Image courtesy of The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel
Edinburgh has long been atop many travelers’ bucket lists. People are drawn to its enchanting cultural scene, modern vibrancy and stunning Old-World architecture. The best hotels in Edinburgh, UK, embody that diverse spirit. The city’s options range from historic-townhouses-turned boutique properties to majestic Georgian estates. Below, we’ve highlighted 10 amazing hotels — most of which are among Fora’s most-booked properties in Edinburgh — and all are recommended by Fora travel advisors.
You can also chat with a Fora Advisor directly for hotel and travel recommendations that fit your preferences and budget. When you’re ready to book, your advisor can handle all the heavy lifting — and if you choose one of our partner properties, you’ll unlock complimentary VIP perks.
10 hotels in Edinburgh: luxury & boutique options
Read on for a mix of boutique inns and five-star hotels in Edinburgh. Of the 10 choices, eight are within Edinburgh’s Town Centre, while the others provide a totally different vibe outside of the busiest parts of the city.
The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel
Image courtesy of The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel
Few, if any, five-star hotels in Edinburgh rise to the same level as The Balmoral.
“A Rocco Forte property, The Balmoral remains the Grand Dame in Scotland’s capital city,” Fora Advisor Meredith Alexander said. “Not only is the location more central than any other, [the hotel’s] historic beauty and castle views are unbeatable.”
Fora Advisor Katie Larsen agreed.
“The Balmoral hotel is more than just a place to stay,” Katie said in her Edinburgh trip report. “It's an experience steeped in history, elegance and luxury.” Katie added that the hotel is conveniently located next to Old Town’s Waverley Station, making it an especially easy place to stay if you’re arriving via train from London or other parts of Scotland.
The original property was completed in 1902 and has remained one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. The design is a masterclass in Scottish Baronial architecture, which blends medieval and Renaissance elements. The accommodations offered here are among Edinburgh’s best.
“Rooms are bright and warm, and the clock tower looks like Peter Pan and Wendy are about to fly past!” Meredith added.
Beyond elegant rooms and suites, guests can enjoy the Michelin-Starred Number One restaurant, as well as a sophisticated Scotch whisky bar and one of Scotland’s most esteemed traditions.
“Afternoon tea is iconic,” Meredith said of the hotel’s legendary service, “and I don’t let any of my clients experience the magic of Edinburgh without adding this to the list.”
Fora Advisor Abby Rieb also highlighted afternoon tea at The Balmoral as “an affair to remember” in her Edinburgh tea guide. “Served in the enchanting Palm Court under the shimmering glass dome, delight in a selection of finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves and an array of delicate pastries,” she said.
“You can’t go wrong staying here, it’s a classic for a reason,” said Meredith.
Fora Perks at The Balmoral, A Rocco Forte Hotel:
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade whenever possible.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Image courtesy of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From the outside, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh blends in with Old Town’s historic architecture, occupying buildings dating back to the mid-1800s. On the inside, this top Edinburgh hotel feels very much like a Virgin Hotels property.
“The hotel is signature Richard Branson with red doors; cool in-room, open-shelf minibars and modern but whimsical designs throughout,” Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez said. When workers were preparing the site for the hotel, they discovered artifacts that dated to the 10th century, even older than the Edinburgh Castle. The archaeological find delayed the hotel's opening until 2022, “but it was worth the wait,” she said.
Enjoy luxe accommodations, fun dining options and — a staple of Virgin properties — vibrant social spaces designed to foster interaction and relaxation. Plus, the hotel’s prime location in Old Town offers easy access to major attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and St Giles' Cathedral.
Jennifer also had a couple pro tips: “Be sure to check out the quirky library lounge as well as the Hendrick's Gin Garden — open during the summer months,” she said. Plus. “The hotel is super dog-friendly! Dogs, of any size and breed, can stay with you at no additional charge and will be treated to their own amenities.”
Fora Perks at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & priority check-in/out whenever possible.
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Image courtesy of Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Another great Edinburgh hotel in Town Centre — this time in New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s still several centuries old — Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel has a chic design and high-end amenities. The property is made up of seven Georgian townhouses, and features a world-class spa, diverse dining options and a stylish design.
The hotel is "one of my go-to properties for families visiting Edinburgh,” Fora Advisor Nancy Deane said. “You've got one of Edinburgh's prettiest gardens next door, an indoor pool for melting away jetlag and my favorite perk, complimentary bikes for cruising around town.”
Book your stay with a Fora Advisor to snag complimentary IHG Luxury perks.
Fora Perks at Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel:
$100 food / beverage credit, welcome amenities, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-out whenever possible.
(If you’re also looking for hotels in Glasgow, Scotland, there’s an excellent Kimpton location there, too.)
InterContinental Edinburgh The George
Image courtesy of InterContinental Edinburgh The George
In New Town, InterContinental Edinburgh stands between Hanover Street, a lively shopping area and St. Andrew Square, a bustling greenspace.
“Locally and fondly known as just ‘The George,’ InterContinental is beautiful and comfortable, with the added benefits of impeccable service, a central location and top-notch dining,” Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez said.
