With its secret passageways and historic monuments, Old Town is the vibrant heart of UNESCO-listedEdinburgh. This charming medieval district attracts travelers in search ofauthenticity and a change of scenery. Hotels here range from intimate boutique hotels to elegant grand institutions.
Would you like to stay in a listed building or wake up facing the castle? Here’s our selection of the bestOld Town hotelsin Edinburgh, for a stay that combines comfort, character and an ideal location.
In this article, you’ll find our useful tips for an exceptional luxury experience.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. The Inn on the Mile (boutique hotel)
Why stay there?
On the famous Royal Mile, theThe Inn on the Mile offered us an extraordinary experience right in the heart of historic Edinburgh. The building is in fact the former headquarters of the British Linen Bank, converted into a pub and hotel. The 9 rooms are spread over three floors. They combine modern comfort with traditional charm.
The ground-floor pub, with its industrial design elements and neon lights, has direct access to the Royal Mile. The atmosphere of this historic establishment is warm and inviting, and we enjoyed sharing a Scottish breakfast while contemplating thebustle of Edinburgh’s most famousstreet!
Access
- 5min walk from Edinburgh Castle
- 2min walk from Waverley Station
- Airlink bus service to the airport every 10 minutes
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Old Town
- 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes, Scottish breakfast and pub menu
- Facilities: Terrace on the Royal Mile, live concerts in the evening
- Services: laundry
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
2. House of Gods Hotel (adults only)
Why stay there?
On a street just off the Royal Mile, theHouse of Gods Hotel resembles a nightclub, with its neon lights, dark wood panelling and thick crimson velvet curtains. Walk through the dimly lit bar to the reception area, housed in an alcove like a checkroom. This is the entrance to the rooms. A very private club atmosphere!
We had booked a Cabin, a tiny room fitted out like a ship’s cabin. Again, red velvet, tapestries and subdued lighting… It’s great fun for a romantic night in, but if you’re staying longer, you’d be better off in a classic room or suite, as it’s less cramped. The service is friendly and trendy.
Access
- 2 steps from the National Museum of Scotland
- Behind St Giles’ Cathedral
- 5min walk from Waverley Station
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Old Town
- 4 stars
- Facilities: bar, disco
- Services: room service, 24-hour reception
- A la carte or continental breakfast
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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3. The Scotsman (luxury hotel)
Why stay there?
Housed in theformer headquarters of the prestigious newspaper The Scotsman, as is often the case in Edinburgh, this hotel combines history with modern luxury. All rooms and suites are individually decorated. Some feature large corner windows offering spectacular views of the castle and the city.
Enjoy the comfort of marble bathrooms and Egyptian cotton linens. For those of us who love the cinema, we’ve found a 48-seat private room that adds a special touch to this boutique hotel.
Access
- 1min walk from the Royal Mile
- 1min walk from Princes Street
- Direct access to Waverley Station
- Discounted parking 5-10 minutes away on foot
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Old Town
- Restaurant: yes, The Grand Cafe, The Hide Bar and The Press Bar
- Facilities: private cinema, fitness center
- Services: 24-hour room service, 24-hour reception
- Family rooms available
- The Scotsman newspaper free
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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4. Hotel The Witchery by the Castle (5 stars)
Why stay there?
One of a kind,The Witchery by the Castle offers 9 sumptuous suites in distinctive styles. Each suite is a decorative masterpiece, with oak four-poster beds, velvet-upholstered walls and flamboyant red and gold accents.
But it was the restaurant ‘s decadent backyard setting that most appealed to us, as it did to many celebrities. We loved the romantic , gothic atmosphere of the place. Tea time is also an experience in itself. A unique theatrical moment at one of Edinburgh’s most exclusive addresses?
Access
- Privileged location on the Royal Mile
- In the immediate vicinity of Edinburgh Castle
- View of the old town
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Old Town
- 5 stars
- Restaurant: yes – Original Dining Room and Secret Garden
- Facilities: terrace, heating, free Wi-Fi
- Services: 24-hour reception, breakfast in basket or in the restaurant
- 9 unique suites with bathrooms featuring silver island baths
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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5. Fraser Suites Hotel (apartment hotel)
Why stay there?
Nestled in a beautifully preserved 130-year-old Victorian building, theFraser Suites Hotel brilliantly combines historic charm with modern comfort. Its 75 elegant apartments offer all the services of an upscale hotel while preserving the intimacy of home. The sandstone façade is itself a landmark of the old town.
We particularly liked the convenient laundry service and the well-equipped gym. The privileged location within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile makes it an ideal base for exploring the city.
Access
- On St Giles Street, in the heart of the old town
- A side street off the Royal Mile
- A few steps from St Giles Cathedral
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Old Town
- Services: 24-hour reception, laundry
- Facilities: fitness center
- Family rooms available
- PMR equipment
- Breakfast available
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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- What to do in Edinburgh (coming soon)
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Other options and cheap hotels in Old Town
Here are a few hotels we’d also like to mention:
- Hotel Cheval Old Town Chambers: see photos, prices and availability – and book!
- Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – view photos, prices and availability – and book!
