Hotels in Edinburgh

Discover what Edinburgh has to offer

The capital city of Scotland is historic, gothic, lively, friendly and packed with charm.

Divided in two by Princes Street Gardens, the medieval Old Town runs along the south, with the New Town shopping district running in parallel along the north.

In the west of the Old Town and joining Princes Street Gardens, The Royal Mile leads up the hill to Edinburgh Castle. The Old Town has no shortage of bars, hotels, sightseeing tours and restaurants along the way and gives a real taste of medieval Scotland.

Take a journey back in time through some of the City’s unique and hidden 400 year old underground network of vaults, passages and caverns. This hidden part of the city remains intact with fascinating folklore and provides a first hand glimpse into the dark and middle ages. Popular sightseeing tours include the Underground Vaults tour, underground ghost tour, Dark Side walking tour and you’ll find a choice of tours, guides and operators in the Old Town, along the Royal Mile stretch just 5 to 10 minute walk from Waverley Station.

Once you’ve finished touring the underground, a short walk up the hill towards the castle will uncover numerous pubs and whiskey tasting opportunities. The castle itself is open for visits most days but beware the queues are long in summer and you can book online in advance to speed things up.

Edinburgh is the United Kingdom’s second most visited city and it’s easy to see why with so much to do, see, taste and enjoy. Bustling with beautiful mainstream, boutique and luxury hotels, it’s a tough choice to pick out which are the best, but here’s our must-stays.

Popular hotel offers in Edinburgh

Top 7 Hotels in Edinburgh

1. Royal Mile Radisson Collection Hotel

In the heart of the Old Town and minutes from action in every direction, the Royal Mile Radisson Collection is luxurious, modern and in the perfect location for exploring the Old Town, just a few minutes from Edinburgh castle.

The hotel is 5 star and modern with spacious bedrooms all equipped with Nespresso machines, LCD TVs and free high-speed WiFi. Its has a 24 hour fitness centre, 24 hour front desk, 136 non-smoking rooms and is minutes walk from a wide range of pubs and restaurants. Other onsite facilities include a modern contemporary restaurant, bar, spa and access to a pool through a nearby “sister” hotel.

Find out more about Royal Mile Radisson Collection Hotel

2. Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

A superb, popular and highly rated boutique hotel in the heart of the New Town in Edinburgh’s financial district. The reviews for this hotel are outstanding across all review platforms and hotel comparison websites and it’s easy to see why the 5 star hotel is loved by its customers.

All of the 198 rooms are luxurious and well equipped, with flat screen TV, desk, a complimentary treat box and fridge. The hotel has its own leisure facilities, gym, spa and pool which is available to all guests as well as onsite parking facilities. It also has a range of dining options including an indoor dining courtyard and a middle eastern and Mediterranean-style restaurant.

Find out more about Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

3. Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club

If you’re looking to stay a little out of the bustling city centre, just 7 miles away is the 4 star Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club set in 1,000 acres of parkland with 2 x 18 hole golf courses, luxurious leisure facilities, a full service spa, gym, indoor pool and a range of restaurants and bars.

The perfect Scottish retreat is only 20 minutes from the city, set in beautiful gardens with 2 tennis courts and convenient parking.

Find out more about Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club

4. The Scotsman Hotel

This popular 4 star hotel is a stone throw from Edinburgh’s Waverly station, the entry point to Edinburgh by train, minutes walk from the Royal mile, Old Town and Princes Gardens. Originally named after the national newspaper company who took up residence in this beautiful Baroque building, the majestic style exterior built in 1905 hides a modern and renovated interior.

You can expect marble en-suite bathrooms in most bedrooms, and panoramic views of the city as well as a wee nip of Whisky on arrival to get things going. The 72 bedrooms are exceptional with luxury Egyptian cotton linen and free WiFi.

Find out more about The Scotsman Hotel

5. Market Street Hotel

Tucked around the southern side of Waverly Station, on market street at the base of the Old Town, this is a 4 star modern and trendy boutique hotel with 98 non-smoking guest rooms and a unique rooftop terrace bar which provides stunning scenic views across the city whilst serving champagne, beer wine and spirits and small plates.

The hotel has excellent reviews across the internet from customers. Each of the bedrooms free high-speed WiFi and a free minibar.

Find out more about Market Street Hotel

6. Angel's Share Hotel

A truly Scottish-inspired 31 bedroom boutique hotel located on the edge of the New Town, with views of Princes Gardens and Edinburgh Castle.

This 4 star hotel is offers excellent value for money, a modern interior, easy access on foot to the Old Town, New Town and Princes Gardens. The unique modern and quirky interior helps the Angel’s Share Hotel stand out in a positive way and each of the 31 bedrooms have their own unique decor with pictures of famous Scots and Scottish culture, as well as flat screen TV with Sky Sports, free WiFi, luxury Scottish toiletries, bathrobes, cosy slippers and a fully loaded mini-bar.

Find out more about Angel's Share Hotel

7. The Balmoral Hotel

At the very start of Princes Street, the gateway to the New Town, and on the corner adjoining the North Bridge, the original access between the New Town and Old town, this is a luxury and premium 5 star hotel with its own clock tower, excellent amenities including 3 restaurants and 2 bars, a fitness centre, spa with sauna and a Turkish steam room, and a valet parking service is available. One of the restaurants has the coveted Michelin Star. The rooms combine a traditional style, look and feel with a modern setting.

Find out more about The Balmoral Hotel

FAQs when booking a hotel in Edinburgh

Scotland is well worth a visit and is the UK’s 2nd most visiting city.

Edinburgh combines old and new with the medieval old town, sightseeing tours, Edinburgh Castle, underground caverns and whiskey tasting to New Town’s popular shopping district.

Edinburgh has its own airport which is just 15-30 minutes out of the city depending on traffic.

There is no shortage, however the following are recommended: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, The Scotsman Hotel, The Balmoral Hotel, Market Street Hotel.

All the ones you would expect to find in a large city including Yotel, Hilton, Malmaison, Ibis, Aparthotel, Mercure, Best Western, Jury’s Inn and Radisson.

Scotland is in the north of the United Kingdom, and is therefore slightly cooler than England in general. The summers are mild and the winters are cold.

Waverly Station is the main city centre train station connecting Edinburgh with England and London as well as Glasgow, and other parts of Scotland.

Almost 400 miles / 643 KM as the crow flies, at least a 7 hours drive (or more), depending on traffic. There is a direct train leaving every 30 minutes in normal times which takes 4 hours 40 minutes and you can fly direct from Heathrow airport to Edinburgh airport in about an hour and 20 minutes.