5 Best Hotels in Edinburgh and the Lothians, Scotland

Background Illustration for Hotels

From stylish boutique hotels to homey B&Bs, Edinburgh has a world-class array of accommodation options to suit every taste. Its status as one of Britain's most attractive and fascinating cities ensures a steady influx of visitors, but the wealth of overnight options means there's no need to compromise on where you stay. Grand old hotels are rightly renowned for their regal bearing and old-world charm, but if your tastes are a little more contemporary, the city's burgeoning contingent of chic-design hotels offers an equally alluring alternative. For those on a tighter budget, the town's B&Bs are the most likely choice. If you've previously found B&Bs to be restrictive, keep in mind that Scots are trusting people—many proprietors provide front-door keys and very few impose curfews.

Rooms are harder to find in August and September, when the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Fringe take place, so reserve at least three months in advance. B&Bs may prove trickier to find in the winter months (with the exception of Christmas and New Year), as this is when many proprietors choose to close up shop and go on vacation themselves.

Braid Apartments

$$$ | 27 Thistle St., Edinburgh, EH2 1DX, Scotland

This collection of chic, comfortable, and spacious self-service apartments is tucked away on quiet Thistle Street, meaning that guests can enjoy being in the heart of the New Town and yet out of sight (and sound) of the crowds. The accommodation options, which range from studios to two-bedroom apartments, are consistently modern, stylish, and comfortable, with muted color schemes and modern additions like ovens, dishwashers, and washer-dryers—as well as fridges prestocked with milk, cereal, and bread. Don't fancy eating in? There are excellent bars and restaurants right on your doorstep.

Pros

  • Good modern facilities
  • Quiet central location
  • Friendly reception staff

Cons

  • No on-site parking
  • Noisy water pumps
  • No accessible rooms (elevator starts on mezzanine floor)
27 Thistle St., Edinburgh, EH2 1DX, Scotland
0800-304--7160
Hotel Details
20 apartments
No Meals

Quick Facts

Something incorrect in this review?

Cheval Old Town Chambers

$$$ | 329 High St., Edinburgh, EH1 1PN, Scotland

Just a few steps down from the Royal Mile, Cheval Old Town Chambers offers all the space and flexibility of luxury apartments, but with hotel-style amenities like a 24-hour reception, a concierge desk, and a free on-site gym (with personal trainer). Apartments come in all shapes and sizes, from open-plan studios, through one- and two-bedroom apartments, all the way up to the jaw-dropping three-bedroom penthouse. Each is individually designed, but expect colorful and modern furnishings, smart TVs, and fully equipped kitchens (including dishwashers).

Pros

  • Spectacular three-bedroom penthouse suite
  • Spacious apartments
  • Gorgeous artwork by local photographer

Cons

  • No air-conditioning in older building
  • No room service or phone
  • Lots of steps
329 High St., Edinburgh, EH1 1PN, Scotland
0131-510–5499
Hotel Details
75 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

Something incorrect in this review?

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand

$$$ | 42 St. Andrew Sq., Edinburgh, EH2 2AD, Scotland

Despite all appearances—the classical Edinburgh exterior, the Corinthian-columned art deco lobby, the friendly and attentive concierges, and the in-house high-end restaurants—the Edinburgh Grand is not a swanky hotel, but rather a collection of grand and luxurious serviced apartments. Guests can expect large living spaces complete with comfy king beds, roaring fireplaces, giant TVs, and a choice of marble bathrooms, as well as kitchens stocked with food essentials, cookware, fridges, and dishwashers. If you want a night off from cooking, you'll find the consistently excellent Hawksmoor restaurant downstairs, as well as the less excellent Register Club on the fourth floor. The location is incredibly convenient, too; the tram from the airport stops right outside, while Edinburgh Waverley train station is just around the corner.

Pros

  • Modern apartments with supercomfy beds
  • Ideal location for trams and trains
  • All amenities included

Cons

  • Perilously dark corridors
  • Register Club food and service disappoints
  • Poor soundproofing
42 St. Andrew Sq., Edinburgh, EH2 2AD, Scotland
0131-230--0570
Hotel Details
50 apartments
No Meals

Quick Facts

Something incorrect in this review?

Recommended Fodor's Video

Eden Locke

$$$ | 127 George St., EH2 4JN, Scotland

Located on swanky George Street, Eden Locke offers a range of design-led apartments and studios with pastel-hued Scandinavian-style decor, plenty of greenery, contemporary furniture, and well-equipped kitchens. Breakfast is extra and served in the laid-back café lounge which is also a great place to hang out and plan your adventures. 

Pros

  • Off-season and member deals
  • Rooms come with smart TVs and washer/dryers
  • Spacious apartments

Cons

  • Stuffy bathrooms
  • Noise from George Street during festivals
  • Pricey breakfast
127 George St., EH2 4JN, Scotland
0330-056--3363
Hotel Details
72 apartments
No Meals

Quick Facts

Something incorrect in this review?

The Knight Residence

$$$ | 12 Lauriston St., Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ, Scotland

Situated just around the corner from Grassmarket, these spacious serviced apartments offer a great base for exploring the city center by foot. There's everything from one- to three-bedroom apartments, all with comfortable bedrooms, spacious living and dining rooms, modern bathrooms, and fully outfitted kitchens that include laundry machines and dishwashers. The decor is simple but stylish, if a little business hotel-like.

Pros

  • Ultra-convenient central location
  • Spacious rooms with comfy beds
  • Secure parking available (at a cost)

Cons

  • Wi-Fi could be stronger
  • Lots of street noise when windows are open
  • Some areas need refurbishment
12 Lauriston St., Edinburgh, EH3 9DJ, Scotland
0800-304--7160
Hotel Details
28 apartments
No Meals

Quick Facts

Something incorrect in this review?