The magical city of Edinburgh has long been at the top of my travel bucket list. From exploring Edinburgh Castle to visiting spots that inspired Harry Potter, there’s tons of fun, historical and unique activities to keep you occupied. But the first thing on my mind when planning a trip is always where to stay, so I’ve vetted tons of hotels, digging through pages of TripAdvisor and Expedia listings, to find 10 of the best options available for booking, which, yes, includes the gorgeous Balmoral Hotel where J.K. Rowling penned the final pages of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (along with some more affordable finds for those of us who aren't billionaires.)
10 of the Best Hotels in Edinburgh
I’ll take a room with a castle view
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Published Aug 2, 2024
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Best Overall Hotel
What We Like
- Eco-certified
- 5-star stay
- Michelin star meals
- Pet-friendly
What We Don't Like
- Pricey
The Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral Hotel is constantly popping up on my For You page and Instagram feed (the algorithm knows what it’s doing), and since I’ve been swooning for years over its luxurious design, it’s definitely top of my list for Edinburgh stays. Not only is it stunning inside and out and situated in a perfectly central location that allows for less than 15 minute walks to both the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, but it has tons of luxe amenities, too. We’re talking Michelin star dining at Number One (which is just one of the many options for eating and drinking at the hotel), a full service spa, indoor pool and more. The only downside is that the hotel is unsurprisingly pretty pricey, but if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or really treat yourself, this is your pick.
Fast Facts
- Rates: From $636/night
- Amenities: Three on-site restaurants, spa, laundry services, gym, pool
- Location: Edinburgh City Center
- Promising Review: “Literally I cannot say anything negative about our stay. From the moment we walked in we were made to feel special! Each time we returned to the hotel we felt like we were returning home which says a great deal about the service provided by each and every person we dealt with…This will certainly be my hotel of choice when staying in Edinburgh, I simply could not stay anywhere else!”
Best Hotel Aesthetics
2. Eden Locke
What We Like
- Walkable to major attractions
- Dog-friendly
- 4-star stay
- Studio and one-bedroom rooms available
What We Don't Like
- No on-site restaurant
Eden Locke
A room at Eden Locke comes fully equipped with kitchen supplies like a dishwasher, stove, refrigerator and more, and even an in-unit washer and dryer (can my landlord take notes?!). Besides these great in-room amenities, the hotel has a spacious coworking area and coffee shop in the common area in case you need to squeeze in a little work while you’re there. And not to worry, when hunger hits, there’s plenty of restaurants and bars, plus shopping, to be found within walking distance according to reviewers who raved over their stays—so much so that it’s earned a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award.
Fast Facts
- Rates: From $206/night
- Amenities: Full kitchen, in-room washer and dryer, coworking space, on-site coffee shop
- Location: Edinburgh City Center
- Promising Review: “Impeccably clean, friendly staff, cozy accommodations, modern decor, comfortable beds & pillows - everything you need to call Edinburgh your home for a little bit…Close to Old Town and a great view of the castle just around the corner. We loved our stay from start to finish. Recommend without hesitation.”
Best Dog-Friendly Hotel
What We Like
- Unique amenities
- Pet-friendly
- Rooftop terrace
- Walkable to main attractions
- 4-star stay
What We Don't Like
- Rooms can book fast
BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh
For a fun and truly unique experience, book your Edinburg stay at the BrewDog DogHouse. This boutique-style hotel boasts just 20 rooms designed with playful touches like neon signs, shower beer fridges, draft beer taps, record players and more. Not to mention, true to its name, the BrewDog DogHouse is totally dog-friendly, as in the hotel not only allows dogs, but offers dog beds and treats for your furry friends. There’s also a bar, restaurant and rooftop terrace on-site, so if any cravings hit after a long day of sightseeing, you have plenty of options at your fingertips.
