The best hotels in Edinburgh

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Edinburgh may be compact, but it’s packed with personality—where winding medieval closes meet grand Georgian squares, and every corner has a story to tell. From lavish suites to cozy guesthouses and even a floating hotel in Leith, the best places to stay in Edinburgh reflect its rich sense of place. Whether you're after romance, skyline views, buzzing nightlife or local charm, there’s a perfect base waiting to be booked.

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History buffs can get happily lost between Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the storybook lanes of the Old Town. Climb Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views, or head to Dean Village for a quieter stroll along the Water of Leith. Princes Street and George Street serve up everything from high-end brands to indie boutiques, while Stockbridge charms with its Sunday market and bohemian cafés. Leith is your go-to for modern Scottish dining and waterfront cocktails, and some of the city's best hotel bars are found tucked into historic buildings or behind discreet facades in the West End. If food is a focus, Michelin-starred restaurants and stylish bistros are woven through every neighborhood—many of them housed within hotels that are destinations in their own right. And when the sun dips, Edinburgh’s pub scene hums with live music, literary banter and late-night cocktails. Whether you're here for the Festival or just a long weekend, choosing the right neighborhood is key—and with our insider guide, you’ll find the hotel that puts you right where you want to be.

The Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh

For a memorable stay

The Roseate Edinburgh comprises two stately Victorian townhouses, on opposite sides of the road, in a peaceful corner of the West End. Combined, they make a 35-room boutique hotel, with individually decorated rooms and suites featuring a luxurious array of original details and modern conveniences, including Nespresso machines and Roberts digital radios, and some with four-poster beds and stand-alone copper baths. There’s a very nice bar and restaurant specialising in local Scottish produce from small suppliers. Stylish and welcoming, they also have family suites.
The Fingal is a retired lighthouse tender turned luxury, 23-room hotel, now anchored in the hip area of Leith. Cabins range from classic doubles to decadent suites. The design is luxurious with brass fittings, leather, and rich hues. A glamorous ballroom is ideal for a party, and there's a fabulous little restaurant too. She's now part of the Royal Yacht Britannia trust, and is Scotland's first luxury floating hotel.
The Balmoral is a large, typically historic Edinburgh hotel which began life as the railway hotel, sitting right beside Waverley Station. Olga Polizzi is responsible for the decor, and it oozes understated elegance. There’s a choice of restaurants, one of them fine dining with 4 AA rosettes, plus a choice of bars, including SCOTCH, with its collection of more than 500 whiskies!

The best hotels on the royal mile

You can’t get much closer to the action than The Inn on The Mile. It's essentially a pub with kitchen, and nine rooms above on the Royal Mile, just five minutes' stroll from the castle. Sit outside and watch the world go by, or enjoy the live music and food indoors. The rooms are contemporay in style, with a chic, pared-back vibe.
House of Gods is pure theatrical escapism just steps from the Royal Mile. Think velvet, mirrors, chandeliers and in-room Prosecco buttons. This bold boutique fantasy is ideal for couples looking for fun and flair in the heart of Old Town.

For the new town

Small and stylish, The Rutland is a 12-room hotel on Princes Street opposite the entrance to Princes Street Gardens. Each of the rooms is individually decorated, but they’re all large and elegant. It also has a gourmet steak restaurant and a swanky bar and nightclub.
With pastel hues and a minimalist Scandi vibe, Eden Locke offers stylish studios and a buzzing café in the heart of George Street. It's a hit with design lovers and remote workers alike. The self-catering suites make it ideal for longer stays.
A beautifully restored banking hall turned luxury hotel, Cheval The Edinburgh Grand blends grand interiors with high-end serviced apartments. Think wooden or dramatically tiled floors, velvet sofas and skyline views. It’s perfect for families or anyone seeking space without sacrificing style.

For a city break hotel

Formerly the headquarters for The Scotsman newspaper, The Scotsman is historic and well-positioned, with views of Edinburgh Castle. So it’s ideal if you want to be in the thick of things. Inside, there are 59 very elegant rooms and suites, decorated in pale neutrals, with pale wood panelling. Plus, they have a spa and gym.
Gleneagles Townhouse brings the iconic Scottish hotel’s glamor to St Andrew Square. Expect plush rooms, a private members’ club, and a sleek rooftop bar with views of the New Town. It’s a luxurious, sociable base for exploring the city center.

