Hotels in Edinburgh

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

• The Old Town: the castle, the Royal Mile and museums within walking distance; the most practical area for a first visit.
• The New Town: the shops, restaurants and broad streets of Princes Street and George Street, close to Waverley station.
• Haymarket and the West End: well connected by the airport tram and trains.
• Stockbridge and Leith: calmer and more local, with cafés, markets and waterfront restaurants.

We compare the areas and example hotels in detail in Where to Stay in Edinburgh: A Neighbourhood Guide.

Types of Accommodation

Guest houses and B&Bs are as common as hotels in Edinburgh, and most include a Scottish breakfast. Aparthotels suit families and longer stays, and hostels serve budget travellers. Rooms in the Old Town’s historic buildings can be small and some have no lift.

When to Go

May to September brings long days. During the August festivals the city becomes one of the liveliest places on earth and hotels fill months ahead. December’s Christmas market and the Hogmanay New Year celebrations are also very popular, while winter and early spring offer a quieter visit.

Getting There

From Edinburgh Airport, the tram or the Airlink bus takes you into the centre. For a private transfer to your hotel, see Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh transfer. Trains from London arrive at Waverley station, and buses and the tram cover the city.

Things to Do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a walk up Arthur’s Seat, sunset from Calton Hill and the free National Museum of Scotland are the classic experiences. To explore more of Scotland, see our pages for Glasgow and Inverness.

Who Is It For?

Edinburgh suits history and architecture lovers, festival-goers, couples on a short city break and travellers starting a tour of Scotland. Families enjoy the castle, the National Museum and the Dynamic Earth science centre. For a quiet stay choose Stockbridge or the western streets of the New Town; to be close to nightlife, the Old Town.

Practical Tips

• The city is hilly and cobbled, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• The weather can change even in summer; pack a waterproof and layers.
• If you travel in August or at New Year, book your stay as early as possible.

Booking a Hotel in Edinburgh

The lists on this page bring together the highest-rated hotels and the best-value options. Enter your check-in and check-out dates and the number of guests to see available room types, board options and cancellation terms. Card payments are processed securely. Your card is not charged now; the amount is taken once your booking is confirmed.