Best hotels in Edinburgh

Prestonfield House, Edinburgh

Prestonfield House is a stunning 17th-century mansion that feels worlds away from the city, despite being just a five-minute taxi ride from the Royal Mile. Built in 1687 by Sir William Bruce—the same visionary architect behind the Palace of Holyroodhouse—the estate was originally a private residence for the Lord Provost of Edinburgh.

“If the blond wood and brushed steel of modern boutique hotels leave you cold, then this is the place for you. A 17th-century mansion set in 8 hectares of parkland, Prestonfield is draped in damask and packed with antiques.”

W, Edinburgh

The W Edinburgh is a striking modern landmark that redefined the city’s skyline upon its opening. Designed by the architecture firm Jestico + Whiles, the hotel is famously anchored by "The Ribbon Building," a 12-storey structure wrapped in a continuous, spiraling bronze steel facade that evokes the celebratory energy of Edinburgh’s world-famous festivals.

“W Edinburgh has enjoyed rather a lot of publicity before it even opened. In the flesh it is sleek and international, although its location — sandwiched into a gap within the £1 billion St James Quarter shopping centre and just moments from Waverley railway station — is quintessential Georgian Edinburgh.”

The Witchery by the Castle Hotel, Edinburgh

The Witchery by the Castle is one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive luxury hotels, occupying a collection of historic buildings just steps from Edinburgh Castle. Set within structures that date back to the late 16th century, the property sits on the Royal Mile, placing guests at the heart of the city’s Old Town. Despite its central location, the hotel feels wonderfully secluded, hidden behind heavy oak doors and centuries-old stone walls.

“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.

The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

The Balmoral Hotel is one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable landmarks, standing proudly at the east end of Princes Street beside Waverley Station. Opened in 1902 as the North British Station Hotel, it was built as a grand railway hotel for travellers arriving in the Scottish capital and was renamed The Balmoral in 1988. The name comes from a Gaelic phrase meaning “majestic dwelling,” which feels fitting for such an iconic building.

“For sheer class, this grande dame still has the edge. Yes there are other luxury hotels in the Scottish capital but they haven’t got the Olga Polizzi pizzazz. Taste, style and luxury seep out of the walls.”

Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Edinburgh.

Market Street Hotel, Edinburgh

Market Street Hotel in Edinburgh feels like a well-curated love letter to the city. It sits right in the heart of Old Town, blending contemporary design with local heritage in a way that feels both bold and cozy. The architecture, by JM Architects and design studio FG Stijl, draws on traditional Scottish materials. Think sandstone and white oak, but updates them with clean lines, custom furniture, and soft wool accents.

“Next to Waverley train station, the Market Street Hotel offers city center convenience, modern suites with understated design touches and a rooftop Champagne lounge with views over the New Town, including Princes Street and its gardens.”

The Roseate, Edinburgh

The Roseate Edinburgh is a stunning boutique hotel that perfectly captures the city's Victorian heritage. Set within two beautifully restored townhouses on West Coates, the property dates back to the 1860s. Originally built as private homes, these buildings have transitioned from grand residences to an elegant retreat, offering a glimpse into the architectural splendor of 19th-century Edinburgh.

“Set within two Victorian town houses that sit across the road from one another, with each offering a selection of beautifully appointed rooms and suites, this hotel is one of Edinburgh’s most luxurious boutique options.”

Hotel du Vin, Edinburgh

Hotel du Vin Edinburgh is tucked away in the city’s historic Old Town, just a short stroll from the Royal Mile. Housed in a striking stone building dating back to 1743, the property has lived several fascinating lives over the centuries, serving as a poorhouse, an asylum, a science laboratory and even a blood donation centre before becoming the boutique hotel it is today.

“This boutique hotel in the city center is just a few minutes’ walk from nearly every tourist site. Each room has a custom-made sleigh bed and a hand-sprung mattress, but the hotel’s best feature might be the ultra-cozy, tartan-carpeted whiskey “snug,” a cozy room, all too tempting on a gray Scottish day.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Edinburgh.

The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh

The Rutland Hotel, located at the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road, is a stylish boutique retreat housed in a magnificently restored historic building. Interestingly, this elegant property was once the home of the renowned surgeon Joseph Lister, who pioneered the use of antiseptic in medicine. Today, the hotel seamlessly blends this deep history with contemporary flair.

“The building may have once been the residence of Sir Joseph Lister—known as the \”father of antiseptic surgery\”—but there’s nothing clinical about this acclaimed boutique hotel at the west end of Princes Street. Nominated for several style awards, the design is chic without being intimidating.”

94DR Bed & Breakfast, Edinburgh

94DR Bed & Breakfast is a stylish boutique guesthouse set inside a beautifully restored Victorian townhouse on Dalkeith Road in Edinburgh. The property blends classic period architecture with contemporary interiors, creating a warm and sophisticated atmosphere that feels more like a carefully curated home than a traditional hotel.

“Like the infectiously optimistic owners, Paul and John, 94DR reaches for the stars with its stylish decor and contemporary trappings, while maintaining a comfortable, homey feel. Breakfasts are legendary.”

Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Edinburgh.

Ocean Mist Leith, Edinburgh

Ocean Mist Leith feels like stepping into a beautifully restored piece of maritime history. It’s not just a hotel, it’s a classic yacht permanently moored on the Water of Leith. Originally built in 1919, this floating gem weaves together its seafaring past with modern charm, offering a really atmospheric stay. The interiors are rich with polished wood, nautical touches, and cozy corners that feel both elegant and relaxed.

“A onetime pleasure yacht, the Ocean Mist Leith has been docked at the Shore area of Leith since the 1980s. A major overhaul in 2018 restored its 1920s glamour and transformed the vessel into a 17-bedroom floating hotel.”

The Raeburn, Edinburgh

The Raeburn is a stunning boutique hotel located in the heart of Stockbridge, one of Edinburgh’s most charming and affluent neighborhoods. Originally built in 1832 as an elegant Georgian family home, the building was meticulously restored by owner Ross Maclean and his family. Their goal was to preserve the house's period character while integrating modern luxury, resulting in a beautiful B-listed property that balances history with contemporary comfort.

“No expense was spared in creating this popular bar/restaurant with boutique rooms in a great neighbourhood. Expect a moody modern look with heritage touches, luxurious bathrooms, delicious cocktails and upmarket extras in the rooms, from GHD straighteners to espresso machines.”

The Bonham Hotel, Edinburgh

The Bonham Hotel is one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive boutique hotels, occupying a collection of elegant Victorian townhouses in the city’s prestigious West End. The buildings were originally designed in the 1870s by Scottish architect John Lessels, who helped shape this fashionable residential district. Although the property now welcomes guests from around the world, much of its historic character remains intact, giving the hotel a sense of old Edinburgh grandeur that is increasingly rare.

“The Bonham manages a successful fusion of Victorian interiors with bold, modern colors and contemporary design. Cool, crisp bedlinen, luxury bathrooms and friendly but unobtrusive service make for a memorable stay.”

Sheridan Guest House, Edinburgh

The Sheridan Guest House is a charming, family-run retreat housed within an elegant 19th-century Georgian terrace. Owners Rowena and Tom Watt purchased the property in 2003, thoughtfully restoring the historic space to blend its original architectural character with contemporary comforts, such as Persian carpets and curated artwork.

“Flowerpots filled with colourful blooms line the steps of this little haven hidden away north of the New Town. The eight bedrooms (all en suite) blend crisp colours with contemporary furniture, stylish lighting and colourful paintings, which complement the house’s clean-cut Georgian lines.”