Edinburgh isn’t just the capital of Scotland, but it’s also one of the most gorgeous cities in the country. It’s the type that you’ll instantly fall in love with at first look. This city is a super popular destination, especially in August during its Festival season, where it’s nearly impossible to find available accommodations. From history museums, medieval architecture, and art galleries, Edinburgh has it all. Many even say that it’s one of the world’s most walkable cities with something for everyone. Although it’s easily navigable by foot, it’s still important to pick the right hotel that will suit your personality and preferences to map out the perfect itinerary. Keep on reading as we show you all the best hotels in Edinburgh!
Where To Stay in Edinburgh
It’s only natural for this city to be popular, as there are countless top things to do in Edinburgh. As the UK’s second most-visited city after London, it gets busier every year. Although it can also be considered small, there are many neighborhoods in Edinburgh, each with its own characteristics.
Unlike other city centers, Edinburgh’s downtown area is split by Princes Street into two parts, Old Town and New Town. The Old Town is a bustling area where you’ll see centuries-old buildings and home to the city’s most famous sights, such as Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile. This neighborhood is the best starting point for your adventure in Edinburgh. To the north of Princes Street is the New Town, the total opposite of the Old Town. It’s the bustling hub of commercial and business life, where you’ll spot many upscale boutiques, bars, banks, and offices. If you’re the type to grab some drinks in chic hotel bars, then you should stay here instead of the Old Town.
Next is the West End area, which basically has everything you’re looking for. Be it fashion boutiques, traditional pubs, burger bars, or lavish hotels, they’re all in this neighborhood. It’s also home to the Haymarket railway station, the second-largest railway station in Edinburgh. So, when you want a taste of everything and be near to public transportation, you can stay here. If you’re looking for a more peaceful neighborhood that’s not packed with travelers, Newington might be for you. It’s set in the south of Edinburgh, only 15 to 20 minutes’ walk from the city center. It’s vibrant and leafy, perfect for families and young couples. Expect lots of Victorian architecture, restaurants, and boutiques around the neighborhood.
Castle View Guest House
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Even without a proper itinerary, you’ll never run out of activities when staying in Castle View Guest House. It’s in the New Town neighborhood, where Grassmarket, the Edinburgh Castle, and Saturday farmer’s market are all within a comfortable walk. Even better, it’s also not much further to concert halls, theatres, and cinemas for more entertainment.
The classically decorated rooms are all lovely, with a little addition of potted flowers in each room. Although you probably won’t be doing much cooking as there are many eateries just a song away, this hotel still provides a well-stocked kitchen. When you need to finish your work, connect your laptop to the high-speed Wi-Fi, and do it at the provided workspace.
In addition to all the nearby attractions, we recommend visiting the Scottish National Gallery. It’s home to one of the best collections of fine art in the entire world. Here, art lovers can admire the masterpieces by Botticelli, Ramsay, Titian, Van Gogh, and many more. Best of all, you don’t need to pay to enter this old gallery. Have your camera ready and capture the beautiful paintings!
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
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Dedicated shoppers and sightseers might favor Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian among all of the best hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was first built in 1903 as part of Edinburgh’s central railway station. Now, this West End hotel is surrounded by a bunch of shops and major tourist attractions. Oh, besides shopaholics, this accommodation is also loved by the LGBTQ community. In fact, it’s one of the top 11 gay-friendly hotels in Edinburgh.
From the single rooms to suites, every room is designed with soft and soothing colors. But to try something different, why don’t you stay in the Queen Room? It resembles the hotel’s railway history with dark walls and a delightful bathroom that comes with copper basins. After having enough rest in the cozy bed, you can make a cup of Nespresso, grab snacks from the minibar, iron your shirt, and relax while watching the smart TV.
When relaxation time calls, you can access the Guerlain Spa, the first and only one of its kind in the UK. It offers an array of treatments as well as a steam room, a sauna, a jacuzzi, a pool, and a modern gym. Afterward, you can make your tastebuds dance in the award-winning restaurant, Grazing by Mark Greenaway.
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
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Those who are looking for a budget hotel might find Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile as the perfect choice. With a very reasonable price, you’ll get a fitness room, a continental breakfast, a spacious lounge area, and a top-notch mini-apartment in the buzzing Old Town. What more could one ask for?
The modern studio isn’t the most spacious you can find in town, but it offers a great kitchen fully-equipped with a dishwasher and a dining area. Prepare your meal using the ingredients you bought from the on-site mini-market as you move your body to the beat of the music played from the iPod dock. Then, enjoy your food in the seating area and watch some movies on the flat-screen TV.
