Where to Stay in Edinburgh — Best Areas & Hotels
Curated by Our Guild Explorers · Updated July 2026
Edinburgh is a city of two halves, and the one you choose sets the mood of the whole trip. The medieval Old Town tumbles down from the Castle in a maze of closes and crow-stepped gables; the Georgian New Town spreads out below in orderly, elegant terraces. Both are compact and walkable, so the real question is which Edinburgh you want to wake up in. We’ve grouped the city’s most enduring, well-loved hotels by area and character, each with an honest note and a Book Me link that opens that exact property on Trip.com so you can just choose your dates.
Old Town & the Royal Mile
The Old Town is postcard Edinburgh: the Castle on its crag, the Royal Mile running down to Holyrood, and a warren of stone closes and stairs on either side. Stay here and you are in the thick of the history and, come August, the Festival crowds. Expect atmosphere, a few hills, and the sound of bagpipes drifting up the cobbles.
The Witchery by the Castle
A cluster of lavish, candlelit suites steps from the Castle gates, decked out in tapestries, oak panelling, and Gothic drama. It is more indulgent stage set than conventional hotel, and its restaurant has been a special-occasion legend for decades. Best for couples after a romantic, once-in-a-lifetime splurge at the very top of the Old Town.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Radisson Collection Royal Mile
A slick, design-forward hotel sitting squarely on the Royal Mile, its modern interiors a striking counterpoint to the ancient street outside. Reliable full-service comforts and a central-of-central address make it easy for first-timers. A strong pick for travellers who want Old Town location with a crisp, current feel.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Cheval Old Town Chambers
Elegant serviced apartments tucked into a historic close just off the Royal Mile, blending original stonework with sleek modern kitchens and living space. The extra room and self-catering flexibility suit families and longer stays. Ideal for travellers who want Old Town immersion with a home-from-home footprint.
Book Me on Trip.com ›New Town — George Street & Princes Street
Laid out in the 18th century as a model of Georgian planning, the New Town is all wide streets, symmetrical terraces, and elegant garden squares. This is Edinburgh’s address for shopping, smart dining, and grand hotels, with Princes Street Gardens and Castle views on its southern edge. Choose it for refinement, flat walking, and easy access to both halves of the city.
The Balmoral
Edinburgh’s grande dame, crowned by the clock tower that presides over Princes Street and the entrance to Waverley station. Behind its imposing facade lie polished Rocco Forte service, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and old-world grandeur throughout. The definitive landmark splurge for travellers who want the hotel to be part of the occasion.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Kimpton Charlotte Square
A run of Georgian townhouses on the New Town’s most prestigious square, reworked into a stylish hotel with a leafy central garden and a buzzy brasserie. It balances heritage architecture with a relaxed, contemporary mood. A refined yet unstuffy choice for couples and design-minded travellers who want elegance without formality.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Tigerlily
A glamorous boutique hotel on George Street, all mirrored surfaces, bold patterns, and a bar-and-restaurant scene that draws a stylish local crowd. Rooms are plush and playful, and you are steps from the New Town’s best shopping. Best for sociable travellers and couples who want nightlife and personality on the doorstep.
Book Me on Trip.com ›West End & Haymarket
The West End blends the New Town’s Georgian elegance with a quieter, more villagey feel — independent boutiques, cafes, and theatres along leafy streets. Haymarket station and tram links make arrivals and airport runs painless. A smart base for travellers who want easy transport and a calmer evening while staying within a short walk of the centre.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
The “Caley” is a monumental red-sandstone former railway hotel anchoring the west end of Princes Street, with some of the finest Castle views in the city. Grand public rooms, a spa, and Waldorf Astoria service uphold its old-money reputation. Perfect for travellers who want landmark luxury with the Castle framed from their window.
