17 BEST HOTELS in Edinburgh [December 2024]

Ah, the rolling green hills of Scotland. When you aren’t hiking up mossy mountains and exploring foggy lakes, the medieval castle town of Edinburgh is here to make you feel at home with sleepy pubs and ancient castles.

Depending on what strikes your fancy, you will want to find a hotel to suit how you like to travel. Looking for history? Pubs? Or maybe a place the whole family can enjoy? (www.patchhawaii.org)

We made finding the best hotels in Edinburgh a sinch with this one-stop guide. Now you can find the best rooms in town as well as the best Scottish experience!

From foggy mornings, sleepy castles, cozy pubs, and coffee shops, Edinburgh is a massive city which has not lost any of its old-timey charm.

Pack up your raincoats, your Edinburgh adventure starts now!

Quick answers – Best Hotels in Edinburgh

#1 –  Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh

Best Overall Hotel in Edinburgh

• $$
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Gym

From your luxurious 5-star bedroom window, you will have views looking over the historic town of Edinburgh. The name Radisson is a brand you can trust with providing you with a top-class stay in one of the most breathtaking cities in all of Scotland!

It’s not just the comfort within the hotel which will have you booking into this hotel in a heartbeat. The Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile goes above and beyond to hook you up with every convenience and luxury.

With a rooftop terrace, a bar, restaurant, and even a gym, you won’t have to go far to pamper yourself while exploring the beauty of Edinburgh.

 

Still haven’t booked for Edinburgh? We’ve organized the best places to stay in Edinburgh for all types of trips!

#2 – Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport

Best Hotel in Edinburgh Near the Airport

• $$
• Restaurant
• Laundry Service
• Meeting Rooms

Needing to catch that red-eye flight or just landing in Edinburgh? Holiday Inn Express is not only near the airport, but its practically on top of it! No need to waste time on expensive and dodgy cab rides, this hotel will have you within minutes of your departure gate!

It’s not just the location that makes Holiday Inn Express one of the best hotels in Edinburgh, they also provide their guests with a shuttle service to and from the airport, an on-site restaurant and even a business center for those needing to catch up on some work!

 

If you’re going to Edinburgh, take a look at some amazing things to do in Edinburgh while you’re there!

#3 – Old Town Chambers

Best Hotel in Edinburgh Near Downtown

• $$$
• Gym
• Pet-Friendly
• Central Location

The name Old Town Chambers is more than enough to already have you stricken with that old town Scottish feel. Get ready to be sleeping in the most romantic and traditional part of town. All of the best sites and bites in Edinburgh will be just a few minutes from your hotel!

The rooms alone are more than enough to make you fall in love with Old Town Chambers. With classic charm meeting modern comfort, this hotel in the heart of Edinburgh will be your perfect home while exploring all of the beauty this Scottish city has to offer!

 

#4 – Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh

Best Hotel in Edinburgh for Families

• $$
• Coffee Shop
• Sauna
• Pool

Anyone will tell you that traveling with kids is not easy. But just because you are bringing your children on an otherwise historic and romantic getaway, doesn’t mean the whole family can’t have fun!

At Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, parents will find you will have everything you need to make that dream family vacation a reality!

With a central location, you will be just minutes away from all the best sites and restaurants. Even back at your 5-star hotel, you will have a pool, sauna, and even a coffee shop to keep up with the energy of your kids!

Needing some alone time? Waldorf Astoria has you covered with their babysitting service, meaning you can enjoy a romantic night out without having to worry about your kids!

 

#5 – The Principal Edinburgh George Street

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in Edinburgh

• $$$
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Coffee Shop

Is your four-legged friend accompanying you on your trip around the world? While other hotels in Edinburgh might close their doors to you and your pet, there is no need to whimper. The Principal on Geroge Street is not only one of the best hotels in Edinburgh, but they will also show you and Snuffles the best side of town!

While you aren’t out exploring the old town or climbing up castles, rest your paws at the hotel! With its very own restaurant, bar, and coffee shop, you won’t have to wander too far to find a great spot to eat or drink!

No matter how you looking at it, The Principal is one of the best places for you and your little dog too!

 

Editor’s Recommendation: Break up your time in Edinburgh by taking a scenic day trip!

