Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. This city is split into two portions: Old town and New Town. Old Town has narrow streets and historic places that you can visit, and New Town is full of shopping options. While you are in Edinburgh, don’t miss out on visiting the historic Edinburgh Castle, which houses the National War Museum, admiring the sweeping views from Calton Hill, and meeting animals at Edinburgh Zoo. You can also check out Arthur’s Seat or St. Giles Cathedral, or witness festivals such as Edinburgh International Book Festival and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. If you are visiting this Scottish capital for your next trip, consider staying in a hotel that offers a glimpse into the past. Read on for the top historic hotels in Edinburgh, UK.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 10, 2026.
1. The Scotsman Hotel (from USD 484)
Delicious and complete breakfast, with friendly staff and attentive service.
Great value for money with modern, well-decorated rooms.
Perfectly situated in the Old Town, between the Royal Mile and the New Town.
Charming hotel with a lovely bar, complimentary hot chocolate, and feature suite with a view.
The Scotsman Hotel is found in the same building that was once home to The Scotsman newspaper once had a home. It has been transformed and fitted with unique yet cozy rooms and suites. The building offers panoramic views of the city. Guests staying here will have access to various amenities, such as a 48-seat in-house cinema and a free daily subscription to Scotsman Newspaper. The private bathrooms, designed in bright white marble, add to the beauty of the rooms.
This four-star hotel is just a short stroll from Royal Mile and Princes Street and close to Edinburgh Waverley Station, where discounted parking is available for guests.
Tip from Content Creator
This hotel is only 2.2 km (1.4 mi) from Circus Lane, the most charming street in Edinburgh. Between the pastel colors and the cobblestones, it makes the perfect stop for a photo op, a rainy-day stroll, or just a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city center. After exploring the lane, visit nearby Dean Village or the Stockbridge neighborhood for a quick snack.
The Scotsman Hotel
Address: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1TR
776 meters (0.5 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
2. InterContinental Hotels - Edinburgh The George, an IHG Hotel (from USD 251)
Excellent breakfast with a good variety, but some issues with buffet and dining areas
High prices for small rooms, but excellent location and attentive staff
Perfect central location near train station, shops, and attractions
Lovely building, but some areas need refurbishment and better soundproofing
The hotel’s building was originally built in 1775 before being refurbished into a chic and grand property using natural construction materials in the process. Situated in the city center of Edinburgh, it is very close to tourist spots, such as Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens.
This hotel offers conference spaces, a gym, high-speed internet, and various delicacies, such as cake and pastries, at Burr & Co. You can also savor meals made from Scottish produce at the on-site restaurant, Printing Press Bar & Kitchen.
Tip from Content Creator
Less than a 10-minute drive from this hotel will take you to a charming spot in Edinburgh. Located at the bottom of Edinburgh Castle in Princes Street Gardens, the beautiful Ross Fountain is a worthy photo destination. It also makes a great spot for a morning walk, an afternoon picnic, or just a place to sit and relax in Edinburgh's nature.
InterContinental Edinburgh The George by IHG This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 19 - 21 George Street
635 meters (0.4 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
3. Prestonfield House (from USD 400)
Delicious breakfast with plenty of options, beautiful food at Rhubarb restaurant, and exceptional high tea and dinner.
Luxurious, worth every penny, but can be quite expensive, especially for extras.
Close to Holyrood Park & city center, stunning country house vibe, and beautiful views of the gardens and golf course.
Sumptuous interiors, beautiful grounds with wildlife, opulent dining rooms, and extensive drinks list.
Book a romantic getaway at this five-star hotel. Situated within lush greenery, Prestonfield House provides a delightful getaway for couples. This hotel was first built in the 17th century as Lord Provost of Edinburgh’s residence.
The rooms are designed in vibrant red and romantic colors, as well as antique furniture that only adds to its beauty. A mini-bar and a flat-screen TV are also present in the rooms. The on-site restaurant features Scottish cuisine. While you are here, you can enjoy playing golf. Royal Mile can be reached within 1.9 mi (3 km) from here.
Prestonfield House
Address: Priestfield Road
2.53 km (1.6 mi) from Edinburgh Castle
4. The Parliament House Hotel (from USD 253)
Lovely breakfast with a good selection of food and drinks, while some rooms lacked food options beyond breakfast.
Reasonable rates for a central location in Edinburgh, with breakfast available at an additional cost.
Excellent location within walking distance of major attractions, shopping centers, and public transport options.
Cozy and quaint property with a warm atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff, and a comfortable room.
This three-star hotel puts you in the center of Edinburgh. Made out of two Jacobean and Georgian buildings that are listed by Historic Environment Scotland, it is set in a peaceful and quiet location at the foot of Calton Hill. From here, you can easily reach Edinburgh Waverley railway station and Princes Street on foot. Edinburgh Castle and various shops are close by, as well.
The rooms are equipped with a mini-bar, a smart TV, a hairdryer, and internet connectivity. You can also enjoy an open fire in the lounge and relish the Scottish or continental cuisine served at the on-site restaurant.