Fast Facts
- Rates: From $218/night
- Amenities: Breakfast included, garden space, in-room beer refrigerator, coworking space, on site-restaurant and bar
- Location: Edinburgh City Center
- Promising Review: “The hotel and the staff were amazing. The room was super unique and cozy. The staff were friendly and very helpful. The use of WhatsApp to communicate issues or ask questions was innovative and made everything that much better. The beer and food were excellent and I would love to stay again.”
Best Hotel for Families
What We Like
- Pet-friendly
- Lots of room options
- Pets and up to two children 2-years-old and under stay free
What We Don't Like
- Can be pricey
- No check-in after midnight
Kimpton
On-site restaurants, fitness classes, a luxe spa and an indoor pool, the Kimpton Charlotte Square will keep everyone busy—even during a torrential Scottish downpour. It makes this list as a top family-friendly pick since children 2-years and under stay free, plus there are laundry services, various room arrangements and cribs/infant beds available upon request. Another fun perk is that this Kimpton hotel is one of their properties included in a partnership with Anthropologie that allows guests to borrow chic accessories like sunglasses and handbags if you forgot them at home (like I do on nearly every single trip). Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so the whole fam can come.
Fast Facts
- Rates: From $239/night
- Amenities: Spa, pool, gym, on-site bars and restaurants, fitness classes
- Location: Edinburgh City Center
- Promising Review: “Love, love, loved this hotel. It felt historic yet had all of the modern amenities you could ask for. The staff was kind and helpful…Fantastic location near the castle. Walking distance to all we wanted to see!”
Best 5-Star Hotel
5. W Edinburgh
What We Like
- Stunning rooftop views
- Unique design
- Shopping mall on-site
What We Don't Like
- Not pet-friendly
W
To totally treat yourself on your trip to Edinburgh, consider this 5-star W hotel. Besides the sprawling suites and stellar amenities like the on-site spa that offers everything from hydrafacials to seaweed body treatments and indulgent massages, you can’t miss the views from the rooftop terrace. You’ll be treated to 360-degree views and can grab a cocktail and a bite to soak it all in. This stay doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for a little luxury for a special occasion, it should be on your radar.
Fast Facts
- Rates: From $316/night
- Amenities: Rooftop terrace, spa, on-site restaurants and bars, laundry services available
- Location: St. James Quarter
- Promising Review: “We loved our stay! Contemporary hotel with excellent amenities. You can’t go wrong with the location. We walked everywhere from Castle to Victoria street to the museums. View and food at SushiSamba were a treat.”
Best Hotel for Long Stays
6. Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
What We Like
- Walkable to major attractions
- Apartment-style rooms
- 4-star stay
What We Don't Like
- Not pet-friendly
- No parking available
Wilde Aparthotels
If you’re spending more than a night or two in Edinburgh and want a little extra space, you’re going to want to check out Wilde Aparthotels. This hotel features apartment-style rooms outfitted with kitchenettes that have everything from a microwave to eclectic kettle, stovetop and toaster. So when you’ve exhausted yourself from exploring the unique shops or taking a witchy walking tour, you can hang back for a night in with everything you need. You can also opt for rooms that have castle views—sign me up.
Fast Facts
- Rates: From $101/night
- Amenities: Restaurant, bar, fitness center, in-room kitchenette, laundry available
- Location: Old Town Edinburgh
- Promising Review: “We had a great stay in our apartment here. Spent a week in Edinburgh, and this place is excellent if you're planning to stay in the city for more than a couple days. Very comfortable and nice to have a little extra space by getting a mini apartment instead of a standard hotel room…The Grassmarket area has lots of restaurants and it's a pretty easy walk from most major tourist areas as well.”
