Few experiences can rival the thrill of stepping out of your hotel after breakfast, with the sites of a new city to explore right on your doorstep. In fact, if you’re visiting Edinburgh, either as a newcomer or a seasoned explorer, there’s so much to discover that your time will be best invested if you stay local, eliminating wasteful journey time into the city each morning. Fortunately, Edinburgh is blessed with an extensive selection of establishments, from world-famous luxury brands to intimate boutique hotels and affordable rooms for the family, so there’s sure to be something to match every traveller’s budget and taste.
Whether you choose to stay in the serene outskirts of the city and take advantage of Edinburgh’s superb public transport, or base yourself close to the main attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, The National Museum of Scotland, or the Royal Mile, you’ll relish the chance to step straight into one of the world’s most alluring cities.
In this indispensable guide to Edinburgh’s hotels, we will delve into some of the best places to stay so that, whatever your budget, you’ll leave our city with the burning desire to return in the future.
North of the medieval centre, Edinburgh’s elegant New Town was inspired by the creative thinking of the Enlightenment and retains much of its 18th century style, making it one of the largest Georgian developments in the world. Comprising a complex network of streets, terraces, circuses, and squares, the New Town features upmarket shopping boutiques, atmospheric cocktail bars, and stylish hotels, while the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Princes Street, and the Scott Monument are amongst the must-see attractions.
Staying in an Old Town hotel is like venturing into Edinburgh’s dark and mysterious past. Distinctive for its labyrinthine cobbled streets, impossibly stacked buildings, and the brooding sight of the city’s fortress, the Old Town is everything the New Town isn’t: disorderly and moody, yet utterly captivating. The steep Royal Mile, with its array of pubs, restaurants, and souvenir shops, is a favourite amongst visitors, as is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the former execution field of Grassmarket, and the pastel-shaded frontages on Victoria Street, which is famed to be the inspiration for the magical world’s Diagon Alley.
Historically, Grassmarket was one of the oldest parts of Edinburgh, a forbidding, desolate hellhole that was riddled with crime and disease. Today, Grassmarket couldn’t be more different: a vibrant and energetic district that is distinctively cosmopolitan in atmosphere, with a strong Scottish undercurrent. In high-class restaurants and bistros, the menus promise dishes from every corner of the world, while the delightful cafes, bars, and pubs offer a varied range of coffees, cocktails, beers, and (of course) whiskies. In finer weather, hospitality spills into the open, reminiscent of the street café culture of Brussels, Paris, and Prague, proving that political games do little to quench the sense of global unity that underpins the Scottish mindset.
Once a village with a distinct identity, Stockbridge may have been assimilated into the New Town, but it retains an atmosphere more akin to a small town. With the pretty Water of Leith traversing through its centre and a clutch of relaxed cafes, coffee bars, and eateries, Stockbridge is distinctively Bohemian in atmosphere – it’s been a haven for artists, writers, and musicians for two centuries – with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Inverleith Park, and the National Gallery of Modern Art all on the doorstep. The weekly Stockbridge Market, which features a rich variety of artisan goods, is also well-worth a visit from your Stockbridge hotel.
Renowned as one of the world’s coolest districts, just a couple of miles north of Princes Street, Leith was a maritime powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution; while the port isn’t as busy as it once was, full scale urban regeneration of the area hasn’t swept away Leith’s history. Overlooking the Firth of Forth, strong associations with the sea prevail: many of the restaurants here specialise in seafood, while the Royal Yacht Britannia, an award-winning attraction which receives nearly 400,000 visitors a year, is moored in the harbour. With Michelin-starred dining, fascinating craft and book shops, and relaxed cafés in which to unwind, there are many reasons to make Leith the base for your visit to Edinburgh.
Often described as ‘Edinburgh’s hidden gem’, the West End is a bustling district with a distinctive Bohemian flair. High-end shopping should definitely be on the to-do list here, with a delightful maze of Georgian streets that are lined with some of the city’s finest independent retailers. From fashion boutiques and beauty salons, to fascinating antiques shops and booksellers, there are ample retail diversions for every visitor, and delightful French patisseries and contemporary wine bars among the dining and drinking options. As would be expected from its name, the West End is also home to the city’s performing arts, with the Usher Hall, Royal Lyceum, Traverse Theatre, and the Filmhouse among the big-ticket venues.
