With a rich, fascinating history that remains well-preserved today, Edinburgh is arguably one of the best European destinations you can visit. By going to the historic Old Town, you can take a trip back in time while still enjoying modern-day conveniences. In this part of the city, you will find the spectacular Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock. A guided tour around the castle will let you know more about the vast castle grounds and the monarchs that lived here. If you want to know more about the thriving, local art scene, you can visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Long story short, there are many things to do when you visit this lovely city. And for that reason, 48 hours in Edinburgh is not enough — you have to spend at least a few days here. Luckily, this city also offers various world-class accommodations. Learn about the top unique hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, 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 April 11, 2024.
1. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian (from USD 487)
High-end pricing with additional costs for room upgrades and breakfast.
Lovely spa, Nespresso machine in rooms, and beautiful historic architecture.
Exceptional central location near major tourist attractions and historic sites.
Excellent breakfast, tasty capsules in Nespresso machine, and a beautiful dining room.
When you stay at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, you’ll feel like a celebrity because of how the hotel treats you. Your room here boasts luxurious amenities, with designer toiletries and high-end television. The windows also provide unobstructed views of the city, especially Edinburgh Castle, so you’ll always have something beautiful to look at in your spare time.
The on-site amenities are just as magnificent. There’s the Waldorf Astoria Spa, where you can find several luxurious treatments to choose from. A gym is available if you enjoy working out. When you’re in need of a refreshing swim, feel free to dive into the pool. Food lovers will also love staying here because of the numerous bars and restaurants available on the property.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian
Address: Princes Street
466 meters (0.3 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
2. The Balmoral Hotel (from USD 394)
Get a taste of luxury when visiting Edinburgh and book a room at The Balmoral Hotel. One of the unique places to stay in Edinburgh, this 5-star luxury hotel features 187 rooms that have grand bathrooms with designer toiletries, smart televisions with satellite channels, and premium bedding. Free WiFi is also provided here, so you can stream movies and shows on your devices.
As a guest, you’ll have access to many other fun perks, such as an indoor pool and two bars. If you want to exercise, you can head to the gym. There are three restaurants available when you get hungry. If you’re feeling tired after a long day, be sure to request a body scrub or treatment at the on-site spa.
The Balmoral Hotel
Address: 1 Princes Street
816 meters (0.6 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
lovely staff and great locationthe staff really went above and beyond to ensure that everything was perfectimposing luxurious comfortable with excellent staff
3. Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh (from USD 263)
Reasonable pricing for central location, but breakfast can be expensive.
Cozy rooms with L'Occitane en Provence toiletries, helpful staff, and a charming courtyard.
Conveniently walkable to major attractions, with discounted parking nearby.
Outstanding breakfast, great bar food, and exceptional dining experiences with private dining options.
Since Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, it’s no surprise that its architecture features a historic look. Despite the old-fashioned interior design, the hotel still features modern amenities in its rooms, such as a plasma television and Egyptian cotton linens for the beds.
For your dining needs, head to Bistro Du Vin, the hotel’s chic on-site restaurant, which serves delicious meals made from locally sourced quality produce. In your spare time, you can relax in the mezzanine bar, where you can order from its menu of fine wines from all over the world.
Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh
Address: 11 Bristo Place
666 meters (0.5 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
4. YOTEL Edinburgh (from USD 209)
A 4-star hotel, YOTEL Edinburgh features elegant and modern rooms equipped with a flat-screen television and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. If you’re lucky, you might even get to stay in a room with a stunning view of the city.
You get to start every morning with a free breakfast — your choices are buffet, continental, or full English/Irish. There’s also a good fitness center if you’d like to work out.
To make the most of your vacation, feel free to explore the many attractions nearby. Some places worth checking out include The Georgian House, the National Museum of Scotland, The Real Mary King’s Close, and Edinburgh Castle.