For a lively city break

Le Monde is a playful boutique hotel just off Princes Street, themed around world cities with bold rooms and a party vibe. With bars, a restaurant and a nightclub on-site, it’s ideal for sociable weekends or celebratory stays in the city center.

Edinburgh's most romantic hotels

Small and intimate, 21212 offers just four elegant guest rooms. It’s close to Holyrood, and Calton Hill, but still only ten or 15 minutes' walk from the castle. We love the small size of this place, so one feels very cocooned, like a guest at a luxurious house party with a short invitation list.
In a prime position at the top end of the Royal Mile close to Edinburgh Castle, and offering a combination of intimacy and Gothic decadence, it’s hard to find somewhere more memorable to stay in Edinburgh than the Witchery by the Castle. The nine rooms that now occupy this 16th century building are theatrically opulent, with gilded ceilings over four-poster beds, oil paintings over wood panelling, candlelight and swathes of jewel-colored velvet. The restaurant is known for its Scottish cuisine and for its atmosphere.
Surrounded by 20 acres of private parkland, Prestonfield feels more like a country house hotel than a city center one, but this opulent manor house conversion is just five minutes from the Holyrood Palace end of the Royal Mile. Inside are 23 rooms and suites, many of which are among the most romantic in Edinburgh, with their canopied beds, heavy drapes, rich fabrics, antiques and roaring fires. There’s a fine dining restaurant too.
Close to the Palace of Holyrood end of the Royal Mile, about 15 minutes from the castle, Six Brunton Place is a superb, 22-room hotel in a carefully converted Edwardian mansion. The rooms and suites are all unique, decorated with style and simplicity, showcasing artworks and the various rooms' original features.
In the villagey enclave of Stockbridge, The Raeburn mixes period architecture with plush interiors and a buzzy brasserie. Rooms feature roll-top baths, bold wallpaper and sash windows. It’s elegant, intimate, and away from the tourist crush.

Some of edinburgh's best b&bs

23 Mayfield is a five star B&B in a beautiful Victorian building. There are only seven rooms, some with four-poster beds, and all with wood panelling, fireplaces and big bathtubs. They serve an excellent breakfast, and there’s a lovely garden. The location isn’t super central, but it’s a really charming place to stay.

For great value

B+B Edinburgh is a roomy, 27-room B&B in the West End, which has the feel of a private club or boutique hotel. It’s awash with Victorian details and luxurious touches, but it’s still really affordable, especially when you consider that breakfast is included and the location is so central.
Nira Caledonia is a 28-room boutique hotel within a magnificent row of Georgian townhouses in Stockbridge, which is close to the botanic gardens and the Stockbridge Farmers Market. The rooms vary in size and style, but they’re all chic and comfortable, with spacious ensuite bathrooms. There’s also a superb restaurant.

For a stylish local stay

Set in residential Morningside, The Lane is a chic boutique hideaway with smart rooms and warm service. Interiors feel modern yet cozy, and there’s a popular neighborhood café downstairs. A great choice for those wanting to live like a local.
West End elegance oozes from The Bonham, a dignified townhouse hotel with traditional decor, high ceilings and period charm. It’s peaceful, grown-up and well placed for museums, boutique shops and the Dean Village. A refined base just outside the fray.

For luxury with a view

Overlooking the castle and Princes Street Gardens, 100 Princes Street delivers discreet, high-end luxury with top-notch service. The decor is rich and layered, with curated art and heritage nods. It’s ideal for those seeking a boutique feel with five-star finesse.

Prefer a self-catering apartment?

If you’d prefer to stay in a city center apartment, we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel information

Edinburgh International Airport has links to over 130 destinations and is about an hour’s flight from London. However, Scot Rail’s Caledonian Sleeper is probably the most romantic way to arrive. You get into Waverley Station, which is also very well connected to other UK-wide destinations.
If you want to hire a car, which we strongly advise if you’re staying in Edinburgh and you want to see the surrounding area, we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
Edinburgh is busy over August for the Festival and the Fringe, and over Christmas and New year for Hogmanay, but the space in between is quiet and still pleasant weather-wise. Alternatively, June and July are also popular. Of course, if you’re here for the events then book well ahead!

Still not sure which to book?

You could refine your search to the 6 Best Hotels in Edinburgh's West End
The 10 Best Hotels in Edinburgh's New Town, the 5 Best Hotels in Edinburgh's Old Town or the 5 Best Hotels on the Royal Mile
Or perhaps you'll find something in our Ultimate Guide to the best hotels in Scotland
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

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