Hotels & Accommodation in Edinburgh

Stepped in history and fringed with rolling hills, Highland lochs, and rugged coastline, Scotland’s capital provides the buzz of a modern city against the backdrop of famous historic architecture. A city rich in culture, history and lore, Edinburgh is simply remarkable and is guaranteed to give you an experience you will not soon forget.

With the many hotels Edinburgh has to offer you’re sure to find accommodation to suit your needs, whether you’re alone or travelling in a family group.

Hotels in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Hotels range from uber chic luxury boutiques with Michelin star dining and spa facilities, to more modest chain hotels suitable for families. Self-catering apartments are plentiful, offering well-equipped kitchens, and concierge services. A cutting-edge city, there are green hotels in Edinburgh for those who embrace sustainability, while those who prefer to holiday with Fido in tow will find the city in particularly good supply of pet-friendly accommodation too. For holiday makers who can’t resist the lure of a city break but enjoy tranquility by default, the Lothian countryside offers out-of-town boltholes, away from the buzz.

Where to stay in Edinburgh – Popular areas

Edinburgh is not a large city, and many Edinburgh accommodations are close to the city centre. This means you’ll be within walking distance to most of the city’s main attractions.

With its cobbled streets and medieval architecture, Edinburgh’s Old Town oozes romantic charm. During the Edinburgh Festival, the high street and Hunter Square come to life 24/7 with street performers, laughter, and camera-clicking tourists.

Neighbouring New Town, despite being referred to as new, retains much of its original neo-classical and Georgian splendour. Home to shopping hub Princes Street and The National Gallery of Scotland, it’s a good place to base yourself if you plan on enjoying a little bit of everything. Located just minutes from the city centre, Haymarket is also an ideal base for those who like to explore, with Edinburgh’s fashionable West End and popular zoo located nearby.

When you are travelling with your kids and looking for accommodation, Edinburgh has plenty of family friendly hotels available. The public transport system in and around Edinburgh is very good, and it might be worth your while checking out the hotels near Edinburgh where you’ll get to enjoy the countryside and the kids will have more space to run around.

If you are looking for a budget room that is both very nice and centrally-located, getting a room at the best hotels in Edinburgh is made possible by booking last-minute deals that become available from cancellations. These are referred to as late rooms, and if you’re looking for late rooms, Edinburgh often has many to choose from. Our team at Hotels.com can help you find the perfect one.

More to do in Edinburgh

Some of the activities that you will find in Edinburgh are good for the whole family, and others – think Scottish Whiskey – are better after hours. Whatever it is that you have in mind, Edinburgh has a surprising list of great options for things to do.

Staying at any of the Edinburgh hotels, you will be able to enjoy a trip to one of the many castles in and near the city. The Edinburgh Castle, for instance, is right in the heart of the city, located just Northeast of the National Museum of Scotland. Another great structure to see is the gothic Scott Monument which is located in the Princess Street Gardens.

Taking a whiskey tour from the hotels in Edinburgh is also a wise choice, since Scotland is home to some of the most highly regarded whiskey in the world. Tours leave from central Edinburgh and they visit all the most popular distilleries, such as Glengoyne Distillery, Deanston Distillery, and many others along the way. The tours also run through some of the most beautiful countryside that you will see in Scotland.

There are certainly enough family oriented activities to keep the kids entertained for the duration of your stay. Right in the centre of town, you will find The Edinburgh Treasure Trail, the Edinburgh Dungeon, Camera Obscura World of Illusions, Museum of Childhood Edinburgh and much, much more.

What and where to eat in Edinburgh

While staying in Edinburgh, one of the things you will fall in love with very quickly is all the great food available. Much of it can be ordered right from the hotel. Edinburgh has a diverse list of world-famous restaurants, serving everything from traditional Scottish cuisine to Asian and contemporary fusions. There are fantastic restaurants, cafes, diners and pubs available all over the city, so you’ll never be far from a great dining experience.

For a truly authentic taste of Scotland, we recommend trying haggis. Haggis is savoury pie that combines minced meat with onions, oatmeal, salt, pepper and various spices. It usually comes served with mashed potatoes and mashed turnips. Traditionally, haggis was cooked in the stomach lining of a sheep, but these days it’s usually cooked in a synthetic casing.

Weather & Seasonality – When to go to Edinburgh

The best time to go to Edinburgh is a really a matter of personal preference. Some people like it in the summer months and others prefer to go during winter. There are various exciting activities to do while staying in Edinburgh, and your own personal itinerary will make a difference in when you should book your flight and hotel.

In Edinburgh’s crisp and cool autumn months, from October through November, you’ll find plenty of Edinburgh hotel deals.

The winter months are quieter than the summer months, and the cooler weather also lends itself to an atmosphere of cosiness that makes winter in the city quite charming. The Christmas season in Edinburgh is particularly popular. During December and January, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, bustling with festive markets and family-fun ice rinks. The gorgeous street lights are also wonderful additions to a city that’s already beautiful.

In the summer time – particularly in the month of August – Edinburgh explodes with cultural festivals, from literature fairs to jazz concerts. Culture vultures can’t miss the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – an array of alternative stand-up shows and theatre performances. It is also the best time to go on day trips to some of the fascinating archaeological sites and historical structures in the surrounding areas, and you get to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the countryside.

Getting to and around in Edinburgh

Getting around in Edinburgh is very easy, and there are a lot of convenient options available.

The city doesn’t cover a large area so many people prefer to walk than to take any of the public transportation options available. If walking isn’t the best option for you, taking the bus or the tram are great alternatives. Between the two systems, every part of the city is accessible for a low cost. Taking the bus is also possible to and from the airport, and at around £7.50 for a return trip it’s the most cost-effective way of getting into and out of the city. Buses leave the airport every 10 minutes and take approximately 30 minutes to get into the city centre.

Taxis are another option, and you will quickly see that there are many to choose from. The way Edinburgh is laid out makes it a very car-friendly place, so for times that you are trying to get to your destination quickly, taxis are the best option.

What are some fun facts about Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is known by a variety of nicknames, including “Edina” and “The Athens of The North”, but none are quite so funny as “Auld Reekie”. This quirky nickname came about from the dense cloud of smoke that once hung above the city from all the wood and coal fires burning in citizen’s houses. At Edinburgh Castle, take a moment to appreciate that the fortress sits atop the plug of an extinct volcano. Calling Edinburgh’s August festival month popular is an understatement – during this time, the city’s population doubles.