In 1567, King James VI of Scotland was crowned at Holy Rude church, 10 minutes' drive from the hotel. Look out for the medieval timber roof in the nave, held together only by oak pegs, and the fine, colourful stained glass windows. While you're there, walk over to Argyll's Lodging, a few minutes' away, an elegant, lavishly decorated Renaissance townhouse with grand dining and drawing rooms.