An early take-off for Stakis airport hotel

Air travellers passing through Edinburgh yesterday had the added facility of an on-site hotel following the opening of the Stakis Edinburgh Airport Hotel.

The four-star, 134-bedroom property's opening - one day ahead of schedule - marks the culmination of a £7.2m project to develop what is Stakis's first new-build in more than four years.

Thomas Graham, the hotel's general manager, described it as "possibly the most technologically-advanced hotel in Britain".

Guests will be given a computerised key to settle bar and restaurant bills and to operate the vending machines that have replaced mini-bars, creating a cashless environment.

By the time the hotel opened, Mr Graham and his staff had taken more than £350,000 of business in advance bookings. He hopes to cash in on the three million passengers passing through the airport each year.