Like our previous Edinburgh hotel, The George occupies a series of Georgian townhouses, and maintains a contemporary look with subtle nods to the structure’s history.
“The guest rooms in the hotel were recently renovated to reflect the hotel's classic style in a fresh, modern way,” Jessica said. “And my clients with kids are thrilled that the hotel has interconnecting rooms available, something that is not always an option in European hotels.”
Make a reservation at the on-site Le Petite Beefbar, Jessica advised. It’s the Edinburgh outpost of the world-renowned restaurant. The hotel’s other restaurant, Beefeater, offers a fine-dining take on carnivore-friendly street food from around the world, and this particular location fills up fast.
Fora Perks at InterContinental Edinburgh The George:
$100 food / beverage credit, welcome amenities, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-out whenever possible.
Gleneagles Townhouse
Image courtesy of Gleneagles Townhouse
Adding to the list of excellent hotels in Edinburgh’s Town Centre, Gleneagles Townhouse offers a unique stay in the heart of the city. (In fact, it’s barely a block away from The George.) Whereas many luxury hotels in Edinburgh opt for contemporary styles, Gleneagles Townhouse leans in the other direction; the rooms are furnished with vintage pieces and a Pre-War style to match.
“My boutique-hotel-loving clients raved about Gleneagles Townhouse,” Fora Advisor Chantel Lanier said. “They were impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. They also loved the atmosphere and the food in The Spence restaurant.”
Gleneagles Townhouse only has 33 rooms, ensuring both a quieter and more private stay than some of the larger, five-star hotels in Edinburgh. The property is also home to a members club, which contributes to the hotel’s exclusive vibe.
“Lamplighters bar, with its views of the city center, delicious cocktails and extensive whisky list, is not to be missed!” Chantel added. This property also borders St. Andrews Square, placing it within walking distance of the area’s many shops, restaurants and notable sites, like Calton Hill and the Sir Walter Scott Monument.
Fora Perks at Gleneagles Townhouse:
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Gleneagles Hotel
Image courtesy of The Gleneagles Hotel
The Gleneagles Hotel bends the definition of an Edinburgh hotel — this massive estate-resort is about an hour north of the city in Auchterarder — but the Fora Advisors who visited during a site visit were so infatuated with the property we couldn’t resist including it here.
“For a true manor house [or] Downton Abbey experience on the border of the Scottish Highlands, Gleneagles is one of my favorite spots for all ages and all interests,” Fora Advisor Meredith Alexander said. “Not just a gorgeous hotel with impeccably well-appointed rooms surrounded by lush greenery, Gleneagles also has a world-famous golf course, whiskey bar and exceptional modern Scottish fine dining.”
Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez had a similar take.
“This elegant, classic country resort feels like something out of a novel. The beautiful grounds are married with seamless service and activities that will keep you happily occupied for days.” Plus, “there is truly something for everyone at Gleneagles: an aqua thermal suite, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, falconry, horseback riding, clay target shooting, fishing...the list goes on and on.”
The backdrop of the Scottish countryside only adds to the hotel’s grandeur.
For those worried about the distance from Edinburgh, don’t: “Arriving at Gleneagles is easy,” Meredith said, “as they have their own train station, and it feels like you’ve traveled back in time. After being chauffeured to the property, you'll have access to the most modern amenities in a fairytale-like setting.”
Fora Perks at The Gleneagles Hotel:
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
100 Princes Street
Image courtesy of 100 Princes Street
100 Princes Street, part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, has a bold style that offers a delightfully fresh take on the Old-World looks many luxury hotels in Edinburgh opt for. The hotel only recently opened, following meticulous renovations, and the attention to detail here is immaculate. Gilded furnishings and grandiose art combine with moody lighting and a dark but vibrant color palette to create an Art Deco-esque vibe.
The best rooms boast unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle, barely a block away, while limited capacity ensures guests enjoy personalized service. 100 Princes Street, the hotel’s literal address, also puts you a short distance from the National Galleries of Scotland and other prestigious museums.
Fora Perks at 100 Princes Street:
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Roseate Edinburgh
Image courtesy of The Roseate Edinburgh
For an authentic stay in a quieter part of Edinburgh, head to the Roseate. It inhabits twin Victorian townhouses in West End, just outside of the city’s Town Centre. The hotel’s immediate surroundings are mostly residential, but only a few blocks away you’ll find bustling shopping areas, music venues and great eateries. Plus, Town Centre is still less than 10 minutes away by car.
“The Roseate is a stunningly charming boutique property mixing classic design with modern and upscale amenities,” Fora Advisor Kelsey Morita said. Kelsey described the hotel as having exceptional hospitality, adding that it’s a “cozy place to retreat after a day of sightseeing.”
Refined and designed for relaxation, the property only has a handful of individually designed rooms. Have your advisor book the main house for something a bit more upscale, Kelsey said.”
Regardless of your choice, expect privacy and attentive service. And if you book your stay with a Fora Advisor, they can score you complimentary SLH withIN perks.