The home of the University of Edinburgh, Southside is a relaxed and fashionable district that’s popular with students and, with a large number of overseas visitors, there’s a distinctly international flavour in the bars, restaurants, and cafés. Southside is a cultural centre throughout the year, with live theatre, music, and comedy, from classical orchestra at The Queen’s Hall to contemporary artists at Summerhall. By day, the National Museum of Scotland is unmissable, particularly in rainy weather when visitors can immerse themselves in thousands of years of history, technology, and science. The Meadows – one of Edinburgh’s finest parks – is a delightfully secluded spot for walks, picnics, or family time.
In the heart of the West End, The Dunstane Houses are two Victorian townhouses that offer stylish bedrooms and an on-site restaurant and bar, just minutes from Haymarket Station. Each bedroom in the two properties, which are on opposite sides of the road, is individually styled to an exceptional standard, with LCD televisions, Egyptian cotton linen, and homemade shortbread. Family rooms are available, while the suites offer four-poster beds, copper rolltop baths, and stunning city views. Afternoon tea and all-day dining is available in the Ba’Bar & Lounge, and an impressive range of over 100 ales and whiskies is also on offer.
Originally constructed in 1905, The Scotsman Hotel is a listed building that was once home to The Scotsman newspaper. Situated conveniently for the Royal Mile, The Scotsman Hotel boasts an enviable position overlooking Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Station (where preferential parking is available). Each room is individually styled, with scenic city views and marble bathrooms. The luxurious stay is delivered through Egyptian cottons, free WiFi, complimentary newspapers, and a 48-seat in-house boutique cinema with individual armchairs.
Convenient for the West End, Princes Street, and Edinburgh Castle, the Sheridan Grand Hotel & Spa is one of the city’s most highly rated hotels. With luxurious air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, mood lighting, and 24-hour room service, a relaxing stay is assured. Complimentary use of the on-site swimming pool and fitness studio is included, with a range of beauty and spa treatments also available. Preferential rates are offered for use of the rooftop hydropool and thermal suite. At the lively One Square Bar and Brasserie, guests can savour the flavours of a modern Scottish menu, while a gin tasting experience is also worth indulging in.
An Edinburgh institution since 1902, The Balmoral Hotel is one of the city’s most distinctive buildings, with its magnificent clock tower. Situated on Princes Street, the hotel offers 5-star accommodation in exquisite rooms, with enormous marble bathrooms, interactive television, and fabulous city views. A swimming pool, sauna, stream room, and gym add to the guest experience for those lazy mornings or refreshing evenings, while there are several dining options, including the Brasserie Prince and Number One Restaurant. For whisky afficionados, you can’t go far wrong with over 500 varieties in the SCOTCH bar.
On the doorstep of Princes Street, the Kimpton Charlotte Square oozes Georgian elegance in its 199 rooms and suites, which offer large beds, air conditioning, flat-screen television, and fridge with complimentary milk and water. The indoor courtyard, The Garden, serves delicious food and drink throughout the day, from breakfast and salads to cakes and hot meals, while spritzers and cocktails are an evening speciality. Alternatively, head to BABA, a mezze and charcoal grill restaurant which serves exciting Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. The Kimpton Charlotte Square also offers guests complimentary use of the on-site leisure facilities, such as the spa, swimming pool, and gym.
Perfectly situated for Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, and the Edinburgh Dungeon, Motel One Edinburgh-Royal is a stylish budget hotel which offers comfortable accommodation in three categories: Basic, Classic, and a Room with a View. Triple glazing and blackout curtains help to secure a decent night’s sleep, while guests can also enjoy the little extras they’d expect, such as a flatscreen TV with satellite channels and free WiFi. Continental breakfast is available at an additional charge, while the on-site café-bar offers light snacks and drinks throughout the day. Although there isn’t a restaurant in the hotel, there are ample choices of eateries only minutes away.