Among all the exciting activities you can do, we highly recommend joining the underground vaults tour. Led by a guide, you’ll visit the vaults beneath Old Town dating back to the early 18th-century. He’ll also tell you about the murders, the persecution of witches, and the people who inhabited this spooky place.
Cheval Old Town Chambers
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This remarkable accommodation is hidden in the Old Town, a few yards from the Royal Mile but far enough to stay away from the crowds and noise. Cheval Old Town Chambers is also only a few minutes’ walk from the Edinburgh Castle, museums, galleries, as well as Waverley Station.
If you have plenty of heavy bags with you, a concierge will help you carry them and even book you a table in a nearby restaurant for a proper lunch. To stay fit throughout your vacation, you can visit the well-equipped gym. A personal trainer is also available by arrangement to push you to your limit.
Proving itself as one of the best hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland, there is nothing ordinary about the apartments in this property. Depending on which you choose, you can unwind on the private terrace or relax on the plush sofa near the fireplace. Don’t forget to pamper yourself in the spacious bathroom that boasts an oversized bathtub and free toiletries too. With the clever layouts and views of Princes Street Gardens, your stay here will be impeccable.
Prestonfield House
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Staying in Prestonfield House feels like staying in a private mansion. Located in Newington, you’ll be surrounded by a lush garden with overblown blossoms and a Gothic teahouse. As one of the best hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland, it also boasts a golf course to help you become a better golfer.
From velvet to gold, Prestonfield House doesn’t shy away from striking colors in its room. Each of them is individually designed with romantically dim lighting. You’ll find standard amenities in the antique room, such as ironing facilities, a seating area, and an electric kettle. You can also play your favorite DVD and watch it on the flat-screen TV. Depending on which room, you can connect your phone to the Wi-Fi and send your friends pictures of the beautiful oil paintings hanged on the wall.
For the food, this hotel provides excellent Scottish cuisines and traditional afternoon teas in Rhubarb Restaurant. When you’re done eating and need to go to the city center, take the shuttle bus which is just a 5-minute walk away from the hotel’s front door.
InterContinental Hotels – Edinburgh The George
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InterContinental Hotels – Edinburgh The George is a graceful accommodation on Edinburgh’s premier shopping street with plenty of restaurants and bars all around. One of the perks of staying in this downtown hotel is that you can walk to most attractions in less than five minutes’ stroll. Speaking of perks, you should spend your new year here as you can enjoy the Hogmanay fireworks from your room.
There are plenty of rooms to choose from, but if you have the means, we recommend staying in the one-bedroom suite with George Street View. There, you’ll be welcomed by a box of treats, consisting of biscuits and sweets. Then, you can clean yourself in the bright bathroom that comes with Agraria toiletries before enjoying a cup of hot coffee in the seating area.
The next morning, you can start your day by having a light breakfast in the on-site restaurant, The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen. It serves seasonal Scottish produce throughout the day. If you can’t leave the plush linen bed, having your first meal of the day in the bed is great too. You can savor all the toothsome dishes as you watch your favorite sitcom on the flat-screen TV.
Kimpton – Charlotte Square
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Calling all book lovers! If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh in August for its International Book Festival, we have one of the best hotels in Edinburgh just for you. By staying in Kimpton – Charlotte Square, you can go to the festival whenever you want as it’s just right across the hotel. Located in New Town, this accommodation is also perfect for shopping, strolling, and sightseeing.
The room is stylish and has a contemporary look, giving us a 5-star hotel vibe. As you explore the room, you’ll be pleased to find a treat box consisting of Scottish-themed crisps and sweeties, as well as complimentary fresh milk and sparkling water in the fridge to keep you hydrated. By choosing the suite, you’ll receive an additional record player with vinyl to play some old records! Enjoy the music as you have a shower in the private bathroom that comes with Perfume’s Story toiletries.
In the morning, kick-off your beautiful day with a breakfast served in The Garden. It’s an indoor courtyard that serves bread, pastries, fresh fruits, and juices. If you’re in the mood to spoil your tongue with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, you can dine in BABA. It’s a mezze and charcoal grill restaurant that serves great cocktails too.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
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Located near the lively Royal Mile, Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh is one of the best hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland that’s remarkably quiet. It’s surrounded by several bars, cafés, and restaurants. Almost all the major attractions in the city are all within walking distance. If you need any transport links, they’re just less than 10 minutes’ walk away.
In the sharp-looking guestroom, you can finish your work in the spacious working area so you can enjoy the rest of the day peacefully. Don’t forget to use the Nespresso machine and make a cup of coffee to help you concentrate. This hotel also thoughtfully offers you a pillow menu so you can choose non-allergic bedding.
