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25 of the best hotels in Edinburgh

From boutique hotels in historic townhouses to luxurious mansions set within spectacular grounds, you’re spoilt for choice on a trip to the atmospheric scottish capital.

I t’s hard not to fall under Edinburgh’s spell. Venture to the Royal Mile where the air is heavy with the scent of malt, shop on the crayon-coloured curve of Victoria Street — said to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley — and climb Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano that watches over the city. You’ll find almost everywhere is walkable if you bed down in the right place. Opt for Princes Street if a view of the castle is high on your list; George Street if you want something central and plush but quiet; and Stockbridge for more of a village vibe. Up-and-coming Leith, meanwhile, has plenty of quirky budget options. We run the rule over the best.

Main photo: Kimpton Charlotte Square (Expedia)

1. The Balmoral, city centre

Best for a city centre icon Even if you’ve never been to Edinburgh , it’s hard not to recognise the Balmoral. The Victorian hotel — now run by Rocco Forte — has welcomed high-profile guests from Paul McCartney to the Queen Mother, who was a big fan of its restaurant’s lamb. It’s also famous for its 190ft clock tower, which runs three minutes fast to ensure no one misses their train (Waverley station is beneath the hotel). Inside you’ll find everything you’d expect from a top hotel including Scottish-inspired design, a well-stocked whisky bar and a huge indoor pool. A host of services are put on for little ones, including a special milk and cookies turndown service and teen spa treatments, though guests of all ages will get a warm welcome from the hotel’s tail-coated concierges, who are almost as iconic as the hotel itself. Harry Potter fans should book the JK Rowling Suite: it’s where the author finished writing the final book in 2007. Look out for the signed bust.

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2. Prestonfield House, Prestonfield

Best for romantic breaks This stately home is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The 17th-century baroque mansion is just a five-minute drive from the centre and is surrounded by 20 acres of grounds, where a resident peacock and two Highland cows roam. Interiors are the handiwork of William Bruce, the architect behind Holyrood Palace (the King’s official residence in Edinburgh) and scarlet suites are filled with antiques and gilt mirrors. Guests can dine by candlelight at Rhubarb, a gourmet restaurant named in honour of the estate being the first in Scotland to propagate the fruit. Afternoon tea is a wonderfully refined treat — when the weather’s good, sit outside in the rose garden or on chilly days ask for a spot inside next to the roaring fire. Stays here also put you within easy strolling distance of Arthur’s Seat — the awe-inspiring volcanic outcrop that towers over the city.

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3. The Witchery, city centre

Best for maximalists It’s hard to beat the Witchery when it comes to location — the 16th-century building is right next door to Edinburgh Castle and is a stone’s throw from the Royal Mile. Its name is a nod to the spot where you’ll find it: Castlehill was where hundreds of men and women were falsely accused of being witches and burnt at the stake. The owner has ensured there’s lots of history inside its walls too: each of the eight low-lit suites are packed with antiques and the decor is a maximalist’s dream, with lavish four-poster beds and lots of sultry red and wood panelling. Dinner is in the Secret Garden, where guests can tuck into the likes of perfectly pink duck and lobster thermidor. The Turret is the Witchery’s newest suite, accessed via a stone spiral staircase that opens out into a tapestry-lined room and has spectacular views of the capital.

4. The Glasshouse, city centre

Best for a secret rooftop While the gothic façade of this former church hints at the hotel’s history, its whisky-themed rooms and suites are as contemporary as can be, with floor-to-ceiling windows peering out across the city or Calton Hill. It’s a great spot for summer: most rooms have balconies and guests can catch some rays on the two-acre rooftop garden. Come winter, hunker down in the Snug bar around slick fire-pit tables and challenge bartender Benjamin with an off-menu cocktail request — his take on Frank Sinatra’s favourite tipple is unforgettable. This is also the place to try a dram, with a 160-strong whisky collection to choose from. Elsewhere, expect lots of fun touches including a make-your-own bloody mary station at breakfast and a chunk of traditional tablet on arrival. Location-wise, the hotel puts you steps away from the Edinburgh Playhouse — perfect if you’re here to catch a show — and the St James’s shopping centre is a five-minute stroll away; book a table at Duck & Waffle and order its namesake dish.

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5. Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, city centre

Best for swanky apartments The site on which the Edinburgh Grand sits has a curious history. Originally a hotel in the early 1800s, it was rebuilt in 1936 by the National Bank of Scotland. Fast forward to 2006 and it was transformed back into accommodation — today, the building is home to 50 serviced apartments with many of the original art deco features retained. You couldn’t choose a better spot to be based — it’s in St Andrew’s Square, so you’re just a minute from Princes Street and close to the city’s finest shops on George Street. Eat at Hawksmoor steak restaurant. It’s in the same building and has taken over the majestic banking hall on the ground floor.

• Best Airbnbs in Edinburgh • Best hotels near Edinburgh Airport

6. The Inn on the Mile, city centre

Best for partygoers Pub lovers — this Royal Mile hotel could be just the place you’re looking for. With nine modern bedrooms, the Inn on the Mile, as the name suggests, is also home to a lively pub and kitchen. Once the British Linen Bank, the eye-catching building with its ornate frontage still retains references to its banking past (like the pennies on the front of the bar). You’re in an amazing location here — in the very heart of the city’s old town. Head uphill towards the Castle and Camera Obscura or downhill towards Holyrood Palace and Arthur’s Seat. Ask to see the original safe to get an insight into the building’s moneyed past.

7. Malmaison Edinburgh, Leith

Best for exploring Leith and its food scene Leith is Edinburgh’s most exciting neighbourhood, transforming from a rough-round-the-edges port district into a buzzing, going-out destination. Malmaison Edinburgh (not to be confused with Malmaison Edinburgh City in St Andrew’s Square) is in a converted seaman’s mission that dates back to 1883. Perched right on the docks, this was the chain’s first hotel, and set the tone for its glamorous, cool vibe. It’s perfectly located to discover Leith’s food and drink scene: have a tipple in hip pubs such as the Lioness of Leith and the Leith Depot or go fancy and book a table at one of the two Michelin-starred restaurants nearby — the Kitchin or Restaurant Martin Wishart.

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8. The Raeburn, Stockbridge

Best for good weather spells One for regular visitors, this Stockbridge-set Georgian manor house takes you far from tourist territory deep into suburban Edinburgh, putting you a short walk to the Royal Botanic Garden and the unmissable weekly farmers’ market. You’ll be struck by the front-of-house beer garden and cricket ground next door, but the interiors are just as impressive, with a pub kitchen, hygge-worthy library and plenty of rooms with leafy views of nearby Inverleith Park. Tom Kitchin, the tousle-haired chef, has a pub — the Scran and Scallie — directly across the road. Order the steak pie, with bone marrow and all.

9. Fingal, Leith

Best for cruise lovers Fancy something a little left field? Head to the port of Leith and stay in this 1960s Northern Lighthouse Board steam tender anchored beside the Royal Yacht Britannia. Eating and drinking on the top deck in the 1930s-era restaurant and cocktail bar, with shimmering gold ceiling and saxophone swoons, is a memorable experience. More impressive still is the hull — recast as a private dining space and ballroom — and the engine room, peeled back to form part of the corridors. It’s all terribly clever.

10. The Bonham, city centre

Best for art lovers Even West End locals often don’t know about the existence of this art-stuffed bolt hole within easy walking distance of the city centre. It’s a sanctuary from Princes Street, hunkered in a sprawling townhouse with the sort of elegant fixtures and fittings you’re scared to touch. There’s a nasturtium-style Tiffany lamp, Viennese chandelier, and wall-to-wall oil portraits, while the wood-panelled bedrooms are equally swanky. Dine at the in-house restaurant No 35 and order the haggis fritters with black truffle.

11. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, city centre

Best for incredible views of the city’s most famous landmark Also known as the Caledonian, this large, red sandstone building at the west end of Princes Street first opened in 1903. It was originally a railway hotel, and while the Princes Street station that it neighboured no longer exists, you can see part of the original concourse in the Peacock Alley — the hotel’s lounge area. After a £24 million refurbishment in 2011 it became part of the Waldorf Astoria collection and today is one of several historic five-star hotels in the city. Some of the rooms have dramatic views towards Edinburgh Castle, which is less than 200m away.

12. The Scotsman, city centre

Best for cinema lovers Formerly the offices of The Scotsman newspaper, the hotel of the same name occupies one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings. You’ll spot its ornate façade, with its intricate stonework, from a distance. The luxurious hotel is spread across ten floors and links the new and the old towns (via Martin Creed’s joyful public artwork The Scotsman Steps ). Expect classical decor and lots of period details — including marble staircases, oak panelling and stained-glass windows. The hotel also has its own tiny cinema, the Scotsman Picturehouse, which seats just 48 people — make sure you check out the upcoming programme.

13. Market Street Hotel, city centre

Best for city breakers Towering over Waverley train station, this hotel amid Edinburgh’s spires and steeples has the old town in its DNA — the cracked stone walls are a tip of the hat to the city’s Unesco heritage. More design flourishes can be found beyond the seventh-floor reception, where sigh-inducing views take in the Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens. Rooms are a mixture of snugs and roomy bathtub numbers.

14. The Rutland, city centre

Best for night owls and groups of friends A Tunnock’s tea cake’s throw from the main tourist sights and shopping of Edinburgh city centre, this hotel benefits from a cluster of bars and restaurants on its doorstep. You’ll love the buzz of the Huxley, the people-watching ground-floor pub, and staying in to dine at Kyloe steakhouse is never a bad idea. Then there are the rooms, castle-view suites and apartments: all firmly in the four-star bracket, but overlooking Shandwick Place and with an in-the-thick-of-things vibe.

15. Eden Locke, city centre

Best for budget breaks If you’re looking for a serene place to stay — but still want to be in the centre of Edinburgh — this beautifully decorated aparthotel could be just the job. Light-filled rooms, pastel-coloured walls and dreamy modernist furniture create a calming ambience. Plus the studio apartments are excellent value for money. Eden Locke is located on George Street, known for its classy shops, and you’re also within easy walking distance of the city’s main attractions. On the ground floor is a large, plant-filled café serving up first-rate coffee and cake. It’s a good spot for a breather after you’ve spent a day wandering the city.

16. Tigerlily, city centre

Best for weekenders and party lovers Set on refined George Street, Tigerlily is as dressed-to-the-nines as a hotel in Edinburgh gets. It’s all about the in-your-face decor — from mirrored tiles to plush velvet chairs — and the vibe screams every day is Saturday; the idea being that guests can really let their hair down. That certainly explains the basement club, in-room playlists and cocktail and burlesque classes, as well as the room-service breakfast and on-demand DVD library for the morning after.

17. Norton House Hotel & Spa, Ingliston

Best for families The name alone conjures up images of a secluded Highland estate, even if this out-of-town retreat is located moments away from the runways of Edinburgh Airport. The castle-like manor is ripe for front lawn picnics and muddy boot strolls around its 55 acres of tangled woodlands, but it’s also a great base for 30-minute trips into the city centre. If the setting isn’t soothing enough, there’s a sunken-glass spa with hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room, while kids are well pampered with family swim times, film nights and free Sunday lunch.

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18. House of Gods, city centre

Best for a decadent weekend In the belly of Edinburgh’s old town is this small boutique hotel that is a bastion to excess and extravagance. It has three room categories: classic rooms are inspired by Versailles, the cabins hark back to the Orient Express, while the suites include a spectacular free-standing roll-top bath. The decor throughout is dark and sumptuous — thick velvet curtains, leopard-print cushions and gold lamps in the shape of rattlesnakes. The cocktail bar has a drinks list inspired by rock’n’roll debauchery. Order the bohemian gold (it includes gold dust), a tribute to one of Freddie Mercury’s notorious Seventies parties.