Beautifully located in a leafy crescent in the exclusive West End, within walking distance of Princes Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Calton Hill, The Bonham is an elegant hotel that’s perfect for a luxurious stay in the capital. The interiors are styled to capture the history of the Victorian townhouse, with oak panelling and grand fireplaces in public areas, while bedrooms and suites – all with pleasant views – fuse traditional designs with modern convenience. Room service is available 24 hours a day, while the in-house restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as afternoon tea, drawing on traditional cuisine with a European twist.
Aparthotels are often sterile, but The Edinburgh Grand takes apartment living to a new level. With 50 fully equipped serviced apartments, accommodating between one and six guests, The Edinburgh Grand offer an alternative to hotel stays. Each apartment features a living area, one or two bedrooms, and a kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, and coffee machine, while the stylish bathrooms are equipped with a bathtub or a rainfall shower. Free WiFi is available throughout, while the onsite restaurant, coffee house, and bar offer additional dining options for guests who don’t wish to cook. For an unforgettable experience, the top floor penthouse boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with outstanding views over the city.
An award-winning boutique hotel in the smart New Town district with plentiful restaurants and cocktail bars, Tigerlily fuses Georgian interior features with contemporary style in its 33 bedrooms and suites. Comfort is essential at Tigerlily, so each bedroom offers a king-sized bed, Egyptian cotton linens, a fully stocked minibar, and GHD hairdryers and straighteners. Complimentary room service at breakfast promises a relaxed start to the day, while meals crafted with locally sourced ingredients are available in the on-site cocktail bar. For the aspiring dancer, there’s free entry to Lulu’s nightclub and bar downstairs.
At the end of Princes Street, in the medieval Old Town, the 4-star Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is perfect for guests seeking luxurious living and exceptional cuisine. The large bedrooms feature air conditioning, 42-inch televisions, and modern bathrooms with walk-in showers, while guests can relax in the sauna and steam room, enjoy an invigorating swim, or burn off some energy in the fitness suite. The award-wining Elliot’s restaurant serves traditional Scottish dishes, in an elegant setting with impressive Georgian interior features and magnificent fireplaces.
The Market Street Hotel enjoys an enviable position in the heart of Edinburgh, only a few minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, and Edinburgh Castle. The highlight – the rooftop champagne lounge, Nor’ Loft – offers outstanding city views which are best enjoyed over breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea. The boutique-style bedrooms are individually designed, with local artwork and fabrics complementing bespoke design furniture. Each room includes complimentary WiFi, minibar, and a breakfast bag, and Chromecast and Apple TV, as standard.
With possibly the finest views of Edinburgh Castle from any of the city’s hotels, The Rutland Hotel, at the west end of Princes Street, is an intimate boutique hotel with 12 rooms and 8 serviced apartments (four two-bedroom and four one-bedroom). Comfort is at the heart of The Rutland Hotel’s service, with each elegant room featuring Arran Aromatics toiletries, bathrobes, hair stylers, and premium coffee. The Kyloe Restaurant and Grill serves award-winning gourmet steak, while fantastic burgers and hot dogs are the piece de resistance at The Huxley, where an impressive selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails are served until the small hours.
With a self-proclaimed dislike for beige, the House of Gods Hotel unsurprisingly offers distinctive interior design that is unrivalled in Edinburgh. Styled on the elegance of the Orient Express and the Chateau de Versailles, the rooms fuse classic oak panelling with deep red furnishings to create an atmosphere that is as hedonistic as it is extravagant. Flatscreen TVs, marble-clad bathrooms, Nespresso machines, and cocktail bars are as standard while, for the ultimate in luxury, The Suite provides an immense living space with an in-room freestanding bath and cinema projector screen. And don’t forget the butler buttons, for unlimited prosecco, late-night milk and cookies, and breakfast hamper delivered promptly to the door of your room.
Just minutes from the city’s main attractions, Eden Locke is a perfect haven to relax after an invigorating day exploring Edinburgh’s sites. Decorated in soothing pastel shades with soft lighting to create an intimate atmosphere, each of the 72 studios, mezzanine apartments, and suites has fully equipped kitchen with all the essential accessories, contemporary soft furnishings, and the latest entertainment technology, including WiFi, Apple box, and Smart TV. The downstairs lounge is ideal for whiling away the hours over a cocktail or pastry and, if you fancy venturing back into the city for an evening’s entertainment, you’re never far away from the most vibrant spots Edinburgh has to offer.
