathian Mountains and tours run from Brasov here.

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Whatever the gossip has been about artist Tracey Emin, her artwork is not to be missed.

Some people think Emin's portraits of her life are too up close and personal, but that is what made her famous.

There's the mish mash of discarded cigarettes, broken bottles and bloodstained sheets that make up The Bed.

Then there's the Exorcism of the Last Painting I Ever Made, which might just seem like an untidy room.

So why not take a look for yourself?

Both are on display at the Modern Art Gallery in Edinburgh – sadly without the infamous tent All the People I Ever Slept With.

This is the work of art that threw Emin into the spotlight.

However, the 100-plus names on the tent did not refer to Emin's sexuality as the title might suggest, but whom she actually shared a bed with.

They included her grandmother, her teddy bear and her (later aborted) foetuses.

Sadly, the tent went to campsite heaven four years ago after a fire at Momart art warehouse.

To take a closer look at Emin's life, come to the Modern Art Gallery before November 9th for £6 entry.

The Modern Art Gallery is near several of the cheap hotels in Edinburgh, so take time to look around.

The exhibition is explicit and the Gallery recommends that under 16s are accompanied by an adult.
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