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
The Scottish capital has one of the busiest cultural calendars in the world, with festivals taking place all through the summer and, of course, in time for Hogmanay – these are the best hotels in Edinburgh to check in to while you’re in town.
BEST HOTELS IN EDINBURGH, REVIEWED AND LOVED
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.
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.
Tigerlily
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.
Rock House
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.
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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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