Best Hotels in Edinburgh: 8 Lovely Places to Stay

Choosing a hotel in Edinburgh can be almost as time-consuming as planning the trip itself. Do you go for castle views, a swimming pool or somewhere that leaves more money for dinners and sightseeing?

To make the decision easier, I’ve put together eight hotels and aparthotels worth considering, from luxurious city landmarks to practical places for a family break.

For a special occasion, I’d start with The Balmoral or Gleneagles Townhouse. For family sightseeing, compare Apex Grassmarket and Wilde. If location is your priority, check Motel One Edinburgh-Royal.

This is a researched shortlist based on location, character and advertised facilities, rather than personal overnight reviews of every property.

Hotel details checked in September 2026. Prices depend on your dates and room type; confirm any essential facilities before booking.

Best hotels in Edinburgh at a glance

1. The Balmoral: for a classic luxury stay

If you’ve seen photographs of Princes Street, you’ve probably spotted The Balmoral’s clock tower. This is one of Edinburgh’s landmark hotels, with an address that puts you between Old Town and New Town.

The appeal goes beyond the building. There’s afternoon tea at Palm Court, dining at Number One and Brasserie Prince, a whisky bar and a spa. It’s the sort of hotel I’d shortlist for a birthday, anniversary or long-awaited Edinburgh holiday. Explore the hotel’s facilities.

Families can also investigate its interconnecting rooms and family suites, along with amenities for younger guests. Luxury doesn’t have to mean leaving the children at home—although whether that sounds like a holiday is entirely your decision. See its family options.

Before booking: check the room description carefully if a particular view matters to you. The hotel’s location doesn’t mean every bedroom overlooks the castle.

Check The Balmoral’s prices and availability on Booking.com

2. Gleneagles Townhouse: for a stylish couples’ weekend

Gleneagles Townhouse is worth a look if you want your hotel to be a memorable part of the trip.

Located on St Andrew Square, it has just 33 guestrooms, alongside The Spence restaurant, a rooftop bar and gym and wellness spaces. Hotel guests can access some of its members’ spaces, which adds to the appeal of a leisurely stay. Explore Gleneagles Townhouse.

I’d shortlist it for a weekend with time for a long breakfast, a little shopping and an evening drink before heading upstairs.

Take a moment to compare the bedrooms. Some face the square, others face the rear and baths are not available in every room. Choose the category that fits the experience you want. Compare room categories.

Before booking: if travelling with children, discuss the arrangements directly. The hotel’s FAQs state a maximum of two people per room, with connecting rooms subject to availability. Read the hotel FAQs.

Check Gleneagles Townhouse’s prices and availability on Booking.com

3. The Witchery: for romance near Edinburgh Castle

Some hotels aim for understated elegance. The Witchery embraces rich fabrics, antiques and plenty of drama.

Set in historic buildings near the gates of Edinburgh Castle, it offers nine individually designed suites. Across the collection, you’ll find features such as four-poster beds and roll-top baths, with interiors that make the room itself part of the occasion. Explore The Witchery’s suites.

I’d consider it for an anniversary or a romantic break, especially if you love historic surroundings and want something distinctive.

This is somewhere to browse every suite before choosing. The layout and decorative style are part of what you’re paying for, so it’s worth finding your favourite.

Before booking: ask about stairs and access to your particular suite if mobility is a concern. The Witchery also has no private car park, so drivers need to arrange parking separately. Read the property FAQs.

Check The Witchery’s prices and availability on Booking.com

4. Kimpton Charlotte Square: for sightseeing and spa time

If your ideal city break includes a swim after a day out, Kimpton Charlotte Square deserves a place on your shortlist.

The hotel combines a Georgian exterior with a glass-topped courtyard, spa, fitness centre and indoor pool. Its New Town setting makes it worth considering when you want both a central base and somewhere to unwind. Explore Kimpton Charlotte Square.

I’d look at it for a couples’ weekend or a longer break where you want some unplanned time at the hotel.

Having leisure facilities can also be useful when the weather changes your plans. An afternoon swim is a perfectly respectable response to sideways rain.

Before booking: confirm pool access, children’s swimming hours if relevant, and treatment availability. Spa treatments may cost extra and need advance reservations.

Check Kimpton Charlotte Square’s prices and availability on Booking.com

5. Fingal: for a memorable floating hotel stay

For something different, take a look at Fingal in Leith.

