Top 10 Hotels in Edinburgh Scotland for a Perfect Stay

Edinburgh, Scotland, with its captivating blend of ancient architecture and vibrant cultural scene, beckons travelers from around the world. Among the city’s attractions, finding the ideal place to stay is paramount for a memorable visit. The hotels in Edinburgh Scotland, celebrated for their unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury, offer accommodations that cater to every traveler’s dream. From opulent landmarks to boutique retreats, Edinburgh’s hospitality scene is as diverse as its landscape, making the task of selecting the perfect hotel both exciting and daunting.

This article navigates through the top 10 hotels in Edinburgh Scotland, providing a snapshot of what makes each establishment stand out. Each hotel, from the historic grandeur of The Balmoral Hotel to the innovative design of Eden Locke, has been carefully selected to ensure a range of experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best hotels Edinburgh Scotland has to offer for a luxurious stay or quaint accommodations that capture the heart of this Scottish capital, this guide aims to equip you with all the information needed for a perfect stay.

Table of Contents

The Balmoral Hotel

The Balmoral Hotel History

The Balmoral Hotel, originally opened in 1902 as the North British Station Hotel, stands as a beacon of luxury and history at the east end of Princes Street. Designed by William Hamilton Beattie in the Scots Baronial style, the hotel has served as a prestigious address for over a century. Its iconic clock tower, set three minutes fast to ensure travelers don’t miss their trains, is a testament to its origins linked to the golden era of rail travel. The transformation over the years has been remarkable, from its days under the North British Railway Company to its rebranding as The Balmoral in 1991 after a £23-million refurbishment.

The Balmoral Hotel Amenities

Guests at The Balmoral are treated to a range of high-end amenities that blend Scottish heritage with contemporary luxury. The hotel boasts 167 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each reflecting the natural beauty of the Scottish landscape with a color palette of blues and grays. Notable facilities include the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant, a serene urban spa, and the SCOTCH bar, which offers over 500 varieties of Scottish whiskey. The hotel’s commitment to excellence is also evident in its pet-friendly policies and valet parking services, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.

The Balmoral Hotel Location

Situated at 1 Princes Street, The Balmoral Hotel enjoys a prime location that captures the essence of Edinburgh. It stands where the Old Town meets the New, offering majestic views of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Old Town. The hotel’s proximity to Waverley Railway Station and Edinburgh’s main shopping area adds to its appeal, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. The Edinburgh Airport is also just a 25-minute drive away, providing convenient access for international travelers.

Gleneagles Townhouse

Gleneagles Townhouse Atmosphere

Gleneagles Townhouse, a new addition to Edinburgh’s luxury accommodations, presents a blend of classical charm and modern elegance. The interiors, designed by Ennismore Design Studio, reflect a contemporary take on Georgian elegance, featuring characterful wooden floors, luxurious fabrics, and antique rugs. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the Townhouse’s lively social spaces, including the exclusive rooftop bar, Lamplighters, which offers stunning views across Edinburgh’s historic skyline.

Gleneagles Townhouse Dining

The dining experience at Gleneagles Townhouse is centered around The Spence, an all-day restaurant that delivers a menu combining classic dishes with modern twists. Guests can enjoy everything from Bloody Mary breakfasts to three-course dinners in a setting that boasts a laid-back vibe complemented by piano music. The restaurant is notable not only for its food but also for its spectacular architectural features, including columns and a large cupola. Additionally, the rooftop bar, accessible to members and hotel guests, serves a seasonally inspired cocktail menu.

Gleneagles Townhouse Rooms

The Townhouse offers 33 uniquely designed guest rooms and suites, each tailored to provide serious comfort and homely luxury. Room categories vary from the spacious Master Bedroom, which features king-size beds and free-standing baths, to the cozy Nook Room, ideal for those seeking a more intimate setting. All rooms boast thoughtful touches like Gleneagles Blend Origin Coffee and sumptuous bathroom products by Gleneagles & Co.

100 Princes Street

100 Princes Street Design

The design of 100 Princes Street is a testament to refined elegance, combining architectural heritage with modern amenities. The interiors showcase a collaboration between renowned design teams, including those behind Botswana’s Xigera Safari Lodge and Ireland’s Ashford Castle, led by Toni Tollman. Artistic elements are prominent throughout, with bespoke artworks by Croxford and Saunders and a striking hand-painted mural that celebrates Scottish explorers.

100 Princes Street Views

From its vantage point, 100 Princes Street offers unparalleled views of Edinburgh Castle and the cityscape. The building’s Georgian architecture, characterized by its grand facade and large windows, enhances these stunning vistas, providing guests with a unique perspective of the city’s historic landmarks.