The Parliament House Hotel
Address: 15 Calton Hill
1.07 km (0.7 mi) from Edinburgh Castle
5. Hilton Edinburgh Carlton (from USD 148)
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton was built during the reign of Queen Victoria. This hotel used to be a shop that sold textiles before being sold to hoteliers in 1984. Now, it is a grand property that provides you easy access to Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and Edinburgh Waverley railway station
It is also equipped with modern amenities, such as a TV, WiFi, a work desk, and Peter Thomas Roth toiletries in the spacious rooms. You can enjoy classic dishes and high-end British cuisine at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse or cocktails at Nineteen Hundred Bar & Lounge.
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 19 North Bridge, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1SD
795 meters (0.5 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
6. The Witchery by the Castle (from USD 881)
Found in a 16th-century building, The Witchery by the Castle is designed with old-world touches and velvet-lined walls. The gold décor, large oak beds, and tapestries add beautifully to the glamour of the place.
The distinctive suites are designed with seating areas, large bathrooms, and walk-in dressing rooms. The property features views of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Princes Street, and Old Town. Guests are served breakfast hampers in the morning, and they can also enjoy Scottish dishes at the restaurant.
The Witchery by the Castle
Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
269 meters (0.2 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
7. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh (from USD 198)
Excellent breakfast, tasty capsules in Nespresso machine, and a beautiful dining room.
High-end pricing with additional costs for room upgrades and breakfast.
Exceptional central location near major tourist attractions and historic sites.
Lovely spa, Nespresso machine in rooms, and beautiful historic architecture.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh is situated steps from Princes Street and comes with a view of Edinburgh Castle. The property was built in 1903. It was supposed to be part of the city’s central railway station before becoming a luxurious hotel.
It features an award-winning restaurant, a spa, a sauna, a swimming pool, and a gym. Rooms at this property are fully equipped with a flat-screen TV, a luxurious bathroom, and designer toiletries. Points of interest, such as Old Town and Edinburgh International Conference Center can be reached within a 20-minute walk from here.
The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: Princes Street
466 meters (0.3 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
8. The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection (from USD 444)
The Glasshouse is situated close to the Edinburgh Waverley rail station and York Place tram stop. The property used to be a 19th-century church before being renovated in 2003 into a hotel with high-end amenities. It has a 2-ac (0.8 ha) rooftop garden and beautiful views of Calton Hill.
The rooms are fitted with huge windows, a Nespresso coffee maker, and bathrooms with Highland Aromatics toiletries. Select units have their own balcony. While you are here, you can savor delicious Scottish or continental breakfast and try out over 100 varieties of whiskey. Additionally, various restaurants and Royal Mile can be reached on foot.
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Address: 2 Greenside Place
1.27 km (0.8 mi) from Edinburgh Castle
9. The Dunstane Houses (from USD 501)
Excellent breakfast and good quality food, but limited menu variety and some dining experiences may be expensive.
Relatively high-end with cozy atmosphere, but some rooms may be small for the price.
Conveniently located away from city center in a residential neighborhood, with a 30-minute walk to sites and near Haymarket Train Station.
Beautifully decorated boutique hotel with friendly staff, but limited facilities and no reception desk.
Taste over 100 types of whiskeys, seasonal Scottish produce, and over 30 craft gins at The Dunstance Houses. The five-star hotel, built in 1852, is made up of two Victorian houses on both sides of the road.
You can enjoy a cozy fireplace, comfy Egyptian cotton linens, free toiletries, a flat-screen TV, WiFi, and views of the city from the rooms. The on-site restaurant and bar offer various delicacies. Homemade shortbread is also offered to the guests. The property is within a walking distance of Haymarket railway station and central Edinburgh.
The Roseate Edinburgh - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Address: 4 West Coates
1.85 km (1.2 mi) from Edinburgh Castle
10. The Balmoral Hotel (from USD 508)
Wonderful dining experiences with lovely food, a 7-course taster meal, and excellent breakfast, though slightly substandard in some cases.
Luxurious with higher than usual 5-star pricing, worth the setting and incredible staff.
Perfectly located in Edinburgh, convenient to famous attractions, and seeped in tradition.
Traditional, spacious, and stylish rooms, impeccable room service, valet assistance, and a beautiful building.
Stay at the heart of Edinburgh at Balmoral Hotel. The historic hotel first became operational in 1902 on Princes Street. It features the views of Old Town and Edinburgh Castle right from the room’s windows. Additionally, from here, guests have access to numerous shops.
The rooms are fully equipped, and the spacious bathrooms have a luxurious feel thanks to their white and bright marble design. While you are here, you can fully utilize a fitness center, treatment rooms, a Turkish steam room, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a pool. You can also savor up to 500 types of Scottish whiskeys served at the bar.
The Balmoral Hotel
Address: 1 Princes Street
816 meters (0.6 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
Learn about history while on a trip
Visit the beautiful Edinburgh, and learn about the history, culture, and festivals of the place. The historic stays above are sure to give you a unique experience. So, plan your trip right away.
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