After a taxing day full of traveling, go relax in Melrose Spa and Health Club. It features many types of massages, facial treatments, and beauty services. But if you still have some energy left in you, raise your heart rate in the fully-equipped fitness center and recover your muscles in the sauna. End the day by having dinner in Itchycoo Bar and Kitchen, where you can enjoy the mouthwatering Scottish dishes.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
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If spoiling yourself in a luxurious spa plays a big part in determining which hotel you should stay in, then the obvious answer is Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa. At One Spa, the biggest and best spa in Edinburgh, you can unwind in the rooftop hydro pool, thermal suite, and other impressive treatments. The pool is so amazing that it’s considered as one of the top 11 best hotel pools in Edinburgh.
For your convenience, the luxurious room provides free Wi-Fi, an interactive satellite flat-screen TV, and 24-hour room service. We have a great time in the bathroom that boasts a bath and a walk-in shower behind the opaque glass walls. Whenever you need an energy boost, you can use the coffeemaker to make yourself a cup of coffee. Don’t forget to grab some snacks from the minibar too.
Located in the Haymarket, you’ll be just minutes away from many eateries. However, there’s no need for you to head out for food as you can have a great meal in the on-site restaurant, The One Square. You’ll raise your eyebrows as you taste all the yummy Scottish dishes this restaurant offers. Also, make sure to experience the unique gin tasting in the bar.
The Balmoral Hotel
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With its own splendid clock tower, The Balmoral Hotel offers 5-star services that catapult the hotel as one of the best hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland. Located in the Old Town area, it features some of the greatest services you can imagine. Whether you’re expecting brilliant staff or a huge pool, this hotel has it all.
One of the best facilities you can enjoy in this 118-year-old building is the spa. It offers Rocco Forte Rituals and ESPA treatments that you can’t find anywhere else. After pampering yourself, you must visit the Brasserie Prince. The on-site restaurant offers an informal dining atmosphere with great dishes waiting to be savored. If you’re in the mood for a drink, go to the SCOTCH and enjoy over 500 varieties of Scottish Whisky.
Inside this hotel are 168 bedrooms and 20 suites for you to choose from. Staying in the suite will give you the views across Princes Street Gardens to the Edinburgh Castle. After a refreshing shower in the marble bathroom, chillax on the sofa and have a good Scottish tea as you shop for advertised products on interactive TV.
The Scotsman Hotel
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Set in the former Scotsman newspaper building, The Scotsman Hotel has been standing for more than a hundred years. The moment you walk out the front door, Edinburgh Castle and the National Galleries are all less than 10 minutes away. Say no to taxi and explore the Old Town on foot!
Like other best hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland, the rooms in this hotel feature many great amenities. Each room boasts a safe, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. When you open the fridge, you’ll be surprised as there’s fresh milk provided by the hotel. Meanwhile, caffeine lovers can stay in the Deluxe Room for an additional coffee maker. If you like life at the top, you should book the Penthouse Suite. There, you can relax and sweat it out in the in-room sauna and chill at the private terrace.
Focused on treating you like royalty, this hotel also boasts a 48-seat cinema. Ditch your flat-screen TV, grab a bag of caramel popcorn, and watch some of the highest-grossing films of all time from the comfort of the cinema seat!
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Edinburgh:
- Makars Gourmet Mash Bar – Visiting this legendary restaurant when in Edinburgh is a must. Make sure to order the delicious Lamb Shank with Bacon and Spring Onion Mash that will wow you.
- New Chapter – Excellent restaurant that serves fantastic British cuisines with great service. The West Coast Scallops & Rib Eye steak are unmatched.
- The Scotch Whisky Experience: Guided Tour and Whisky Tasting – Taste the amazing Scotch whisky in The World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky. Also, you’ll take a ride in the whisky barrel car ride, learn its history, and take home your tasting glass.
Recommended Activities In Edinburgh:
- Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour – Spend a fun 2-hour discovering the city where the world of Harry Potter was conceived. You’ll also be able to see the real grave of Tom Riddle in Greyfriars Kirkyard!
- Edinburgh: The Royal Yacht Britannia Ticket – With this tour, you’ll gain insights into the private and public lives of the British Royal Family. Explore the ship’s 5 decks and discover what made Britannia so special.
- City Sightseeing Edinburgh: 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour – Enjoy unlimited hop-on and hop-off during this sightseeing tour. Discover sights like the Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket on a double-decker bus with scenic views of the city.