Fora Perks at The Roseate Edinburgh:
$50 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Caledonian
Image courtesy of The Caledonian
The Caledonian, a Hilton property, stands in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle on the border of Old and New Town. The property was originally a Victorian railway hotel; like many of the top hotels in Edinburgh, it boasts grand architecture, a throwback interior design and top-tier amenities.
The Caledonian stands out with a brighter color palette than many of its competitors. This is best exemplified by The Lounge at The Caledonian, a whimsical yet elegant space serving afternoon tea, pastries and other small bites.
Fora Perks at The Caledonian:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Nira Caledonia
Image courtesy of Nira Caledonia
Nira Caledonia is a quaint boutique hotel in a similarly quiet stretch in New Town. It’s a bit further from Edinburgh’s center, but still well within walking distance of most of the area’s top attractions (Edinburgh Castle, Old Town…). Outside of the city’s peak travel seasons, the hotel has more approachable rates than most luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
Travelers seeking indulgent accommodations won’t be disappointed, though. Nira Caledonia’s best rooms feature a more refined style, separate jacuzzi tub, walk-in shower and notable upgrade in space. Even the entry-level rooms are well appointed (if a little small for groups of more than two people).
Fora Perks at Nira Caledonian:
$50 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Honorable mention: Prestonfield House
Prestonfield House is a popular five-star hotel in Edinburgh for travelers interested in staying outside of Town Centre. Set in Holyrood Park, the hotel occupies a Neoclassical manor and features grandiose furnishings and décor. The hotel’s grounds are well manicured, with similarly exuberant peacocks hanging around, and are quite extensive — so much so that you’d likely be surprised to find out the hotel is less than 10 minutes from Old Town by car.
Book your stay at a top hotel in Edinburgh, UK with Fora
Staying at a top hotel in Edinburgh puts the cherry on top of any trip to Scotland. Whether you’re enjoying the views of Edinburgh Castle from a New Town townhouse-turned-boutique hotel or a stunning countryside retreat just outside of the city, expect warm Scottish hospitality.
To get the most out of your stay, book your trip with a Fora Advisor. They handle all the heavy lifting of making your reservation and ensure your chosen hotel is aware of any special requests. Plus, when you book one of our partner properties, you’ll unlock complimentary VIP perks like extended check-in/out windows, dining credits and more.
Your Fora Advisor can also help you build an travel plan if you need support beyond booking your hotel. Think: hidden gem recommendations, tips for getting around the city… Your Fora Advisor can even arrange things like car rentals or private transportation. Simply reach out to a Fora Advisor to get started.
Edinburgh, UK hotel & travel FAQs
Image courtesy of Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Below, we’ve gathered answers to the most common Edinburgh travel questions our Fora travel advisors receive. You can also reach out to a Fora Advisor directly for an answer that applies to your unique circumstances.
How walkable is Edinburgh?
Like many cities in the UK and Europe, Edinburgh is largely walkable. This is especially true in New and Old Town, which combine to make Edinburgh’s city center.
“Each structure has been standing where it is for hundreds of years and everywhere you look there is a story to tell,” Fora Advisor Meridith Alexander said in her guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh. “The people are friendly and curious. The city is easy to navigate and you can reach all the attractions on foot, which is great if you are afraid of driving on the left side of the road (like me).”
What is the best part of Edinburgh to stay in? Should I stay in Old or New Town, Edinburgh?
Old Town and New Town definitely top the list. Both areas are where you’ll find most of the top hotels in Edinburgh. (Fora Advisor Abby Rieb’s guide to Edinburgh’s Old Town vs. New Town breaks down the neighborhoods in expert detail.) Both are centrally located, so choosing between the two largely comes down to preference and budget.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
You can see many of Edinburgh's highlights in three to four days. But the only “right” answer to this question depends on how many days you want to spend in the city.
For pro help, chat with a Fora Advisor. They can build you a tailored travel plan that accounts for your budget, time constraints and must-do’s while also providing tips and hidden-gem recommendations.
“Edinburgh is filled with surprises — it just helps to know where to look,” noted Fora Advisor Jane Henzerling in her Edinburgh travel guide. “From the wilds of Holyrood Park, to the dark little closes between buildings to the array of incredible cuisine, Edinburgh is a place you can expect to find the unexpected.”
What’s the best time to visit Edinburgh? Is Edinburgh expensive to visit?
Like any major city, Edinburgh can be relatively expensive to visit. The city is a year-round destination, with prices rising and falling with events. For example, August hosts many festivals, like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Late spring and early fall bring gorgeous changes to the scenery that draw crowds and, the holiday season is one of Edinburgh’s most popular times to visit.
Fora Advisor Wendy Wallace highlighted December as a great time to visit the city in her guide to Christmas market magic in Edinburgh.
In any case, your Fora Advisor can help you plan a trip to Scotland that fits your budget.
How far in advance should you book a hotel in Edinburgh, UK?
Image courtesy of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
It’s wise to book Edinburgh hotels at least two to three months out, if not further out. That’s doubly true if you’re visiting in August or the holiday season. The city is one of the UK’s most popular destinations, so there’s a lot of competition for the best rooms and properties.
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