Edinburgh’s accommodation ranges from castle-view luxury hotels on the Royal Mile to budget hostels in the student quarter. Your choice of neighborhood determines your walk to the sights, your noise level, and roughly two-thirds of your nightly rate. Here’s where to stay in Edinburgh, organized by area with specific hotel recommendations.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh: Best Areas and Hotels
Where to Stay in Edinburgh Old Town: In the Heart of History
The Old Town puts you within walking distance of the Castle, Royal Mile, and most major attractions. Downside: it’s the noisiest area in the city and the most expensive. Ideal for first-time visitors and short stays of 1-3 nights who want maximum sightseeing efficiency.
Suggested Hotels in Edinburgh Old Town
The Balmoral Hotel
A landmark 5-star hotel at 1 Princes Street with a spa, Michelin-starred Number One restaurant, and a clock tower that runs 3 minutes fast to help passengers catch trains at the adjacent Waverley Station. Best for luxury travelers and special occasions. Check rates and availability
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Located on the Royal Mile at 80 High Street, this 4-star hotel occupies a modern building with views of the Castle and Arthur’s Seat from upper-floor rooms, plus an indoor pool and spa. Best for couples and sightseeing-focused travelers. Check rates and availability
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
Budget-conscious design hotel at 18-21 Market Street, directly opposite Waverley Station, with compact but well-designed rooms, a 24-hour bar, and a continental breakfast buffet for £12.50. Best for solo travelers and short stays. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Edinburgh New Town: Georgian Squares and Shopping
The New Town offers wider streets, high-end retail on George Street, and a 10-minute walk to the Castle. It’s quieter at night than the Old Town. Ideal for shoppers, couples, and travelers who want a more relaxed atmosphere.
Suggested Hotels in Edinburgh New Town
The Roseate Edinburgh
A boutique 5-star hotel spread across two restored Georgian townhouses on West Coates, featuring individually designed rooms, a whisky lounge, and a secluded garden terrace. Best for couples seeking a romantic, design-forward stay. Check rates and availability
The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square
A 4-star hotel occupying seven interconnected Georgian townhouses on one of Edinburgh’s grandest garden squares, with a glass-roofed courtyard restaurant and bar. Best for architecture lovers and business travelers. Check rates and availability
Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge
A reliable budget chain hotel at 77 South Bridge, on the border between Old and New Town, with clean functional rooms, a 24-hour reception, and rates that can drop below £60 in low season. Best for budget travelers who still want a central location. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Edinburgh Leith: The Food and Drink District
Leith offers the best restaurant scene in Edinburgh at prices 30-40% below city center equivalents, plus the Royal Yacht Britannia. It’s a 20-minute bus ride from the city center. Ideal for food-focused travelers, repeat visitors, and longer stays.
Suggested Hotels in Edinburgh Leith
Ocean Apartments
Spacious serviced apartments with full kitchens at Ocean Terminal, directly next to the Royal Yacht Britannia, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Firth of Forth. Best for families and extended stays of a week or more. Check rates and availability
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Leith Waterfront
A mid-range chain hotel on Ocean Drive with complimentary breakfast, waterfront views, and free parking, located a 5-minute walk from the Royal Yacht Britannia. Best for families with a car and business travelers. Check rates and availability
Ardleigh House Guest House
A family-run Victorian guesthouse on Pilrig Street with cooked Scottish breakfast included, free on-street parking, and a 10-minute bus ride to the city center on route 11. Best for budget-conscious couples and solo travelers. Check rates and availability
For more detail on each area’s personality, read our Edinburgh neighborhoods guide. If you’re still deciding when to visit, our best time to visit Edinburgh guide covers seasonal pricing shifts.
