The Witchery by the Castle Hotel, Edinburgh
More photosExpert reviews
“This flamboyant and fabulously gothic bolthole is all your historical fantasies rolled into one. If it doesn’t make your pulse race, quite frankly you haven’t got one. James Thomson opened this restaurant with rooms in 1979 in a clutch of 16th-century buildings tucked away beneath the castle and it’s still, more than three decades later, the ultimate romantic retreat.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Edinburgh.
“Set in a 16th-century Old Town house in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, the Witchery’s nine lavish Gothic suites are extravagantly furnished with antiques, oak panelling, tapestries, open fires, four-poster beds and roll-top baths, and supplied with flowers, chocolates and complimentary champagne.”
Gothic romance and dramatic grandeur rise to enchanting, theatrical levels at The Witchery by the Castle—it’s like The Phantom of the Opera in hotel form. Although the restaurant downstairs might be the main attraction, those looking for an intimate, lavish escape are hard-pressed to find anything more decadent than The Witchery’s nine suites.
“If Pugin designed Gothic revival love nests they would look like this: an outrageous riposte to modern minimalism realised in nine fantasy suites close by the gates of Edinburgh Castle. Essentially a restaurant with rooms, but nevertheless the perfect hideaway for incurable romantics.”
What guests liked
- Top Location
- Comfortable beds
- Boutique style
- Friendly staff
- Free Wifi
All you need to know
The Witchery by the Castle is an iconic Edinburgh boutique hotel located in the heart of the city. This stunning hotel is nestled in a historic building, originally constructed over 400 years ago, combining traditional elegance with modern sophistication.
Guests can enjoy the luxurious and unique suites, which offer views of the castle and the Edinburgh skyline. Each room accommodates two guests, and interior design elements include opulent fabrics, rich colors, four-poster beds, and red velvet, making it feel like you’ve been transported to a fairy-tale castle. This hotel has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Condé Nast Johansens Most Excellent Hotel Award and the Visit Scotland Five Star Hotel award.
The Witchery by the Castle is well-known for its fine dining experience, featuring fresh, local ingredients and a menu inspired by traditional Scottish cuisine. The hotel also offers a variety of other amenities, such as a private bar and lounge, an onsite spa, and a garden terrace. Guests can also enjoy complimentary WiFi access and a 24-hour concierge service.
The Witchery by the Castle is one of the best Edinburgh boutique hotels for guests seeking luxury and comfort. With its stunning views, exceptional service, and delicious cuisine, this hotel offers a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a corporate retreat, The Witchery by the Castle provides an unparalleled stay in Edinburgh.
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Location
Recent guest reviews
19 June 2023
Wonderful stay
We stayed in the Herriot Suite which had an amazing bathroom and very comfortable four poster bed and lovely seating area. The room was very clean, with very soft, fluffy bath towels. Even though it is in the centre of the city we had a great night's sleep, the room was really quiet. They have put gluten free cookies in our room which was a nice touch.
Breakfast was delicious and freshly cooked and they had gluten free haggis and black pudding which was a real treat.
8 June 2023
Returning customer for a reason
room, location, breakfast, staff
Nil
6 June 2023
Fabulous
Beautiful room, very friendly staff. Lots of little suprises and goodies.
No parking or help with figuring out parking. Had to use a parking lot which cost a lot of money.
4 June 2023
Exceptional
Unique experience as if travels back in history and stays in another century but still maintains the modern comfort. Staff all helpful and make sure we have everything. Love the space in our room with its own dining room having a choice of breakfast delivered. Every room is of different decoration, can‘t wait to go again and discover.
Nothing.
11 May 2023
That's excellent. I have never experienced it in Japan.
Both breakfast and dinner were excellent.
Especially the men's service was the best.
Women are not good enough.
Correspondence of woman of receptionist is not good enough.
Thanks to the staff for carrying our luggage up the steep stairs.
6 April 2023
would def visit again
very unusual and just stunning . location superb for the castle .
very beautiful setting , but £600 for 1 night was just a stretch too much for the average person .
11 February 2023
good.
it was dramatic in feel and look. at 795 for a night there were things missing ! no option for drink in the room regardless if it was a further costs. cookies half eaten in a jar.
was very poor …
much positive but could be much better ! tv was rubbish , but overall the feel was different due to the atmosphere and building ! I was able to blank out the irritants and focus on the pleasure of being in a time warp of old ! loved it but if you want that kind of money for a night ! step it up … t x
above comments
5 January 2023
Exceptional
Everything was perfect!
14 December 2022
Wonderful
The staff were amazing,nothing was too much trouble. The room was gorgeous and totally unique and food was incredible, wonderful service wonderful stay
1 November 2022
Enchanting Hotel
EVERYTHING! Staff was outstanding, they would do anything to make your stay perfect. The building is quite mysterious and it was fun to watch all the tourists taking pictures of our Close and then we got to unlock the gate and go in. ha! :)
Really nothing. The charm of the bathroom was the clawfoot tub; unfortunately, that can be hard to take a shower.
23 October 2022
Best hotel I’ve stayed at
Best place we have stayed at. Beautiful rooms and the staff are so friendly. We parked our car at their sister hotel and got a complimentary taxi to the witchery. Nice vegan breakfast. We will be staying again 🙂
26 July 2022
Magical hotel - rooms beautiful - location next to castle outstanding - wonderful place to stay
Magical hotel - rooms beautiful - location next to castle outstanding - wonderful place to stay
Everything was perfect
18 June 2022
Exceptional
Incredible hotel! Beautiful suite consists of two rooms. Opulent and elegant design without shabiness. Exceptional bathroom with to gothic sinks, big bath, walk-in tropical shower for two people, canopy bed and truly magnificent lighting. Plus Echo for your favorite music.
It would be great if you add umbrellas and a coat hanger.
15 May 2022
Wonderful
Beautiful historical building in a wonderful location
The stair are spiral several
Hundred year old stone narrow and steep not idea
For anyone elderly , handicapped, or obese
14 May 2022
Truly phenomenal team keeping up a hidden gem!
Expansive, private, centrally located to the main city attractions we were intending to see.
There was occasional noise from the room
above, but it’s expected due to the nature of the rooms. Everything else was excellent!
26 March 2022
loved it!!
everything!!
the tv in front of the bed is way roo low ro warch when lying down. must be at least 30 cm higher
13 March 2022
Exceptional
Exquisite rooms, the food is top notch and the service is the best thing about the property.
Nothing
5 March 2022
Exceptional
Wonderful hotel with exceptional staff. The restaurant is lovely, albeit very expensive. Will definitely retutn.
Nothing
9 February 2022
It was my birthday aswell as NYE, so this was a special treat & definitely lived up to expectations.
The character & soul of the place, aswell as the history.
11 January 2022
Exceptional
The whole experience was perfect. It exceeded expectations and I would highly recommend.
11 December 2021
cosy, romantic, indulgent getaway
the staff were really friendly and the food was great.
I get that it’s gothic but certain parts in the room needed a bit of tlc e.g. ripped lampshades on the inner side - this is not setting ambience this is just not replacing something that has been damaged
25 November 2021
Exceptional
The ambience, the querkynes, the location, the staff, the food.. The list is endless
The place is one of the best places we have ever stayed
21 November 2021
Exceptional
Everything was just perfect, the hotel is in the best location the staff are amazing
16 November 2021
Absolutely perfect
The staff were so friendly. The room was beautiful and we had an amazing dinner in the secret garden.
Nothing
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Special diet menus (on request)
Services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Daily housekeeping
Outdoors
- - Terrace
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Designated smoking area
Miscellaneous
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Face masks for guests available
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