Set in the converted 170-year-old Lady Glenorchy church, The Glasshouse Hotel is an invaluable part of the historic fabric of Edinburgh. Highly regarded as one of the finest hotels in the city, The Glasshouse features contemporary interiors that contrast sharply with the building’s gothic façade. Rooms are equipped with all the little extras that would be expected in a 5-star establishment, from air conditioning and heated bathroom floors to laptop safe and minibar. With outstanding views from the floor-to-ceiling windows and the two-acre rooftop garden, it’s easy to let time slip by but, with the city’s premier attractions just a short walk away, The Glasshouse is perfectly positioned to explore Edinburgh by day or night.
Set in the wonderful surroundings of the New Town, with its cobbled streets and neoclassical architecture, Native Edinburgh’s apartments are an ideal base to explore the city that gave birth to the Enlightenment. From interconnecting apartments for larger families to one-bedroom studios for a couple to enjoy an intimate stay, Native Edinburgh provides all the facilities that could be needed: a fully equipped kitchen, plush Hypnos bed, fresh linens, and luxury toiletries. Workouts can be enjoyed in the fitness studio, while complimentary tea, coffee, and fruit is available in the communal lounge each morning.
Conveniently located on the Royal Mile, The Inn on the Mile occupies one of the city’s most prestigious historic landmarks, the British Linen Bank. The building’s heritage has been sensitively preserved while creating a homely boutique hotel that is welcoming and comfortable, with each of the nine bedrooms offering clean, contemporary interiors. A lockable safe, iPod dock, GHD hair straighteners, and a large flatscreen television are standard in all rooms, while delicious home cooked dishes that exploit the finest flavours of locally sourced ingredients are served fresh from the Inn on the Mile kitchen. From fine wines to sensational whiskies, the Inn on the Mile pub is a great spot to unwind at the end of the day.
Edinburgh may be one of the world’s most popular cities, but at Le Monde Hotel you can experience life on different continents! Each of the 18 rooms are styled to reflect the traditions and cultures of global destinations, from the urban chic of New York to the carnival soul of Rio, while the cocktail creations in the champagne bar are infused with the finest flavours from around the world. Every bedroom benefits from a 42” plasma television, air conditioning, rainfall shower, safe, complimentary refreshments, and WiFi. Outside the hotel, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery are all within easy reach.
Described by Cosmopolitan magazine as ‘one of the seven wonders of the hotel world’, The Witchery by the castle is a strictly adults-only establishment that delivers an unforgettably indulgent and unusual guest experience. Each of the nine theatrical suites is individually styled with sumptuous furnishings, including oak panelling, marble floors, tapestry hung beds, and red and gilt décor, creating a unique atmosphere that’s more akin to gothic Transylvania than 21st century Edinburgh. Mood enhancing lighting, television, Amazon Echo, fridge, and Nespresso machines are standard in all rooms, while the Baroque-style restaurant and candle-lit Secret Garden are perfect for a romantic meal with superb food and fine wine.
An elegant Victorian hotel that is rated 4-star, the Kildonan Lodge Hotel is located on the outskirts of the city, close to Inch Park. A direct bus route to the city centre is available in front of the hotel, so take advantage of the complimentary parking and enjoy a car-free visit to Edinburgh! All the rooms are individually styled, some with four-poster beds, and offer smart televisions, complimentary sherry, and luxury toiletries. The lounge, with a tempting open fire, is the perfect place to relax at the end of an action-packed day, with an honesty bar serving a fine selection of local beers and Scottish whiskies.
A popular choice with visitors to Edinburgh due to its good value and quiet location in the trendy district of Stockbridge, The Raeburn was constructed in 1832 as an elegant Georgian home but has been converted to a stylish boutique hotel. Perfectly located for the Royal Botanic Gardens and Dean Village, the hotel has 10 luxury bedrooms boasting beautiful furnishings and Victorian-style bathrooms, with little touches to make your stay more comfortable: heavyweight fluffy towers, dressing robes, and Egyptian cotton linens. A sophisticated bar is the ideal spot for a before or after dinner drink in the evening while the hotel restaurant serves delicious dishes crafted with the finest local ingredients.