19. Black Ivy, Marchmont

Best for neighbourhood vibes Dodge the thrum of tourists in the centre of Edinburgh and escape to this neighbourhood hotel overlooking Bruntsfield Links. Black Ivy has 21 bedrooms, each decorated with welcoming splashes of colour. There’s also a conservatory restaurant filled with chandeliers and hanging flowers and a large, lively outdoor terrace with a brunch menu that runs until 5pm. The area is filled with cute cafés, independent shops and top-notch restaurants and you’re a 15-minute walk away from the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street. Request one of the rooms looking out onto the links. Many have tall sash windows for soaking up those leafy views.

20. The Pavilion at Lamb’s House, Leith

Best for something different The windy weather of the Scottish capital is your excuse to escape into another world at this luxurious and romantic self-catering cottage in Leith. There’s plenty of history dating back to the early 18th century, but the trump card is the decor, with open fireplaces, Victorian mirrors and timber-lined box beds. There’s a private, Renaissance-inspired garden for when the sun comes out and a typically Scottish welcome from your Irish-Icelandic hosts Nick and Kristin.

21. The Lane Hotel, Morningside

Best for suburban explorers There are few more characterful places to sup a pint in Edinburgh than the Canny Man’s in Morningside, and it helps that the pub’s owners are behind this family-run hotel nearby. Room decor is textbook cosy with upholstered headboards and matching ottomans and there’s a value-for-money apartment. More than this, though, the setting is ideal for exploring the city’s smartest suburb — cue a head rush of Edinburgh’s hippest independent boutiques.

22. Kimpton Charlotte Square, city centre

Best for serious pampering At the western end of Princes Street is Charlotte Square, a new town landmark famous for hosting the Edinburgh International Book Festival every August. Kimpton Charlotte Square is spread across seven interconnected Georgian townhouses and makes the most of its exclusive address. The hotel has paid special detail to its decor with lots of quirky flourishes. There’s also a Middle Eastern restaurant and an inner courtyard, known as the Garden, where breakfast is served, as well as cocktails come evening. The hotel has a spa that includes a 12m indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Treatments use the organic skincare range Oskia and the Scottish seaweed brand Ishga. It’s heavenly stuff.

23. Nira Caledonia, Stockbridge

Best for local life Many Edinburgh hotels are located on historic cobblestone streets, but none are located so close to bucolic Dean Village, the city’s forgotten cluster of 19th-century mills and crooked houses where the past ghosts into the present. The Water of Leith attraction is just one of many sights a short walk away from this period Georgian townhouse in Stockbridge, so make sure to bring comfy shoes. The owners have poured ideas, design furniture, inviting baths and plenty of breathing space into the public rooms and suites. Other good news comes from Blackwood’s Bar & Grill, a steakhouse that serves up traceable cuts of beef and smoked fish from Dumfries.

24. 94DR, Prestonfield

Best for doing your own thing The idea of a “personal hotel” is bandied about more often than it should be, but in the case of this intimate guesthouse in Newington it’s completely true. Groups of up to 12 can completely take over the six-bed Victorian townhouse as they would a chalet or yacht, with co-owners Paul and John throwing somersaults to help you out. Good-natured hospitality is a given — you can choose from self-catering or the full monty, from picnics to haute cuisine.

25. Le Monde, city centre

Best for world travellers Edinburgh is no Paris, Beijing or New York, but it certainly tries to be at this George Street boutique hotel. Individually designed rooms pay homage to other landmark cities around the world, with the likes of Berlin, Los Angeles, Cairo, Sydney, Moscow and Rio all conjured up through themed wall art, handpicked furniture and bedspreads. Reykjavik, with a glacier stone centre piece, and Tokyo, framed by kimonos and a sunken bath, are the highlights.

• Best things to do in Edinburgh • Best family hotels in Edinburgh

Additional reporting by Lucy Perrin

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The best hotels in Edinburgh for a cultural Scottish break

Where to stay in Edinburgh, from a luxury hotel on Princes Street to a series of transformed Georgian townhouses

Home to some of Scotland's most soothing spa hotels and the best hotels in Scotland for a quirky, luxurious or foodie break, Edinburgh's top stays offer the perfect base to explore the city.

Aside from the famous Fringe and other high-culture events, the city has lots to see and do at any time of the year – including a tour of the medieval Old Town, with its ancient buildings, atmospheric alleyways and Royal Mile, extending from the castle to parliament.

Princes Street in the Georgian New Town is where to head for Edinburgh’s best shopping, or for impressive views of the city, head up to Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park or the summit of Calton Hill.

One of the best hotels in Edinburgh is The Balmoral , a grande dame with excellent restaurants, a superb spa and a staggering whisky selection.

Tigerlily was one of the city’s original boutique hotels and its interiors are as irreverent as ever. Or for a trip back in time, try The Witchery by the Castle , which has a baroque restaurant in what was a merchant’s house in the 16th century.

Here are our favourite hotels in Edinburgh, whether you're looking for boutique , spa , luxury or cheap stays, or even Edinburgh hotels with parking ...

The Balmoral

The grande dame of the luxury hotels in Edinburgh, the Balmoral has one of the finest locations in the city – the Princes Street setting means that many of the bedrooms have views of the castle and the Old Town. The hotel is part of the Rocco Forte family, which means elegant interiors designed by Olga Polizzi that include, of course, plenty of tartan.

Whisky lovers are in for a treat, since the bar’s collection numbers more than 500 malts. The Balmoral’s restaurants include the Michelin-starred Number One and the buzzy Brasserie Prince.

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The Witchery by the Castle

This romantic Edinburgh hotel has nine decadent bedrooms, a candle-lit terrace and an opulent restaurant set in a 16th-century merchant’s house. The elaborate dining room has painted ceilings, original oak panelling, tapestries and leather seats, all lit up with the help of several antique candlesticks.

Things are equally dramatic in the guestrooms, which feature details such as four-poster beds, bateau bath tubs and a lavish mix of velvet, brocade and yet more embellishments.

One of Edinburgh’s first boutique hotels, Tigerlily is as trendsetting as ever, with irreverent interiors of wood-panelled walls, statement pink curtains and spacious suites with grand Georgian proportions and their own fireplace.

The hotel’s fun-loving spirit is evident in the fact that there are two bars, between them serving no fewer than 100 different cocktails. It’s as popular with locals as it is with tourists, with all of the New Town’s bars and boutiques on your doorstep.

This Edinburgh hotel is in one of the city’s landmark houses, built for a merchant in 1756, making it one of the oldest buildings in the New Town. It’s at the base of Calton Hill, with an elevated terrace to enjoy those panoramic views on. The house can be booked as a whole, for groups of up to 14, or as three individual apartments: Rock House , the Terrace Apartment and the Photographer’s Studio, the latter of which was named for the pioneering photographers who worked in the building in the mid-19th century.

Intercontinental Edinburgh the George

Spread across a total of five listed Georgian townhouses, the George has been a hotel since 1881. It’s not all about whisky at the open-till-late cocktail bar – locally made gins get a look in, too – and more prime Scottish produce is on offer at the hotel's Le Petit Beefbar outpost. It’s a great setting to base yourself at – the George Street address is in the heart of the New Town and just a 10-minute stroll from the castle.

Market Street Hotel

Market Street Hotel was Scotland’s first Design Hotel, breathing new life in to a gap site that had been derelict for half a century. The decor features fabric wallpaper, wooden shutters that nod to the historic window fixtures of the Old Town, woollen soft furnishings and custom-made furniture. In the marble bathrooms, you’ll find rainfall showers, stone sinks and products by vegan brand Votary. The rooftop lounge Nor’ Loft is the place to head for champagne and sharing platters.

This boutique hotel is in a stately Georgian terrace, with high-ceilinged guestrooms at the top of the grand staircase. There are just four rooms – each with a super-king-size bed and a living area – so be sure to book early if you want to stay at one of the city's most prized addresses.

Royal Scots Club

Once a members’ club created to honour the Royal Scots Regiment, the Royal Scots Club is now open to us all. The traditional meals include tea and scones by the fire, porridge and grilled kippers at breakfast, and classic Scottish dishes in the smart Abercromby Dining Room, which retains the gentlemen’s club atmosphere.

Well-received modern touches in the bedrooms include rainfall showers, Nespresso coffee machines and roll-top bath tubs. You’ll be proud to be a member of this club, but when you’re ready to venture out, your New Town neighbourhood awaits.

Prestonfield House

A 17th-century baroque mansion a short drive from the city centre, Prestonfield House has been revived by the owner of The Witchery by the Castle – so you can expect equally elaborate suites, opulent salons and grand lounges. It’s packed with art and antiques, along with various private dining rooms that include intimate options for two. The main restaurant, Rhubarb, is as beloved as its big sister, The Witchery. It’s been a hotel since the '50s and has welcomed stars including Lauren Bacall, Oliver Reed and Sean Connery over the years.

Cheval Edinburgh the Grand

These stylish apartments on St Andrew Square in the New Town are ideal for longer stays and group travel, since some sleep up to six. The historic building was formerly the National Bank of Scotland but the landmark has since been transformed. Period details such as the circular staircase, dark panelling and cornicing were all preserved, with new additions including freestanding bath tubs, colourful velvet sofas and subway tiles in the bathrooms.

Kimpton Charlotte Square

For an Edinburgh hotel a little away from the crowds, check in to Kimpton Charlotte Square in the city’s New Town. It’s formed from seven connected Georgian townhouses, overlooking a peaceful private garden square. The hotel has a glass-covered courtyard where you can enjoy some drinks before dinner at Baba, its Middle Eastern restaurant serving Levantine classics such as baba ganoush and charcoal-grilled meats. It’s also home to the fine-dining restaurant Aizle, where seasonal tasting menus await.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Set in the India Buildings, which were constructed in the 1860s, Edinburgh’s Virgin Hotel on Victoria Street is home to even more impressive architecture – one of its event spaces is Greyfriars Hall, a medieval church with huge windows and vaulted ceilings. The Old Town setting means the castle is moments away – but if you book one of the fort-facing rooms, you won’t even have to step outside to see it. More modern additions to the historic space include Smeg fridges and cocktail shakers.

Waldorf Astoria The Caledonian Hotel

The Caledonian is one of the grandest hotels in Edinburgh. It’s set in a former railway station and has been open to guests since 1903. One of the star attractions at the hotel is its Guerlain spa, one of only two in the country, where you can enjoy rejuvenating facials, dips in the pool and spells in the sauna and steam room. Top chef Mark Greenaway supplies the sharing plates served at Greenaway; and at the Pompadour, you might be lucky enough to be seated at a table overlooking the castle for the duration of your tasting menu.

The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa

The Sheraton Grand is popular with business travellers, who appreciate its city-centre location, gym and hydro-pool on the rooftop. It’s close to the castle, as well as most of Edinburgh’s must-see sights, and is perfectly placed for shopping trips, too. The rooms at the front of the building enjoy views of the castle, which is illuminated at night. The One Square brasserie serves seasonal Scottish produce, or you can head out from your central base to explore Edinburgh’s many restaurants and bars.

House of Gods

For something a little unusual, book a stay at House of Gods , where the interiors border on outlandish. The dark, decadent hotel has three cocktail bars, plenty of fake fur and velvet, and compact bedrooms designed to feel like cabins aboard the Orient Express. Other rooms take Versailles as their opulent inspiration, with four-poster beds, mirror televisions and oak-panelled walls. Attractions within walking distance of the boutique retreat include the castle and the National Museum.

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• 1 Nira Caledonia
• 2 The Glasshouse
• 3 The Balmoral Hotel
• 4 The Witchery by the Castle
• 5 The Scotsman Hotel
• 6 Eden Locke
• 7 Waldorf Astoria Caledonian
• 8 Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile
• 9 The Dunstane Hotel

The Best Hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland to Check Into Now

From its storied pubs and narrow lanes to its picturesque Georgian townhouses and hilltop castle, Scotland's tiny capital has charm to spare. The best way to take it all in? Hole up at one of these nine stays—they're the the best in Edinburgh.

