The Best Hotels in Edinburgh

Also available to book at Hotels.com

Not to be confused with the Royal Family residence of a similar name, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Collection Hotel expertly mixes a storied history with luxury service and opulent-yet-tasteful design. The building itself has lived through a few chapters, with roots dating back to 1902, but it wasn’t until 1997 that it became the first property in Sir Rocco Forte’s eponymous portfolio. Today, the 188-room-and-suite hotel oozes both comfort and grandeur, continuously receiving high marks from T+L editors; in fact, it was most recently featured in the World’s Best Awards in 2022 and 2023.

Everything inside The Balmoral is five-star — from its dining options (The Palm Court, Brassiere Prince, and Number One) to its Olga Polizzi-designed interiors and Irene Forte Skincare toiletries. If you want a particularly grandiose stay, upgrade to one of the well-appointed Forte Suites; I haven’t stopped dreaming of my stay in the Glamis Suite, a spacious abode with all of the trappings of a palace and windows that look down upon bustling Princes Street.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: Edinburgh New Town
• Accessibility: Accessible entrances and areas throughout the hotel
• Nearby Attractions: Scott Monument, Edinburgh Waverley, St. Andrew Square Garden
• Loyalty Programs: Rocco Forte Friends
• Rates: Starting at $436 per night

Also available to book at Kayak.com

Some travelers may know this hotel as the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, but recent changes have led the property to a new identity: The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton. As a Waldorf Astoria hotel, it received top marks in the World’s Best Awards in 2022, though even more updates and upgrades are reportedly to come in the near future.

Said to have hosted a variety of famous names over the years, “The Caley” takes Scottish hospitality seriously. The rooms and suites are all outfitted with muted tones and quality linens, providing guests with impeccable places to rest (or get over a bout of jet lag). Those who plan to spend time inside the hotel during their visit will be able to take advantage of the tearoom, cocktail bar, restaurants, spa, and a swimming pool that overlooks Edinburgh Castle.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: Edinburgh New Town
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms and public spaces throughout the hotel, although the property notes the business center and swimming pool are not accessible
• Nearby Attractions: Ross Fountain, National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle
• Loyalty Programs: Hilton Honors
• Rates: Starting at $289 per night

Also available to book at Skylark.com

Gleneagles has been synonymous with Scottish adventure and luxury for 100 years. The brand’s newest chapter, Gleneagles Townhouse, arrived in Edinburgh in June 2022 — making the 2023 It List soon after. The 33-room hotel comes recommended by T+L features editor Peter Terzian, who described the 33-room getaway as a place that “brings urban panache” to the legendary name; it’s the cooler, younger sibling of the famed spa and golf resort.

While the townhouse operates as a private member’s club, open to both members and hotel guests, there’s nothing stuffy about the interiors. The guest rooms are a bit Art Deco and a bit Victorian, with touches of color and texture to offset any of the darker wood furnishings. The dining areas, though, are where Gleneagles Townhouse really shines. The Spence, an all-day restaurant, is breathtaking — whether you’re partaking in afternoon tea, brunch, or pre-dinner cocktails.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: Edinburgh New Town
• Accessibility: Accessible areas and entrances; there is an elevator. Two guest rooms have accessible bathrooms.
• Nearby Attractions: National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait, Calton Hill, Museum of Edinburgh
• Rates: Starting at $467 per night

Also available to book at Hotels.com

I booked a room at Eden Locke at the very last minute, when wind, rain, and winter storms delayed my train ride back to London. From the photos online, it looked bright and clean, perfect for a solo female traveler; the same proved true upon my arrival. With 72 spacious rooms and suites — all of which come with a kitchen and lounge area — this is the type of place where you can comfortably spend an extended amount of time. The accommodations feel more akin to apartments than typical hotel rooms, with room to store your luggage and stock up on breakfast essentials and snacks.

