There is a certain quiet magic to arriving in Edinburgh. The city rises in layers with castle stone, Georgian facades, soft morning mist and suddenly you understand why travellers return here again and again. Edinburgh has a long tradition of hospitality, shaped not by excess, but by warmth, craftsmanship, and an appreciation for the moments that make a journey truly meaningful.
Choosing where to stay becomes part of that experience. The right neighbourhood changes the rhythm of your days, the right hotel sets the tone for how you rest, explore, and connect with the city around you. This guide offers a curated look at Edinburgh’s most charming districts and its most memorable hotels. Places where design feels intentional, service feels personal, and time seems to slow in the best possible way.
Key Takeaways
- Your choice of neighbourhood in Edinburgh shapes your entire experience.
- Old Town is atmospheric and walkable; New Town offers refined Georgian elegance.
- West End and Stockbridge are ideal for quieter, stylish stays close to the centre.
- Leith suits food lovers and travellers who prefer a contemporary vibe.
- Edinburgh’s top hotels range from iconic luxury at The Balmoral to modern design at Market Street Hotel.
- Boutique options like Eden Locke and 21212 provide intimate, design-forward stays.
- Consider elevation, festival timing, noise levels, and views when choosing accommodation.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh: By Districts
Edinburgh’s districts each offer a distinct emotional tone. They shape how you move, how you rest, and how the city reveals itself to you. Choosing the right neighbourhood is less about logistics and more about choosing the atmosphere you want around you each day.
Old Town
Old Town is the heart of historic Edinburgh. A place where time feels beautifully layered. Here, narrow passages open into quiet courtyards, stone façades glow gold in the afternoon light, and the soundscape shifts softly between gentle footsteps and distant music drifting from traditional pubs.
Staying in Old Town allows you to experience Edinburgh at its most atmospheric. Everything is close, yet the pace feels unhurried when you let yourself wander with intention. Mornings begin with the soft light touching the rooftops; evenings settle into a warm, timeless calm. For travellers who value a sense of immersion, story, and history woven into daily life, Old Town offers an experience that feels almost cinematic.
New Town
New Town represents Edinburgh’s elegance with its gracious Georgian streets, balanced architecture, and a quiet confidence that comes from thoughtful design. This is where the city breathes more slowly, where windows are tall, gardens are manicured, and everything feels intentional.
It’s an ideal base for travellers who appreciate beauty expressed through simplicity: curated boutiques, small galleries, well-kept squares, and refined cafés that seem made for long, gentle mornings. The neighbourhood is walkable, polished, and filled with subtle architectural details that reveal themselves gradually. Staying here offers a sense of steadiness and calm, a grounded luxury that supports a more mindful exploration of the city.
West End
The West End is one of Edinburgh’s most graceful residential districts, offering a serene retreat within walking distance of the city’s cultural landmarks. Here, crescents curve elegantly, mews houses stand quietly behind cobblestone lanes, and the atmosphere feels both intimate and sophisticated.
This area suits travellers seeking balance. You’re connected to galleries, theatres, and gardens, yet sheltered from the busier energy of the centre. The West End encourages slow mornings, peaceful afternoon strolls, and evenings that unfold naturally. It’s a neighbourhood where you feel woven into local life without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Stockbridge
Stockbridge exudes warmth. It feels lived in, loved, deeply human, as well as full of independent bakers, small florists, artisan cheesemongers, and long-established cafés where regulars read the paper with their morning coffee. The Water of Leith walkway threads through the neighbourhood, offering a gentle riverside path that invites you to slow down.
Travellers who choose Stockbridge often seek connection to local culture, to slower routines, and to the quieter patterns that make a trip feel grounded. The neighbourhood has a refined but relaxed character, making it perfect for guests who prefer authenticity over grandeur and appreciate a base that feels quietly elegant, creative, and welcoming.
Leith
Leith presents a different side of Edinburgh: contemporary, spirited, and shaped by its maritime heritage. Once an industrial port, it has evolved into one of the city’s most dynamic districts, known for its acclaimed restaurants, converted warehouses, and tranquil waterfront.
