Edinburgh Hotels: Your Guide to the Best Stays

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Wonderful choice! This captivating city, steeped in history and brimming with culture, offers something for everyone. But before you pack your bags and prepare to be enchanted by Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, you’ll need to secure your accommodation. Navigating the vast array of Edinburgh hotels can feel overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploring.

Finding the Perfect Edinburgh Hotel: A Step-by-Step Approach

Choosing the right hotel isn’t just about finding a bed; it’s about enhancing your entire travel experience. Consider these factors to narrow down your options and find an Edinburgh hotel that perfectly suits your needs:

1. Define Your Budget

Let’s be honest, budget is often the first and most important consideration. Edinburgh offers hotels in a wide price range, from budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses to luxurious five-star establishments. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend per night will significantly streamline your search. Be sure to factor in potential extra costs such as breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking, and any other amenities you might require.

2. Consider Your Location Preferences

Edinburgh is a relatively compact city, but each neighborhood boasts its own unique charm and atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of some popular areas and what they offer:

The Royal Mile: History and Heritage at Your Doorstep

Staying on or near the Royal Mile puts you right in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. You’ll be within easy walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Holyrood Palace, and countless shops, restaurants, and pubs. This is an ideal location for first-time visitors who want to immerse themselves in the city’s history and culture. However, be prepared for higher prices and potentially more noise, especially during peak season.

New Town: Georgian Elegance and Modern Amenities

Just north of the Old Town lies the New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site characterized by its elegant Georgian architecture and wide, grid-like streets. This area offers a more refined and sophisticated atmosphere, with upscale hotels, boutique shops, and award-winning restaurants. It’s a great choice for those seeking a more peaceful and stylish experience, while still being within easy reach of the city’s main attractions.

Grassmarket: Lively Atmosphere and Budget-Friendly Options

Located at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket is a vibrant and historic area known for its lively pubs, independent shops, and colourful buildings. This area tends to offer more budget-friendly hotel options than the Royal Mile or New Town, making it a popular choice for students and backpackers. The Grassmarket has a fun and energetic atmosphere, but it can be quite noisy at night, especially on weekends.

Stockbridge: Bohemian Charm and Independent Boutiques

A short walk or bus ride from the city centre, Stockbridge offers a more relaxed and bohemian atmosphere. This charming neighborhood is known for its independent boutiques, art galleries, artisan cafes, and the picturesque Water of Leith. It’s a great choice for those seeking a more local and authentic Edinburgh experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Leith: Waterfront Views and Culinary Delights

Once a separate port city, Leith is now a vibrant and trendy district with a distinct maritime atmosphere. Located on the Firth of Forth, Leith offers stunning waterfront views, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a growing arts scene. It’s a great choice for foodies and those seeking a more contemporary and urban experience.

3. Determine Your Desired Amenities

What amenities are essential for your comfort and convenience? Do you need free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, or a pet-friendly environment? Make a list of your must-have amenities and use it as a filter when searching for Edinburgh hotels.

4. Read Reviews and Check Ratings

Before making a final decision, take the time to read reviews from other travellers on websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia. Pay attention to both the positive and negative feedback, and look for patterns or recurring issues. Also, check the hotel’s overall rating and compare it to other options in your price range.

5. Book in Advance, Especially During Peak Season

Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months and the Edinburgh Festival. To secure the best deals and ensure availability, it’s always best to book your hotel well in advance, especially if you’re travelling during peak season.

Edinburgh Hotel Recommendations: From Luxury to Budget

To help you get started, here are some recommendations for Edinburgh hotels in various price ranges and locations:

Luxury Hotels: Indulge in Opulence and Impeccable Service

For those seeking a truly luxurious and unforgettable experience, Edinburgh offers a selection of world-class hotels that cater to the most discerning guests.

The Balmoral Hotel: A Landmark of Scottish Elegance

Located at the heart of Edinburgh, on Princes Street, The Balmoral is a legendary landmark hotel known for its opulent interiors, impeccable service, and stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. This iconic hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a spa, and a rooftop terrace. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.

