Sitting high above the city of Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle, home to kings and queens throughout history. The castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Through interactive tours, you can step back in time and relive the rich history of Scotland. See the Stone of Destiny, where kings throughout the centuries sat. Visit Saint Margaret’s Chapel, the city’s oldest building. See the oldest crown jewels in Britain, the dungeons below the Great Hall where prisoners of war were kept and take part in the iconic shooting of the One O'clock Gun.
Tours are available every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. When visiting the castle, be sure to take part in a traditional afternoon tea in the Tea Room and pick up a souvenir at one of the three shops located there. If you planning on travelling to Edinburgh on vacation, be sure to stay at one of these hotels that offer views of Edinburgh Castle from their rooms.
1. The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square (from USD 166)
This hotel is centrally located and was completely renovated in 2017. You have a choice of standard or superior rooms, all of which include flat-screen smart TVs, mini fridges, en-suite bathrooms and a welcome goody box. Enjoy your daily breakfast in the garden courtyard then come back in the evening for Scottish cocktails.
You will have complimentary use of the spa, during certain hours of the day, unless you have a superior room then you access it at any time. You are within walking distance of Charlotte Square, Princes Street Gardens and the Traverse Theatre.
The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square
Address: 38 Charlotte Square
2. Hotel Indigo - Princes Street (from USD 195)
The Hotel Indigo is located in the historic district, overlooking Edinburgh Castle. You can choose between standard rooms with one double bed, or suites with an extra-large double bed. All rooms include coffee and tea making facilities, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Onsite amenities include the Twenty Princes Street Restaurant, which serves traditional Scottish dishes using locally-sourced ingredients. Also in the restaurant, is the Juniper Bar, which serves cocktails and other beverages.
You are within walking distance of the St. James Shopping Center, the City Art Center and the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
Hotel Indigo - Edinburgh - Princes Street, an IHG Hotel
Address: 20 Princes Street
Accommodates: 2
Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning
3. Mercure Edinburgh City - Princes Street Hotel (from USD 147)
This hotel sits across the street from the Scott Monument and National Gallery. You can choose between rooms with either one double bed or two singles. All rooms include Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and either a view of Edinburgh Castle or the Princess Street Gardens. The hotel offers a buffet-style breakfast served in the dining room and room service is available 24 hours a day. You are within walking distance of a mall and the theatres and nightlife found on the Royal Mile.
Mercure Edinburgh City - Princes Street Hotel
Address: 53 Princes Street
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Room service Bar 24-hour front desk Terrace Non-smoking rooms Laundry
4. Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre (from USD 181)
This property is located in the city centre and offers fantastic views of Edinburgh Castle. You can choose between one or two double beds and rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffee and tea makers, and Egyptian cotton bedding. The hotel serves a buffet breakfast in the morning or you can stop by the Bread Street Brasserie, which serves traditional and modern Scottish dishes. On-site, there is also a fitness centre and the Monboddo Bar. You are near everything, including the Royal Lyceum Theatre, the Filmhouse Cinema and Geoffrey Kiltmakers and Weavers.
Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre
Address: 34 Bread Street
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre
5. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa (from USD 245)
Located near the Royal Lyceum Theatre and overlooking the castle is this modern and elegant hotel. Your room includes an interactive entertainment centre with Wi-Fi access and a glass-walled bathroom with a shower and a tub. Onsite amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, spa and wellness centre, an indoor swimming pool and the One Square restaurant and bar, which serves a modern British menu. The property is also one of the top hotels with hot tubs in Edinburgh. You are within a 10-minute walk of the Royal Mile, with its world-class shopping, restaurants and attractions.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
Address: 1 Festival Square
Accommodates: 2
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna Fitness centre
6. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian (from USD 260)
The Caledonian is mere footsteps from Princes Street and all rooms have a great view of the castle. Every room also comes with a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi access, a luxury bathroom and fluffy robes. The hotel has some great amenities for you to enjoy, including a state-of-the-art gym, an indoor swimming pool and spa and wellness centre.
While the restaurants of George’s Street are just a short stroll away, the hotel has on-site restaurants, boasting two Michelin star chefs, along with a bar that serves food and cocktails and offers tastings, as well. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Georgian House are just a couple of popular spots that are within walking distance.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian
Address: Princes Street
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna
7. Apex Grassmarket Hotel (from USD 159)
This luxurious hotel is located in the Grassmarket area of the Old Town. Every room includes a wide-screen TV, Wi-Fi access, a coffee maker, bottled water and an en-suite bathroom. You are free to enjoy the on-site leisure amenities that include a swimming pool, sauna and gym. Grab a bite to eat at the Metro Bar & Brasserie, which serves up a rotating menu based on seasonal ingredients, or enjoy the 24-hour room service. You are minutes away from Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the National Museum of Scotland.
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Address: 31-35 Grassmarket
Accommodates: 10
Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna Fitness centre Terrace
8. Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel (from USD 122)
This hotel is centrally located in the Old Town in the shadow of the castle. Every room includes a large-screen LED TV, complimentary Wi-Fi access and luxury toiletries in the bathroom. They have an award-winning restaurant, the Agua Restaurant and Bar, that serves up classic European cuisine, along with 24-hour room service. There is a gym and a swimming pool that is free for you to use, just a short walk away. You are also within walking distance of the Lothian Road and Princes Street.
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Address: 61 Grassmarket
Parking Restaurant Bar 24-hour front desk Non-smoking rooms Business centre Dry cleaning Facilities for disabled guests
9. easyHotel Edinburgh (from USD 66)
This charming hotel offers views of the castle and the Princes Street Gardens. The compact rooms include comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, under the bed luggage storage and en-suite bathrooms. The hotel is located in New Town, with its many shops and restaurants. Popular attractions that are also nearby include Princes Street, Usher Hall, the Edinburgh Festival Theatre and Omni Centre.
easyHotel Edinburgh
Address: 125A Princes Street, New Town, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH2 4AD
Accommodates: 2
10. Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Royal Mile (from USD 159)
The Holiday Inn Express is located across the street from the University of Edinburgh campus. Your room includes a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi access, and coffee and tea making facilities. If you are travelling with the family, kids 18 and under stay for free. Your room includes a daily buffet breakfast that serves both continental and hot food items. Located in Old Town, you will be surrounded by bars, restaurants and shops. The castle is just one of many attractions that are within an easy walk from the hotel.
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Royal Mile, an IHG Hotel
Address: 300 Cowgate
Accommodates: 3
Parking Pets allowed Bar 24-hour front desk Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Laundry Dry cleaning
Walk in the footsteps of royalty
Edinburgh Castle is a great place to spend the day with family or friends and experience what it was like for the kings and queens of old. The castle dominates the city’s skyline, with its perch on top of Castle Rock. All of the hotels on this list will provide you with a view of the castle, while being located near other popular attractions to explore, like the Princes Street Gardens, Usher Hall and the Traverse Theatre.
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