Edinburgh, Scotland’s captivating capital, is a magnet for travelers who crave a blend of centuries-old history, stunning architecture, cultural riches, and contemporary luxury. From the rolling Royal Mile to the artsy avenues of New Town, finding the right stay in Edinburgh is essential for anyone visiting the “Athens of the North.” Whether you seek five-star sophistication, boutique charm, or a quirky hideaway, this expert-written guide offers the most comprehensive, up-to-date comparison of Edinburgh’s Top 15 Hotels
1. Edinburgh’s Hotel Scene: An Overview
Edinburgh’s hospitality landscape is as diverse as its history. Major international chains stand shoulder-to-shoulder with unique boutique hotels and historic townhouses. Location is everything—a room with a castle view or a suite in the heart of Old Town can transform a regular stay into a memorable Scottish experience.
Whether you’re chasing luxury, hunting for value, or want to be surrounded by grand period features and top dining, this selection showcases the very best hotels Edinburgh has to offer.
2. Edinburgh Top 15 Hotels – Reviews & Prices Snapshot
| Rank | Hotel Name | Location | Avg. Price/Night | Google/Tripadvisor Rating | Expert Review Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Witchery by the Castle | Royal Mile | £995 | 4.8 | Theatrical luxury, candlelit suites, unrivaled romance |
| 2 | Waldorf Astoria – The Caledonian | City Centre | £175.77 | 4.7 | Grand, iconic, luxury spa, dining excellence |
| 3 | Virgin Hotels Edinburgh | Old Town | £265 | 4.6 | Modern, playful, top dining, tech upgrades |
| 4 | Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa | Lothian Road | £165 | 4.6 | Spa, rooftop views, chic rooms |
| 5 | House of Gods | Royal Mile | £167 | 4.7 | Glamorous, bar with attitude, boutique appeal |
| 6 | Balmoral Hotel | Princes Street | £290 | 4.8 | Classic Scottish luxury, Michelin dining |
| 7 | Cheval The Edinburgh Grand | St. Andrew Sq. | £252 | 4.7 | Luxury apartments, heritage building |
| 8 | Kimpton Charlotte Square | New Town | £189 | 4.7 | Stylish, cozy, gardens, spa |
| 9 | Rock House | Calton Hill | £210 | 4.8 | Artistic, historic, amazing views |
| 10 | Prestonfield House | South Edinburgh | £395 | 4.9 | Opulent country retreat, five-star service |
| 11 | Hotel Indigo Edinburgh | New Town | £125 | 4.5 | Modern, local flavor, accessible luxury |
| 12 | Malmaison Edinburgh City | St. Andrew Sq. | £145 | 4.4 | Chic, urban, lively bar |
| 13 | Fraser Suites Edinburgh | St Giles | £172 | 4.6 | Serviced apartments, great location |
| 14 | Tigerlily | George Street | £175 | 4.7 | Stylish, party vibes, boutique setting |
| 15 | Hotel du Vin Edinburgh | Shore Leith | £150 | 4.5 | Gourmet restaurant, wine cellar |
1. The Witchery by the Castle
- Location: Royal Mile, steps from Edinburgh Castle
- Style: Gothic, opulent, romantic suites
- Highlights: Candlelit dining, theatrical decor, historic building, best for couples and honeymooners
- Price Range: £995/night (luxury suites)
- USP: Unrivaled romance, recommended for milestone celebrations
2. Waldorf Astoria – The Caledonian
- Location: City Centre, near Princes Street
- Style: Grand, five-star, heritage
- Highlights: Award-winning spa, castle views, fine dining, traditional afternoon tea
- Price Range: From £175/night
- USP: Luxury with heritage, celebrity favorite, spectacular public spaces
3. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
- Location: Old Town
- Style: Boutique, modern/local
- Highlights: Playful design, Smart rooms, vibrant dining and bar scene
- Price Range: £265/night
- USP: Technology-forward, fun atmosphere, young travelers
4. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
- Location: Lothian Road, city centre
- Style: Chic, contemporary, wellness focus
- Highlights: Top-rated spa, rooftop hydro pool, Castle views from terrace
- Price Range: £165/night
- USP: Wellness retreat with city access, luxurious rooms
5. House of Gods
- Location: Royal Mile
- Style: Boutique, glamorous, quirky
- Highlights: Bar with attitude, bold interiors, unique party vibes