Senior Editor, Jetsetter | @lindseytravels | lindseytravels.com

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Nira Caledonia

It’s easy to assume this converted Georgian townhouse , on a quiet cobbled street near Charlotte Square, would go the tartan-and-tea route. Think again. Black and gold dominate the 30 guest rooms, which contain a smattering of dark, bold prints and Chinese antiques and are large enough to think you might have been upgraded. The restaurant, Blackwood’s Bar and Grill, is just as glamorously moody—think Venetian mirrors, silk-draped chandeliers, and chairs upholstered in black tufted velvet. The next-door parlor is more traditional, serving full Scottish breakfasts in the morning and cocktails later on.

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The Glasshouse

Gothic architecture and modern design collide at  The Glasshouse —a 19th-century converted church turned boutique hotel located just off Princes Street. You can still see remnants of the past in the old stone left behind, but everything else (like the the name suggests) is glassy and contemporary, from the guest rooms with their floor-to-ceiling windows and glassed-in bathrooms with heated floors to the Snug—a lounge and bar with skyline views and an open fire—to the two-acre roof garden overlooking Calton Hill that’s decorated with white fiberglass deck chairs and a lovely garden. Leave time to explore the palace of Holyroodhouse and St. Giles’ Cathedral, both of which are within walking distance.

RELATED: Where to Eat, Sleep, and Play in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Balmoral Hotel

It’s impossible to miss Edinburgh’s most famous hotel , whose striking 190-foot clock tower has become an integral part of Scotland’s skyline. Despite having opened in 1902, the city’s original grand dame hasn’t missed a beat. The lobby, with its kilted doormen and turn-of-the-century antiques, is as transportive as ever, while guest rooms (following a multi-million-dollar makeover overseen by Olga Polizzi) are the definitions of style and luxury with their Scotland-inspired hues (heathery purple, lichen green), antiques, and castle views. (For a hefty sum, you can even book yourself into the suite where J.K. Rowling finished her last Harry Potter book.) Looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant, airy Palm Court, basement spa and pool, and whiskey bar? Check, check, check, and check.

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The Witchery by the Castle

Stepping inside the Witchery feels like crossing the threshold of Edinburgh Castle—except this hodgepodge of 16th-century townhouses sits in the looming shadow of its lofty neighbor. That’s exactly what owner James Thomson intended when he bought and renovated this restaurant-inn, now one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh. A staircase threaded through a stone turret leads to nine suites, all lavishly decorated with Gothic overtones—think tapestries, open fireplaces, roll-top baths, four-poster beds covered in dark velvet and brocade, and even a suit of armor or two. Even if you can’t secure a reservation (rooms are often booked up months in advance), it’s worth coming here just to experience the restaurant, which is also decorated with its fair share of wood paneling and candlelight.

RELATED: 8 Romantic Weekend Breaks to Take in the U.K.

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The Scotsman Hotel

This 1905 turreted baronial building at the end of North Bridge has come a long way since it served as headquarters for the Scotsman newspaper. Although a restoration saved the most important details—including the original marble staircase and oak paneling in the lobby—guest rooms are more classic, with floor-to-ceiling windows, white and gray marble bathrooms, and (a nice touch) a free copy of the daily Scotsman . The Grand Café, which occupies the former advertising hall, is one of the city’s most impressive venues, a double-height ceiling supported by green marble pillars and a seasonal all-day menu at spotlights Scottish producers.

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Despite its rather sedate Georgian townhouse façade, this New Town newcomer couldn’t get any hipper—and in a city full of mahogany paneling and tartan everywhere, that’s just fine by us. Guests check in at the ground-floor café Hyde & Son before being shown to their Airbnb-like apartment-style digs, which are decked out in bright pastels (mostly mint and millennial pink), kitchens with Smeg cookers, and guides listing trusted nearby grocers. The lounge is just as whimsical (and photo-worthy), with its rag rugs, wicker chairs, and tropical plants—but the café is where it’s at come downtown, when it transforms into a bar complete with a DJ spinning soul and funk tunes and local microbrewery labels on tap.

RELATED: The Most Magical Castle Hotels in Scotland We’d Love to Sleep In

Waldorf Astoria Caledonian

Leave it to the Waldorf Astoria brand to make one of Edinburgh’s most beloved railways hotels even more luxurious. The 1903 landmark  now known as the Caledonian deftly marries its roots with its renovation: the original red sandstone interior and marble lobby’s chandeliers and restored central staircase are as beautiful as ever, while updated guest rooms are elegant and comfortable with high ceilings and views of the castle. You’ll find a Guerlain Spa (this is a Waldorf, after all) as well as a bistro-style brasserie and more formal Pompadour by Gavin—both of which spotlight French-inspired Scottish cuisine like lasagna of North Berwich Crab and langoustine bisque. The place to be seen is Peacock Alley, the station’s former ticket office turned lobby lounge (complete with the original Victorian clock) where guests take their tea and cocktails.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all United Kingdom hotels

Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile

Situated between George IV Bridge and Victoria Street, this refurbished  boutique , formerly a Missoni, is—amazingly—the only five-star hotel on the Royal Mile. Sophisticated yet trendy rooms (patchwork quilts, walk-in rain showers, skyline views) come in ‘Petite,’ ‘Signature,’ and ‘Deluxe,’ while eclectic suites were individually designed by Scottish artists and fashion and textile designers. Though you’ll find lots of vibrant colors and avant garde artwork, the hotel does nod to its Scottish locale—just take a look at the doormen dressed in designer kilts.

The Dunstane Hotel

Forgoing a stay in the city center is worth it for a taste of the Dunstane Hotel , an 1860s Victorian townhouse in Edinburgh’s West End that feels more like a country-house escape than anything in the suburbs. The owners, who are from the Orkney Islands, brought in touches of home: you might find freestanding copper bathtubs, velvet sofas, fringe wool throws, or peacock-printed wallpaper in your guest room (there are just 16 in all), while the Ba’ Bar downstairs churns out Cullen Skink and Ayrshire pork to pair with something from one of the most impressive whiskey and gin lists in the city.

• The Fairytale Castles of Scotland
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Best boutique hotels in Edinburgh: Where to stay for romance and charm

Take your pick from gothic boudoir to floating palace, says resident mike maceacheran, article bookmarked.

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Droning bagpipes , a soul-stirring castle and a 335-million-year-old volcano set with Highland-in-miniature lochs, toothy ruins and spiny crags. Nowhere stimulates the senses quite like Edinburgh .

The decision to come to the Scottish capital has always been easy as there’s just so much to love. It’s just getting a whole lot more complicated to work out where to stay.

Accommodation used to be a binary choice between chintzy, five star baronial hotels or bargain-basement brands that gave you little more than a place to lay your head. But this is no longer the case. Fancy a Michelin-star dinner winner or a bed in a dock-rocking former lighthouse tender? You’ll find it all here and more.

Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel in Edinburgh ’s New Town or a unique stopover in the Old Town, we’ve rounded up our pick of the places to stay in this vibrant city, which effortlessly combines the historical with the modern.

The best boutique hotels in Edinburgh are:

Best for foodies: 21212, best for luxury: fingal, best for lovers: the witchery by the castle, best for views: altido rock house, best for peace and quiet: the roseate, best as an airbnb alternative: eden locke, best for lording it up: prestonfield house, best for a local vibe: the raeburn.

• Best for literatur-lovers: The Stevenson House

Best for night owls: Tigerlily

• Edinburgh Hotels: The best places to stay
• Edinburgh hotels: 10 best places to stay on a budget

10 of the best Edinburgh boutique hotels

Neighbourhood: calton hill.

When this restaurant with rooms was unveiled on what used to be the wrong side of Calton Hill, it was a pivotal moment for Edinburgh. It was founded by Michelin-starred chef Paul Kitching (who passed away in December 2022) and his partner Katie O’Brien. Their vision was to marry the best of Scottish produce with refined, if slightly eccentric, hospitality, carving out a unique space in the capital. No one has done it better since.

After enjoying a meal in the restaurant, head upstairs to the gorgeous cocktail bar and four bedrooms – all with snug lounge, sexy bathtubs and chocolate-coloured trimmings.

Rooms available from {{#price}} {{price}} per night {{/price}} {{^price}} Check availability for dates and prices {{/price}}

Rates provided by Booking.com

Hotel Amenities

Health & wellbeing, neighbourhood: leith.

Everyone loves the idea of being rocked to sleep by the lapping sea. The reality is a little different at this beautifully restored former lighthouse tender, now berthed in a sheltered mooring on Leith’s Albert Dock Basin. The 237-footer has had a seriously glam refit and is elegant, ambitious and every inch the floating palace.

Up the gangway, there are 23 rooms, all with cruise cabin furnishings and sloping floors, but the real spectacle can be found in the public spaces. There’s a top deck Art Deco restaurant-cocktail bar, with glitzy gold ceiling and jazz soundtrack. The hull has been recast as a lavish ballroom and the ceiling of the engine room has been peeled back to form one of the corridors. The mood is exultant and well-mannered, but what would you expect from the same owners as the nearby Royal Yacht Britannia?

Price: Doubles from £285

Neighbourhood: Royal Mile

If you got any closer to Edinburgh Castle, you’d be sleeping in it. That’s just one of the USPs at this dolly mixture of townhouses, all of which hide palatial apartment-style rooms that are more atmospheric, more amped-up – dare I say it, even more macabre – than those secreted in the royal stronghold next door.

Wake up in a mixture of camp four-poster boltholes straight from a costume drama or more intriguing Gothic suites filled with playful nooks, crannies and creaky furniture. If you like your bedroom to have a turret or battle armour, then this is the place. Want a private library? You can have one of those, too. The best bit is it’s all on the doorstep of the tartan-and-toffee-tin spectacle of the Royal Mile, the city’s wonkily brilliant street of tolbooths and trapped-in-time townhouses.

The postcard vantage point from Calton Hill, looking out across the Gothic spire of the Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle, is the reason many people come to Scotland’s capital. It’s a view that’s also only a few steps away from the front door of this well-hidden retreat, located halfway up Calton Hill.

Great for groups of friends, this 14-bed period merchant’s house comes with a terrace apartment and photographers’ studio, with each cleverly designed to feel both modern and timeless. The lofty location can’t be beaten, but it’s the subtle touches of the property’s history – which capture moments from the history of Scottish photography and art – that are the standouts.

Neighbourhood: Murrayfield

This Victorian-era house has a choice of 16 rooms – a keep-you-guessing mix of traditional Orcadian touches and contemporary design flashes – while days can be spent lounging on extravagantly comfy beds, taking tea out on the front lawn, or soaking in the freestanding Victorian baths. A potter along the nearby Water of Leith pathway to well-to-do Stockbridge is also highly recommended.

Neighbourhood: City centre

If the Scottish capital had more places like this, Edinburgh’s Airbnb listings would experience a bookings slump. This Georgian-era six-storey townhouse starts with a welcoming lobby and laptop-friendly cafe-bar, before introducing a series of serviced apartment-style rooms blueprinted by a New York architecture firm – most with mod-con kitchens, sofas and plenty of cupboard space and bumper windows with views of George Street. Come 5pm, the area springs to life with the restaurants, pubs and bars packing out, particularly so on neighbouring Thistle and Rose Streets.

Neighbourhood: Prestonfield

If Bonnie Prince Charlie and Alexander McQueen had gone into the interiors business, this peaceful retreat would be the result. More baronial manor house than hotel, this one-of-a-kind stay is only a few kilometres from the city centre, yet a world apart in terms of vibe. Highland cows and preening peacocks hang out in the estate’s fields and front lawns; kilted doormen wait on you hand and foot; and huntsman armchairs and Snow White mirrors compete for your attention in the lounges. Rooms come in a catwalk scheme of burlesque red and kitsch purple with the odd splash of electric pink, plus there’s top-notch food and a tummy-tickling cream tea with all the trimmings.

Neighbourhood: Stockbridge

When it opened in 2014, The Raeburn had been a long time coming. Well-heeled Stockbridge locals, with their spoil of fabulous restaurants, gentrified knick-knack shops and Sunday farmers’ market, needed a local hideout for boozy beer garden afternoons and rainy-day meals. And this 10-room Georgian mansion delivered.