100 Princes Street Experiences

Guests at 100 Princes Street can indulge in a variety of unique experiences crafted to immerse them in Scottish culture. These include private tours of the city tailored to Harry Potter enthusiasts, bespoke textile creation with Scottish designer Araminta Campbell, and custom gin-making sessions at Kingsbarns Distillery. Additionally, the hotel offers exclusive fishing adventures on the River Tweed and personalized scent consultations, creating lasting memories of Edinburgh.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Location

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is strategically placed in the historic India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, making it a prime location for guests to explore the city. The hotel is just a short 8-minute walk from the nearest train station and 30 minutes from the airport, ensuring easy access for travelers. Additionally, the Edinburgh Trams and the Airlink 100 bus provide convenient transport links from the airport, with stops close to the hotel.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Rooms

The rooms at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh are designed with flexibility and comfort in mind. Each chamber and suite is equipped with a SMEG fridge, a yoga mat, and large living spaces that can be adjusted for work or relaxation. Noteworthy features include walk-in showers, sit-down makeup vanities, and a patented hybrid bed designed for supreme comfort. The rooms also offer privacy with discreet partitions separating the sleeping and dressing areas.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Dining

Dining at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers a delightful experience with a variety of options to suit any taste. From oysters on ice to whisky on the rocks, the hotel caters to all dining preferences. The in-house restaurant serves a range of dishes from sunny side up breakfasts to dark and stormy nightcaps, ensuring guests have a memorable culinary experience during their stay.

House of Gods

House of Gods Decor

House of Gods captivates with its dark, mysterious vibe and unapologetically decadent decor, embodying the spirit of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The interior combines dark wooden paneling, Japanese style art, and neon lights, creating a unique atmosphere that blends elements of Amsterdam and Japan.

House of Gods Room Features

The rooms at House of Gods are designed for comfort and luxury, featuring oak-paneled walls, opulent fabrics, and bespoke furnishings like handcrafted sleigh beds and center-piece four-poster beds. Each room includes modern conveniences cleverly integrated into the decor, such as hidden TV mirrors, marble-clad en-suite wet rooms, and fully stocked, hand-built cocktail bars. The emphasis on high-quality craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the roll-top feature bathtubs to the custom-designed neon signage.

House of Gods Bars

House of Gods offers exceptional bar experiences, including Lilith’s Lounge, which serves cocktails inspired by rock ‘n’ roll hotel debauchery. The bar’s design features a “Gucci-clad” esthetic with rooms that reflect a balance of opulence and rock ‘n’ roll. Guests can enjoy a variety of drinks under the glow of a disco ball, making it a perfect spot for evening relaxation and socializing.

Eden Locke

Eden Locke Apartments

Eden Locke offers 72 boutique-hotel-style rooms, each meticulously designed to serve as a home away from home. Guests can enjoy the convenience of fully kitted-out kitchens, which include a hob, fridge/freezer, and microwave grill, along with a washer/dryer or access to communal laundry facilities. The apartments feature UK King size beds, high-power rainfall showers, and smart HD TVs with screen mirroring and HDMI functionality.

Eden Locke Amenities

The hotel enhances its appeal with a range of amenities tailored for both leisure and work. Guests have access to a bright coworking space, a café serving coffee and bagels, and a 24-hour front desk. Additional comforts include superfast private Wi-Fi, a dining table, dishwasher, weekly cleaning, and designer furnishings. For relaxation, rooms are equipped with blackout blinds, USB plug sockets, and a yoga mat. The attention to detail extends to personal care with bespoke Kinsey Apothecary toiletries and fluffy white towels provided in each apartment.

Eden Locke Location

Strategically located on George Street in Edinburgh’s city center, Eden Locke is steps away from major attractions such as the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and Edinburgh Castle. The property’s central location ensures that guests are sandwiched between the business-centric New Town and the historical Old Town, making it ideal for exploring the city on foot. Whether it’s for meetings, shopping, dining, or cultural experiences, Eden Locke places guests right in the heart of the action, with Waverley train station just a 15-minute walk away.

The Dunstane Houses

The Dunstane Houses Design

The Dunstane Houses, embodying Victorian elegance, seamlessly blend historical architecture with stylish, modern interiors. Originally separate Victorian townhouses, these properties have been meticulously restored to offer a luxurious stay while maintaining their authentic charm. The design features ornate coving, wrought iron balustrades, and contemporary color palettes that enhance the unique character of each room.

The Dunstane Houses Dining

Dining at The Dunstane Houses is an experience of Scottish culinary excellence. The Ba’ Bar & Lounge and Skerries Restaurant offer menus crafted from the finest local produce, including rare and vintage whiskies and seasonal Scottish cuisine. Guests can enjoy dishes like Orkney smoked salmon pasta and haggis bon bons, paired with exceptional spirits from Highland distilleries.

The Dunstane Houses Rooms

Each room at The Dunstane Houses is a blend of traditional charm and modern luxury, designed to provide utmost comfort. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, from cozy doubles to spacious suites, all furnished with high-quality amenities. Notable features include handmade Vispring mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, and modern bathrooms equipped with rain showerheads and heated floors.

