May_2026 Looking for the best hotels in Edinburgh? Our 2026 guide covers luxury, budget, and family-friendly stays in Old Town, New Town, and beyond. Book the perfect trip!
Choosing the best hotel in Edinburgh can make or break your trip. Between the winding cobblestone streets of the Old Town and the grand Georgian avenues of the New Town, the “perfect” spot depends entirely on whether you want a castle view, a cozy budget hideaway, or a high-end spa. So, where should you actually stay?
The Best Hotels & Areas for 2026:
If you’re in a hurry, here is the shortlist:
- Best Luxury: The Balmoral (New Town)
- Best Budget: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal (Old Town)
- Best for Families: Apex Grassmarket Hotel (Old Town)
- Best Boutique: House of Gods (Cowgate)
- Best Area for Sightseeing: Old Town
- Best Area for Shopping/Modern Vibe: New Town
- Best Area for Foodies & Value: Leith
Top 10 Best Hotels in Edinburgh Scotland:
- The Balmoral: The gold standard for luxury.
- Gleneagles Townhouse: Trendy, exclusive, and stunning.
- The Witchery by the Castle: The most romantic, gothic stay in the city.
- Motel One Edinburgh-Royal: Stylish, central, and very affordable.
- Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh (The Caledonian): Historic with incredible Castle views.
- Kimpton Charlotte Square: A beautiful blend of classic and modern.
- Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Perfect for families and Castle-gazing.
- Virgin Hotels Edinburgh: Fresh, modern, and located in the heart of Old Town.
- Malmaison Edinburgh City: Great boutique vibes in a central location.
- Eden Locke: Stylish aparthotel perfect for longer stays.
Best Areas to Stay in Edinburgh:
1. Old Town: Historic & Atmospheric:
The Old Town is the heart of the city’s history. Think narrow alleys (closes), the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle.
- Pros: Walking distance to everything; incredibly scenic.
- Cons: Very hilly and can get crowded with tourists.
2. New Town: Central & Modern:
Don’t let the name fool you—the “New” Town was built in the 18th century! It’s famous for luxury shopping on Multrees Walk and the grand Princess Street Gardens.
- Pros: Best transport links (tram/train); great shopping; wide, flat streets.
- Cons: Can be expensive; lacks the “medieval” feel of the Old Town.
3. Leith: Budget & Local Vibe
Located to the north by the water, Leith was recently named one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world.
- Pros: Amazing food scene (Michelin stars!); cheaper accommodation.
- Cons: Requires a 15-minute bus or tram ride to get to the city center.
Best Luxury Hotels in Edinburgh
1. The Balmoral Hotel:
The Balmoral isn’t just a hotel; it’s an Edinburgh icon. Located exactly where the Old Town meets the New Town, its clock tower dominates the skyline.
- Location: Princes Street (Right next to Waverley Station).
- Why it stands out: It offers the most traditional “Grand Hotel” experience in Scotland. This is where J.K. Rowling finished Harry Potter!
- Key features: Award-winning spa, Michelin-starred dining (Number One), and the famous Palm Court for afternoon tea.
- Price range: £350_1600 according to your choice
- Best for: Luxury seekers and special occasions.
- Pro Tip: If you can’t afford a room, book Afternoon Tea in the Palm Court weeks in advance—it’s the best in the city.
2. Gleneagles Townhouse:
A newer addition to St. Andrew Square, this is the city sibling of the famous Gleneagles estate in the Highlands.
- Location: New Town (St. Andrew Square).
- Why it stands out: It feels like a private members’ club. The rooftop bar, Lamplighters, has some of the best views of the city skyline.
- Key features: Incredible gym located in an old bank vault; stunning glass-domed restaurant.
- Price range: £475 to over £825 per night for a double room
- Best for: Trendy travelers and foodies.
- Pro Tip: Look at the ceiling in the restaurant. The original bank architecture is breathtaking.
Best Budget & Cheap Hotels in Edinburgh
1. Motel One Edinburgh-Royal:
Don’t let the word “Motel” fool you. This is a high-design German brand that offers incredible value right next to the train station.
- Location: Old Town (Market Street).
- Key features: Cool “Turquoise Bar” with a great gin selection; clean, compact, modern rooms.
- Price range: £140–£155/night
- Best for: Solo travelers and budget-conscious couples.
- Pro Tip: Ask for a room on a higher floor. Some rooms have small windows with surprisingly good views of the Scott Monument.
2. Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge:
One of the most reliable “no-frills” options in the city. It is literally steps away from the Royal Mile.
- Location: Old Town.
- Price range: £59 to over £248 per night
- Best for: Travelers who just need a clean place to sleep between sightseeing.