In striking distance of the city’s best feel-like-a-local sights (namely the Royal Botanical Garden and Inverleith Park), The Raeburn is perfect for out-of-towners. Start with fish and chips at the buzzy brasserie downstairs – or people-watch with a pint out front, if there’s a glimmer of sun – then head upstairs to rooms that tick all the boxes. Rainforest showers, humongous TVs, and coffee machines all come as standard.

Best for literature-lovers: The Stevenson House

Neighbourhood: new town.

Leafing through the pages of a classic novel may well keep you indoors at this storied Georgian townhouse at 17 Heriot Row – particularly if it’s Treasure Island , Kidnapped or Jekyll and Hyde . Author Robert Louis Stevenson grew up in this early 19th-century B&B from the age of six and all the romance of his novels comes alive when sitting among the antiques and period furnishings of his former home.

Unusually, there are just two rooms to pick from, but that’s because it’s still lived in by locals John and Felicitas Macfie. The brass bell pull by the entrance says it all: “Private house – not a museum”. Our pick is the master bedroom with William Morris wallpaper and Victorian tub, and for an extra personal touch the owners offer insightful private tours around town.

Price: Rooms from £145

Want to party? You’ll likely spot the queues at the chi-chi basement cocktail bar before you realise this is also an extravagantly designed hotel kitted out with plenty of night-out frills. With hair straighteners and an in-room music playlist to get the party started, move on to a cocktail class at the seen-to-be-seen bar downstairs, then recover with the morning-after on-demand DVD library and in-room breakfast.

The doubles and suites are as bling as you’d expect, with in-your-face colour schemes, plush sofas and heavenly beds, and there are plenty of other unexpected design quirks. How about a Georgian suite with snug fireplace? Or a room that’s decorated from floor to ceiling in black? Come for the location and party fireworks – just don’t expect a quiet night out.

Read more of our hotel reviews :

• The best Glasgow hotels
• Best hotels in the Scottish Highlands
• The best Isle of Skye hotels
• Best hotels in the Lake District for a quiet getaway in nature
• The best city break destinations for 2023
• 10 best family-friendly hotels in the UK for style, location and value for money

Read more about Scotland travel :

• Edinburgh city guide
• Have a sustainable Scottish Highlands adventure
• Spend a day in Edinburgh’s Calton Hill

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A weekend in Edinburgh: travel guide, attractions and things to do

Everything you need to know for a city break in Scotland’s buzzing capital

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1. Why you should visit Edinburgh

2. top attractions: things to see and do, 3. hotels and accommodation: where to stay, 4. restaurants, pubs and whisky: where to eat and drink, 5. transport: how to get there, 6. what the locals say….

There used to be a “down season” in Edinburgh, when Scotland’s capital city “caught a slight breather” from tourists, said Condé Nast Traveler . But “no longer”, the crowds “keep coming, all year long”. Most famous for its “wild” arts and performance festival, Edinburgh also has a “buzzing” dining scene and is a city that “artfully balances the (very) old with the new”. This might be “Europe’s hottest capital right now”.

A weekend in Belfast: travel guide, attractions and things to do A weekend in Cardiff: travel guide, attractions and things to do

It’s certainly one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and “has its way of charming you”, said Jessica Wright on Bon Traveler . With its castle “towering over the city” and the contrast of the New Town and the Old, “the transition between the two is seamless”. Edinburgh has a way of “savouring the old and fuelling the new”.

With narrow and cobbled passageways, the city has “a rare charm”, said IntroducingEdinbugh.com . As well as its beautiful buildings, gardens and museums, it’s also known for its “dark corners”, where terrifying events have taken place.

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Edinburgh Castle, Old Town and Royal Mile

A great place to start a weekend in Edinburgh is to explore the historic Old Town. Here you will find some of the city’s best attractions including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. A “labyrinth of cobblestone streets and dimly lit closes”, Edinburgh’s Old Town has seen centuries of history, said Helen Arnold on Culture Trip . Auld Reekie Tours hosts tours of the Greyfriars Graveyard, haunted underground vaults and “hidden secrets” of the Royal Mile.

Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park

Located within Holyrood Park, a short walk from the city, Arthur’s Seat is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks. Sitting 251m above sea level, this ancient volcano offers 360-degree views of the city and the Lothians. Climbing up to the top is “hungry work”, said VisitScotland.com . One “top tip” is to pack a picnic and enjoy it from the best “seat” in Edinburgh.

Museums, culture and art

Edinburgh’s New Town is the “artistic centre of the capital”, said Alexa Smith on Culture Trip . Here you will find the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.

In 2004 Edinburgh was designated as the world’s first Unesco City of Literature. It is the birthplace and home to world-famous writers, poets and playwrights including Arthur Conan Doyle ( Sherlock Holmes ), Ian Rankin ( Inspector Rebus ), Irvine Welsh ( Trainspotting ) and Val McDermid ( Kate Brannigan ). Edinburgh boasts more than 50 bookshops and the National Library of Scotland is home to more than 24 million printed items. Book lovers should also visit the Scottish Poetry Library and the Scottish Storytelling Centre .

The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street is one of the best indoor attractions in the city. Free to enter, it is home to more than 20,000 unique artefacts.

Festivals and events

Edinburgh is one of the world’s great festival cities with major events taking place throughout the year. Must-visit events include the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Science Festival, Film Festival, International Book Festival, Jazz & Blues Festival, International Festival and the Fringe.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

Another major annual attraction which has put Edinburgh on the global map is Hogmanay , Scotland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. One of the world’s most famous events, it brings thousands of party-goers to the streets of the Scottish capital. Visitors can enjoy the iconic torchlight procession, street parties, Edinburgh Castle fireworks and the traditional singing of Auld Lang Syne .

Figuring out where to stay in Edinburgh is a “real puzzle” as “competition is fierce”, said long-time resident Mike MacEacheran on The Independent . Picking out his favourite places that combine “trendsetting style with enough tartan trim to remind you why you came to Scotland in the first place”, MacEacheran selected The Balmoral as “best for glamour”, Prestonfield House as “best for a Highland fling”, Cheval the Edinburgh Grand as “best for luxury”, and The Raeburn as “best for families”.

Cheval Old Town Chambers review: a modern stay in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town

Rock House, a “heavenly” 18th-century house hidden on Calton Hill, received a 9/10 expert rating by The Telegraph . Cheval Old Town Chambers, The Balmoral, and The Witchery by the Castle were also among the best hotels in Edinburgh that achieved a 9/10 Telegraph rating.

The Rutland Hotel & Apartments and Hapimag Resort Edinburgh both received a 9.3 “superb” rating on LuxuryHotel.guru . Other highly-rated hotels on the site include Kimpton Charlotte Square (9 – superb), Black Ivy (8.8 – fabulous), and Rabble (8.6 – fabulous).

Restaurants and fine dining

Edinburgh’s restaurant scene is famous worldwide – and “not just for haggis, fried mars bars and whichever place does the best fish and chips on the Royal Mile”, said the Love From Scotland blog. It is full of tiny “one old pop and a couple of stool” places, brunch hangouts and hipster start-ups.

The city also offers some of the “most opulent and luxurious dining experiences you can find in the UK”, said Forever Edinburgh . The Witchery on Castlehill, The Royal Mile, has Scottish seafood, lamb, game and a “legendary” Angus beef steak tartare on its “inspirational menu”, while the “very best” of Scottish cooking can be found at James Thomson’s Rhubarb Restaurant in Prestonfield House.

The Michelin stars for 2022 were announced in February and included three of the city’s eateries, the Edinburgh Evening News reported. Edinburgh restaurants that retained their stars were Condita, Restaurant Martin Wishart, and The Kitchin.

Whisky experiences

You can’t visit Scotland, or its capital, without enjoying a wee dram of Scotch. Edinburgh has a host of whisky attractions including the eight-floor Johnnie Walker Princes Street, which features shops, a whisky cellar and two rooftop bars, and the Scotch Whisky Experience, home to the world’s largest whisky collection. Edinburgh has an amazing history which is “soaked in the whisky industry”, said Jason Thomson on VisitScotland.com . From distilleries and bars to walking tours, there’s plenty to drink in for whisky lovers.

Pubs and bars

Whether you’re after the finest single malts or locally-brewed craft beers, Edinburgh “does not disappoint when it comes to its many pub offerings”, said Time Out . Included on its best pubs in Edinburgh guide are The Sheep Heid Inn, Salt Horse, Malt & Hops, The Royal Dick, and Nauticus.

Edinburgh Waverley is the main railway station and located on Princes Street in the city centre. There are regular direct trains to and from many UK destinations, including Glasgow, Aberdeen, London, Newcastle and Manchester. Haymarket is Edinburgh’s second-largest station and located in the west end of town.

Caledonian Sleeper review: taking the slow train to Scotland

If you are including both Edinburgh and London on your UK trip, then a unique way to travel between the two cities is by the Caledonian Sleeper train. Departing from London’s Euston Station, the Caledonian Sleeper Lowlander route runs to Edinburgh Waverley. Passengers can book a Caledonian Double room (double bed and en-suite with shower), Club room (twin bunk beds, en-suite with toilet and shower), Classic room (twin bunk beds with in-room washbasin), or Comfort seat.

Domestic and international visitors can fly into Edinburgh Airport, which is located approximately eight miles away from the city centre. To travel to the city, take the Airlink 100 bus to St Andrew Square or a tram to York Place.

Ferries and cruises

Edinburgh’s principal cruise port is Port Leith, said CruiseMapper.com . A Unesco World Heritage site, Forth Ports Leith is home to the modern Leith Cruise Terminal and only three miles from the city centre.

In her local’s guide to Edinburgh on The Guardian , food writer Caroline Eden picked out her favourite neighbourhood. “Photogenic Stockbridge, on the Water of Leith, is often recommended as a place to shop and eat, but it’s always worth revisiting, as new places open regularly,” she said. “The bookshop scene in particular keeps getting stronger.”

Travel writer, foodie and photographer Hannah Henderson lived in Edinburgh for 16 years. On her HH Lifestyle Travel blog she recommends visiting Victoria Street in the Old Town. “This iconic street is an Instagram-ready shot of Edinburgh,” she said. “It also has some fab shops and restaurants along it. Make sure you try the whisky at the Bow Bar.”

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Mike Starling is the digital features editor at The Week, where he writes content and edits the Arts & Life and Sport website sections and the Food & Drink and Travel newsletters. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon. 

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This fun spot piles on the extras, with bike storage, pool tables, laundry and a colourful chill-out lounge. You'll pay a little more for four-bunk dorms,…

Dene Guest House

The great-value Dene is a friendly and informal place, set in a charming Georgian town house, with a welcoming owner and spacious bedrooms. The…

Frederick House Hotel

This well-positioned, good-value hotel has roomy double beds and large baths for soaking away the day's walking aches. It's also one of the few options in…

A palace of cutting-edge design perched atop the Omni Centre at the foot of Calton Hill, and entered through the preserved facade of a 19th-century church…

Sherwood Guest House

One of the most attractive guesthouses on Minto St's B&B strip, the Sherwood is a refurbished Georgian terrace house decked out with hanging baskets and…

Balmoral Guest House

The deservedly popular Balmoral is set in an elegant, flower-bedecked Victorian terrace house dating from 1856. The owners have a good eye for antiques …

Broughton Townhouse

This five-bedroom Georgian guesthouse combines great value with a great location, on a relatively quiet street a few minutes' walk from the restaurants…

Kickass Hostel

Great value and great location (the castle is just five minutes away) are the main attractions here, but the colourful decor, cheap cafe-bar and helpful…

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The ultimate hotel guide to Edinburgh

​Far from resting on its laurels, the historic Scottish capital is embracing a new age of bold, brilliant hotels, from revamped grande dames to slick design dens in centuries-old buildings.