- Price Range: £167/night
- USP: Instagram-worthy interiors, for design lovers and night owls
6. Balmoral Hotel
- Location: Princes Street
- Style: Classic Scottish, 5-star heritage
- Highlights: Michelin-starred restaurant, luxury spa, iconic clock tower
- Price Range: £290/night
- USP: Historic grandeur, celebrity guest list, prime shopping access
7. Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
- Location: St. Andrew Square
- Style: Luxury serviced apartments, heritage
- Highlights: Spacious suites, family-friendly, fitness amenities
- Price Range: £252/night
- USP: Freedom of apartment living, high-end hotel services
8. Kimpton Charlotte Square
- Location: New Town
- Style: Stylish, cozy, garden focus
- Highlights: Courtyard gardens, spa, friendly staff
- Price Range: £189/night
- USP: Boutique energy, best for those seeking relaxation
9. Rock House
- Location: Calton Hill
- Style: Artistic, historical
- Highlights: Scottish art, panoramic views, historic site
- Price Range: £210/night
- USP: Creative vibe, perfect for photography fans
10. Prestonfield House
- Location: South Edinburgh
- Style: Opulent country retreat
- Highlights: Private garden, luxury suites, flamingos, gourmet dining
- Price Range: £395/night
- USP: Tranquil, private, elite retreats, close to golf courses
11. Hotel Indigo Edinburgh
- Location: New Town
- Style: Modern, local
- Highlights: Neighborhood flavor in design, accessible luxury
- Price Range: £125/night
- USP: Value, easy access to major sights
12. Malmaison Edinburgh City
- Location: St. Andrew Square
- Style: Cool, urban boutique
- Highlights: Lively bar, bold rooms
- Price Range: £145/night
- USP: Young and vibrant, perfect for nightlife
13. Fraser Suites Edinburgh
- Location: St Giles, near Royal Mile
- Style: Serviced apartments
- Highlights: Great location, flexible stays
- Price Range: £172/night
- USP: Best for longer/independent stays, family trips
14. Tigerlily
- Location: George Street
- Style: Chic, party vibe
- Highlights: Stylish interiors, great bar scene
- Price Range: £175/night
- USP: Perfect for celebrations and group travel
15. Hotel du Vin Edinburgh
- Location: Leith Shore
- Style: Gourmet, wine-centric, historic
- Highlights: Top restaurant, wine cellar
- Price Range: £150/night
- USP: Food and wine destination, intimate setting
Comparative Features at a Glance
| Hotel Name | Luxury | Boutique | Spa | Michelin Dining | Historic | Family | Pet-Friendly | Castle View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Witchery by the Castle | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Waldorf Astoria | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Virgin Hotels | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Partial | |||
| Sheraton Grand | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| House of Gods | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| Balmoral | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Partial | |
| Cheval Grand | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Partial | ||
| Kimpton Charlotte Sq | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Rock House | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| Prestonfield House | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Hotel Indigo | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| Malmaison Edinburgh | ✔ | ✔ | ||||||
| Fraser Suites | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||||
| Tigerlily | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Partial | ||||
| Hotel du Vin | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Tips for Your Edinburgh Stay:
- Book early for high season (May–September) and festival times.
- For castle views, prioritize Waldorf Astoria, The Witchery, Balmoral, Rock House.
- Check for direct booking discounts and seasonal packages on each hotel’s website.
- If you want luxury and food excellence, choose Balmoral, Prestonfield, or Hotel du Vin.
- For a unique party vibe, seek out Virgin Hotels, House of Gods, Tigerlily, and Malmaison.
