The 29 best hotels in Edinburgh

The Kimpton Charlotte Square makes it really damn hard to leave your hotel when visiting Edinburgh. Housing two of the capital’s best restaurants and boasting a seriously chic spa and swimming pool offering, it’s easy to forget there’s anything outside the Georgian walls of the West End hotel. The Kimpton’s whopping 199 rooms pay homage to its Scottish setting, with kitsch drawings of local wildlife adorning the muted plaid walls, with tartan soft furnishings aplenty. But before you think this all sounds a bit stuffy – you’re wrong. Expect leafy green plants, tweed covered record players and radios, bright red telephones, hidden coffee machines and velvet touches – oh and, you know, huge TV screens perfectly watched from big, fluffy beds made up of handmade mattresses (best enjoyed with a room service cocktail in hand). Their staff, meanwhile, somehow manage to do it all – being chatty while professional, funny while serious about top service and every member comes armed with an endless list of Edinburgh recommendations. 

What’s nearby? Right in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End – turn left and you’re a moment’s walk away from the bustling shopping area of Princes Street (and truly ridiculous views of the castle).

Budget range: It's giving Daddy Warbucks. 

Time Out Tip: Ready to feel some proper Scottish hospitality and culture? Head to one of Ghillie Dhu’s ceilidhs (a traditional Scottish gathering with dancing) which takes place on a Friday evening.

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The Balmoral is part of the Rocco Forte chain, so it has plenty to boast about. Inside, it’s got a Michelin-starred restaurant, Number One. There’s also a chic spa centre and a clocktower that makes for an iconic Edinburgh sight. Olga Polizza’s classic, elegantly designed rooms have the kind of amenities you would expect, like free wifi. However, grander suites also have their own concierge services, as well as fancy touches like flowers and fireplaces. Then there’s the in-house Palm Court, which offers an excellent afternoon tea, alongside a brasserie and not one but two bars – one of which specialises in whisky.

What’s nearby? Beyond these gorgeous, hulking walls, you'll find popular attractions like the City Art Centre and Princes Street Gardens, both of which are free entry. 

Budget range: On the luxury end for a truly decadent stay. 

Time Out tip: Enchanting all year round, Balmoral is particularly striking in Autumn against the backdrop of neo-gothic architecture and auburn-coloured leaves. 

Sometimes spanking new hotels can feel a little soulless – and it’s true that the slick, modern design of W feels a little more spaceship than Scotland – but there’s a careful attention to detail here which helps to tie everything together elegantly, without stuffing the fact you’re in Edinburgh down your throat. With luxe suites, top-class facilities, vast glass windows and private terraces with dramatic views of the city which you won’t get anywhere else, this is a destination hotel boasting style and maximum comfort. 

What’s nearby? You’re bang in the city centre, plus a short tram ride away from Leith and a quick walk to the old town. Head to Tonic for vibey cocktails or the Scottish National Portrait Gallery for a dose of culture in a grand, neo-gothic building. 

Budget range: A luxury stay, with the option to go all-out.

Time Out tip: Book yourself into the on-site speakeasy Joao’s Place for a night-cap with views before resting your head on those plump, plump pillows. 

Set in the heart of Edinburgh, the Gleneagles Townhouse is the go-to five-star hotel for luxury treatment in the Scottish capital. Opulent facilities include a 24-hour front desk, room service, superb Wi-Fi throughout and an on-site restaurant. In addition, you can enjoy an á la carte breakfast at the hotel – if you fancy staying in. Other amenities include a fitness centre, sauna and a bar for those late-night whiskies after a day exploring the city. 

What’s nearby? Popular attractions close to the townhouse include Royal Mile and Edinburgh Playhouse. For those in want of an immersive thrill, there's The Camera Obscura with over 100 interactive installations.

Budget range: An extremely lavish stay with heaps of classic charm and elegance - ideal if you have a special anniversary coming up. 

Time Out tip: For those in need of a real digital detox, the Townhouse has a range of holistic fitness classes for you to try, from yoga to spin.

Like the idea of having your own apartment while you stay right in the middle of Edinburgh? Eden Locke offers a range of different units, varying in size and price points. All of them include large TVs, while some have dedicated dining and living areas, alongside kitchens with ovens, microwaves and stoves. Topping it off, there are comfy beds, extremely wifi and a cafe/lounge/bar on-site, so you can grab a freshly brewed coffee (or beer) before heading out to explore.