#6 – No 11 Boutique Hotel

Best Cheap Hotel in Edinburgh

• $
• Library
• Bar
• Restaurant

It is impossible to pin just one label to No 11 Boutique Hotel. Is it a luxurious 4-star hotel or a cozy little bed and breakfast? When you check into this budget hotel you will find that it is the best of both worlds!

While staying at the No 11 Boutique Hotel it will almost be like sleeping at a homey guesthouse, except you will have all of the comforts of a hotel!

With its very own library, a bar, and even a restaurant, you won’t have to take to the streets to find a place to relax or to get a bite to eat. The hotel’s decor alone is more than enough on its own to make you fall in love and want to call Edinburgh home for good!

 

How much do you know about Edinburgh? You can learn about Edinburgh’s history before you go!

#7 – The Witchery by the Castle

Best Hotel in Edinburgh Near Edinburgh Castle

• $$$$
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Lounge

Although it may come with a hefty price tag, this has to be hand down the most bewitching hotel in all of Edinburgh! The Witchery is located right on top of Edinburgh Castle but with decor, antiques, and luxury like this, you will feel no need to leave the hotel!

If a Scooby-doo haunted castle was mixed with a 5-star hotel, this would be it! Complete with old mansion-Esque lounges, vintage furniture, a restaurant, and even a bar, you will wining and dining by candle night every evening!

If you are looking for a one of a kind experience in the most historic part of Edinburgh, then The Witchery is sure to catch a spell on you!

 

#8 – Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Best Hotel in Edinburgh Near Calton Hill

• $$
• Indoor Pool
• Spa
• Restaurant

Just a bit outside of the touristy area, but close to the breathtaking Calton Hill, Apex Waterloo Place has a location more local than the old town but still keeping up with all the history and culture of Edinburgh.

While the location is maybe just a tad bit more removed from downtown Edinburgh, the inside of Apex Waterloo Place Hotel ups the ante and pampers their guests with endless luxury!

With its very own indoor pool, a spa, restaurant cooking up delicious dishes, and a bar serving stiff drinks, Apex Waterloo is a 4-star hotel providing you with a resort experience!

 

#9 – St Giles Apartments

Best Hotel in Edinburgh Near St Giles Cathedral

• $$
• Located in Old Town
• Apartments
• Stunning Views

Many travelers would prefer to stay someplace local rather than in a massive glistening hotel. St Giles Apartments will have you living like a local while being close to some of the most historic sites in all of Edinburgh!

Imagine waking up every morning, preparing a hot cup of coffee, and sitting in your living room watching the gorgeous St Giles Cathedral from your apartment window! At St Giles Apartments your fantasy will become a reality!

With a great location, just a minutes walk away from all the best museums and restaurants, you will be blending in with the rest of Scotland from your own apartment in no time!

 

What do you like? Because we’ve catered a list of the top tours in Edinburgh for all interests!

#10 – Holyrood Aparthotel

Best Hotel in Edinburgh Near the Palace of Holyroodhouse

• $$
• Gym
• Kitchen
• Laundry Service

Providing you with the best of both worlds, Holyrood Aparthotel combines all the comforts of an apartment with all the luxuries of a hotel! With its very own gym and laundry service, you will feel right at home while staying in Edinburgh!

With a location just a stone’s throw away from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, you will be literally sleeping in the heart of the historic district of Edinburgh! Top it all of with the option to cook at your apartment or dine out at one of the nearby restaurants, you are sure to feel like Holyrood Aparthotel is your new home away from home!

 

More Best Hotels in Edinburgh

#11 – Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa

• $$
• Bar
• Outdoor Pool
• Restaurant

While you are out exploring all of the castles, museums, and quaint streets of Edinburgh you can expect to be walking a lot! After a tiring day of hiking up steps and hills, Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa will be there to pamper you and get you ready for another day of sightseeing!

This 5-star hotel goes above and beyond to provide its guests with every luxury imaginable! We are talking about an outdoor pool, Turkish Bath, sauna, and even massage services!

After a few hours of soaking in the pool or loosening up those muscles, be sure to hit the restaurant and grab a bite to eat! From the morning to the night, the Sheraton Grand Hotel will be there to give you the best Edinburgh experience possible!

 

#12 – The Chester Residence

• $$
• Gym
• Ticket Service
• Babysitting

Can you think of anything being better than staying near some of the best cafes, art galleries, and museums in Edinburgh? The Chester Residence will have you booking into your own cozy apartment just minutes from all the best restaurants and tourist attractions in Edinburgh’s old town!