Unlike the drama of Old Town or the symmetry of New Town, Leith’s charm is modern and organic. It appeals to travellers who want a fresh perspective, who enjoy the blend of design-forward accommodations, scenic shoreline walks, and a culinary scene that reflects the creativity of the neighbourhood. Evenings in Leith often feel slower, more relaxed, and grounded in conversation and atmosphere.
The Best Hotels in Edinburgh
Each hotel below has been selected for its atmosphere, service, design, and sense of place, not simply its amenities. These are stays that feel intentional, calming, and deeply connected to the city.
The Balmoral
As Edinburgh’s most iconic hotel, The Balmoral embodies the grace of classic European hospitality while remaining warm and inviting. Its interiors balance timeless elegance with soft contemporary touches, creating rooms that feel both refined and comforting.
The service is gentle, attentive, quietly confident, and designed to anticipate rather than impress. Many guests describe staying here as stepping into a more serene version of the city, a place where the pace slows and the beauty of Edinburgh becomes easier to absorb.
Credit: Rocco Forte Hotel
The Witchery
The Witchery is an immersive expression of romance and drama. Rich fabrics, atmospheric lighting, and deeply layered textures create a world that feels private and enveloping. Each suite is unique, with a sense of theatre that never overwhelms but instead invites stillness and indulgence.
This is a place where evenings linger a little longer, where the surroundings encourage conversation, reflection, and quiet celebration. For travellers seeking an unforgettable setting, The Witchery offers a stay unlike any other in the city.
Credit: The Witchery
The Scotsman
Rooted in Edinburgh’s journalistic past, The Scotsman blends historical architecture with a boutique sensibility. High ceilings, sculpted stone, and warm interiors create a feeling of depth and character.
The rooms offer generous proportions and thoughtful design choices that balance heritage with modern calm. Many guests choose The Scotsman for its sense of presence as it feels dignified yet welcoming, polished yet deeply human.
Credit: Scotsman Events
Prestonfield House
Prestonfield House offers a rare combination of privacy, theatrical charm, and lush surroundings. Although close to the city centre, it feels like a countryside escape, with gardens, secluded corners, and interiors filled with personality.
The experience here is intentionally unhurried; everything encourages you to slow down, enjoy the ambience, and appreciate the interplay of history and comfort. It is ideal for travellers who value discretion, atmosphere, and a stay that feels gently removed from the busier parts of the city.
Credit: Prestonfield House
Market Street Hotel
Market Street Hotel introduces contemporary Nordic-inspired design to Edinburgh’s skyline. Its interiors are curated with soft materials, clean lines, and a sense of calm that immediately settles you.
Many rooms open onto beautiful views, allowing you to take in the city from above, especially during the softer hours of the day. The overall atmosphere is modern yet warm, making it a favourite for travellers who prefer minimalism with soul.
Credit: Hotels.com
The Hoxton
The Hoxton brings a relaxed, design-led charm to the Haymarket district. Its spaces are crafted to feel comfortable, inviting, and stylish.
The atmosphere is social without being overwhelming, making it a natural gathering place for leisurely breakfasts, late-morning reading, or quiet evenings by the bar. For guests who appreciate warmth, texture, and thoughtful design, The Hoxton offers an effortlessly pleasant stay.
Credit: Booking.com
Dakota Edinburgh
Dakota offers a soothing retreat shaped by muted tones, understated details, and contemporary elegance. Every space feels intentional, from the warm lighting to the refined finishes.
It’s a sanctuary for travellers who prefer calm over opulence, modern design over embellishment, and hospitality that feels personal and understated.
Credit: Dakota Hotel Edinburgh
Motel One
Motel One provides a beautifully simple and well-crafted experience for travellers who want comfort and style with a lighter touch.
Its interiors are polished and inviting, with thoughtful details that make each stay feel effortless. Many guests appreciate its tranquil energy and central location, making it a smart choice for a restorative base in the city.
Credit: Oyster.com
Boutique and Hidden-Gem Hotels Worth Knowing
Eden Locke
Eden Locke blends contemporary design with a peaceful, home-like atmosphere. Soft colours, natural textures, and generous light create an environment that encourages slow mornings and unhurried evenings.