Edinburgh is famously a city of two historic halves: the Old Town’s forbidding castle and jagged skyline squaring off against the New Town, all pleasant crescents and leafy boulevards. But the Scottish capital is far from preserved in aspic — forever reinventing itself, the city has been moving with the times over the past few years, with work underway to extend the tram network and a multimillion-pound redevelopment of the St James Quarter at the end of Leith Walk. In fact, there were even rumblings that the city might lose its UNESCO World Heritage status with all the modernisation. This state of flux is reflected in the constantly evolving accommodation scene, too. Sleek boutique hotels have popped up in grand Georgian townhouses, former banks and historic tenements have been converted into designer aparthotels, and a raft of hip hostels now offer excellent value for money. Big names are wanting a slice of the action, too: W Edinburgh is set to open this winter in a building wrapped in burnished metal ribbons (dubbed the ‘Walnut Whip’), bringing some more modern pizzazz into this timeless cityscape.  

1. Best for petrol heads  

The Dunstane Houses   This family-run pair of Victorian boutique hotels — Dunstane House, and its sister, Hampton House , across the road — have a smart, home-from-home vibe. Interiors reflect owners Shirley and Derek Mowat’s Orkney heritage, via black-and-white photographs of traditional island life, and rooms with names inspired by Orkney (splash out on the Scapa Suite, with its contemporary four-poster bed and copper bathtub). There’s all-day Scottish dining in the restaurant, as well as a sumptuous lounge and bar to enjoy, too. It all feels rather like staying with well-to-do friends, albeit ones with a passion for classic cars: up the staircase are framed photos of Derek’s collection and, during summer, guests can book a private tour with him in a Rolls-Royce or Bentley. Rooms: From £187.  

2. Best for traditionalists  

The Balmoral Edinburgh’s original grande dame, this opulent Victorian railway hotel stands proudly at one end of Princes Street near Waverley station, and can’t be beaten when it comes to elegance. From the tam o’shanter-clad doormen who usher you into the marble foyer, to the ‘scent butler’ who provides a masterclass in fragrance for guests staying in the botanically inspired Bowes-Lyon Suite, it ticks all the luxury boxes. There’s even a Gaelic poet-in-residence. The Balmoral has plenty to appeal to gourmets, too: guests can sip Champagne in the Palm Court dining room, settle in for a dram (500 varieties and counting) in the bijou whisky bar, Scotch, or tuck in to AA Rosette-winning fare at Number One restaurant. It’s sheer class. Rooms: From £200.

3. Best for local living  

Eden Locke Yoga classes, fire-dancing workshops and complimentary walking tours every Saturday with guides who have been affected by homelessness — these are not your average hotel perks. But then aparthotel Eden Locke is all about taking the ‘living like a local’ concept to a new level. Check into one of its bright, pastel-toned studios, apartments or suites in a six-storey Georgian townhouse and you’ll find a yoga mat in the wardrobe, for a class at nearby East Side Yoga, and a cocktail kit in the kitchen. Downstairs, the Mayvn cafe dishes up pastries and great coffee by day and natural wines in the evening. Rooms: From £89.  

4. Best for design gurus

Market Street Hotel   Between the Old and New Towns, just steps from Waverley station, you’ll find the capital’s first representative of the Design Hotels group . Its striking, angular stone facade is topped by an irregular, geometric roof with a reception, unusually, on the top floor. Interiors are contemporary and pared-back, and rooms are on the compact side — in categories such as Cozy, Roomy and Vista — but the sleek bathrooms are spacious. The place to be, however, is the seventh-floor Champagne lounge, Nor’Loft. Nursing a cocktail while looking out over the rooftops of Edinburgh’s handsome skyline takes some beating. Rooms: From £168.  

5. Best for trendsetters  

Gleneagles Townhouse   Swapping golfing greens for the city, Gleneagles’ first urban outpost opens this spring. It comes with serious pedigree: completed in 1846, the grand, listed building on St Andrew Square was originally home to the British Linen Company. The present day 33-room hotel and members’ club has preserved the building’s original features, from its ornate facade to the tiles and cornicing. There are wellness suites in the old vaults, all-day dining in the magnificent banking hall and a rooftop bar called Lamplighters, in a nod to the Robert Louis Stevenson poem. Rooms: From £495.  

6. Best for news hounds

The Scotsman Hotel For nearly a century, The Scotsman newspaper was based in this baroque building — all stained-glass windows, wood panelling and a striking marble staircase. It was converted into a hotel in 2001, and then revamped in 2017, with rooms now decked out in cappuccino tones, each with a nod to the building’s heritage — choose from the likes of Reporter Rooms and Headline Suites. It also hosts the Scotsman Picturehouse, with its eclectic programme of cult classics, new releases and live theatre screenings. Rooms: From £210.  

7. Best for big kids

The Grassmarket Hotel In the heart of the Old Town, The Grassmarket Hotel will draw out your inner child during your stay. It lists distances from the hotel to Edinburgh’s main sites in footsteps (the Castle is 420 steps away, for instance), while there’s plenty to keep you entertained indoors — all rooms have sudoku puzzles on the wall, comic-strip wallpaper, free Tunnock’s teacakes, a packed lunch and a giant magnetic map of the city. Shelves in reception are stacked with games and copies of The Beano. Rooms: From £60.  

8. Best for homebodies    

The Raeburn   On the edge of the New Town, you’ll find Stockbridge, one of Edinburgh’s ‘village’ neighbourhoods. Its pretty streets are full of delis, cafes, bookstores, food shops — and one boutique hotel. In a 19th-century listed building, The Raeburn ’s 10 rooms feature solid wooden floors, an atmospheric colour palette and rolltop tubs. There’s a traditional Scottish vibe to the furnishings, too, with tweed headboards and throws, as well as stylish tartan fabrics from contemporary Scottish brand Anta. Rooms: From £105.  

9. Best for drama queens  

The Witchery   After a day exploring the Old Town’s narrow, atmospheric wynds, eke out the fantasy with a night at this sumptuous bolthole near the castle. Sequestered within two ancient buildings at the top of the Royal Mile, each of the hotel’s nine rooms is embellished with antiques, the walls are hung with tapestries, and grand four-posters are draped in opulent silks, velvets and brocades. Add romantic bateau baths for two, hidden doors leading to secret studies and the odd suit of armour, and you’ve got the ingredients for a fabulously over-the-top stay. Rooms: From £595.  

10. Best for history buffs

Cheval Abbey Strand At the bottom of the Royal Mile, sandwiched between the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Abbey Strand has seen it all. Once a medieval almshouse, it has also served as lodgings for Mary, Queen of Scots’ courtiers and a sanctuary for debtors during the 18th and 19th centuries. Now it’s a quirky designer aparthotel featuring nine accommodations. Each is named after one of the Strand’s former inhabitants, and their sash windows frame views of Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish parliament building. Design-wise, expect duck-egg blue panelling juxtaposed with exposed stonework, and bathrooms with rolltop tubs and geometric black-and-white tiles. Rooms: From £145.  

Rates quoted are for standard doubles, room only, unless otherwise stated.

Published in the June 2022 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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The best hotels in Edinburgh city centre

F ew thrills match the excitement of waking up in a new city, especially when you’ve only to step out the door to start exploring. And Edinburgh is blessed with an impressive choice of hotels, all within walking distance of the best this beautiful city has to offer.

Fancy old-school glamour in a flagship hotel? Or perhaps it’s affordable contemporary design with a rooftop champagne lounge that gets you out of bed in the morning. How about indulging in an opulent city version of a legendary country hotel offering access for residents to an exclusive members-only bar?

Here’s our insider's guide to the best hotels in Edinburgh's city centre, from the most luxurious to surprisingly smart, affordable options. You’ll find everything from fantastic views to stylish bedrooms, with proximity to all the top sights — including Edinburgh Castle, national galleries of art, St Giles Cathedral and Greyfriars Bobby…and great shopping, too.

How we review

Every hotel in this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. They stay for a minimum of one night, test at least one meal and trial other experiences that the hotel might have to offer. 

At a glance, the best hotels in Edinburgh city centre

• The best hotel in Edinburgh city centre overall  –  The Balmoral
• The best value hotel in Edinburgh city centre  –  Eden Locke

The most romantic hotel in Edinburgh city centre  –  Gleneagles Townhouse

• An insider guide to Edinburgh

• The  best budget hotels in Edinburgh

• The best Edinburgh hotels with parking

• Where to stay in Edinburgh

• The  best bars and pubs in Edinburgh

• The  best free things to do in Edinburgh

•  A complete guide to the best hotels in Edinburgh

• The  best luxury hotels in Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best area to stay in edinburgh city centre, old town or new town.

Old Town and New Town are two adjacent districts at the centre of Edinburgh. The main railway station (Waverley) is located where they meet. Old Town is the medieval core of the city, famous for its twisting wynds (lanes) dotted with independent shops and cafés. The Royal Mile runs through its heart, leading to the hilltop Edinburgh Castle. New Town is the epitome of Georgian town planning, with classical architecture arranged around grand squares, terraces and gardens. New Town’s main artery is Princes Street , a long thoroughfare lined with high-street shops.

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About Edinburgh

Edinburgh packs a lot in to its small footprint. Basically it’s hilly, historic and deeply beautiful, and even our most central picks for the best places to stay in Edinburgh will see you walking up and down a lot. The selection of accommodation in this city is wide. You'll find everything from cheap and cheerful hostels, through average big chain options to chic little guesthouses and five star luxury city hotels. We favour the smaller independent properties, and we've even tracked down a lovely old lighthouse tender, which has been converted to a stunning floating hotel in the heart of Leith.

Some of our Edinburgh Collections:

• Best Family Hotels in Edinburgh
• Best Luxury Hotels in Edinburgh
• Best Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh
• Best Edinburgh Hotels with Pools
• Best B&Bs in Edinburgh
• Best Romantic Hotels in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Hotels with Parking
• Pet Friendly Hotels Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city of many differing faces from the Old and New Towns, through to trendy Stockbridge and edgy Leith. Our neighbourhood guide will help you choose the best area for your stay, especially if this is your first trip to the city.

This city is a hugely popular destination year round, but come August it's Festival season and it's almost impossible to move here! So if you want to be part of the festival fun and book one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh, you'll need to plan well ahead to avoid disappointment!

The Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh

For a memorable stay.

• The Roseate Edinburgh comprises two stately Victorian townhouses, on opposite sides of the road, in a peaceful corner of the West End. Combined they make a 35 room boutique hotel, with individually decorated rooms and suites featuring a luxurious array of original details and modern conveniences, including Nespresso machines and Roberts digital radios, and some with four-poster beds and stand-alone copper baths. There’s a very nice bar and restaurant specialising in local Scottish produce from small suppliers. Stylish and welcoming, they also have family suites.
• The Fingal is a retired lighthouse tender turned luxury, 23 room hotel, and now anchored in the hip area of Leith. Cabins range from classic doubles to decadent suites. The design is luxurious with brass fittings, leather, and rich hues. A glamorous ballroom is ideal for a party and there's a fabulous little restaurant too. She's now part of the Royal Yacht Britannia trust, and is Scotland's first luxury floating hotel.
• The Balmoral is a large, and typically historic Edinburgh hotel, which began life as the railway hotel, sitting right beside Waverley Station, in between the Old and New Towns. Olga Polizzi is responsible for the decor and its understated, but with plenty of variety and sophistication amongst the 168 rooms and suites, and many of them have excellent city views as well. There’s a choice of restaurants, and one of them has a Michelin star, or you could eat out and return for a nightcap in the Palm Court bar, or the whisky bar.

The Best Hotels on The Royal Mile

• You can’t get much closer to the action than The Inn on The Mile , a bar with kitchen, and nine room hotel on the Royal Mile, opposite the Tron Kirk, where the South Bridge meets the High Street, just five minutes stroll from the castle. Sit outside and watch the traffic pass up and down the Mile, or enjoy the live music and food indoors. The rooms are chic, offering complimentary mineral water and chocolate-dipped strawberries, bathrobes, slippers and tea and coffee. The ‘Royal Mile’ rooms are the larger ones with the views.

