Where to Stay in Edinburgh: Old Town, New Town & the Best Hotels
Edinburgh is a compact city and both the Old Town and the New Town give excellent bases within walking distance of everything. The Old Town gives medieval atmosphere and immediate Royal Mile access; the New Town gives Georgian elegance, better hotel variety, and Princes Street Gardens views. We have stayed in both and found each excellent for different reasons.
The critical booking note: August (Edinburgh Festival) requires booking many months in advance. Prices during the Festival are the highest of the year; even budget accommodation fills completely. Book as soon as Festival dates are confirmed if visiting in August.
👉 Edinburgh City Guide: The Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat & Scotland’s capital →
👉 What to Eat in Edinburgh: Whisky, haggis, modern Scottish cuisine & the best restaurants →
Our Hotel Picks
Luxury
The Scotsman Hotel — In the former Scotsman newspaper headquarters on the North Bridge, with extraordinary public spaces (the original marble staircase, the pool carved from the printing press floor), dramatic city views, and rooms of great character. One of the most specifically Edinburgh hotels available. Luxury pricing.
The Witchery by the Castle Suites — Seven theatrical suites in a 16th-century building beside Edinburgh Castle — the most atmospheric accommodation in Scotland. Each suite is individually designed with antiques, tapestries, and Gothic excess. Luxury pricing; book months ahead. The adjoining restaurant is equally celebrated.
Upper Mid-Range
Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh — In a 19th-century building on the Royal Mile with excellent rooms, a rooftop bar with castle views, and the best location of any hotel in the Old Town. Upper mid-range pricing.
Hotel du Vin Edinburgh — A well-run boutique hotel in a Georgian building in the New Town with comfortable rooms and an excellent bistro. Upper mid-range pricing for reliable quality in a good location.
Mid-Range and Budget
Ten Hill Place Hotel — A well-regarded mid-range hotel near the Surgeons’ Quarter, with comfortable rooms at competitive prices. Profits support the Royal College of Surgeons — a uniquely Edinburgh combination of accommodation and charitable purpose. Mid-range pricing.
Code Pod Hostel — An excellent design hostel near Waverley Station with pod-style sleeping and good facilities. Budget pricing in a central location.
Practical Tips
- August Festival: book 6–12 months ahead — the most important booking advice for Edinburgh
- Old Town for atmosphere, New Town for comfort — the distinction is real; choose based on priorities
- Views of the castle — rooms in the New Town hotels facing Princes Street Gardens give the best castle views; worth requesting specifically
👉 Edinburgh City Guide: The Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat & Scotland’s capital →
👉 What to Eat in Edinburgh: Whisky, haggis, modern Scottish cuisine & the best restaurants →
For our full UK coverage, see our United Kingdom travel guide.