The Witchery by the Castle: A Romantic and Gothic Retreat

Tucked away in a historic building at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery by the Castle offers a unique and romantic retreat. Each of its nine suites is lavishly decorated with gothic-inspired décor, antique furniture, and luxurious fabrics. This is a truly special and unforgettable place to stay.

Fingal: A Floating Hotel with Art Deco Glamour

For a truly unique experience, consider staying aboard Fingal, a former Northern Lighthouse Board tender that has been transformed into a luxury floating hotel. Moored in Leith, Fingal features elegant cabins, a stylish restaurant, and a rooftop deck with stunning views of the Firth of Forth. It’s a truly memorable and glamorous experience.

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand: Apartment-Style Luxury in the New Town

Located in the heart of the New Town, Cheval The Edinburgh Grand offers luxurious apartment-style accommodation in a beautifully restored historic building. Each apartment is spacious and stylishly decorated, with a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable living area, and stunning city views. This is a great choice for those seeking a more independent and flexible stay.

Mid-Range Hotels: Comfort and Value in Prime Locations

For travellers seeking a balance of comfort, convenience, and affordability, Edinburgh offers a wide range of excellent mid-range hotels.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh: Modern Style in a Historic Setting

Located on the Royal Mile, the Radisson Collection Hotel offers stylish and modern accommodation in a historic building. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness centre. It’s a great choice for those seeking a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the city.

Hotel Indigo Edinburgh – Princes Street: Boutique Charm with Panoramic Views

Located on Princes Street, Hotel Indigo offers boutique-style accommodation with stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. The hotel features stylish rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a rooftop terrace. It’s a great choice for those seeking a more intimate and stylish experience.

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: Contemporary Comfort with Spa Facilities

Located in the New Town, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel offers contemporary comfort with excellent spa facilities. The hotel features spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a sauna, and a steam room. It’s a great choice for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Scotsman Hotel: Historic Elegance in a Former Newspaper Office

Located in a stunning Victorian building that once housed The Scotsman newspaper, The Scotsman Hotel offers historic elegance and modern comfort. The hotel features spacious rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a swimming pool. It’s a great choice for those seeking a unique and memorable experience.

Budget Hotels and Guesthouses: Affordable Options Without Compromising Comfort

For budget-conscious travellers, Edinburgh offers a range of affordable hotels and guesthouses that provide comfortable accommodation without breaking the bank.

Safestay Edinburgh: Stylish Hostel in a Historic Building

Located in a historic building on the Royal Mile, Safestay Edinburgh offers stylish and affordable hostel accommodation. The hostel features dorm rooms and private rooms, a bar, a common room, and a kitchen. It’s a great choice for backpackers and budget travellers.

Kick Ass Greyfriars: Lively Hostel with a Central Location

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Kick Ass Greyfriars is a lively hostel that offers affordable accommodation in a central location. The hostel features dorm rooms and private rooms, a bar, a common room, and a kitchen. It’s a great choice for social travellers.

St Christopher’s Edinburgh Old Town: Popular Hostel with a Party Atmosphere

Located on the Royal Mile, St Christopher’s Edinburgh Old Town is a popular hostel known for its party atmosphere. The hostel features dorm rooms and private rooms, a bar, a common room, and a kitchen. It’s a great choice for young travellers looking for a fun and social experience.

The Baxter Hostel: Modern Hostel with Capsule Beds

Located in the city centre, The Baxter Hostel offers modern and affordable hostel accommodation with capsule beds. The hostel features dorm rooms with individual capsule beds, each with its own light, power outlet, and privacy curtain. It’s a great choice for those seeking a comfortable and private hostel experience.

Unique and Boutique Hotels: Experience Edinburgh with a Twist

If you’re looking for something a little different, Edinburgh boasts a number of unique and boutique hotels that offer a memorable and unconventional stay.

