Edinburgh is well established as one of the best places to visit, whether it is for a romantic weekend away or to take in our amazing festivals such as the Fringe and Hogmanay.
Picking the right accommodation can often be a touch tricky with hotels and hostels in abundance but what often makes a stay more special is having a place you can head back to that feels like a home away from home.
Sonder's Royal Garden Apartments have properties located in the heart of the capital and in order to find out if they gave that homely feel, my family and I headed along to stay for the night.
READ MORE: Caring Edinburgh woman gives a third of competition money to family and charity
Situated directly opposite the National Portrait Gallery, the apartments are in the ideal spot for anyone looking to explore the city centre and the hipster community of Leith.
We were put up in a sixth floor one bed flat that had a modern decor and breathtaking views - you could see right across to Fife and down to Leith from the large windows.
The kitchen/living room had a lot of room for a couple and a baby - there would even have been room if we wanted to cook for a couple of guests.
The bathroom again was modern in design and came with a bathtub and a shower - however if you are bringing a child I would recommend bringing your bath seat or mat because it could be a touch slippery for a young whipper snapper.
We were greeted by very kind and courteous reception staff who had prepared a cot for us in our room and who offered to go through all the protocols for the building - the entrance codes, where to get spare toiletries, coffee, towels etc.
Since we were staying for a night with Sonder's, we decided to make it a romantic staycation after we put the little monster to bed.
After bath time we tucked into some Tunnock Teacakes and Irn Bru that had been left for us alongside a lovely little note welcoming us to the apartment.
Living in the Edinburgh suburbs it was nice to be in the heart of the city, not least to take advantage of the multitude of amazing restaurants that delivered to the apartment.
Our biggest dilemma of the evening was not what to whack on Netflix but whether to devour some Venezuelan, Spanish Tapas, Mexican or Canadian burgers.
The choice was truly overwhelming and we opted for a Japanese Ikagai which arrived in under half an hour and was absolutely delicious - there is a lot to be said for being in the right location.
As night fell the apartment had a really cosy feel with stunning views across the north of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
Once traffic died down it felt very peaceful and almost as though we were tucked away from all the hustle and bustle that was right on our doorstep.
The only drawback for a young family with a baby was that the parking is located in the Omni centre and this meant a five to 10 minute walk with all your sterilising equipment and baby gear.
I’d definitely recommend the one bedroom apartment for a young couple visiting the capital and not only looking to take in the sights and the culture but also the nightlife.
I feel it would also be ideal for couples coming to experience the Festival Fringe or Hogmanay party, it would also work for any parents coming to visit their children studying at one of the city’s many universities.
The Victorian building where 41 different units are located, made up of 18 two-bedroom apartments, 15 one-bedroom apartments and eight studios, also has a shared garden for anyone looking to unwind after a busy day touring Edinburgh.
St James Quarter, The Omni Centre, Edinburgh’s Playhouse, Princes Street and Waverley Station are all just located five minutes away, meaning the apartments are ideally placed for anyone new to the capital.
Rates for the various apartments vary depending on the time of year and availability, you can find out more about Sonder's apartments through their website here.
READ NEXT-
Edinburgh man dies as emergency services scramble to residential area
Devastated Edinburgh woman facing thousands in vet bills after dog hit by motorcyclist
Three Edinburgh men jailed following 'targeted and violent' attempted murder
Three men rushed to Edinburgh hospital and one in critical condition after horror crash
West Lothian superstar Lewis Capaldi appearing on popular chat show Chicken Shop Date
