Edinburgh offers a wide range of accommodation from luxury historic hotels to budget hostels and family-run B&Bs. It's best to stay within walking distance of the city centre, ideally around the Royal Mile, Princes Street or New Town - most of the main sights can be reached on foot.

The city is compact but hilly, so the closer you are to the centre, the more comfortable your stay will be. Accommodation in the suburbs tends to be cheaper, but is only worthwhile if you have a car or are looking for peace and quiet.

Tips for hotels and locations

We recommend choosing one of the following locations:

Old Town (historic centre)

Ideal for those who want to be right next to the sights - from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. The atmosphere of medieval streets, plenty of restaurants and cafes.

• Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh - right on the Royal Mile, mid-range, quality service,
• The Witchery by the Castle - an exclusive gothic experience, perfect for a romantic stay.

New Town (elegant district)

Wide streets, shopping, bars and access to public transport. Quieter than Old Town but still within walking distance.

• YOTEL Edinburgh - modern design at an affordable price, rooms from GBP 80,
• Hotel Indigo - elegant boutique hotel near Princes Street,
• The Balmoral Hotel - a legendary luxury hotel with a clock tower, one of the best in the country.

Leith (harbour district)

Trendy area with cafes, galleries and a coastal atmosphere. The centre is accessible by public transport in 15-20 minutes.

• Malmaison Edinburgh - a stylish hotel in a converted warehouse, overlooking the docks,
• Fingal - luxury hotel on a boat with exceptional interior and restaurant,

Haymarket / West End

Good transport links (train and tram links), slightly cheaper than the centre. Old Town is about 15 minutes walk away.

• Leonardo Royal Hotel - good value for money with larger rooms,
• The Bonham Hotel - quiet luxury in a historic Victorian building.

Typical accommodation

Edinburgh is dominated by classic hotels and boutique guesthouses, often in historic buildings with stone walls and vaulted ceilings. B&B (bed & breakfast) accommodation is also prevalent, providing a more personal experience, especially outside the centre.

You won't find all-inclusive resorts here - Edinburgh is an urban destination where exploring and eating out at local businesses is preferred.

For groups or families, apartment accommodation, available through Booking or Airbnb, is suitable.

If you want a stylish yet affordable experience, we recommend House of Gods Hotel - an eccentric boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town. Rooms have dramatic interiors reminiscent of the royal carriages of the Orient Express. There's no shortage of minibars, hidden lights or cocktails delivered to your room. Rates start around 130 gbp per night - exceptional value for money.

Accommodation rates

Prices vary considerably by season:

Low season (January-March, November):

• Hostels from 20 gbp,
• 3* hotels from 60 gbp,
• Luxury from 150 gbp.

High season (July-August, New Year's Eve):

• Hostels from 40 gbp,
• 3* hotels from 120 gbp,
• Luxury from 250+ GBP.

Highest prices are during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August) - booking well in advance, sometimes six months in advance.

View Edinburgh hotel prices