For the New Town

• Twelve Picardy Place is a ten room hotel converted from a beautiful Georgian townhouse close to Carlton Hill. The decor is cool and contemporary, with wall-sized photo murals and a grey colour palette, and there’s a trendy cocktail bar and award-winning steakhouse.
• Small and stylish, The Rutland is a 12 room hotel on Princes Street opposite the end of the Princes Street Gardens. Each of the rooms are individually decorated, but they’re all large and elegant. Some are more colourful than others, so it’s worth checking out them all. It also has a gourmet steak restaurant and a swanky bar and nightclub.

For a City Break Hotel

• Formerly the headquarters for The Scotsman newspaper, the The Scotsman building is historic and well positioned, with views of Edinburgh Castle. So it’s ideal if you want to be in the thick of things. Inside there are 59 very elegant rooms and suites, decorated in pale neutrals, with pale wood panelling. Plus they have a spa and gym, and family suites.
• Le Monde is a converted townhouse just one block back from Princes Street in the New Town, close to the National Gallery. There are only 18 rooms and suites to this chic hotel, individually decorated in a range of contemporary styles and colours, named and styled after global cities, but there are also three bars and two restaruants, and one nightclub. The cocktails are great and the vibe is fun.
• Almost directly across the road from Le Monde is The George , a large and grand-looking hotel, with 249 sleek, contemporary rooms and suites. Now a listed building, this hotel was created using a row of five townhouses, and many period style details have been included in the new design, including parquet floors, stucco folderols and plenty of marble. The bar and restaurant are elegant too, and the bar stays open until 1am. We like the roof terrace too.

Edinburgh's Most Romantic Hotels

• Small and intimate, 21212 is a Michelin-starred restaurant with just four elegant guest rooms. It’s close to Holyrood, and Carlton Hill, but still only ten or 15 minutes walk from the castle. Aside from the food, we love the small size of this place, even the restaurant is on the small side, so one feels very cocooned, like a guest at a luxurious house party with a short invitation list.
• In a prime position at the top end of the Royal Mile close to Edinburgh Castle, and offering a combination of intimacy and Gothic decadence, it’s hard to find somewhere more memorable to stay in Edinburgh than the Witchery by the Castle . The nine rooms that now occupy this 16th century building are theatrically opulent, with gilded ceilings over four-poster beds, oil paintings over wood panelling, candlelight and swathes of jewel-coloured velvet. The restaurant is known for its Scottish cuisine and for its atmosphere.
• Surrounded by 20 acres of private parkland, Prestonfield feels more like a country house hotel than a city central one, but this opulent manor house conversion is just five minutes from the Holyrood Palace end of the Royal Mile. Inside are 23 rooms and suites, many of which are among the most romantic in Edinburgh, with their canopied beds, heavy drapes, rich fabrics, antiques and roaring fires. There’s a fine dining restaurant too. And nothing is too much trouble for the concierge at Prestonfield, balloon flights over the area included.
• Close to the Palace of Holyrood end of the Royal Mile, about 15 minutes from the castle, Six Brunton Place is a superb, 22 room hotel in a carefully converted Edwardian mansion. The rooms and suites are all unique, decorated with style and simplicity, showcasing artworks and the various rooms' original features.

Some of Edinburgh's Best B&Bs

• 23 Mayfield is an elegant, five star B&B in a beautiful Victorian building. There are only seven rooms, some with four poster beds, and all with wood panelling, fireplaces and big bathtubs. They serve an excellent breakfast and there’s a lovely garden. The location isn’t super central, but it’s a really charming place to stay.
• The Hedges is a five room B&B in a charming Edwardian townhouse just a short stroll from Carlton Hill and Holyrood. It’s simple, affordable and the owners are also the managers, so you’ll get plenty of local recommendations if you need them.

For great value

• B+B Edinburgh is a roomy, 27 room B&B in the West End, which has the feel of a private club or boutique hotel. It’s awash with Victorian details, and luxurious touches, but it’s still really affordable, especially when you consider that breakfast is included and the location is so central.
• Nira Caledonia is a 28 room boutique hotel within a magnificent row of Georgian townhouses in Stockbridge, which is close to the botanic gardens and the Stockbridge Farmers Market. The rooms vary in size and style, but they’re all chic and comfortable, with spacious ensuite bathrooms. There’s also a superb restaurant

Prefer a self-catering Apartment?

• If you’d prefer to stay in a city centre apartment, we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com .

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Edinburgh?
• Edinburgh International Airport has links to over 130 destinations and is about an hour’s flight from London. However Scot Rail’s Caledonian Sleeper is probably the most romantic way to arrive. You get into Waverley Station, which is also well connected to other UK wide destinations. Obviously alternative trains are also a good option.
• If you want to hire a car - which we strongly advise if you’re staying in Edinburgh and you want to see the surrounding area - we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars .
• Edinburgh is busy over August for the Festival and the Fringe, and over Christmas and New year for Hogmanay, but the space in between is quiet and still pleasant weatherise. Alternatively June and July are also popular. Of course if you’re here for the events then book well ahead!

Still not sure which to book?

• You could refine your search to the 6 Best Hotels in Edinburgh's West End ?
• Or the 1 0 Best Hotels in Edinburgh's New Town ? or the 5 Best Hotels in Edinburgh's Old Town ? or the 5 Best Hotels on the Royal Mile ?
• Or perhaps you'll find find something in our Ultimate Guide to the best hotels in Scotland ?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Monthly Weather in Edinburgh

Best hotels in edinburgh, brooks edinburgh edinburgh 46 rooms from £59.

Amazingly good value in not quite central Edinburgh. Clean, tidy, comfortable, friendly and for those on a budget a great find. See More

No11 Edinburgh 16 rooms from £68

An upmarket brasserie with rooms in a Georgian townhouse near the city centre. Rooms are the perfect balance of Scottish tradition & modern luxury while the restaurant offers impressive contemporary fare. Free-standing baths & opulent four-poster beds make this a fab choice for couples. See More

B+B Edinburgh Edinburgh 27 rooms from £75

Roomy B&B in Edinburgh's West End. More like a private club or a boutique hotel, awash with Victorian character. Come for the exclusive feel without the exclusive prices and the brilliant central location. See More

Albyn Townhouse Edinburgh 5 rooms from £78

Set in a lovely Victorian former Manse, the Albyn Townhouse is an excellent B&B a little away from Edinburgh city centre. Lovely, comfortable rooms feature ornate beds and sofas that are great for relaxing. A great base from which to explore Edinburgh's old town. See More

The Hedges Edinburgh 5 rooms from £80

Set in charming Edwardian townhouse, The Hedges is an excellent B&B just a short walk from Edinburgh city centre. Featuring lovely rooms and sleek ensuite bathrooms, it provides a great base for people looking to explore the Scottish capital. See More

94 DR Edinburgh 7 rooms from £80

Boutique guest house on southside of Edinburgh, 10-15 mins walk to the centre but on bus route. Good size rooms with luxury trappings and fabulous breakfast. Great views of Arthur's Seat. Friendly, laid back. See More

The Murrayfield Hotel & House Edinburgh 9 rooms from £81

Elegant Victorian townhouse hotel with an outdoor terrace and a fine dining restaurant. Stylish interiors feature sophisticated furniture and plush fabrics, while sumptuous rooms have a serene palette of creams and tastefully framed pictures. A relaxed west-end base slightly removed from the buzz. See More

Dakota Edinburgh Edinburgh (South Queensferry) 182 rooms from £82

A slick hotel providing contemporary accommodation, fine dining and excellent service all at exceptionally good rates. Rooms are grown-up with dark hues, wide-screen TVs and luxury bathrooms. A small gym and executive lounge provide evening entertainment. Ideal for businessmen and travellers alike. See More

Malmaison Edinburgh Edinburgh (Leith) 100 rooms from £85

Trendy hotel in former seaman's mission in the heart of Leith. Trademark comfy beds and roll top baths. State of the art gym, restaurant, stylish bar. See More

The Lane Edinburgh 6 rooms from £90

Set in the charming district of Morningside in Edinburgh, The Lane is a delightful boutique hotel. Offering smart rooms and an atmospheric bar/restaurant, it's a great base for a weekend exploring Scotland's capital. See More

Antler Guest House Edinburgh 2 rooms from £90

A comfortable modern guesthouse in Edinburgh's Leith area. Stylish contemporary rooms boasting original artworks, crisp white linens, and Persian rugs. The hotel is within walking distance of the major sights and sounds of the city. Fantastic value for a city break. See More

Nira Caledonia Edinburgh 28 rooms from £95

Nira Caledonia is situated within a magnificent row of Georgian townhouses and is a luxurious boutique hotel. Elegantly designed rooms are chic and comfortable with spacious ensuite bathrooms. The superb restaurant serves delicious cuisine that focuses on local and organic produce. See More

21212 Edinburgh 4 rooms from £95

Paul Kitching's Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms is one of Edinburgh's cosiest cocoons. Staying here is like being a guest at a rather posh house party for a select few. See More

Orocco Pier Edinburgh (SouthQueensferry, West Lothian) 17 rooms from £96

A stylishly renovated Inn offering spectacular views of the coast and the Firth of Forth. Light and airy rooms benefit from large sash windows and are simply dressed with light hues and pops of colour. With a superb restaurant and ideally placed for both the airport and easy access to the city. See More

Eden Locke Edinburgh 72 rooms from £98

A central hotel set in a historic building comprising of exquisitely designed apartments. The decor is undeniably hip, featuring a fresh palette, an array of potted plants and Scandi-cool furniture. An artisanal cafe is the perfect spot to pop into at any time of the day. A real gem. See More

The Bonham Edinburgh 48 rooms from £100

Large townhouse hotel in a prime West End location. Spacious rooms and suites offer a contemporary ambience, whilst not forgetting the period features including high ceilings and huge windows. Acclaimed restaurant No. 35 serves European cuisine with a Scottish twist. See More

Hotel Indigo Edinburgh Princes Street Edinburgh 64 rooms from £100

Stylish yet affordable hotel with enviable city-centre location. Playful & contemporary rooms inspired by the building's Victorian heritage offer a sense of place yet feel fresh & fun. With a popular bar & impressive castle-view restaurant, this is a crowd-pleaser that works for business or leisure. See More

Hotel du Vin Edinburgh Edinburgh 47 rooms from £105

Contemporary hotel close to the Royal Mile. Wine cellar, whisky snug, bar and brasserie. Large comfortable rooms. See More

Lord Lyons Chambers Edinburgh from £108

These smart self-catering apartments feature light-filled interiors with elegant parquet floors and stylish yet homely contemporary furniture. Rooms have a chic palette of greys and whites, with king size beds and great tiling in the bathrooms. A discerning choice for sophisticated travellers. See More

Carberry Tower Edinburgh (Near Musselburgh) 30 rooms from £112

A stunning mansion and estate perfectly positioned just outside Edinburgh. Elegant rooms are spacious and individually styled. Pick a suite and enjoy four posters, chandeliers and open fireplaces. An exemplary bistro and sumptuous private dinners are on offer. A spoiling country escape. See More

The Bridge Inn Edinburgh (Ratho) 4 rooms from £115

A delightful village Inn set in a picturesque canal side spot in a quiet village just outside Edinburgh. The four rooms are perfectly styled producing an elegant yet cosy feel. The food is what this place is all about with delicious seasonal produce and innovative cooking. See More

Barony House Edinburgh 5 rooms from £117

Just a short stroll from Arthur's Seat, Barony House is a delightful B&B. The rooms have magnificent ornate beds that offer a great combination of character and comfort. A superb Edinburgh base for people looking for somewhere quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. See More

The George, Edinburgh Edinburgh 249 rooms from £120

The personification of opulence, The George combines grand luxury with a modern sleekness to create a superb hotel right in the centre of Edinburgh. Its location is unbeatable with all of the city's main attractions a short walk away. Perfect for an indulgent weekend in Edinburgh. See More

The Glasshouse, Edinburgh Edinburgh 65 rooms from £120

Modern, stylish hotel. Large open spaces filled with natural light. Lavender roof garden with views of Carlton Hill. Patios, verandas, areas for private meetings. See More