YOTEL Edinburgh
Address: 68-73 Queen Street
641 meters (0.4 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
5. Kimpton - Charlotte Square, an IHG Hotel (from USD 244)
Treat yourself to an unforgettable vacation in Edinburgh and book a room at Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. The rooms in this 5-star hotel boast luxurious beds with 300-thread-count linens, private bathrooms with complimentary designer toiletries, and flat-screen televisions. You’ll also have access to fantastic amenities, such as the gym, swimming pool, and spa. When you get hungry, grab a bite from BABA, the on-site restaurant serving Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Since this hotel is located in the heart of Edinburgh, you can find many iconic sights nearby. Examples include Charlotte Square, Princess Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. There are also beaches within driving distance if you want to go for a swim.
Kimpton - Charlotte Square, an IHG Hotel
Address: 38 Charlotte Square
522 meters (0.4 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
6. The Dunstane Houses (from USD 296)
Relatively high-end with cozy atmosphere, but some rooms may be small for the price.
Beautifully decorated boutique hotel with friendly staff, but limited facilities and no reception desk.
Conveniently located away from city center in a residential neighborhood, with a 30-minute walk to sites and near Haymarket Train Station.
Excellent breakfast and good quality food, but limited menu variety and some dining experiences may be expensive.
A family-operated, five-star boutique hotel, The Dunstane Houses offers commendable hospitality in 2 Victorian townhouses with a total of 35 guest rooms and suites. All rooms are equipped with handmade Vispring beds, luxurious Egyptian cotton bed linens, and writing desks. During your stay here, you are entitled to complimentary parking. Complimentary, high-speed WiFi is also included in the rates. At its restaurant, Ba’ Bar, you can enjoy the best of Scottish cuisines all day long. Of course, this restaurant also offers a fine selection of premium craft spirits and refreshing cocktails.
The Roseate Edinburgh - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Address: 4 West Coates
1.85 km (1.2 mi) from Edinburgh Castle
7. The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection (from USD 292)
Featuring 77 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, The Glasshouse Hotel is among the city’s finest, luxury boutique hotels. It was converted in 2003 from the 170-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church to provide exceptional Scottish hospitality at the heart of the city. All rooms have private bathrooms, coffee- and tea-making facilities, dining areas for two, docking stations, minibars, and writing desks. Moreover, some rooms also have private terraces or direct access to the roof terrace adjacent to Calton Hill.
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Address: 2 Greenside Place
1.27 km (0.8 mi) from Edinburgh Castle
8. Grassmarket Hotel (from USD 201)
Reasonably priced for central location, but higher during peak events like the Fringe Festival.
Compact rooms, some with modern bathrooms and quirky layouts. Lively bar adjacent to the hotel.
Prime location in the heart of Grassmarket, steps away from Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile.
Breakfast options available at the nearby pub, but limited vegan choices and slow service reported.
Grassmarket Hotel is conveniently located in the historic Grassmarket, providing quality, three-star accommodations at the heart of the city. Each of its guest rooms blends a distinctive, contemporary design and traditional Scottish touches. Whether you are here for work or play, you can have a comfortable stay. Room service is available between 9:00 am and 10:00 pm every day. For breakfast, you can head to Biddy Mulligans at any time between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. You may also opt to have your breakfast delivered straight to your room.
Grassmarket Hotel
Address: 94-96 Grassmarket
333 meters (0.3 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
9. The Rutland Hotel & Apartments (from USD 257)
Reasonable pricing for luxurious apartments in a central location.
Spacious, well-equipped apartments with modern decor and friendly, efficient staff.
Excellent central location, close to major attractions and shopping areas.
Superb dining experiences at the Huxley with quality products and a 20% discount on breakfast.
Only a few minutes away from Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), The Rutland Hotel is known for its appealing, classic Edwardian exteriors. It offers 12 guest rooms and suites, and 9 serviced apartments for accommodations, and a couple of bars and eateries for dining. If you are here with your family, the two-bedroom apartment on the lower ground floor is perfect for you. Dogs are also welcome in these apartments, so you can definitely bring your pets with you.