Book Me on Trip.com ›The Bonham
A trio of Victorian townhouses on a tranquil garden crescent in the West End, done up as a warm, characterful boutique hotel with individually styled rooms. Its residential setting means peaceful nights a short stroll from Princes Street. A refined, low-key choice for couples who prize character and calm.
Book Me on Trip.com ›B+B Edinburgh
A grand Victorian mansion, once a newspaper baron’s home, now a characterful mid-range hotel above the Water of Leith with a striking library lounge. High ceilings and period detail give it far more personality than the price suggests. A great-value base for travellers who want atmosphere and a West End address without a luxury bill.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Stockbridge & Dean Village
A short walk downhill from the New Town, Stockbridge is Edinburgh’s most beloved “village” — indie shops, a Sunday market, and cafes along the Water of Leith. Neighbouring Dean Village is a storybook pocket of former mills and cobbled lanes by the river. Choose this area for a residential, local feel with the centre still an easy stroll away.
The Raeburn
A handsome Georgian villa in the heart of Stockbridge, reworked as a boutique hotel with a popular bar, brasserie, and a walled garden for summer drinks. It has the feel of a smart local institution rather than a chain. Ideal for travellers who want village charm, good food, and a stroll into town along the water.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Nira Caledonia
An intimate townhouse hotel set across two Georgian buildings on the leafy edge between the New Town and Stockbridge, with opulent, individually designed rooms. Its quiet crescent setting and personal service make it feel like a private retreat. A romantic choice for couples who want boutique character close to both the centre and the village.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Leith & the Waterfront
Once a working port and now one of Edinburgh’s most exciting quarters, Leith mixes historic docks with a celebrated food-and-drink scene and the Royal Yacht Britannia at its shore. A tram and buses connect it quickly to the centre. Choose Leith for waterfront atmosphere, great restaurants, and a bit more space for your money.
Fingal
A former lighthouse-tender ship permanently berthed in Leith, transformed into a glamorous floating hotel with polished art-deco cabins and a sweeping staircase. Staying aboard is a genuine one-off, with the water lapping just outside. Best for travellers after a distinctive luxury experience and a memorable waterfront address.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Malmaison Edinburgh
The original Malmaison occupies a striking former seamen’s mission on Leith’s handsome Shore, with moody boutique rooms and a brasserie overlooking the water. It sits at the centre of Leith’s buzzing bar and restaurant strip. A stylish, well-priced pick for travellers who want waterfront character over a central-tourist address.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Leith Waterfront
A dependable, no-surprises hotel by the waterfront at Ocean Terminal, within reach of the Royal Yacht Britannia and Leith’s restaurants. Consistent modern rooms and included breakfast make budgeting easy for families and longer stays. A sensible-value base for travellers happy to hop the tram or bus into the historic centre.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Grassmarket & Southside — Budget & Value
Just below the Castle, the Grassmarket and the Southside offer character and central location without the marquee price tags. The Grassmarket is a lively square of pubs and independent shops, while the Southside around the University keeps rooms sensible and transport easy. Choose this area to spend on whisky and museums rather than the nightly rate.
Grassmarket Hotel
A fun, design-led hotel right on the Grassmarket, with playful comic-strip and cityscape touches and a location beneath the Castle that puts the Old Town at your feet. Rooms are compact but full of character and keenly priced for the address. Best for younger travellers and couples who want central buzz with personality.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
A reliably stylish budget hotel on Market Street, tucked between the Old Town and Waverley station with some rooms glimpsing the Castle. The design-forward lounge-bar punches well above the price, and the location could hardly be more central. A smart-value pick for travellers who want looks and location without the splurge.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Ten Hill Place
A well-run, contemporary hotel on the Southside owned by the Royal College of Surgeons, with profits supporting its charitable work. Comfortable, unfussy rooms and an easy walk to the Royal Mile make it a quiet, dependable base. Ideal for value-minded travellers who want a central-but-calm location and a feel-good booking.
Book Me on Trip.com ›Don’t see your perfect fit?
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