Reputedly the most glamorous hotel in Edinburgh, according to The Independent, Prestonfield House combines luxury and theatre in one of the city’s most distinctive historic buildings. Conveniently located five minutes from the city centre, the hotel is situated in 20 acres of gardens in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat, oozing the appeal and charm of a private country estate. Each individually styled room features antique furniture and characterful beds with exquisite linens, as well as the modern accessories you’d expect, including plasma television, complimentary WiFi, and a minibar. The Rhubarb Restaurant serves outstanding Scottish dishes and afternoon teas, while the extensive gardens are a delight to unwind in during summer.
Paul Kitching’s 21212 is predominantly known as a high-class restaurant which is renowned for its exquisite cuisine, but the four, beautifully appointed spacious bedrooms above offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in luxury during a stay in Edinburgh. With commanding views over the city or the rear gardens, the tasteful rooms offer all the features you’d expect, including a stylish en-suite bathroom, smart TV, Bluetooth speaker, luxury toiletries, bathrobes, and complimentary WiFi. The Grade A listed building is situated in the elegant New Town, only five minutes from Edinburgh Waverley station, at the foot of Calton Hill.
At Black Ivy, comfort and relaxation is assured, without the formality that you’d sometimes expect from a high-class hotel. Each of the 21 unique boutique rooms feature Egyptian cotton bed linen on the king-size bed, flavoured teas, and White Company toiletries while, for a thoroughly laidback stay, guests can head for brunch until 5pm or order blueberry pancakes direct to their room. Many rooms enjoy delightful views over Bruntsfield Links Park, while the city centre attractions, Usher Hall, Filmhouse Cinema, and the shopping precinct of Princes Street are only 15 minutes away.
While the Novotel Edinburgh Park in the west of the city offers budget prices, its sister hotel in Edinburgh Centre boasts a convenient location that’s difficult to beat. Just a few minutes’ walk from the historic Grassmarket, the Novotel Edinburgh Centre offers the weary traveller modern facilities after a busy day of sightseeing, including a hot tub, sauna, and swimming pool; each spacious room features an LCD television, free WiFi, and minibar. A variety of dining options can be savoured including American cuisine in The Tap Kitchen & Bar or authentic Scottish dishes from the ‘Wee Menu’, while a range of craft beers and cocktails are also available. Special room rates apply for families with children.
Enjoying a prime location one minute from Princes Street and with unobscured views of Edinburgh Castle, the Waldorf Astoria is, from the neoclassical façade to the luxurious bathrooms, a distinctively extravagant visitor experience. Built over a century ago as part of the city’s central railway station, the hotel oozes opulence, with spacious rooms equipped with the latest accessories and the UK’s only Guerlain Spa offering specialist treatments, a steam room, and Jacuzzi. The swimming pool and gym are perfect for those guests wishing to indulge in some cardio alongside exploring Edinburgh, while the array of dining options, including the award-winning restaurant, Grazing by Mark Greenaway, promises unforgettable culinary delights.
If the prospect of a sprawling corporate hotel doesn’t entice, The Royal Mile Mansion is a tempting alternative. Just minutes’ walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station, the two-bedroom self-catering apartment offers everything a family could need for a stay in the city, with a fully equipped kitchen with oven and fridge, open plan living space, spa bath, satellite television, and free WiFi. Situated close to the Royal Mile Mansion is an assortment of restaurants and bars, while Edinburgh Castle is an 8-minute walk.
Visiting Edinburgh with the family doesn’t mean dispensing with luxury. At the 4-star Edinburgh Marriott, located 5 minutes from the city’s airport, guests can enjoy relaxing in comfort, with luxury bedding, minibar, high-speed WiFi, and 24-hour room service. The Brew Bar Lounge and The Cast Iron Grill provide a range of meal and drink options, while guests can relax in the spa bath, indoor pool, sauna, or steam room in the leisure club. Free parking is available, with a regular bus direct to the city centre, so guests can explore the sites without having to negotiate with Edinburgh’s traffic.