As a remote worker, I found the downstairs coffee shop and coworking space to be pleasant additions to the entire guest experience. The space is trendy and Instagrammable — without feeling like it belongs back in 2014. The WiFi is decent, too.

The Details: 

• Neighborhood: Edinburgh New Town
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms are available
• Nearby Attractions: Circus Lane, The Georgian House, Edinburgh Castle
• Loyalty Programs: Locke Community
• Rates: Starting at $165 per night

Also available to book at Expedia.com

If you’ve ever wanted to spend the night on a boat, but still have all of the amenities of a top-tier hotel, book a room aboard Fingal. Completely renovated to create a glamorous, yacht-like guest experience, the 237-foot ship contains 22 style cabins, a deck, and a restaurant and bar. The experience is inherently romantic; toast over Champagne at The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar (which also services breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner) or spend some quality time on the deck, admiring the harbor at night. To take it up a notch, reserve the Skerryvore Suite; the highest room category, it comes with a private deck, a separate living space, a dining table, a super king-size bed, and a complimentary minibar.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: Leith
• Accessibility: Accessible routes and rooms are available, but contact the property if you have specific questions or concerns
• Nearby Attractions: The Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith Links, The Port of Leith Distillery
• Rates: Starting at $450 per night

Also available to book at Hotels.com

Gleneagles Townhouse wasn’t the only hotel to arrive in town in 2022; Virgin Hotels Edinburgh opened its doors in June, preceding the opening of the hospitality brand’s Glasgow offshoot (which opened in August 2023). Highlights include the Eve Branson suite, named in honor of Richard Branson’s late mother, and Commons Club, an on-site restaurant with a deliciously Scottish menu.

Other can’t-miss features within the 222-room property include a state-of-the-art fitness center; Eve, an all-day dining spot that turns into a lively hotspot on the weekends; and the Oculus Lounge, where afternoon tea is served on Saturdays and Sundays. This is the type of hotel where you technically don’t ever have to leave — all of your needs are met, and the rooms urge you to stay in bed just a little while longer. But given the prime location in Edinburgh Old Town, it’s best to get outside and see the sights, if only for a small portion of your stay.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: Edinburgh Old Town
• Accessibility: Accessible rooms are available; wheelchair access throughout the common spaces
• Nearby Attractions: Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, Surgeons’ Hall Museums
• Loyalty Programs: The Know
• Rates: Starting at $217 per night

Also available to book at Expedia.com

100 Princes Street is the newest hotel to open in Edinburgh, welcoming its first guests in April 2024. Part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection — a group that includes Ashford Castle in Ireland and The Milestone Hotel & Residences in London — the 30-room property is intimate, cozy, and decidedly Scottish (note: the custom Araminta Campbell tartan wallcoverings, bedspreads, and upholstery).

While the decor choices immediately set the scene, the hotel also curates one-of-a-kind experiences to “immerse you in all things Scottish.” This includes designing your own gin at Kingsbarns Distillery, fishing on the River Tweed, and going on a customizable Harry Potter tour, stopping at places like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh University, and Victoria Street (purportedly the inspiration for Diagon Alley). On property, mealtime consists of hearty fare and the country’s classics; the menu at The Wallace includes haggis bon bons, fish and chips, and Scottish salmon.

The Details:

• Neighborhood:  Edinburgh New Town
• Accessibility: The entryway steps can be converted into a ramp, and there are two accessible rooms on the second floor as well as a wheelchair-friendly elevator.
• Nearby Attractions: The Scottish Gallery, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle
• Rates: Starting at $573 per night

Also available to book at Kayak.com

History buffs in search of a hotel in Edinburgh should look no further than The Witchery By the Castle. Here, nine suites are housed inside buildings that date back to 1595 and are just steps away from the gates of Edinburgh Castle. Every corner of the rooms is bathed in drama — draped beds, velvets, silks, carved wood, leather trunks, and military uniforms create highly theatrical scenes.