The Rutland Hotel & Apartments
Address: 1-3 Rutland Steet
522 meters (0.4 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
10. ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square Hotel (from USD 243)
Conveniently located less than 1.61 km (1 mi) away from Edinburgh Castle and 12.39 km (7.7 mi) away from Edinburgh Airport, ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square Hotel features 103 non-smoking guest rooms. Complimentary WiFi is provided in all rooms and common areas, so you need not worry about getting disconnected. Its on-site bar and restaurant, Bonnie & Whistle, is the perfect spot to unwind after a long, exhausting day. Moreover, this restaurant serves quick bites and international cuisines for dinner.
ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square
Address: 19 St Andrew Square
737 meters (0.5 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
11. Tigerlily (from USD 241)
Tigerlily is housed in a stunning Georgian building, offering 33 stylish guest rooms and suites. All these rooms come with king-sized beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, Bluetooth speakers, fully stocked minibars, and smart TVs. Aside from cozy accommodations, it is also known for offering seasonal menus at its restaurant. Afternoon tea is a significant part of the Scottish experience, so it also serves signature Tigerlily Afternoon Tea with Eteaket teas and Champagne Afternoon Tea with a glass of Veuve Cliquot.
Tigerlily
Address: 125 George Street
530 meters (0.4 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
12. Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club (from USD 213)
Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club is only 11.27 km (7 mi) away from the city center, breathtakingly nestled in 404.69 hectares (1,000 acres) of parkland. Providing 4-star hospitality, it has 215 guest rooms and suites. It offers various bars and restaurants, and two 18-hole golf courses, so you have everything you need and more during your stay here. As a guest, you also have access to its leisure facilities on-site, including an 18-m (59.06-ft) swimming pool and fitness studio. To help you get around easily, it has complimentary shuttle bus services to and from Edinburgh Park station.
Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club
Address: Edinburgh West
11.7 km (7.3 mi) from Edinburgh Castle
13. Royal Terrace (from USD 350)
Situated at the foot of Calton Hill in the city center, 24 Royal Terrace is beautifully adorned with a rotating art collection. It only has 16 guest rooms, ensuring personalized hospitality that tends to your needs around the clock. Each guest room is equipped with coffee- and tea-making facilities, Egyptian cotton bed linens, smart TV, and a subwoofer system. At the end of a long day, you can hit its on-site bar for some cocktails or high-quality whiskeys.
24 Royal Terrace
Address: 24 Royal Terrace
1.71 km (1.1 mi) from Edinburgh Castle
14. Angels Share Hotel (from USD 290)
Reasonable pricing for a central location, but additional charges for breakfast and parking
Themed rooms, lively bar with live music, and friendly staff
Centrally located with easy access to main attractions and public transport
Good breakfast options, lovely evening meals, and a lively bar atmosphere
Angels Share Hotel, Bar & Restaurant is a celebration of modern Scottish culture. It has 31 guest rooms, each featuring a famous Scottish icon. For your convenience, complimentary WiFi is available in all rooms. It is also known for its culinary offering, serving contemporary Scottish cuisines. The exquisite food is paired with a fine selection of cocktails, Scottish craft beers, and wines. If you are interested in how these cocktails are made, you can avail yourself of its cocktail masterclass package.
Angels Share Hotel
Address: 9-11 Hope Street
554 meters (0.4 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
15. The Witchery by the Castle (from USD 662)
The Witchery by the Castle is known for its gothic elegance and legendary dining experience. It only features nine suites, each boasting a unique character. Perfect for romantic staycations, these suites are only suitable for adults. You can enjoy your food from its award-winning, a la carte menu in either the 16th-century, candle-lit Witchery dining room or sophisticated Secret Garden. However, you should try its famous Angus beef steak tartare and Scottish lobster. Traditional high tea is also served every afternoon.
The Witchery by the Castle
Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
269 meters (0.2 ft) from Edinburgh Castle
Enjoy unique accommodations in Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, has plenty of unique offerings that you will not easily find elsewhere. Between vast landscapes and historic landmarks, you will enjoy getting to know the city. Complete your visit and check out at least one of the coolest hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland, as mentioned in this list.
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