Located north-west of the city centre in the Crewe Toll district, the Village Edinburgh offers all the modern conveniences visitors could expect. With an indoor pool, spa, and wellness centre, guests can enjoy some me-time: a relaxing swim, invigorating workout, or calming treatment session. Each bedroom is stylishly decorated, with a modern bathroom, air conditioning, flat-screen television, and free WiFi. A Starbucks coffee shop offers light snacks and hot drinks, while the bar and Village Grill promise satisfaction at the end of a long day of sightseeing. There’s ample car parking and regular bus services into the city centre.
Sitting on the banks of the Firth of Forth in the fashionable district of Leith, Malmaison Edinburgh is a chic boutique hotel which boasts a modern gym, spacious rooms, and bar. There is free parking for guests and, with the city centre easily reachable by bus, there’s little need to rely on the car during a stay. Rooms are comfortable, with stylish soft furnishings; all have complimentary WiFi and satellite television, and many enjoy pleasant views of the port. Classic British dishes created from fresh local produce are served in the Malmaison Brasserie, while diners can also savour an extensive range of wines and cocktails.
A beautiful boutique hotel located in the stylish village of Stockbridge, Nira Caledonia is dedicated to celebrating life’s pleasures, through individually styled rooms with unique soft furnishings, including goose feather beds and goose down pillows, 42-inch plasma televisions, and slate bathrooms. Some rooms offer delightful views from floor-to-ceiling windows or an exquisite spa bath for the ultimate in relaxation. In the bar, guests can choose from over 25 Scotch whiskies, while fresh dishes crafted from organic Scottish ingredients can be enjoyed in the restaurant. For a leisurely start to the day, guests may take breakfast in their room.
With one of the most desirable locations in Edinburgh, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh is impeccably located for an unforgettable day in Scotland’s capital city. Edinburgh Castle is only 650 yards from the hotel’s front door, while Holyrood Palace and Princes Street are reached in 15 minutes. Guests can choose from a range of bedrooms and suites offering complimentary WiFi, Nespresso machines, LCD televisions, and stylish en-suite bathrooms. With an in-house restaurant and bar, a spa, and access to swimming pool and fitness suite, guests’ every need can be accommodated during a stay at the Royal Mile Edinburgh.
Opened in January 2019 in the attractive Port of Leith, Fingal is a hotel with a difference. The former Northern Lighthouse Board ship houses 23 luxury cabins that celebrate the maritime heritage of the boat, with polished wood interiors, narrow corridors adorned with images of Stevenson lighthouses, and the finest leathers and linens. From classic cabins with soft lighting, king-sized bed, Smart TV, and rainfall shower, to an exclusive penthouse suite with private deck, freestanding bath, and complimentary minibar, there are options to suit all tastes and budgets. The on-board Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner, while the cocktails are simply unmissable!
Edinburgh is a family-friendly city destination, with many diversions to amuse the kids. There are also plenty of hotels suitable for younger guests to: the Novotel Edinburgh Centre and Novotel Edinburgh Park offer free places for children and excellent discounts for second rooms if you can’t face the little ones sharing the sofa bed in your family room. The Apex Grassmarket offers family rooms, kids’ menus, and special accessories on request, including cribs, bottle warmers, and toys or board games. If you prefer a larger living space, consider a serviced apartment, where you can prepare your children’s own food and make use of a lounge once the children are tucked up: Eden Locke, The Rutland Hotel, and Cheval The Edinburgh Grand are all suitable choices.
Edinburgh is an immeasurably romantic city, the perfect destination for couples wanting to escape the rigours of modern living to enjoy some downtime together. The Witchery by the castle is an alluring choice where your stay is guaranteed not to be interrupted by children, promising an indulgent experience in sumptuous rooms dressed in red and gilt: the perfect hideaway after a candlelit dinner for two in the aptly named Secret Garden restaurant. The converted ship Fingal in the Port of Leith also offers a cosy, romantic experience or, if the budget allows, you could upgrade to a suite at The Dunstane Houses, which offers four-poster beds and copper rolltop baths.
