JoJo Fraser: You can't beat a luxury hotel break in your own city

Edinburgh is an amazing city. I should know. I have lived here for the vast majority of my life, give or take the odd year or two travelling. I recently did something a bit random and booked a hotel room in my own city. Not for a sordid love affair. My dear husband was allowed to come too and it was just wonderful.

JoJo Fraser is a mental health ambassador and author of the popular blog mummyjojo.com

We stayed in what many Edinburgh locals know as The George Hotel, now named The Principal, Edinburgh. I adore George Street. It’s great for shopping, drinking cocktails, dancing the night away (which happened often pre-kids) and as for hotel stays – I am now hooked.

On arrival, the lovely lady at reception asked if we had travelled far. I felt a little daft admitting that no in fact we live a short drive along the road. So what was I thinking? Let me explain.

We had 24 hours free from the responsibly of parenthood. A kiddie-free break to me is extremely precious. I cherish moments like never before. Simple moments like sitting with a magazine and a hot cup of tea and coffee. Putting my make-up on in peace without having it wrestled off me. Having a hot bath without any plastic dolphins thrown in my face. Ideally with a glass of fizz beside me. So why not find a venue as close as possible to home? The less travel time, the better.

As soon as the ice bucket and champagne glasses arrived in our room everything felt ok. I am a sleep-deprived, frazzled mum. A mum who loves her kids more than anything but also understands that she needs a break.

You can find more knots in my shoulders these days than the Royal Yacht Britannia’s anchor.

As I attempt to balance family, work and self-preservation, there are moments I just have to learn to stop. Kids or not – we all need to learn to stop. To sit down, to take deep breaths. To be present in the moment.

From drinking stunning cocktails, eating amazing food, sleeping in a huge bed with thick, silky white sheets for a whole eight hours – the 24 hours were truly magical. A break in your own city – do it.

JoJo Fraser is a mental health ambassador and author of the popular blog mummyjojo.com