The best hotels in Edinburgh, for future travel plans
We want to go to them all, obviously
Amazing architecture, world-class museums and galleries, hip bars and restaurants, excellent shopping and a really big castle; there are SO many reasons why Edinburgh is weekend-break gold. But where to stay? As you’d expect from a city this cool, its hotels range from boutique retreats to grand, luxurious options, plus a wide range of places in between. Here’s our pick of the best hotels in Edinburgh, whether you’re after a night in a sexy suite or aparthotel with friends.
Best Edinburgh hotels - Eden Locke
This on-trend aparthotel lies in an impressive Georgian building in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, and ticks all our current interior design obsessions. Think mint green walls, wicker chairs, potted plants and brass finishes. It’s extremely Instagrammable and a lovely space to hang out, particularly the cafe bar where locals and tourists tuck into freshly baked pastries and smoothies. Suites in sherbet shades are more like apartments, with tiny kitchens, big bed, L-shaped sofa, Apple TV, Pukka teas, milk and cocktails shakers. Guests also get one free yoga class a week.
Stay: From £75pn
Best Edinburgh hotels - Tigerlily
This is a fun choice, the kind of hotel that ensures your city break is playful by furnishing its massive bar with eye-popping pink cushions, blue velvet chairs, gold tables and a 150 cocktails on the menu. Bedrooms have king-size beds, White Company toiletries and GHD hair straighteners. Book The Black Room for its hanging wicker chair, working fire and dark walls if you want something more sexy. It would be rude to leave without trying the Champagne afternoon tea.
Stay: From £114pn.
Best Edinburgh hotels - The Balmoral
If you want to go full-on glam luxe, book a room at this icon which comes with a Michelin-starred restaurant, swish spa and the poshest address in the city: No 1 Princes Street. It’s five-star all the way here, particularly the service which is unwaveringly good, whether you’re requesting a bike to explore the city or a late night, off-menu cocktail. Most rooms have high ceilings, elegant furnishings and views of Edinburgh castle and surrounding hills. Treat yourself to afternoon tea in the Palm Court.
Stay: From £153pn.
Best Edinburgh hotels - The Dunstane Houses
Two West End townhouses converted into a smart, family-run boutique hotel with 35 rooms and loads of personality. Our ‘likes’ list is long, including the Ba’Bar (chortle) with its wide selection of vintage whiskies and modern Scottish menu - think spiced Orkney beef burger or whole Dunbar lobster. We also appreciate the velvet sofas, free-standing copper tubs, huge fireplaces, tartan cushions, Chesterfield sofas and liberal use of funky peacock feather wallpaper.
Stay: From £99pn
Best Edinburgh hotels - Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
This New Town escape merges midcentury style with 21st-century design to fabulous effect. We love all the retro touches: tartan throws, bright red vintage telephone, roll top baths and record players. But it’s not just the rooms that are knock-out, there’s also a library stocked with Penguin classics and snacks, a gorgeous spa, BABA Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant and The Garden, a plant-filled conservatory with wicker chairs and fine cocktail list.
Stay: From £122pn
Best Edinburgh hotels - The Witchery By The Castle
For a romantic weekend away, book a room at this Gothic escape by Edinburgh’s famous castle. The antithesis of bland, minimalist hotel decor, all nine suites are low-lit, sexy, theatrical dens with lashings of red and gold, four-poster beds, tapestries, tassels, stag antlers and oak-panelled bathrooms (you get the picture). There’s also a famous restaurant set in a collection of historic buildings at the castle gates, where you eat by candle-lit in the elegant dining room or in the Secret Garden room which has a hand-painted ceiling and secluded terrace. Count Dracula would rate it 5 on Tripadvisor.
Stay: From £395pn (book directly online and you’ll receive a free bottle of bubbly on arrival)
Here's your guide to the west coast of Barbados
The complete guide to a Las Vegas trip
How to do Paris like a local (not a tourist)
First time in Paris? See our perfect 48-hour plan!
