Nominated for this year’s ‘Carbuncle Cup’ which described it as ‘an unimaginative lump in a sensitive area’, this utterly modern, but far from stark limestone edifice rises from the former site of a bland council building in Edinburgh’s old town. Whilst it may noticeably date, the curvy character currently glows amidst the Royal Mile’s tat-laden tourist shops. Many of those peddle brash tartans, which would clash with Missoni’s dashing zigzags, swirls and bold parallel lines. Despite the official spiel about the colour scheme being black and white, the full rainbow has burst over the walls, cushions, bedspreads and towels. The result could harm the hung-over, although in sobriety, the bounty of textures, careful lighting and playful use of scale prevented it from seeming incessant.

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136-rooms including a floor of suites offer a selection of vertigo-inducing views of George IV Bridge and Arthur’s Seat. Speedy internet, 50 films, two items of laundry and a ‘healthy’ mini-bar are on the house. Perhaps curiously, the latter includes beer as well as juice and fresh milk for the capsule coffee machine.

Although I didn’t have time to sample the mezzanine ‘Cucina’ restaurant, consulted on by Giorgio Locatelli, it appears to avoid becoming a compendium of Italy’s greatest hits, in favour of substantial sounding dishes and a ‘sharing’ ethos. These include saffron risotto spun with bone marrow, and grilled swordfish with cherry tomatoes – the latter can also be prepared for ‘servizio in camera’. Too close to the lobby to be cosy, ‘Bar Missoni’ is predictably shiny, with Prosecco on tap and signature cocktails like the Basilito take on the Mojito.

Rather than applying for the sole goal of securing a designer uniform, staff seemed warm and proud of their hotel - which has already achieved Visit Scotland’s top status.

The Missoni is the third luxury hotel I have slept in in Edinburgh. Alongside, the boutique Scotsman, which is scuffing, uses space strangely and feels drab whilst Rocco Forte’s Balmoral seems stuffy, and practically annotates your bill if you breathe.

In collaboration with the Rezidor Hotel Group, which includes Radisson, the original plan was to roll-out 30 Missoni’s by 2012. Kuwait is in construction, followed by Cape Town, Brazil and Oman. Considering the competition – there are hotels by Armani, Versace and Bulgari – it will be interesting to see whether Missoni, who are famous for cutting colourful cloth, can stay in the black in a red economy.

Booked well in advance, doubles are currently from £120 (excluding breakfast)