Norton House Hotel & Spa Edinburgh (Ingliston) 83 rooms from £120

Country house hotel on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Great facilities include spa with large heated pool and a plethora of treatments to choose from. Great food too in The Brasserie. Perfect for business travellers - it's only 2 miles from the airport. See More

Twelve Picardy Place Edinburgh 10 rooms from £121

An ultra-chic boutique property in Edinburgh's buzzy Broughton district. Spacious rooms and suites are done in muted grey hues and come with either huge bath tubs or rain showers as standard, and tall windows for maximum light. Award winning steak restaurant and Bier Keller with terrace. See More

The Raeburn Edinburgh 10 rooms from £125

With its cozy restaurant, comfortable rooms and the only outdoor eating drinking space in the area, The Raeburn brings a touch of class to bohemian Stockbridge. See More

Le Monde Edinburgh (New Town) 18 rooms from £130

A chic townhouse with 18 bedrooms just 100m from Prince's Street. Central hotel in the heart of Edinburgh offering modern rooms, three bars and two restaurants. A suitable choice for guests interested in fine restaurants and designer shopping. See More

The Kimpton Charlotte Square Edinburgh 199 rooms from £130

A luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city. Beautifully renovated rooms keep the traditional style yet a splash of contemporary flare has been added. The two restaurants are equally stylish and the bar produces some top-notch cocktails. The service is slick and the positioning perfect. See More

Black Ivy Edinburgh 22 rooms from £135

A chic boutique hotel in the leafy neighbourhood of Bruntsfield. Quirkily designed rooms feature boldly coloured headboards, large sash windows, crisp white linen and luxurious bathrooms. A lively bar serves up superlative cocktails and the restaurant uses local produce to great effect. See More

The Rutland Hotel Edinburgh 12 rooms from £135

Small and stylish hotel in the most central of locations, Edinburgh's Princes Street. A riot of glitz and glamour that has a sensual feel. Come for the glamourous nightlife - swanky bar and club await. See More

23 Mayfield Edinburgh 7 rooms from £135

Elegant 5* B&B in Victorian building. Romantic rooms have four poster beds, panelled walls and big bathtubs. Intimate restaurant serving excellent breakfasts. Garden with seating and hot tub. Stained glass and fireplaces throughout. Cozy, historic and quiet. See More

Six Brunton Place Edinburgh 4 rooms from £139

A superb bed and breakfast that captures all the splendour of Edinburgh's Edwardian history. The plush rooms are elegantly appointed with tasteful furnishings and charming artwork. It serves as a great launchpad for exploring Edinburgh's main attractions. A city centre gem. See More

House of Gods Edinburgh 22 rooms from £143

Eclectic & atmospheric adult-only cocktail bar with boutique rooms in Edinburgh's Old Town. Decor inspired by the Orient Express & the palace of Versailles, combined with contemporary on-trend touches, packs a punch. Small yet sexy rooms have a cosy cabin-like feel. Designed for seduction. See More

The Inn on the Mile Edinburgh 9 rooms from £146

Those looking for a ringside seat for Edinburgh's famed Hogmanay celebrations, or who just like to be in the heart of things at any time, will like the Inn on the Mile. See More

24 Royal Terrace Edinburgh 15 rooms from £150

Centrally located, 24 Royal Terrace is a home away from home for connoisseurs of contemporary art and stylish design. Home to a popular bar, serving carefully chosen single malts this is a top-drawer stay. Sumptuous rooms, decorated in a classic style feature all the mod-cons. A winning stay. See More

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand Edinburgh 50 rooms from £153

This grand neo-classical building, a landmark of St Andrew Square in Edinburgh's New Town, offers stylish and spacious apartments whether for one night or a longer stay. With a club-style bar and restaurant, gym and 24-hour reception, it has all the trappings of a luxury hotel. See More

Princes Street Suites Edinburgh 37 rooms from £170

Grand period building turned into luxury self-catered apartments at the end of Princes Street. With an impeccable finish, modern yet homely light-filled spaces have been decorated with elegant furnishings & offer all modern creature comforts; views are very special. Ideal for big groups & families. See More

Market Street Hotel Edinburgh 98 rooms from £192

Just a block from the bustle of the Royal Mile, the Market Street Hotel is a hip, modern enclave on the edge of Edinburgh's Old Town. Rooms are a heady mix of chic Scandi-style with charming Scottish touches. Offering a champagne bar and easy city access, this is a bit of a no brainer! See More

The Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh 82 rooms from £195

This landmark Edinburgh building, the former Edwardian offices of The Scotsman newspaper and well-placed between the Old and New Towns, carefully mixes original features with a low-key modern luxury. The private cinema is an indulgent treat. See More

The Balmoral Edinburgh 168 rooms from £208

Quietly confident, stylish, sophisticated and efficient.THE place to stay in Edinburgh. Part of Rocco Forte Collection and boasting a Michelin starred restaurant, comprehensive spa and over 150 bedrooms. The old railway hotel transformed into a grande dame. True indulgence. See More

Radisson Collection Royal Mile Edinburgh 136 rooms from £217

A sleek contemporary hotel sitting in stark contrast to historic central Edinburgh. Minimalist rooms and suites lend fabulous city views from floor-to-ceiling windows. A popular restaurant serves high-end Italian fare with a Scottish twist. With standout service, this is a very luxurious city base. See More

The Roseate Edinburgh Edinburgh 35 rooms from £219

In a peaceful corner of Edinburgh’s West End, a short walk from Haymarket and 15 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh airport, The Roseate is an independent, 5 star, 35-bedroom boutique hotel spread over two stately Victorian townhouses. Smart interiors and great food present the ideal city base. See More

Tigerlily Edinburgh 33 rooms from £220

Chic little hotel on George Street, complete with bar and restaurant downstairs. Stylish, glamourous and modern. Good food, even better cocktails and a lively atmosphere with one of the most central locations. Great for a chic weekend away. See More

Prestonfield Edinburgh (Priestfield Road) 23 rooms from £252

Opulent extravagance at the Prestonfield just 5 mins from the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Come for attentive service, divine bedrooms and spoiling galore. Fine dining is served in an ultra romantic setting. The concierge have a 'nothing's too much' attitude. Best for a truly indulgent stay. See More

Fingal Edinburgh (Leith) 23 rooms from £300

A retired lighthouse tender, now turned luxury hotel, anchored in the hip area of Leith. Cabins range from classic doubles to decadent suites. The design is luxurious with brass fittings, leather, and rich hues. A glamorous ballroom is ideal for a party and there's a fabulous little restaurant too. See More

The Witchery by the Castle Edinburgh (Royal Mile) 9 rooms from £365

Superbly located at the gates of the Castle, on the Royal Mile, sits this intimate, Gothic hotel. The rooms are luxurious, romantic & eccentric – think candlelit, wood paneling and plenty of velvet. Enjoy delicious Scottish food in the equally atmospheric restaurant. See More

Gleneagles Townhouse Edinburgh (Scotland) 33 rooms from £495

A sophisticated, elegant hotel on St Andrews Square. Beautifully conceived rooms channel the ethos of Gleneagles, in a smart townhouse style. Think moss green and dusky pink shades, lovely antique furnishings and velvet galore. A fabulous bolt hole in the centre of town. See More

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THE 10 BEST Hotels in Edinburgh 2024

Edinburgh Hotels

Property types, distance from, neighborhoods, traveler rating, hotel class, popular hotels in edinburgh right now.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveler Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
• Distance to city center See properties located closest to the center first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket

2. ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square

3. Dakota Edinburgh

4. The Balmoral Hotel

5. Travelodge Edinburgh Central

7. Market Street Hotel

8. Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

9. Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre Royal Mile Hotel

10. hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Rose Street) hotel

11. Travelodge Edinburgh Central Waterloo Place Hotel

12. InterContinental Edinburgh the George, an IHG Hotel

13. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

14. ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile - Hunter Square

15. Native Edinburgh

16. Travelodge Edinburgh Cameron Toll

17. Murrayfield Hotel

18. Travelodge Edinburgh Central Rose Street

19. Travelodge Edinburgh Airport Ratho Station Hotel

20. Novotel Edinburgh Centre

21. Ibis Budget Edinburgh Park

22. Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre

23. The Scotsman Hotel

24. Apex Grassmarket Hotel

25. B+B Edinburgh

26. Travelodge Edinburgh Central Queen Street

27. Braid Hills Hotel

28. 7 Gloucester Place

29. Britannia Edinburgh Hotel

30. Edinburgh House Hotel

Edinburgh Hotels Information

Hotels in popular neighborhoods.

Hotels near the sights

Best luxury hotels in Edinburgh | Telegraph Travel

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Edinburgh thoroughly deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world. From the medieval tenements, vennels and wynds of the Old Town to the Michelin-starred restaurants, thriving café culture, vibrant nightlife and a strong contemporary arts scene, the city is effortlessly rich in culture. This transitions well to the hotel scene, where beautiful railway hotels have been elegantly brought up to date, ships have have been given a polished Deco makeover, and Baroque-Georgian mansions are a riposte to Gothic fantasy. Here's our pick of the most luxurious hotels in Edinburgh, including the top places to stay for flamboyant furnishings, decadent bars, indulgent afternoon teas, pampering spas and luxurious rooms with castle views.

• An insider guide to Edinburgh

• The most romantic hotels in Edinburgh

• The best boutique hotels in Edinburgh

• The best budget hotels in Edinburgh

• The best five-star hotels in Edinburgh

• The best hotels in Edinburgh

• The best Edinburgh hotels with parking

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10 Best Luxury Hotels in Edinburgh

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The ten best luxury hotels in Edinburgh include Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian Edinburgh, The Balmoral, Kimpton Charlotte Square, The Glasshouse, Hotel Indigo Edinburgh, Mode Aparthotel Edinburgh, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, and The Witchery by the Castle.

Scotland’s proud capital is rich in historic buildings and monuments, the medieval Old Town being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The imposing Edinburgh Castle that dominates the city has been a fortress since the first century AD. Edinburgh is also famous for its year-round calendar of events, the highlight being the Edinburgh International Festival and Fringe in August, which has launched the careers of many favorite artists.

1. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian

We think Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian is the best luxury hotel in Edinburgh. Standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway building hotel nestles in the shadow of the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Its reputation for style and excellence has attracted generations of locals, international visitors, and notable personalities for over one hundred years.

Formerly the station concourse and ticket office, Peacock Alley represents the historic heart of The Caley and is imbued with the peerless style and sophistication of this famous former railway hotel. Peacock Alley is the perfect ‘set’ for breakfast, afternoon tea, or elegant evening drinks.

Admire some of the best views in Edinburgh from 241 guestrooms and suites, and dine at Grazing By Mark Greenaway. The hotel is also home to the UK’s only Guerlain Spa with a sauna and steam room and an indoor pool overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian is the perfect base to explore Scotland’s capital. This iconic hotel is within walking distance of the Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can get free benefits from your very first Waldorf Astoria stay by booking with our luxury travel concierge team. Our Hilton benefits usually include double Hilton Honors points, breakfast for two, prioritized room upgrade (subject to availability), hotel credit, and more.

2. Kimpton Charlotte Square

The best IHG hotel in Edinburgh is Kimpton Charlotte Square . We have been major fans of the Kimpton brand ever since we stayed in Kimpton Fitzroy in London . Kimpton hotels feel boutique and personal with all sorts of unique touches, yet they offer a reliable and consistent level of luxury.

Perched on the edge of a picturesque private garden in the New Town, Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel blends traditional glamour with the Scotland of today. Outside, a classical Georgian exterior stands as an ode to the past, while inside, past the lobby, a glass-topped central courtyard is abuzz with activity as travelers unwind over gin & tonics, local professionals do business, and friends toast special occasions. The energy is so fresh and effervescent that you’ll want to bottle it and bring it home, but it feels too distinctly Edinburgh to make sense anywhere else.

