An Edinburgh hotel in a 17th century mansion has been named as Scotland's most romantic in the Hotel of the Year awards. Prestonfield, set in 20 acres of parkland adjacent to a golf course and in the shadow of Arthur's Seat - an extinct volcano - features 'dramatic' rooms and 'indulgent' suites; it is the luxurious labor of love of Edinburgh restaurateur James Thomson.

In a £3 million (around $5.5 million) program of refurbishment, Mr. Thomson has added to Prestonfield's collection of fine art and antique furnishings with a number of quixotic finds from the auction rooms of Europe. Log fires roar in the original hearths, there are 17th century decorative ceilings and individually designed bedrooms feature Bose sound systems, plasma TVs, bed linens by Frette, and fine bathrobes. He has also created a restaurant, Rhubarb, which continues the hotel's luxury theme and features delights such as Lindisfarne oysters, Skye scallops, Loue chicken, Black Gold beef and imaginative, modern British cooking.

Room rates at Prestonfield start at £150 ($275 : 1GBP = 1.83USD) per night, £250 ($458) for suites. For reservations, tel. (011 44) 131 225 7800.