What’s nearby? Treat yourself to a Levantine table with a Scottish twist at BABA restaurant, just five minutes from the hotel. 

Budget range: An affordable short break for two – ideal for those looking for something as equally stylish as it is cosy. 

Time Out tip: What makes this aparthotel different from your typical venue is perhaps the in-room massage and treatments. They cost a little extra but they're are well worth every penny.

Forget the faceless non-charm of big, corporate hotels, the Albyn Townhouse is a truly delightful boutique hotel with a difference. Owned by the irrepressibly lovely (and very funny) Lydie, this converted Victorian manse is filled with quirky treasures, one-off artworks and lots of Scottish home comforts. It’s in Bruntsfield, which is within comfortable walking distance of the centre while also giving you a much quieter and more sophisticated area to use as a base. Book a top floor room and you’ll get beautiful views out across the rooftops to enjoy with your morning coffee.

What’s nearby? The bijou shops and eateries of lovely Bruntsfield.

Budget range? Pay a little more for a truly personal experience.

Time Out tip: Ask Lydie to book you breakfast at a local café and you’ll get 10% the bill.

Found just a three-minute walk from Princes' Street, The Edinburgh Grand is another apartment-style stay but on a much fancier scale. Make the most of a fancy on-site restaurant, bar (with rooftop) and coffee house while enjoying your VIP accommodation. You'll feel like a king with your fully equipped kitchen, living room and bathroom. Meanwhile, you've got key sights like The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill all nearby. 

What’s nearby? Just a short stroll to the Scottish National Gallery, and half a mile from Edinburgh Castle where you can find a Harry Potter-themed tour. 

Budget range: It's well worth splashing the cash on if you want something more independent and upscale. 

Time Out tip: Planning a surprise? This hotel loves to go the extra mile for its guests, so why not put in a special request ahead of your booking to make sure your room has just the je ne sais quoi you were hoping for.

There are a couple of Motel Ones in Edinburgh, but we particularly like this one, right on Princes Street and (handily) opposite Waverley Station. The brand does a really good line in unpretentious hotels that won’t break your bank balance, but still feel ‘nice’ enough to celebrate. This one has some great shared spaces with elegantly mismatched furniture and fun wallpapers. The breakfast buffet is ample and will set you up nicely for a brisk walk around the city.

What’s nearby? You’re on Princes Street – everything is nearby.

Budget range? Not bad for a nice Edinburgh stay.

Time Out tip: While away the morning with time spent in the prettier coffee shops of New Town.

The Waldorf Astoria was first a railway hotel at the now-extinct Caledonian station. Then, after an ambitious refurb in 2012, it emerged a very different kind of establishment. Its Edward heritage remains on display, though: the luxury here is a reserved, tasteful one. Rooms come with Nespresso machines and Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries. Wi-fi is... You guessed it, free. For fine dining, head to the in-house Pompadour restaurant, and try Grazing by Mark Greenaway for something more casual. There’s also a bar and a spa with a swimming pool.

What’s nearby? After enjoying a spot of afternoon tea at Peacock Alley you can go for a gander on Princes Street to really take in the beauty of Auld Reekie.

Budget range: It'll certainly cost you a pretty penny to stay in one of these old-fashioned, lavish rooms, but the views of Edinburgh Castle are priceless. 

Time Out tip: We know some breakfast buffets can be quite hit-and-miss. At Waldorf Astoria, you won't have to worry about piling on the hash browns because breakfast is served. 

Hapimag Resort Edinburgh offers a range of five-star suites, each with its own character, but all with antiques and a range of hotel services attached. Expect to get 24-hour room service here, as well as a microwave and crockery in each suite. And in the drawing room (how fancy?), afternoon tea and drinks are available. In some suites, there are spa baths, while others have views over Edinburgh Castle. All have free Wi-Fi. 

What’s nearby? Conveniently located near Old Town, Dean Village and Edinburgh Castle. 

Budget range: Full of residential charm and decently priced too – great for a long weekend. 

Time Out tip: You'll find it hard not to fall in love with these quaint Victorian interiors. Comfy too. Ideal for those who want a bit of peace and quiet. There's no on-site dining or spa though!