The location is just the tip of the iceberg, The Chester Residency will having you spending every night in some of the most luxurious rooms imaginable, complete with their own kitchen and spacious bathroom!

From a gym on-site to a homey apartment, The Chester Residence is a hotel which will never stop wowing you!

 

#13 – Nira Caledonia

• $$
• Garden
• Restaurant
• Bar

Lets dream for a second. You just landed in the rainy, misty capital of Edinburgh. You taxi takes you rolling into the old town past castles and sleepy little pubs. As you drive up on the cobbled streets, you stop in front of a century-old Georgian townhouse. This whole scene will become a reality once you book yourself into Nira Caledonia!

Other than having spacious luxury rooms, with a bath and some even with a garden, this top-class hotel located in the beating heart of Edinburgh while dazzle you with its very own restaurant and bar serving up to 25 different kinds of whiskeys!

From romantic scenes to classic Scottish drinks! Nira Caledonia is the first step to experiencing the true soul of Scotland!

 

#14 – The Inn On The Mile

• $$$
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Close to Railway Station

The Inn on the Mile is one of those luxury hotels which from the outside you would mistake for being one of the most historic buildings in all of Edinburgh! Just a stunning inside as it is outside The Inn on the Mile is sure to make your jaw drop to the floor with the sheer beauty and luxury of the hotel!

Located within just a few minutes of the railway station, this 4-star hotel is perfect for those just rolling into Edinburgh or those needing to catch an early morning train!

Boasting its very own bar and restaurant, you can start each day off right with a delicious Scottish breakfast and end the night with a traditional Scottish whiskey!

 

#15 – Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh

• $$
• Spa
• Bar
• Gym

Fitting right in with the rest of the fairytale-like architecture of Edinburgh’s old town, the Radisson Blu Hotel’s spire and stone exterior is sure to make you fall in love with your new home away from home!

This 4-star hotel will have you within minutes of all the best sites in Edinburgh. You won’t be able to leave the hotel without passing a museum, church, or castle!

The Radisson is a chain of hotels known for going above and beyond to treat their guests like royalty, and the Radisson Blu is no exception! With its very own restaurant, bar, and even a gym you will have everything you need to make your trip to Edinburgh one you will remember for a lifetime!

 

#16 – Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel

• $$
• Restaurant
• Courtyard
• Bar

Start your morning off right with chowing down on a delicious Scottish breakfast in the breathtaking courtyard of Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel! Day or night this 5-star hotel has all of the best dishes and drinks served at their very own restaurant and bar!

The whiskey and meals are just a small part of what makes the Kimpton Charlotte Square one of the best hotels in all of Edinburgh. With a location just a stone’s throw away from all the best museums, palaces, and castles, the Kimpton Charlotte Hotel has you staying in the thick of the action in Edinburgh!

 

#17 – The Glasshouse Autograph Collection

• $$$
• Rooftop Garden
• Bar
• Cafe

There are few hotels which will simply knock your socks off with the sheer beauty of the hotel, but in Edinburgh, The Glasshouse is one of the few luxury hotels which will have you booking a lengthy stay on looks alone!

Complete with its very own rooftop garden with views looking over the Edinborough skyline, The Glasshouse is a five-star hotel which will never cease making your jaw drop with its onsite bar, cafe, and staff which will make you feel right at home!

 

Bonus Hotel!

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

• $$
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Swimming Pool

For a location in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and all the best food within a walking distance, you will have to check yourself into the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel!

While you will have tons of choices of places to dine and drink around the hotel, the best place to eat is inside the hotel itself! Home to its own award-winning restaurant, you will find that Apex Hotel puts all others to shame with their mouthwatering food and drinks!

Top it all off with both pool and gym access and you will be nearly staying in a resort rather than a hotel!

 

To conclude…

Get ready to wander down cobbled streets and explore medieval palaces and castles, Edinborough is one of those cities which you have been dreaming of traveling to since you were a kid and now your fairy tale vacation is one step closer to becoming true!

From ritzy 5-star hotels to more quaint boutique stays, there are loads of hotels to choose from, each giving you a different Scotland experience. If you are still scratching your head on where to stay, we totally understand.

Let us help you out by checking you into the Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh, our pick for the best hotel in Edinburgh!

Romantic castles and sleepy pubs await you down the misty streets of Edinburgh. Pack your bags, your adventure is just around the corner!

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