11 Best Hotels in Edinburgh and the Lothians, Scotland

Baroque opulence reigns in this 1687 mansion, with rich velvet curtains, gold-framed portraits, and alabaster-sculpted busts adorning the grand and eccentric public rooms, and equally plush decorations in the guest rooms. This style reaches its apex in the impossibly indulgent Owners Suite, complete with a draped four-poster bed, antique-filled sitting room, and library-style bathroom. The romantic Rhubarb restaurant is suitably sumptuous with its theatrical decor and a menu featuring Scottish beef, venison, monkfish, and hake. Outside, the hotel's 20-acre grounds are home to Highland "coos" (cows), peacocks, and grouse.

Set within two Victorian town houses that sit across the road from one another, with each offering a selection of beautifully appointed rooms and suites, this hotel is one of Edinburgh's most luxurious boutique options. The rooms in both properties—Dunstane House and Hampton House—are tastefully furnished with incredibly comfortable king beds, smart TVs, and Nespresso machines, while the suites also include beautifully upholstered sofas and Fired Earth roll-top baths. The hotel also has a good restaurant serving meals and snacks all day long, as well as a bar stocked with a tempting range of Scottish whiskies, gins, and beers. It's a little out of town, but that means it's lovely and quiet, and a convenient location for those traveling to and from Edinburgh Airport (or those going to Murrayfield for the rugby).

Leave it to one of the United Kingdom's most forward-thinking hotel chains to convert a Victorian-era asylum into this understated luxury property, which combines a real sense of history with contemporary decor and trappings. The 47 amply proportioned rooms are all individually designed, though you'll find each combines original architectural elements with modern conveniences. There's also French-style Bistro du Vin, a mezzanine bar, a cigar area, a well-stocked wine cellar, and a whisky snug, where 270 different varieties of the "water of life" are ripe for sampling. It may have a brutal history, but today it's a great place to relax in the heart of the city.

Standing out along an elegant and tranquil West End terrace, this excellent B&B is the Scottish outpost of supertrendy B+B Belgravia of London; the imposing Victorian mansion combines grand public spaces with affordable modern accommodation. An elegant entrance, hallway, and handsome original features—including marble and carved wood—are complemented by quirky lights and furniture. The building has a double-height library and a lounge bar crammed with interesting artwork and antiques, as well as views down to leafy Dean Village and the Water of Leith from the large breakfast room. The contemporary bedrooms offer muted colors and simple but stylish decor: think gray walls, large artwork, and big comfy beds.

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.

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).

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.

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. 

This chic and welcoming boutique inn could hardly be more central—some rooms even overlook the Royal Mile. The guest rooms are a decent size, with polished wood floors and a cool, oatmeal color scheme, while sleek bathrooms showcase black-slate tiles, huge freestanding tubs, and steam-resistant mirrors. The hotel bar has a good range of craft beers and an outstanding selection of whiskies. Check the website for good discounts on multinight stays.

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.

This magnificent turn-of-the-20th-century building, with its grand marble staircase and its fascinating history (it was once the headquarters of The Scotsman newspaper) now houses a modern luxury hotel. Muted colors and contemporary furnishings decorate the individually designed rooms. For peace and quiet, ask for an upper-story room with a view. The hotel's Grand Cafe serves lunch and dinner—as well an excellent afternoon tea—while snacks and drinks are available in the cozy Hide Bar.