With 12 major festivals going on each year, Edinburgh is the world’s leading city when it comes to large events, bringing in thousands upon thousands of people every year. If such festivals are not your thing, there is still plenty to see in the city - the famous Edinburgh Castle for one! You can also see some familiar sights, as the city of Edinburgh is known for its multitude of filming locations, used in such films as the Da Vinci Code or The Illusionist. One of the hidden gems of Edinburgh is its old town, which is a marvelous and picturesque place to visit. It is also one of the prettiest parts of the city to book your accommodation in and this Top 10 Best Hotels in Edinburgh Old Town is sure to make it easier to pick one!
Radisson Blu Hotel
Starting with a very affordable option, the Radisson Blu Hotel is a stylish and luxurious spot, located right on the Royal Mile. The hotel is a perfect choice if you like sightseeing and plan to see some of the landmarks in Edinburgh, as it is located within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Edinburgh Vaults. The hotel has over 200 well-equipped suites with free wireless internet access. For dinners, we recommend taking advantage of one of the two gourmet restaurants located on-site, or ordering take out to your room through room service. The hotel also features a sophisticated spa, a gym, and a swimming pool, so there is plenty of activities to do even without leaving the premises of the hotel.
The Royal Mile
Located in the historic marketplace of Grassmarket, this hotel lies right in the heart of the Old Town in Edinburgh. The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Greyfriars Kirkyard are all located within walking distance from the hotel, making it a perfect spot for explorers of Scottish landmarks. For your convenience, the rooms at Apex Grassmarket Hotel are equipped with electric kettles and coffee/tea makers, allowing you to make yourself a hot beverage without having to go to Starbucks. The rooms are also fitted with large, 42 inch LCD TVs and free wireless internet connection. Moreover, if you happen to get hungry, the hotel features a great Metro Brasserie restaurant, which offers tasty cuisine and refreshing drinks.
Travelodge Edinburgh
If your highest priority when it comes to accommodation is its affordability, Travelodge Edinburgh Central will be a perfect candidate for you. The hotel is located within the Old Town of Edinburgh, at 33 St. Marys Street, close to Holyrood. If you feel adventurous, the hotel features a plethora of attractions within walking distance, including the National Museum of Scotland, the Real Mary King’s Close, and the Chocolatarium. Even though the hotel is a budget-friendly one, you still get access to a flatscreen TV with every room, as well as free wifi access. There is also a restaurant on-site, which can come in handy if you turn hungry and everything else is already closed.
Old Town Chambers
Awarded with the Travelers' Choice 2019 award and the Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor, Old Town Chambers is a wonderful choice of accommodation if you're planning on seeing the picturesque city of Edinburgh. Being among the best hotels in Edinburgh Old Town, Old Town Chambers is located on Roxburgh's Court, very close to the National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile, and the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. The hotel is also situated close to the Turnhouse Airport, and about a thirty-minute ride from the Dundee Airport. The Old Town Chambers gives you the unique opportunity of living in what is basically a full-fledged apartment, with the luxury of having hotel service and additional amenities!
The Scotsman Hotel
This four-star hotel located on North Bridge is placed right in-between the historical Old Town and the bustling New Town. With Royal Mile, Princess Street, and Waverley Train Station within under five minutes’ worth of walking distance away from the hotel, The Scotsman is worth checking if you value your time. The hotel also has an on-site nightclub which hosts frequent parties with some of the better-known DJs in the area, as well as other evening entertainments which change periodically. For relaxation, we recommend trying out the hotel’s beauty salon, which is very positively reviewed by its customers. The rooms are furnished with safes and minibars for your convenience, as well as with flatscreen TVs and free high-speed wifi.
The Witchery
Looking for the best hotels in Edinburgh Old Town with fantasy-like, medieval vibes to them? Make sure to check out the Witchery by the Castle, located, as the name suggests, right next to the Edinburgh Castle. The Witchery is a romantic getaway, furnished with sophisticated four-poster beds and an abundance of draperies and pillows, perfect for couples who want to visit Edinburgh together. The hotel also features tasty hampers delivered to your door, at an additional cost. Since the hotel does not have any lounge or lobby, the suites it provides give a unique, intimate atmosphere and feel almost like a private apartment. When hungry, make sure to give the Witchery Restaurant a try - it is located right on-site and its gourmet cuisine is one of the best in town!
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
If you are traveling on a very tight budget and do not want to spend hundreds upon hundreds of pounds each day for your accommodation, we recommend checking out the Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile. The four-star hotel is located at Canongate, just next to the Chocolatarium. There is also a very highly-acclaimed escape room within walking distance from the hotel, which is a great activity to try out with friends or family. If you want to visit Edinburgh but can’t leave your pets alone, we have some good news for you - the hotel is entirely pet-friendly! Moreover, each room is equipped with a separate dining area and a kitchenette, where you can further save on spending by making your own meals.
Hotel Du Vin
Located very close to the old Royal Infirmary, Hotel Du Vin is one of the best hotels in Edinburgh Old Town if you’re planning on exploring some of the city’s historical district. While the hotel is placed off-center from the main street, it is still very close to both the Royal Mile and Princes Street, while avoiding the noise and business of the main arteries. The interior of the hotel is an eclectic combination of a traditional, sophisticated style and contemporary elements, presented perfectly by the rough stone wall combine with smooth, polished floorboards. The hotel features friendly staff at the reception and bar, and the rooms come in seven categories to choose from, beginning with Standard and ending on Executive suites.
Inn on the Mile
Uniquely placed in a former Royal Mile bank, the Inn on the Mile is located along one of the busiest streets of Edinburgh, right on the corner of the Bridges and the Royal Mile. The entrance to the hotel is a bit hidden, as you have to pass through a door in a pub to find a staircase leading up, which only adds to the mysterious vibe of the place. You can choose between Mile or Royal Mile rooms, both of the types having gorgeous views over the Old Town. The rooms are decorated with light colors and wooden accents, and are equipped with desks, safes, and a stocked minibar refilled every day. Moreover, the rooms are fitted with iPod docks for your convenience, as well as Nespresso machines and a new issue of the Scotsman newspaper every day!
Grassmarket Hotel
If you ever wanted to book your hotel right at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket Hotel will allow you to do just that. There is no better location to access the landmarks and architectural wonders of Edinburgh’s Old Town, and, moreover, it is the heart of the city’s nightlife after the dusk. The hotel is furnished and decorated in a very novel style, which means you won’t see the typical hotel setup here - rooms are decorated with bold, unusual wallpapers and minimalistic furniture. The rooms are also fitted with tea and coffee machines, as well as a complimentary serving of Tunnocks teacakes, which will make you feel like a true Edinburgh local.
