The best hotels in Edinburgh

Part of the Rocco Forte chain, there’s much that the Balmoral can boast about. It has its own Michelin-starred restaurant, Number One; a chic spa centre and a clocktower that makes for an iconic presence in Edinburgh’s architecture. Olga Polizza’s classic, elegantly designed rooms all have free wi-fi, as you’d probably expect. But grander suites also have their own concierge services, as well as fancy little touches like flowers and fireplaces. The in-house Palm Court delivers an excellent afternoon tea, and there’s also a brasserie and not one but two bars – one of which specialises in whisky.

The Royal Mile is a relatively young five-star Edinburgh hotel, built in 2009. Replete with bright colours and bold fabrics, it’s right in the centre of the city. Its 136 rooms all have free wi-fi, newspapers, Nespresso machines and bathrooms with rain showers. A particularly nice touch is that each suite has been decorated by a different Scottish artist and designer. The restaurant, Cucina, serves Italian dishes; there’s also a bar called Epicurean and treatment rooms that offer facials, manicures and massages.

The Glasshouse is a modern five-star hotel that sits behind the nineteenth-century façade of Lady Glenorchy Church. The interior has a clean, contemporary design; its 77 rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with views across Edinburgh, along with Nespresso machines, iPod docks and newspapers. The most desirable rooms either give access to the two-acre roof garden (which has views of Calton Hill), or have balconies. Win-win, then. The on-site brasserie serves Scottish cuisine.

This branch of Malmaison is a former seamens’ mission is where it actually all began for the boutique chain. It’s an auspicious building, located at the meeting point between the city’s docks and the Water of Leith – we suggest you ask for a harbour view when you book. Inside, you’ll find a bar, brasserie, gym and 100 jauntily decorated rooms (all with kettles, desks and mini-bars). Parking and wi-fi are both free.

This places is to be found in parkland just south of Arthur’s seat, in a building whoses origins date back to the seventeenth century. The communal spaces and bedrooms alike have ornate fixtures and fittings, and antique items are dotted about everywhere. Fortunately, various contemporary creature comforts are to be found too, like mood lighting, 47-inch TVs, minibars, and free wi-fi. Rhubarb restaurant offers Scottish cuisine and afternoon tea. Peacocks and Highland cattle roam the grounds – but regardless of all this bucolic charm, the city centre is just a couple of miles away.

The Waldorf Astoria was first a railway hotel to the now-extinct Caledonian station. Then, after an ambitious refurb job in 2012, it emerged a very different kind of establishment indeed. 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. The two dining options are run by the famous Galvin brothers, and there’s a bar, and a spa with a swimming pool.

Located a totally optimum central spot – with some suites looking across the Old Town skyline, Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument and the Castle – the Waverly also has, unsurpsingly,  Waverley Station all but on its doorstep. Given the general price of Edinburgh hotels, it’s not even expensive and has great low-season bargains. That said, it’s more functional and old-fashioned than stylish – but still has plenty of fans, though.

Know the Hotel du Vin chain? Then you’ll know exactly what to expect here: dependable comfort and style with a look pitched somewhere between a Scottish gentlemen’s club and a contemporary hotel. There’s a French bistro of sorts, bar, and small courtyard. It all comes together in a winning formula, cleverly fitted into an old building that could hardly be closer to the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard and various Fringe goings-on in August.

The former headquarters of the Scotsman newspaper, this has been enjoying life as a luxury hotel since 2001. Some of the rooms and suites have astonishing views, while the décor and general feel befits, well, what it is: a boutique hotel fitted into an Edwardian-era newspaper building with baronial characteristics. It has character and a top location. North Bridge Brasserie is the main dining option while the hotel also offers a gym, spa and a curiously futuristic swimming pool.

One of 45 properties the Macdonald chain lays claim to across the UK, this Holyrood Road spot is handy for the various sights and attractions dotted throughout Old Town. It’s in what’s admittedly a rather prosaic modern building, with an expansive, corporate feel – but that does mean weddings and conferences are handled well here. Rocca, the restaurant, is a nice dining spot, and there’s a spa, too. 

The Carlton is a hefty hotel on North Bridge – a road, rather than outright bridge in the city centre – with some rooms that have truly fantastic views (ask for one that looks towards Holyrood Park). Décor is functional, if a little corporate; facilities include a fitness suite and pool. Best go out for lunch or dinner though: there’s no shortage of choice in the surrounding streets.

This international chain has its establishments far and wide: from Bahrain in the Arabian Gulf to Wuki in China. This Edinburgh outpost, just off the Royal Mile, opened back in 2009. You might call it a sort-of hotel: its boutique-style rooms and suites all have some form of self-catering facilities. Choices range from a basic room with microwave and fridge, to a suite with a full kitchen and a stunning outlook from its balcony.

Apex is a small chain that started out with this large hotel in the Grassmarket nearly 20 years ago. What the establishment might lack in character it makes up for with modern décor and castle views from the better rooms.

A themed designer hotel that arrived not long before the financial crisis, Le Monde has only 18 rooms and junior suites but all are individual, and all reflect the city that gives them their name. The New York, for example, smacks of chic, Manhattan loft living; the Atlantis (not a real city, fact fans) has a large piece of arty aquamarine glass on one wall for that subsea feel. It boasts a central location by the George Street shops; lots of fun if you're up for it.

Originally three Victorian townhouses that fulfilled various roles over the years, these premises were reborn as a boutique hotel in 1998 and the Bonham has quietly gone about its business, charming guests ever since. Furniture is stylish, bedrooms are attractive, some have excellent views and the location is just ten minutes' walk from the west end of Princes Street.

The major sells for Channings run as thus: the feel that it’s tucked away and discreet, despite being just a kilometre from the West End and Princes Street; the boutique aesthetic; and the friendly staff. The famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton once lived in part of the building – hence the Shackleton-themed suite. The north-facing rooms on upper floors have splendid views. Part of the Edinburgh Collection group, Channings’s sister establishments include the Old Waverley.