[koshkha, 25.11.2006] The inspector found The Howard to be in a "small but perfectly formed" building.Built in the 1820s, it has been a hotel "since World War 2" which is "reluctant to move with the times" as evidenced by its refusal to "have tea facilities in its rooms".

There are just 18 rooms - his had "a bathroom almost the same size as the room itself" and a view looking out over "the glories of Georgian Edinburgh". However he couldn't help feeling "a little disappointed" considering the hotel "bills itself as five star". He would have expected "some original art or some proper antique furniture".

After their 'butler' told them "Just let me know if there's anything I can get you", the inspector and his guest tried to get a cream tea in the drawing room. Despite tea only being served until 5 pm the 'butler' Ben supplied "the full works"

When returning to their room at 2 am he requested room service - "perhaps a Caesar salad" - but was told by the butler that it wasn't possible and "it was a toasted sandwich or nothing". As all five-star hotels should have 24 hour room service "it's a sorry state of affairs when a cheese toasty qualifies as room service".

They slept "soundly in a supremely comfortable bed" before breakfast in "the muted atmosphere" of the restaurant and noticed that the visitors book showed "a large number of guests who stay here are from America"