Travelling with the pets is an extra bonus for many visitors to Edinburgh, as they can enjoy the companionship of their animals and save on pet care costs while they are away from home. There are several pet-friendly hotels in Scotland’s capital. At the cheaper end of the scale, the Travelodge Edinburgh Dreghorn has a fenced-in field to exercise your dog and accepts up to two domestic pets for an additional charge, while the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Leith Waterfront also accepts canine friends. For a more luxurious treat for the whole family, including your pets, consider the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh.
There are many factors that affect the price of hotels in Edinburgh, such as the season in which you visit, the hotel rating, and the level of demand from visitors. Like many modern cities, there is a comprehensive range of hotels, from budget establishments to high-end luxury brands, so there is likely to accommodation to suit every traveller. The ibis budget Edinburgh Park, for example, offers double rooms for as little as £40 in spring, while a double at the Waldorf Astoria would set you back £320. During summer, prices will almost certainly be higher, so prompt booking to take advantage of early discounts is advisable. There is also a high number of rooms available during university vacations, many with en-suite facilities, that are offered at a very reasonable price. And, if you’ve been lucky enough to receive a lottery win, a superior suite at one of the city’s prestige hotels could easily stretch to four figures…
If you’re arriving in Edinburgh by plane from one of the 122 destinations that serve the airport, you may prefer to book a hotel close to the airport to reduce on onward travel time and costs. There are several hotels located nearby that are just a short taxi ride away. The Bridge Inn in Ratho retains the atmosphere of a secluded rural idyll but is only 20 minutes from the city centre and 10 minutes from the airport. Bedrooms are individually styled, and the restaurant offers outstanding cuisine. The Dakota Edinburgh Hotel, despite its ominous black exterior, boasts chic rooms with 48-inch televisions, monsoon showers, Sky Sports, and a fitness suite; complimentary transfers from the airport are included (pre-booking essential). For a country house experience, try Norton House Hotel & Spa, where the occasional grumble of an aircraft is the only clue that the airport is on the doorstep of this stunning 50-acre landscaped estate.
At the heart of the Old Town, the Royal Mile is one of Edinburgh’s most visited areas. With Edinburgh Castle at the head and Holyrood Palace at the foot, the steep street is bustling with hotels, pubs, and bars, making it a perfect place to stay during your visit. From the luxurious, such as the iconic The Balmoral and The House of Gods Hotel, to the more cost-conscious, including Motel One and ibis Edinburgh Centre, there are plenty of choices for visitors whatever their budget. Whichever hotel you opt to stay in, you’ll be guaranteed an unbeatable location that puts you right at the heart of the Old Town, with everything you could need on your doorstep.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular tourist sites in the city, a brooding fortress that commands superb views over the Old Town and beyond. Equally, a view of the castle from your hotel bedroom is inspirational and there are several hotels that offer this experience. The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, and the Waldorf Astoria are among the most exclusive, but you can enjoy delightful views of the castle at a more affordable price if cost is a concern. The Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel, the Mercure Edinburgh City, and Hotel Indigo all offer affordable, comfortable accommodation in the shadow of the fortress.
There are several 5-star hotels in Edinburgh which would claim to offer the most luxurious guest experience: among them, The Waldorf Astoria, with the unique Guerlain Spa, which offer outstanding accommodation, dining, and spa treatments (winning the Best Luxury Hotel Spa in the UK in 2017); The Balmoral, in one of the city’s most distinctive buildings which has delivered sophisticated service for over a century; and The Glasshouse Hotel, with its unique two-acre rooftop garden with stunning views over Calton Hill.
Jacuzzis are the height of luxury, so imagine being able to immerse yourself at the end of a tiring day on the city’s sightseeing trails. The 40 square metre Jacuzzi suites at the Nira Caledonia offer, not only a Jacuzzi in the en-suite bathroom, but pleasant views, sumptuous furnishings, and elegant Georgian décor. The two-bedroom apartment at the Royal Mile Mansion also boasts a spa bath, while the JustB Edinburgh Retreat close to Leith Walkway features a Jacuzzi in the garden for use in finer weather or on cold winter nights.
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