Given the age of the buildings — and the general aesthetic of the hotel — guests may be pleasantly surprised at the lineup of amenities that come with a booking. Breakfast and a bottle of Champagne are included, and there’s even air conditioning, a Dyson hairdryer, an Amazon Echo voice-controlled music system, and a Smart TV in each suite. The property certainly doesn’t skimp on comfort, which is much appreciated after maneuvering around the swarms of tourists in this part of town.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: Edinburgh Old Town
• Accessibility: The facilities are not accessible.
• Nearby Attractions: Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Cockburn Street
• Rates: Starting at $572 per night

Also available to book at Expedia.com

W Hotels celebrated its expansion into Edinburgh in the fall of 2023 with the opening of its 244-room hotel, inclusive of 45 suites, in the St. James Quarter. The hotel’s structure itself is immediately recognizable (and controversial); you may hear it referred to as the “ribbon building.” The interiors, however, are less contended. In classic W fashion, the rooms are ranked from “Wonderful,” the standard rooms, to “Extreme Wow,” the hotel’s top accommodations, and the best room categories are located on the highest floors, complete with spacious terraces.

What guests may not initially realize is that 39 of the W Edinburgh rooms are located inside a Georgian townhouse across the street from the larger building. No matter which building you find yourself in, though, you’ll want to grab a table at SUSHISAMBA for dinner, the W Lounge for breakfast (and panoramic views), and the W Deck for cocktails — especially if it’s a warmer night.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: St. James Quarter
• Accessibility: Accessible public areas, routes, and guest rooms are available.
• Nearby Attractions: Scottish Parliament Building, The Chocolatarium, Pleasance Courtyard
• Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
• Rates: Starting at $318 per night

Also available to book at Expedia.com

The George is one of those hotels that has managed to keep up with the times without leaving behind its history. Spread across multiple Georgian townhouses, which date back to 1775, and a more modern Fourth Wing, the 240-room hotel is located on the famed George Street, hence its name. While it’s one of the larger hotels in Edinburgh, no detail goes unnoticed, and guests are treated to top-of-the-line service and amenities. The latter includes turndown service, a fitness center, Agraria toiletries, fluffy bathrobes, and rainfall showers.

The overall aesthetic of the hotel — from the lobby to its dining options, Le Petit Beefbar and Burr & Co. — is that of classic luxury with period features and touches of thoughtful charm. It’s the type of place where you can feel grounded and immersed in the city, without forgoing any of the typical five-star features. Plus, you can walk out the door and quickly reach most of Edinburgh’s historical sites by foot.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: Edinburgh New Town
• Accessibility: ADA-compliant guest rooms are available; hotel entrance and restaurant are wheelchair-accessible
• Nearby Attractions: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, King George V Park, Dean Village
• Loyalty Programs: IHG Business Rewards
• Rates: Starting at $155 per night

Also available to book at Hotels.com

Like many Edinburgh hotels, The Scotsman is located inside a Baroque building with an interesting narrative; the North Bridge address previously housed the Scotsman Newspaper. The property nods to its past in The Press Bar, where you can cozy up and enjoy a refreshing drink and club sandwich, and in its room categories, from Reporter Rooms to the Publisher and Headline Suites.

The rooms, suites, and the two-floor penthouse extend across 10 floors, and guests get to enjoy a bit of whisky upon arrival as well as a collection of Arran Sense Of Scotland toiletries. It’s these thoughtful touches — as well as an impressive marble staircase, stained glass windows, a movie theater (The Scotsman Picturehouse), and views of Calton Hill — that keep travelers returning — and earn the 79-room hotel a place on this list.

The Details:

• Neighborhood: Edinburgh Old Town
• Accessibility: The hotel doesn’t note if any of its rooms are accessible; it’s recommended to call before booking if you have any questions or concerns.
• Nearby Attractions: The Meadows, Hunter’s Bog, Dynamic Earth
• Loyalty Programs: Loyalty app is slated to be announced
• Rates: Starting at $202 per night