Here’s everything you need to know about finding a place to stay in Edinburgh, the beautiful capital city of Scotland.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland - A Complete Guide

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Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. As one of my personal favourite places, I’ve visited Edinburgh many times and always find new things to see and do.

The Scottish capital is known for its historical vibe, with numerous museums and bookshops making it a hotspot for cultural travellers. The city has also been home to a number of prominent Scottish writers over the years, including Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote the beloved children’s classic Treasure Island.

You’ll adore the architecture here, which has an old-time vibe, and walking through the city feels like you’ve entered into a storybook. The city is a seamless blend of old and new, with streets that are easy to navigate - meaning you won’t be looking down at your phone every two seconds.

There’s so much to see in this beautiful city!

At A Glance

Best Budget Hotel - Ibis Centre South Bridge Hotel

Best Mid-Range Hotel - Scotsman Hotel

Best Luxury Hotel - The Glasshouse, an Autograph Collection

Best Apartment - Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Why not try one of these options…

Overview of Edinburgh

I know it can sometimes be difficult to visualise a city you’ve never been to. Use this map to explore the accommodation options in different parts of Edinburgh.

As always, the first thing you’ll need to do is decide where to stay during your trip to Edinburgh. Here is my complete guide, which will help you to discover everything that this amazing city has to offer.

Budget Hotels In Edinburgh

Let’s start off with an unusual place to stay in Edinburgh – a former jail!

The CoDE Hostel – The CoURT is situated in the heart of Parliament Square in the Old Town, putting you steps away from all the famous landmarks. The Gregorian building, which used to be a former jail, has been well-preserved and you can even see some of the messages former inmates left on the walls! Don’t worry – unlike regular jails, this hostel is super comfortable with all the usual amenities, and comes at a budget-friendly price.

Another budget option with an excellent location, make sure you consider the Ibis Centre South Bridge Hotel. Like the previous option, this one is also located on the Royal Mile, and there’s a cute bookshop right across the street, which you know is always a hit for me.

Ibis Hotels are known for being comfortable yet affordable, and are always a good choice for travellers who are on a budget. Other ideal Ibis hotels with a central Edinburgh location include the ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile - Hunter Square and ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square.

Finally, if you’re looking for a modern place to stay without a hefty price tag, you’ll love the Point A Hotel near the Haymarket railway station. This one has all the amenities you’d expect from a 3-star hotel, though without all the frills and expensive add-ons. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the lounge is very chill and low-key, making it perfect for any digital nomads who are planning on working while they’re away.

Mid-Range Hotels In Edinburgh

Another unusual place to stay in Edinburgh is the Hotel Du Vin. Located in the Old Town, this hotel used to be an asylum but has since been transformed into a lovely hotel.

For a well priced stay that’s a bit further out of the city centre, I’d recommend giving the Moxy in Edinburgh Fountainbridge a try. I really enjoyed staying at this hotel, which has a fun, lively vibe, with great transport links and lots of local amenities.

If you’re a bookworm like me and want a place to stay in Edinburgh with a little bit of history, consider the Scotsman Hotel. While it might seem that almost every building in the city has some lore, this one is special, as it was previously home to the famous local paper, the Scotsman, where it gets its name.

No longer occupied by journalists, this location is now a place with stylish bedrooms, marbled bathrooms, and city views that will sweep you off your feet. And if the history isn’t enough to tempt you, you should know that the Scotsman even has its own cinema!

If you’re keen to stay somewhere that is a bit further away from the city centre, you should look into the Black Ivy. This sophisticated hotel boasts colourful, unique interiors, with huge windows overlooking the Bruntsfield Links Park.

Their Conservatory dining room makes the perfect spot for a romantic night in, and delicious Sunday roasts are served each week from 12pm.

Luxury Hotels In Edinburgh

If you’re looking for somewhere luxurious to stay, Edinburgh has no shortage of beautiful five star hotels.

One highly rated option is The Glasshouse. Located just outside of the old town, the Glasshouse features a facade that is over 170 years old, with ultra-modern interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and sophisticated furnishings. This is quite a rare find in Edinburgh, so if you prefer a more modern style, you’ll want to book a room here.

The Balmoral is another fabulous choice, known for its grand clock tower that dates back more than a century. Elegance reigns supreme throughout the whole property, but especially in the newly-renovated Palm Court – a perfect spot for a champagne afternoon tea after a morning of exploring the city.

The Balmoral also houses a Michelin starred restaurant - one of the best in the city, serving unique takes on popular Scottish dishes. Bear in mind that this hotel tends to be favoured by celebrities, don’t be too surprised if you encounter a familiar face during your visit!

Cruise ship fans should definitely consider booking a stay in luxurious floating hotel, Fingal, which is permanently docked in Leith. The ship started life in 1963, when it was commissioned to ferry staff and supplies to lighthouses on the Scottish coast. All these years later, and after a five million pound renovation, the Fingal is now a gorgeous five star hotel.

Finally, check out the glorious Prestonfield House - an unusual place to stay in Edinburgh that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a gothic dream. It’s opulent, eerie, and incredibly romantic with its velvet furnishings, old-time wallpaper, and regal decor.

You’ll truly feel the gothic vibe around dinnertime when the opulent dining room transforms into a candle-lit space. Plus, avid wine drinkers will love that the hotel has a selection of almost 800 varieties to choose from!

Apartments In Edinburgh

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Edinburgh with kids, then the Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile is worth considering.

Located on the Royal Mile, these apartments put you within walking distance of all of the city’s major attractions. The amenities here are impressive, promising comfortable beds, a daily cleaning service, a quiet workspace in almost every room, and dedicated children’s areas for the little ones.

All in all, this place will make you feel like you’ve been living in Edinburgh like a local!

Last, but certainly not least, are the Braid Apartments by Mansley. These apartments have a homely feel, with options to fit a variety of needs; whether you’re traveling solo, with your family, or with a group of friends.

Other apartments to consider in Edinburgh include the gorgeous Eden Locke aparthotel, Edinburgh Castle Apartments and the Staycity Aparthotels in Edinburgh’s West End.

Edinburgh is one of those places that will stay with you long after the trip is over. It feels like a world of its own, ideal for anyone interested in history and culture.

Best of all, you don’t have to wonder where to stay in Edinburgh anymore – I’ve done all the work for you. Make sure you book your stay as soon as possible to secure the best rates.

Enjoy your trip, and I hope you love Edinburgh as much as I do!