Oozing history, charm, plus a little Harry Potter magical touch, the beauty of Edinburgh is unrivalled in the whole of the United Kingdom. As the capital of Scotland, the city has plenty to offer tourists, including being home to some of the best hotels in the country. From world-class luxury hotels to enchanting boutique hotels, you’d be spoilt for options in Edinburgh. In this article, we’ve put together a curated list of hotels to stay in Edinburgh that we feel best embrace the Scottish charm, are conveniently located within the city centre, and offer quality amenities. If you are planning a trip to Edinburgh soon, then make sure you save this page!
What Area to Stay in Edinburgh
The hotels we picked for this article are all situated around New Town & Old Town Edinburgh. All the action happens within these two areas. Therefore, in our opinion, these are the two best areas to stay when visiting Edinburgh. It doesn’t matter too much whether you decide to stay in New Town or Old Town, as everything is very much within walking distance from either area.
New Town vs Old Town Edinburgh
Stating the obvious, Old Town Edinburgh is the older part of the city, and New Town Edinburgh is the newer part of the city. The two areas are divided by Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens. Both areas have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1995.
Old Town Edinburgh has more of a medieval charm, with plenty of steep stairways and narrow alleyways known as ‘closes’. Sights to see include the famous Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Victoria Street, the National Museum of Scotland, etc. On the other hand, New Town Edinburgh was developed around the mid-18th century and is known for its impeccable Gregorian architecture & planning. Today, New Town Edinburgh is the commercial hub of the city for shopping & dining.
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Where to Stay in Edinburgh City Centre
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Where to Stay in Old Town Edinburgh
Market Street Hotel Edinburgh (££)
Market Street Hotel is Scotland’s first Design Hotel, conveniently situated right across the street from Edinburgh Waverley train station and a stone’s throw away from Royal Mile. It features modern boutique-style rooms and a beautiful rooftop lounge to enjoy Edinburgh’s historic skyline.
Fraser Suites Edinburgh (££)
The Fraser Suites is a fantastic place to stay if you’d like to immerse yourself in the Victorian charm of Edinburgh. It is an apartment hotel located in Old Town Edinburgh, just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle and located just off the Royal Mile on St Giles’ Street. The building has beautifully conserved 130 years of history and epitomises the rich heritage of the Scottish capital.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (£££)
The Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is a cosy haven located along Edinburgh’s iconic Victoria Street and next to the popular Berties Fish & Chips restaurant. The hotel marries traditional Victorian architecture with contemporary designs, where history meets luxury. Comfy rooms and luxury amenities aside, the hotel also features the Victorian Funny Library where guests can lounge to read and/or play board games. You can also find excellent facilities such as a 24-hour gym, trendy bars, a high-end restaurant, etc. Additionally, all of the city’s top attractions are just within your doorstep, therefore making it one of the most ideal places to stay in Edinburgh.
Old Town Chambers (£££)
Conveniently located on the Royal Mile, tucked between historic closes and cobbled streets, Old Town Chambers is a beautiful and charming place to stay in Edinburgh. Often dubbed “luxury apartments layered with history”, you’re only a few steps away from Edinburgh’s famous historic landmarks. All apartments come with an open-plan kitchen, a dining and living area, luxury bathrooms, and some may also have balconies and a cinema TV & sound system.
The Balmoral Hotel (£££)
First opened in 1902, The Balmoral Hotel is not just a luxury hotel to stay in but also a landmark of its own in Edinburgh. The award-winning hotel, part of Rocco Forte Hotels, is situated right by Waverley Station, directly straddling Old Town and New Town Edinburgh. In addition to beautiful furnishings & luxury amenities, it houses a fantastic spa equipped with a sauna & Turkish steam room, a gym and a swimming pool.
The Witchery by the Castle (£££££)
If you are looking for a unique experience in Edinburgh, consider staying at The Witchery by the Castle. You can step back in time and experience royalty treatment at Edinburgh’s most famous and romantic hotel in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. Each suite is lavishly furnished with romantic, gothic touches, featuring large oak beds and 4-posters, velvet-lined walls, and flamboyant red and gold decor. Each morning, you can opt for an indulgent breakfast hamper delivered to your room, or enjoy breakfast at their beautiful on-site restaurant.
Where to Stay in New Town Edinburgh
Eden Locke (££)
Located on George Street, just a stone’s throw away from Princes Street is the charming boutique aparthotel called Eden Locke. Behind that characterful Georgian townhouse facade, you’d find a pastel-colour-filled interior with hints of Hoxton-style designs. Eden Locke offers comfortable studio apartment rooms with a living area and a fully kitted kitchen. It’s like a home away from home, but with additional perks such as in-room massages and spa treatments!
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh (££)
The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is a contemporary four-star hotel located at the foothills of Calton Hill and just a five-minute walk from Princes Street. It features spacious, modern rooms with locally-inspired furnishings and quality amenities.
The Caledonian Edinburgh (£££)
Boasting a prime location near Princes Street and a beautiful view of Edinburgh Castle, it’s well worth splurging on staying at The Caledonian Edinburgh hotel. As a historic landmark hotel since 1903, the hotel oozes a sophisticated charm
Kimpton Charlotte Square (£££)
Awarded as one of the Top 20 UK Hotels, Kimpton Charlotte Square is a highly sought-after luxury hotel to stay in Edinburgh. It is tucked away by Charlotte Square, just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant Princes Street. As an IHG Hotel, you can expect world-class services at the hotel. Every corner oozes character & charm, and each room is also equipped with an adoring “tuck box” of Scottish treats & snacks for guests to enjoy.
The Scotsman Hotel (£££)
Overlooking Carlton Hill, Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Station is the iconic 4-star Scotsman Hotel. Originally built in 1905, the majestic building was once home to The Scotsman newspaper. Naturally, you can get free Scotsman newspapers at the hotel. Each room and suite boasts unique individual features, and there’s an on-site 48-seat cinema at the hotel.
The Edinburgh Grand Hotel (£££)
As part of Marriott’s Luxury Hotel Collection, The Edinburgh Grand is a dreamy place to stay in Edinburgh’s New Town. Housed in a neoclassical landmark, the hotel oozes timeless grandeur and offers a luxurious retreat. From studios to two-bedroom units, deluxe suites to the penthouse, their apartment-style accommodations have everything you need for an unforgettable stay in Edinburgh.
Gleneagles Townhouse (££££)
Step back in time at Gleneagles Townhouse, an award-winning hotel & private members’ club situated near St James Quarter that oozes Victorian glamour and boasts world-class services in Edinburgh. Formerly one of the grandest banks in town, the hotel retained all the traditional lavish details of the building and added its own Art Deco touches to it. It would no doubt make one of the most charming & unforgettable stays in Edinburgh, where history meets modern luxury meets character. What used to be the old bank vaults have been converted into a luxury fitness centre, boasting a high-tech gym, infrared sauna, splendid spa facilities, etc. Its exclusive rooftop bar is also known to be one of the very best in town and offers sweeping views of Old Town Edinburgh.