This former Northern Lighthouse Board ship has been converted into a luxury floating hotel with 23 cabins. Options range from Classic Cabins to duplex accommodation and a suite with a private deck. You can also dine aboard at The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. Explore Fingal.

I’d shortlist it for a special occasion or a return visit when you want to explore another side of Edinburgh.

Staying here also gives you a reason to spend more time in Leith. Just factor journeys into the historic centre into your plans: this is a waterfront stay, rather than a base beside the Royal Mile.

Before booking: compare cabin layouts and ask about access. Fingal advertises two accessible Classic Cabins, which should be booked through its reservations team. Read the cabin details.

If you’re exploring nearby, read my guide to visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Check Fingal’s prices and availability on Booking.com

6. Apex Grassmarket Hotel: for a family city break

Apex Grassmarket is a useful option for families who want to combine sightseeing with time in the pool.

Its family rooms have two queen-size beds, and the hotel offers a heated pool, sauna and gym. Some room categories also have castle views. That gives you several practical reasons to consider it beyond its Old Town location. See family rooms and leisure facilities.

I’d compare it with apartment accommodation when planning a family trip. A kitchen might suit some families better; others will prefer having hotel facilities on hand.

Confirm occupancy for your children’s ages and check swimming arrangements before promising anyone unlimited pool time.

Before booking: make sure you select Apex Grassmarket Hotel. The nearby Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel is a separate property. Compare the Apex hotels.

For activity ideas, see my guide to visiting Edinburgh with kids.

Check Apex Grassmarket Hotel’s prices and availability on Booking.com

7. Motel One Edinburgh-Royal: for a convenient sightseeing base

If you expect to spend most of your visit out exploring, Motel One Edinburgh-Royal is worth including in your price comparisons.

The Market Street location puts you close to Waverley station and the Royal Mile. There’s also a lounge and bar, with breakfast available—useful for a straightforward city stay. Explore Motel One Edinburgh-Royal.

I’d consider it for a short trip where location matters more than a long list of leisure facilities.

The brand positions itself as affordable, but check the actual rate for your dates. A central hotel during a busy period can still come with a substantial bill.

Before booking: compare the full cost with breakfast included, and check room size if you’re bringing large suitcases.

Check Motel One Edinburgh-Royal’s prices and availability on Booking.com

8. Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh Grassmarket: for space and flexibility

A kitchen might not sound like the most exciting holiday feature, but it can make a longer stay much easier.

Wilde Edinburgh Grassmarket offers studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens. The property also lists a 24-hour reception, breakfast, a bar and a fitness room. Explore Wilde’s Edinburgh accommodation.

I’d put it on the list for families, longer visits and anyone who likes the option of preparing a simple meal.

It’s also useful if your group wakes up at different times. Someone can have breakfast while everyone else continues the serious business of being on holiday.

Before booking: check the exact sleeping arrangements. A studio, a separate bedroom and a sofa bed offer different levels of space and privacy, even when the advertised occupancy is similar.

Check Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh Grassmarket’s prices and availability on Booking.com

What to check before booking an Edinburgh hotel

Choose the location around your itinerary

Look at the journey to the places you actually want to visit. A hotel that suits an Old Town sightseeing weekend may be less convenient for a trip focused on Leith.

Check the walking route too, particularly if steps, slopes or carrying luggage could be an issue.

Look closely at the room category

Castle views, baths, balconies and separate sitting areas usually belong to particular rooms. Make sure the features that caught your eye are included in your booking.

Compare the full price

Check breakfast, parking, cancellation conditions and extra-person charges.

Edinburgh’s visitor levy applies to eligible paid overnight stays from 24 July 2026. It is 5% of the accommodation cost before VAT, charged on the first five nights, with specific exemptions and transitional rules. Check whether it is included in your quoted total. Read the official visitor levy information.

Read recent guest reviews

Once you’ve narrowed your choice, look for recent comments about cleanliness, noise, room condition and service. Pay particular attention to feedback about the room type you plan to book.

For a special occasion, I’d compare The Balmoral, Gleneagles Townhouse and The Witchery. For a family trip, I’d start with Apex Grassmarket and Wilde. If you want somewhere unusual, Fingal stands out—and if your priority is a central base, Motel One Edinburgh-Royal is worth checking for your dates.