3. Features & Amenities Comparison – Edinburgh’s Best Hotels
| Hotel Name | Spa | Castle View | Michelin Dining | Historic Building | Free Wifi | Parking | Family Rooms | Pet Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Witchery | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Waldorf Astoria Caledonian | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Virgin Hotels Edinburgh | No | Partial | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sheraton Grand | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| House of Gods | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Balmoral Hotel | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cheval The Edinburgh Grand | No | Partial | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kimpton Charlotte Square | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rock House | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Prestonfield House | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hotel Indigo | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Malmaison Edinburgh City | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Fraser Suites Edinburgh | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Tigerlily | No | Partial | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hotel du Vin Edinburgh | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
4. Location & Transport Comparison
| Hotel Name | Walking Distance to Royal Mile | Nearest Station | Airport Shuttle | Parking | Popular Attractions Nearby |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Hotels Edinburgh | <2 mins | Edinburgh Waverley | No | No | Royal Mile, Old Town, Castle |
| Waldorf Astoria Caledonian | <10 mins | Haymarket | Yes | Yes | Princes St., Castle, Usher Hall |
| The Witchery by the Castle | Steps away | Waverley | No | No | Castle, Royal Mile, Museum |
| Balmoral Hotel | <5 mins | Waverley | Yes | Yes | Princes St., Scott Monument |
| Sheraton Grand | <15 mins | Haymarket | Yes | Yes | Castle, Grassmarket |
| House of Gods | <5 mins | Waverley | No | No | Royal Mile, St Giles, Museums |
| Cheval Edinburgh Grand | <5 mins | Waverley | No | Yes | St Andrew Sq, Old Town |
| Kimpton Charlotte Square | <10 mins | Waverley | No | Yes | Charlotte Sq., Princes St. |
| Rock House | <10 mins | Waverley | No | No | Calton Hill, Royal Mile |
| Prestonfield House | <30 mins | – | Yes | Yes | Private gardens, city retreat |
| Hotel Indigo | <5 mins | Waverley | No | No | Princes St., St Andrew Sq. |
| Malmaison Edinburgh City | <7 mins | Waverley | No | No | St Andrew Sq, George St. |
| Fraser Suites Edinburgh | <2 mins | Waverley | No | No | Royal Mile, Castle, St Giles |
| Tigerlily | <10 mins | Waverley | No | No | George St., Princes St. |
| Hotel du Vin Edinburgh | <25 mins | Waverley | No | No | Leith Shore, restaurants |
5. Expert Reviews & Unique Features
The Witchery by the Castle
The ultimate in fantasy accommodation—Gothic suites, velvet, gilded mirrors, and dining by candlelight. The location and romance make it unrivaled.
Waldorf Astoria – The Caledonian
A true Edinburgh institution with castle views, luxury spa, and immaculate service. Afternoon tea is a must.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Boutique chic meets modern tech. Expect playful design, lively restaurants, and smart rooms packed with personality.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
Ideal for wellness travelers: world-class spa, rooftop hydro pool, and central location.
Balmoral Hotel
Classic Scottish hospitality, historic grandeur, and Michelin-starred restaurant—favored by celebrities and royals.
House of Gods
Bold, eclectic interiors—a boutique hotel for party lovers and design fans.
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
Luxury serviced apartments in a landmark heritage building. Families and couples love the spacious living.
Prestonfield House
Sumptuous country retreat near the city—flamingos, luxury suites, and golf.
6. Booking Tips & Pricing Trends (2025)
- High Season (May–September): Premium rates, limited availability, book 6–9 months in advance.
- Shoulder Seasons (March–April, October): Best value, mild weather.
- Off Season (November–February): Lower prices; cozy hotels ideal for indoor luxury.
- Most luxury hotels offer discounts on direct bookings, early-bird rates, and seasonal packages.
- Weekend stays: Book early; expect surges during Edinburgh Festivals and Christmas.
7. How to Choose Your Ideal Edinburgh Hotel
- Location Matters: Royal Mile and City Centre for landmark access; New Town for shopping and nightlife; Leith for foodie stays.
- Amenities: Spa and dining elevate the experience; family & pet-friendly options suit group trips.
- Style: Gothic romance? Modern luxury? Heritage chic? Edinburgh’s hotels cover every mood.
- Reviews: Check Google and Tripadvisor (all hotels above 4.5/5 are safe bets).
8. Summary – Edinburgh’s Top 15 Under the Lens
Edinburgh’s hotel landscape is unrivaled in the UK for choice, style, and character. Every traveler will find a perfect fit among these top 15 hotels—whether craving castle views, five-star indulgence, party boutique, or a family-friendly apartment. With insider reviews, updated prices, and expert comparison across location, amenities, and guest ratings, you can confidently book a stay that turns a trip into a lifelong memory.
Frequently Asked Questions – Edinburgh Hotels
Q: Which hotel offers the best view of Edinburgh Castle?
A: Waldorf Astoria Caledonian, The Witchery, and Balmoral all feature premium castle views.
Q: What is Edinburgh’s most luxurious hotel?
A: The Witchery by the Castle for fantasy; Balmoral and Prestonfield for classic luxury.
Q: Which boutique hotels in Edinburgh are most unique?
A: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, House of Gods, and Tigerlily all offer striking interiors.
Q: What’s best for families?
A: Cheval The Edinburgh Grand and Waldorf Astoria Caledonian for spacious rooms and family amenities.
Q: Are there pet-friendly options?
A: Yes, Waldorf Astoria, Kimpton Charlotte Square, Virgin Hotels, Tigerlily, and Balmoral allow pets.
Q: Where’s best for spa lovers?
A: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Balmoral, and Waldorf Astoria Caledonian.
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