Its apartment-style layout allows guests to settle in more deeply, making it a beautiful choice for longer stays or travellers who enjoy a sense of personal space.
Credit: Booking.com
A Boutique Guesthouse in Stockbridge
Stockbridge’s small boutique guesthouses like Nira Caledonia or Raeburn offer the kind of hospitality that stays with you. Warm hosts, elegant interiors, and thoughtful touches create a welcoming environment rooted in the neighbourhood’s gentle charm.
These stays suit travellers who appreciate personal connection, local insight, and a slower, more grounded travel experience.
Credit: Booking.com
Choosing the Right Hotel
Edinburgh rewards strategic choices. A few things genuinely make a difference:
Elevation. Parts of Edinburgh are steep. If mobility or comfort matters, choose the flatter districts like New Town or West End.
Views. This is a city that looks spectacular from above. If you can find a hotel with a castle or skyline view, take it.
Festival timing. August transforms the city. Everything becomes electric, crowded, and booked. Plan ahead or choose quieter districts like Stockbridge or Leith.
Building style. Older properties have charm but also quirks: narrow corridors, unique layouts, and occasionally small lifts. New builds are more predictable but less atmospheric.
Noise levels. Old Town is lively. West End is calm. Stockbridge sits in the sweet spot.
Little decisions add up to big improvements in your overall experience.
Conclusion
Edinburgh invites you to slow down, look up, and savour every detail. Its best hotels share this philosophy. They offer spaces designed not just for sleeping, but for feeling at home with serene corners, warm textures, views that linger, and service that feels quietly intuitive.
Choosing where to stay in Edinburgh isn’t just about convenience. It’s about connection. Some hotels place you within steps of cultural landmarks, while others offer quiet corners near scenic walking routes that make mornings feel slower and more intentional. Whether you’re in town for whisky tastings, castle explorations, or simply to soak in the layers of local tradition, the right accommodation turns a good trip into an unforgettable one. After all, where you sleep shapes how you experience everything else.
Choosing where to stay becomes part of the journey itself, shaping the rhythm of your days and the memories you carry home. If you’d like guidance in crafting a beautifully tailored Edinburgh stay, our travel designers would be delighted to curate something just for you with our private tours.
FAQ
Where should one stay in Edinburgh?
The best areas to stay in Edinburgh are the Old Town for history and attractions, the New Town for elegant Georgian streets and shopping, and the West End or Stockbridge for quieter, upscale neighbourhoods with great cafés and local charm.
How to stay in Edinburgh cheaply?
To stay cheaply in Edinburgh, choose budget hotels, hostels, university accommodation (available in summer), or stay slightly outside the centre near Leith Walk or Haymarket. Book early, travel off-season, and look for weekend or midweek deals.
What is the best time of year to visit Edinburgh?
The best time to visit Edinburgh is May–June or September–October, when the weather is mild, and crowds are lighter. August is popular for festivals, but very busy and expensive. Winter is quieter and festive but colder and darker.
Why are hotel rooms in Edinburgh so expensive?
Edinburgh hotels are expensive due to high year-round tourism, limited accommodation in the historic centre, and major events like the Fringe Festival, Hogmanay, and big conferences. Prices surge when demand far exceeds supply.
What is the best luxury hotel in Edinburgh?
The Balmoral is widely considered the best luxury hotel in Edinburgh, known for its Michelin-star dining, spa, and iconic location. Other top options include The Witchery, The Scotsman, and Prestonfield House.
Where’s the best area to stay in Edinburgh?
The Old Town is best for sightseeing, the New Town for elegance and shopping, Stockbridge for a village feel, and Leith for restaurants and a modern waterfront scene.
Where do celebrities stay in Edinburgh?
Celebrities commonly stay at The Balmoral, The Witchery, and Prestonfield House, all known for privacy, luxury service, and discreet staff.
Where did Taylor Swift stay in Edinburgh?
Taylor Swift has not publicly confirmed a specific Edinburgh hotel, but high-profile performers typically stay at The Balmoral or Prestonfield House due to security and privacy standards.
