3 Best Hotels in South Side, Edinburgh and the Lothians

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.

With its welcoming owners and quiet location near Arthur's Seat, this Victorian B&B is a smart choice for those seeking warm Edinburgh hospitality and a restful atmosphere away from the city center. The high-ceilinged guest rooms have a traditional feel with carpets and patterned wallpaper, and breakfast is served in a homey annex. 

Elegantly furnished rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and a hearty breakfast are three big factors that make this town-house B&B a popular budget stay. The rooms feel upmarket but unfussy, with the deluxe rooms particularly appealing thanks to their modern bathrooms, Queen Anne four-poster beds, large TVs, and garden terraces. The handsome lounge downstairs is a fine place to mingle with fellow guests—there's an honesty bar if you want a drink or a snack. Glenalmond House is a little out of the center, but there are many regular buses to the Royal Mile and Princes Street, and owners Jimmy and Fiona Mackie will be happy to help you plan your travels.