Best Hotel for One-Night Stays
What We Like
- Pet-friendly
- 4.5-star stay
- Castle-view rooms available
- Walkable to main attractions
What We Don't Like
- Pricey parking
100 Princes Street
On the flip side, if you’re only planning for a night or two, why not treat yourself to a room at 100 Princes Street? It’s adorned with Scottish-inspired designs and rooms with castle views are available, so you can really make the most of your stay. Plus the amenities are truly top notch. This hotel’s thought of everything from heated bathroom floors to pet-sitting services, a pillow menu that allows you to choose your most comfortable fit and both a bar and restaurant on-site. Basically, it’s equipped with everything to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Fast Facts
- Rates: From $550/night
- Amenities: Pillow menu, heated bathroom floors, bar, restaurant, pet-sitting services
- Location: Edinburgh City Center
- Promising Review: “This is now my favorite hotel in the world! I can't say enough how amazing our experience was here. The hotel is beautiful and the team is amazing. The level of service here is outstanding. Everything from the room, to the food and drinks, to the team is top notch!”
Best Boutique Hotel
What We Like
- Outdoor space
- Beautiful architecture
- 5-star stay
What We Don't Like
- No elevator
- Not as walkable as some other options
The Roseate
Choosing a boutique hotel for your trip means you won’t be surrounded by an overwhelming amount of other travelers thanks to the more intimate design, so if you’re looking for a little R&R while you’re away, The Roseate Edinburgh could be a perfect fit. The Victorian stone building is situated in the Haymarket neighborhood of Edinburgh, which is just an 18 minute walk from Princes Street or seven minute drive from Edinburgh castle, per Expedia, so it’ll be a bit quieter while still being close enough to experience everything the city has to offer. It also has a beautiful outdoor garden space, where I could definitely see myself sipping coffee in the morning or sipping a cocktail after a day trip to the Highlands.
Fast Facts
- Rates: From $119/night
- Amenities: Terrace and garden, restaurant, bar/lounge, heated bathroom floors, laundry services
- Location: Haymarket
- Promising Review: “Amazing 5-star hotel with 5-star service! The service here is amazing and personalized. The hotel is very comfortable. It was a wonderful place to stay! The high tea in the restaurant is also wonderful. The hotel is well-staffed with people who make excellent suggestions and make you feel very welcome.”
Best Range of Room Options
9. The Royal Scots Club Edinburgh
What We Like
- Family rooms available
- Walkable to main attractions
- Historic building
What We Don't Like
- Street or off-site parking only
The Royal Scots Club
Whether you’re taking a solo trip and are just looking for a standard space or you’re planning to share with family or friends, The Royal Scots Club has a room for you. Reviewers call it a “perfect location,” too, since it’s situated close to everything you’ll want to explore in the city but not in the midst of tons of tourists, and they appreciated the historical references throughout the hotel. It has a restaurant and bar, too, so you’ll never be left waiting on your reservation time to grab a bite, plus some extra adds like a library that’s ideal for kicking back in before you head up for the night.
Fast Facts
- Rates: From $83/night
- Amenities: Garden, restaurant, bar, library, laundry services available
- Location: Edinburgh City Center
- Promising Review: “The Royal Scots Club has a central, relatively quiet location. The staff is very pleasant and serves an excellent breakfast. It's a place with traditions and history which makes the stay even more pleasant.”
Best Apartment-Style Stay
What We Like
- 5-star stay
- Apartment-style rooms
- Unique design
- Pet-friendly
What We Don't Like
- No parking
- No elevator
Cheval Old Town Chambers
If you really want to feel at home while you’re away, consider one of the apartment-style rooms at the Cheval Old Town Chambers hotel. It’s perfectly close to attractions like the Royal Mile, Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, and offers super spacious rooms ranging from studio size up to three bedrooms. It’s pet-friendly, too, and if your pup’s anything like mine (who is truly the most spoiled), they’ll love the extra space. It’s designed with an in-room kitchen, too, with nice-to-haves like an oven, dishwasher, electric kettle, espresso maker and more. All that said, I have a feeling this is one of those stays I’d never want to leave.
Fast Facts
- Rates: From $187/night
- Amenities: 24-hour fitness center, in-room kitchen, washer and dryer available, breakfast available
- Location: Old Town Edinburgh
- Promising Review: “Fantastic hotel in an incredible location. The accommodations were superb, staff friendly and attentive. It was an oasis in a very crowded area, though its location made most things easily walkable.”
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