Best Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh:
1. House of Gods:
This is not your average hotel. It’s dark, moody, and dripping in velvet and neon.
- Location: Cowgate (Old Town).
- Why it stands out: It’s unapologetically maximalist. Think “Rock n’ Roll” meets “Gothic Glamour.”
- Price range: £120 to over £350 per night
- Best for: Couples wanting a “cool” and unique experience.
- Pro Tip: Get the “Treat Me Like a Rockstar” upgrade which includes milk and cookies at midnight and a prosecco buzzer in the room.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Edinburgh
1. Apex Grassmarket Hotel:
The Grassmarket is a vibrant area with lots of history, and this hotel sits right in the middle of it.
- Location: Old Town (Grassmarket).
- Why it stands out: The family rooms are spacious, and the indoor swimming pool is a massive hit with kids after a long day of walking.
- Price range: Starting from £350
- Best for: Families with young children.
- Pro Tip: Request a “Castle View” room. Seeing the Castle lit up at night from your bed is a core memory for kids!
Romantic Hotels in Edinburgh
1. The Witchery by the Castle:
Widely considered one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Each of the nine suites is opulently decorated with tapestries, four-poster beds, and roll-top baths.
- Location: Top of the Royal Mile (seconds from the Castle gates).
- Why it stands out: It feels like stepping back into a magical version of the 16th century.
- Price range: £500-£700
- Best for: Honeymoons or big anniversaries.
- Pro Tip: If you aren’t staying here, book a dinner in the “Secret Garden” dining room.
Hotels Near Edinburgh Castle
If your goal is to wake up and see the Castle every morning, these are your best bets:
- Waldorf Astoria (The Caledonian): Known as “The Caley,” this former railway hotel has the most iconic view of the Castle’s western face.
- Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa: Offers a modern view of the Castle and one of the best thermal spas (One Spa) in the UK.
Hotel Comparison Table
| Hotel Name | Best For | Price Range for one night | Location |
| The Balmoral | Ultimate Luxury | £350_1600 | New Town |
| Motel One Royal | Budget Style | £144_155 per night | Old Town |
| Apex Grassmarket | Families/Pool | £350+ | Old Town |
| House of Gods | Unique/Boutique | £120_350 | Old Town |
| The Witchery | Romance | £500_700 | Old Town |
| Gleneagles Townhouse | Trendy/Design | £475_825 | New Town |
| Eden Locke | Long Stays | £96_£250 | New Town |
How to Choose the Right Hotel in Edinburgh
- Budget: Edinburgh is expensive, especially in August (Fringe Festival) and December (Hogmanay). If you’re on a budget, look at Leith or Haymarket.
- Location: If you have mobility issues, stay in the New Town. The Old Town is full of steep stairs and cobbles that can be tough on the knees.
- Travel Purpose: Here for history? Stay in the Old Town. Here for shopping and nightlife? Stay in the New Town.
- Reviews: Always check recent reviews for “noise.” Edinburgh is a party city; hotels on the Grassmarket or Cowgate can be loud on weekends.
Booking Tips for Edinburgh Hotels
- Book Early: For August or December, you should book at least 6–9 months in advance. Prices triple during these months.
- Sunday Night Savings: Many business-focused hotels in the New Town drop their prices significantly on Sunday nights.
- Avoid “Fringe” Surprises: If you visit in August, be aware that the city is at 100% capacity. Expect crowds everywhere.
- Use the Tram: The tram connects the Airport to the City Center and Leith. Staying near a tram stop (like York Place or St. Andrew Square) makes your life much easier.
FAQs
1. What are the best hotels in Edinburgh Scotland?
The Balmoral, Gleneagles Townhouse, and The Witchery are widely considered the top three for quality and experience.
2. Where is the best area to stay in Edinburgh?
For first-timers, the Old Town is best for history. For luxury and ease of transport, the New Town is the winner.
3. Are hotels expensive in Edinburgh?
Yes, compared to the rest of Scotland. However, you can find great value in areas like Leith or by booking budget chains like Motel One early.
4. What is the cheapest area to stay in Edinburgh?
Leith and Haymarket generally offer lower prices while still being very accessible to the main attractions.
5. How far in advance should I book?
Ideally 3–4 months for a normal weekend, and 6–10 months for August or New Year’s Eve.
Which hotel fits your travel style best? Whether you want the old-world glamour of The Balmoral or the budget-friendly chic of Motel One, Edinburgh has something that will make your 2026 trip unforgettable.
If you’re still planning your itinerary, don’t forget to check out our guides on the Best places to visit in Edinburgh and the Best things to Do in Edinburgh.
Happy travels!