The Witchery by the Castle

The Witchery by the Castle Atmosphere

Nestled at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery by the Castle is surrounded by the rich history of Scotland’s capital. Its dining room, known as The Secret Garden, is famed for its enchanting atmosphere, lit almost entirely by candlelight and adorned with opulent tapestries and carved oak, creating an air of romance and historical grandeur. Andrew Lloyd Webber once remarked on its beauty, questioning if it could be the prettiest restaurant ever.

The Witchery by the Castle Suites

The Witchery offers a selection of opulent suites, each uniquely designed to provide an unforgettable romantic experience. From the gothic charm of The Library with its book-filled bathroom to the regal splendor of The Sempill, the suites feature lavish furnishings, rich fabrics, and intricate details, ensuring a stay that is as luxurious as it is memorable. The Guardroom, once a private townhouse dating back to 1595, offers dramatic views and a tranquil setting.

The Witchery by the Castle Dining

Dining at The Witchery is an experience in itself, with a menu that celebrates Scottish culinary traditions while incorporating contemporary twists. The restaurant boasts an award-winning wine list and offers dishes made from the finest local ingredients, such as Scottish beef from the Borders and fresh seafood from East Lothian. Signature dishes include Tournedos Rossini and Lobster Thermidor, served in a setting that complements the historic ambiance of the venue.

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George History

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George, originally known as The George Hotel, has been a distinguished presence in Edinburgh since 1881. Nestled within five Georgian townhouses built in the 18th century, the hotel’s rich history is intertwined with Edinburgh’s architectural and social evolution. The property underwent significant transformations, including a 2006 renovation that modernized its facilities while preserving its historical essence. It was voted Best Hotel in Edinburgh at the Scottish Hotel Awards 2009.

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George Rooms

The guest rooms at Intercontinental Edinburgh The George are inspired by 19th-century Scottish landscape paintings, featuring a color palette that reflects highland glens, forest ferns, and mountain heathers. The rooms range from cozy 12 sq. m. spaces to expansive suites up to 76 sq. m., offering options like double beds, twin beds, and king beds. The Ferrier Suite and Somerville Suite provide particularly luxurious accommodations with extensive space and multiple king beds.

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George Location

Located at 19-21 George Street, this historic hotel places guests in the heart of Edinburgh. Its prime location offers easy access to iconic city landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Scottish National Gallery, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand stands as a luxurious aparthotel nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city center. Offering a diverse range of accommodations from one to three-bedroom apartments and grand penthouses, each space is meticulously designed to deliver the highest standard of comfort and elegance.

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand Apartments

The apartments at Cheval The Edinburgh Grand are designed to provide the ultimate home away from home experience. They feature fully-equipped kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, and luxurious bathrooms, making them ideal for both short and long-term stays. Each apartment boasts unique decorations and high-quality furnishings, ensuring a stylish and comfortable environment for guests.

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand Amenities

Guests at Cheval The Edinburgh Grand enjoy access to a range of top-notch facilities. These include a 24-hour reception, a state-of-the-art fitness center located in the former bank vault, and a serene private courtyard garden. Additional conveniences such as secure underground parking enhance the stay, providing both safety and comfort. The property also hosts The Register Club, offering breakfast, afternoon tea, and a variety of cocktails, along with further dining options at the renowned Hawksmoor restaurant and the vibrant Lady Libertine bar.

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand Location

Situated on St. Andrew Square, the aparthotel is perfectly located within walking distance of major attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street. Its central location ensures excellent connectivity to public transport, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the city. The historical significance of the building, once the headquarters of the National Bank of Scotland, adds to the charm and allure of staying at Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, making it a preferred choice for travelers seeking both luxury and convenience.

Conclusion

Throughout this exploration of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, we have traversed a diverse landscape of hospitality offerings that embody the city’s unique blend of historical charm and modern luxury. From the timeless elegance of The Balmoral Hotel to the innovative comforts of Eden Locke, each establishment presents a portal to the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and history, ensuring that every traveler finds a perfect haven. The careful curation of these top 10 hotels in Edinburgh Scotland showcases not only the wide range of accommodations available but underscores Edinburgh’s status as a premier travel destination, rich in heritage and beauty.

As we conclude this guide, it’s evident that the allure of Edinburgh’s accommodations lies not just in their luxurious amenities or their esthetic appeal, but in their ability to deepen the connection between visitors and this enchanting city. Whether seeking the opulence of historic hotels, the cozy charm of boutique establishments, or the cutting-edge design of contemporary lodgings, guests are invited to immerse themselves in experiences that capture the essence of Scottish hospitality. In choosing any of these top hotels for your stay, you’re not just selecting a place to rest; you’re embracing an integral part of Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural mosaic.