3. The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel

For over a century, The Balmoral has found a home at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No. 1 Princes Street. The perfect marriage of tradition and modernity, each of the 167 rooms has been individually designed by Rocco Forte Hotel’s Director of Design, Olga Polizzi. Elegant and stylish with unmistakably Scottish accents, each of the 20 Edinburgh suites is generous with magnificent views.

Excellent cuisine is guaranteed at The Balmoral. Overseen by Executive Chef Gary Robinson, Brasserie Prince celebrates the very best of Scottish produce with classic French cooking. At Bar Prince, the ambiance is relaxed yet convivial. Guests can enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif, sit in the cozy library by the fire for an after-dinner drink, or sample cocktails at the long marble bar counter for a fun night out.

The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Number One, offers modern Scottish dining with the finest service. Head Chef Mark Donald and his team have developed a menu fusing modern Scottish cuisine with an international flair. Palm Court, set in the hotel’s heart, is an Edinburgh institution that’s as glittering as its glass dome and Venetian chandelier. This is a great place to sample modern Afternoon Tea and a wide selection of loose-leaf teas, coffee, and pastries.

The Balmoral Spa is a serene sanctuary in the heart of the city – the perfect place to escape the pace of city life. The Spa boasts five treatment rooms, a 15m swimming pool, a Finnish sauna, a Turkish steam room, a Spa Bar, and a state-of-the-art quad layout Technogym-equipped gym.

4. The Witchery by the Castle

James Thomson’s The Witchery by the Castle is the most spectacularly atmospheric hotel in Edinburgh. This unique boutique hotel has just nine fabulously original and indulgent suites. Lavishly decorated, the suites here scream romance. Each has its own unique quirks and charms, but whichever suite you choose, you’ll find oodles of glamour, indulgence, luxury, and roll-top baths for two.

The stunning décor, legendary food, and an award-winning wine list have ensured the Witchery by the Castle has become a much-loved Edinburgh institution. The restaurant is also magnificent. Dine in the rich baroque surroundings of the original oak-paneled Witchery or among the elegant candle-lit charms of the Secret Garden.

5. The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection

Boutique luxury and grand tradition combine for spectacular results at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection . Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s city center, this 5-star hotel features a striking 172-year-old façade melded into an ultra-sleek lobby space.

Relax in gorgeously appointed hotel rooms and suites, where boutique amenities and views of either the UNESCO World Heritage site of Calton Hill or Edinburgh’s New Town await. Seventeen suites are each named after a Scotch whiskey or Region, many of which you’ll find in Snug Bar, a recently renovated lounge offering over 160 exclusive Scotch whiskeys. Nearby, iconic attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and Playhouse Theatre beckon.

6. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

Sheraton Grand is ideally located to discover Edinburgh’s outstanding history and architectural beauty. Wake up fully rested in Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience™ beds and enjoy inspiring views of Edinburgh Castle from the Castle View Rooms & Suites.

Spend your day exploring the closes off the Royal Mile or browsing the shops on George Street before escaping to Scotland’s most renowned urban thermal spa experience, One Spa. Unwind in the hotel’s iconic rooftop Hydropool to start your journey to well-being and rejuvenation. Find inner calm in the Thermal Suite, an unrivaled range of uplifting water, salt, and heat experiences designed to help you rebalance and refresh your body and mind. Stay in a Club Room for complimentary spa access and evening drinks and canapés in the hotel’s Club Lounge.

7. Hotel Indigo Edinburgh

Hotel Indigo Edinburgh on York Place is a quirky boutique hotel situated within the Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage site. It occupies five original Georgian townhouses, just moments from Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. Usefully, the hotel is also minutes away from Waverley Train Station and opposite the tram terminus on York Place. For art lovers, it is just steps from the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh.

The hotel has preserved many original features, including decorative stairwells and a unique cupola in its modern refurbishment. The check-in area mixes modern lighting, white walls, and dark wood floors. The main staircase is an impressive old wooden construction winding its way up the building.

There are 60 individual bedrooms and junior suites to choose from. All rooms are attractively furnished with wooden floors with brightly colored rugs, beige and grey headboards, and either an orange or turquoise theme. The junior suites are the most luxurious rooms with more space and a separate area to lounge in. Request a room at the front of the property, looking down over Queen Street and York Place, which is always busy and fun to watch. These rooms look down at all the action but remain amazingly quiet because of very good double glazing.

Bathrooms are modern and stylish, with square sinks, large walk-in rain showers, and Aveda toiletries. Along with the usual facilities (hairdryer, air conditioning, etc.), there are some quirky freebies, including the intriguing complimentary haggis-flavored crisps and free Edinburgh shortbread and Tunnocks teacakes. The minibar contains free water, soft drinks, and real milk for making a cuppa.

There is a small but well-equipped fitness gym in the basement, and for food and drink, the Turquoise Thistle Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge feature contemporary thistle prints and striking modern artwork.

8. W Edinburgh

The newest kid in town is W Edinburgh set to finally open its doors in late 2023. Designed by the same architects behind the W London, the W Edinburgh will become an iconic part of the Edinburgh skyline given the building’s unique shape. The 12 storey building will feature 234 rooms and suites whilst the rooftop will host a SUSHISAMBA with 360-degree views across the city.

9. Cringletie House

Our final two hotel choices are nearby but not in Edinburgh itself. These two hotels can be perfectly twinned with one of the best luxury hotels in Edinburgh city to provide a true “Monarch of the Glen” experience during your trip to Scotland Cringletie House near Edinburgh used to be a Scottish Baronial Castle. It features 28 acres of gorgeous grounds plus stunning views of the surrounding Scottish countryside.

The grounds are perfect for a stroll. They are made up of partially wooded and partially grassy expanses, and there is also a river with a waterfall. They also include a walled garden with a large chessboard, a pitch and putt course, a croquet lawn, and there’s even a children’s play area should you have any little people with you.

Communal areas include a bar and a spacious conservatory offering views of those amazing grounds, a cozy lounge, and two dining areas, including the fine dining restaurant an elegant dining room with a historic fireplace and hand-painted ceiling. There are 12 bedrooms, a luxurious suite, and a cottage on the grounds. All are unique and individually designed, with some including turrets and others containing huge fireplaces. The two-bedroom Ardean Cottage lies on the grounds of the Castle with a private decked area offering sun loungers and a large hot tub. The decking overlooks the house, gardens, and countryside beyond. Who doesn’t like fabulous views while they soak in the hot tub after a busy day exploring rural Scotland?

10. Dalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle is Scotland’s oldest inhabited Castle and is just 10 miles from Edinburgh. It was a stronghold of the chieftains of Clan Ramsay; it withstood a siege by Henry IV in 1400, and it was captured by Cromwell two centuries later. In between, Mary, Queen of Scots, spent the night, so you are sleeping in a royal bed when staying here.

The grand entrance hall has a vaulted faux-Gothic ceiling and a mini-Imperial staircase. There is a small spa with a hydro pool, and guests can fly a Russian Steppe Eagle or a Turkmanian Eagle Owl from falconry on the grounds. The grounds meander down to the banks of the South Esk River, which offer views of the Border hills.

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Hotels in Edinburgh with history

Experience the capital’s rich and storied past first-hand with a stay in one of these hotels in Edinburgh with history

T he city of Edinburgh is layered with stories, from tales of medieval kings and queens to rumours concerning Regency writers and Victorian visionaries, and a stay in one of these hotels in Edinburgh with history will get you closer to some of these stories.

We’ve handpicked some of the city’s most iconic hotels with history, whose buildings are as much a part of the city and its past as Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument.

With distinctive Scottish architecture, high-profile past guests and occupants, as well as convenient locations for exploring the capital, these hotels both celebrate the city’s rich past, and provide the modern amenities and trimmings that we have all come to expect from a luxury hotel.

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George

The epitome of New Town chic, combined with an authentic sense of Edinburgh’s Enlightenment history, InterContinental Edinburgh The George is a collection of fine Georgian townhouses constructed at the end of the 18th century. In 1840, no.19, which now forms the hotel’s main entrance, was remodelled as the headquarters of the Caledonian Insurance Company by leading Victorian Scottish architect David Bryce and the property has been one of Edinburgh’s grandest hotels since 1881.

Located on fashionable George Street, the elegant townhouses were often frequented by literary figures such as Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott – popular 19th-century novelist Susan Ferrier, Scotland’s answer to Jane Austen, even lived in one of the houses.

The impressively grand interiors, which include chandeliers, polished marble floors and original Corinthian columns and ceilings, are well-balanced by contemporary bedrooms, which enjoy incredible views of the city. Spend your evening at The Printing Press bar and restaurant, whose name is a nod to the hotel’s literary connections, and enjoy a modern take on traditional Scottish dishes, all washed down with a ‘Rabbie Burns’ cocktail, of course.

edinburgh.intercontinental.com

The Balmoral

G reeting you as soon as you walk up the steps at Edinburgh Waverley train station, The Balmoral is one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks. When it opened in 1902, the North British Station Hotel, as it was known then, was described as a “free rendering of the Renaissance period, linking the old Scottish architecture of the Old Town with the rather severe classical architecture of the New.”

Upon opening, the hotel’s clocktower was set two minutes early so that people wouldn’t miss their trains, and this quirk is kept today – the only day that the clock runs on time is on the 31 December for the city’s Hogmanay celebrations. As Edinburgh’s most fashionable place to stay, over the years the hotel has played host to many a   lm star, princess, and politician, including Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul McCartney, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and British Prime Ministers Edward Heath and Harold Wilson.

In 2007, J.K Rowling finished writing the final Harry Potter instalment in the hotel, and there is now a suite named after her. Still one of the city’s chicest hotspots, The Balmoral was named the 2022-23 AA Hotel of The Year Scotland, at the AA Hospitality Awards. It’s unsurprising, as its interiors are supremely elegant, and its palette pays homage to the colours of the Scottish landscape – woodland greens, sky blues and mountain greys. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a wee dram of the hotel’s own whisky as you enjoy sublime views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.

roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian

One of the finest examples of a grand British railway hotel, the Caledonian (or the Caley to those in the know) was once part of the Caledonian Railway’s Edinburgh Princes Street railway station – you can still see the original station clock in the hotel.

The hotel’s red sandstone façade has been an icon of Princes Street since 1903, exemplifying Edinburgh’s Edwardian heritage and cementing its place as one of the city’s most significant landmarks.

With some of the best views of Edinburgh Castle in the whole city, and just steps from Princes Street Gardens, the hotel combines opulent modern luxury with heritage in the most elegant way.

Original Louis XV-style interiors, which include decorative ceilings and cornices, blend beautifully with contemporary, colourful furnishings and refreshing modern touches – such as the Astoria Spa with its indoor pool.

There are two excellent on-site restaurants to choose from – Dean Banks at The Pompadour serves up sustainable produce with a focus on Scottish seafood in a fine-dining setting, while for something more relaxed, Grazing by Mark Greenaway incorporates locally sourced ingredients with unique concept dishes from an award-winning chef.

hilton.com/en/hotels/ednchwa-waldorf-astoria-edinburgh-the-caledonian

The Inn on the Mile

Slap bang in the middle of Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile, the Old Town thoroughfare that has been the processional route for kings and queens for the last 500 years, The Inn on the Mile is rich in history. The hotel is housed in the former British Linen Company Bank building, built by prominent lawyer and political figure Andrew Fletcher in the mid-18th century – a time of much turmoil in Scotland as the Jacobites took their final stand.

Exemplifying the neo-classical style that earned Edinburgh its title of ‘The Athens of the North’ in the 18th century, the building is notable for its carefully crafted Classical features, including its giant Doric portico, which stands out magnificently among the medieval buildings of the Royal Mile. The hotel celebrates its banking history with an intriguing bar front inside the cosy onsite pub, covered with thousands of old pennies.

The hotel’s bedrooms were built during the bank’s heyday in 1923 and, though now furnished in a contemporary and minimalist fashion, they still display original features such as the cornices whose intricate detailing give some indication of the enormous wealth that once poured through the bank’s grand doors.

theinnonthemile.co.uk

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