Prestonfield House: A Luxurious Country House Hotel in the City

Located just outside the city centre, Prestonfield House is a luxurious country house hotel set in a stunning historic estate. The hotel features opulent rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and beautiful gardens. It’s a great choice for those seeking a peaceful and luxurious escape from the city.

Nira Caledonia: A Stylish Hotel in a Georgian Townhouse

Located in the New Town, Nira Caledonia is a stylish hotel set in a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse. The hotel features elegant rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. It’s a great choice for those seeking a more intimate and sophisticated experience.

21212: A Michelin-Starred Restaurant with Rooms

21212 is a Michelin-starred restaurant with four luxurious rooms located above the restaurant. Each room is individually designed and features stunning views of the city. It’s a great choice for foodies and those seeking a truly unique and memorable experience.

The Dunstane Houses: A Boutique Hotel with Orkney Flair

The Dunstane Houses comprises two Victorian townhouses, Dunstane House and Hampton House, located a short distance from the city centre. Combining modern luxury with traditional Scottish hospitality and a nod to the owners’ Orkney heritage, the hotel boasts beautifully designed rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great choice for those seeking a unique blend of Scottish and Scandinavian design.

Beyond the Hotel: Exploring Edinburgh’s Wonders

Once you’ve settled into your chosen Edinburgh hotel, it’s time to explore the city’s many attractions. Here are a few must-see sights:

Edinburgh Castle: A Historic Fortress with Breathtaking Views

Perched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that offers breathtaking views of the city. Explore the castle’s ramparts, dungeons, and Great Hall, and learn about its rich history.

The Royal Mile: A Historic Thoroughfare Linking Two Royal Residences

The Royal Mile is a historic thoroughfare that connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Stroll along this iconic street, lined with shops, restaurants, pubs, and historic buildings.

Holyrood Palace: The Queen’s Official Residence in Scotland

Holyrood Palace is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Explore the palace’s state apartments, historic chambers, and beautiful gardens.

Arthur’s Seat: A Volcanic Peak Offering Panoramic Vistas

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano that offers panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside. Hike to the summit for a truly rewarding experience.

The Scottish National Gallery: A Treasure Trove of Art

The Scottish National Gallery houses a treasure trove of art, including masterpieces by Scottish and European artists. Admire works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh.

Calton Hill: A Scenic Hilltop with Iconic Monuments

Calton Hill is a scenic hilltop that offers stunning views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Admire iconic monuments such as the National Monument and the Nelson Monument.

The Scotch Whisky Experience: A Journey Through the World of Whisky

The Scotch Whisky Experience offers a journey through the world of whisky, from its history and production to its different flavours and aromas. Sample a variety of Scotch whiskies and learn about the art of whisky making.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Edinburgh Hotel Stay

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable Edinburgh hotel stay, keep these tips in mind:

• Pack appropriately for the weather. Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack layers and waterproof clothing.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are essential.
• Take advantage of public transportation. Edinburgh has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and trams.
• Book tours and attractions in advance. Popular tours and attractions can sell out quickly, so it’s best to book in advance.
• Be aware of Scottish customs and etiquette. Scots are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of local customs and etiquette.
• Enjoy the local cuisine. Edinburgh offers a wide range of delicious food and drink, from traditional Scottish dishes to international cuisine.
• Take advantage of the hotel’s amenities. Many Edinburgh hotels offer excellent amenities, such as restaurants, bars, spas, and fitness centres.
• Ask the hotel staff for recommendations. The hotel staff can provide valuable recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and local experiences.
• Relax and enjoy your stay! Edinburgh is a beautiful and captivating city, so take the time to relax and enjoy your stay.

Edinburgh Hotels: A Final Word

Finding the perfect Edinburgh hotel is a crucial step in planning your trip to this captivating city. By considering your budget, location preferences, desired amenities, and reading reviews, you can narrow down your options and find a hotel that perfectly suits your needs. Whether you’re seeking luxury, comfort, affordability, or a unique experience, Edinburgh has a hotel to offer every traveller. So, book your Edinburgh hotel today and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of this historic and vibrant city!