There’s always a reason to visit the magical Scottish capital of Edinburgh, especially with the Summer holidays fast approaching and the iconic Edinburgh festival making its big comeback for the first time in 3 years.
There are plenty of luxury hotels in Edinburgh to pick from, with the historic Old Town of the hilly city full of ancient buildings, winding lanes, and the Royal Mile, which stretches from the towering castle all the way down to parliament.
On your walk up to the castle, take a photo with Braveheart himself, browse along Princes Street in the Georgian New Town, or take a trip up to Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park for a panoramic perspective of the city. Also, don’t miss Calton Hill, which has a number of monuments to see at the top.
Whatever your intentions for a visit to Scotland’s capital, you’ll want to stay in a luxury hotel in Edinburgh – from stunning castle views to serviced luxury apartments, and vibrant boutique hotels, we’ve got you covered.
The Cheval Grand
Check into one of the elegant apartments that make up Cheval The Edinburgh Grand on St Andrew Square in the New Town. The National Bank of Scotland used to occupy the historical property, and now guests will find in its place one of Edinburgh’s very best luxury serviced apartments. Some of the apartments sleep up to six people, making them ideal for a family or group getaway.
To restore the landmark, teal velvet sofas, cyan subway tiles, and freestanding bath tubs have been incorporated along with the dark panelling, artistic cornicing, and a dramatic circular staircase. On the fourth floor guests will find The Register Club, a bar and lounge serving daily breakfast, small and large plates throughout the day, an unmissable afternoon tea and unique cocktails, open daily for resident and non-resident guests.
The Balmoral Hotel
This quietly exquisite Forte flagship, although being an Edinburgh iconic for more than a century, is anything but old-fashioned. With opulent guestrooms, a fine-dining restaurant, extravagant afternoon teas, a tranquil spa, and the best service in town, the Balmoral Hotel is located at the eastern end of Princes Street, adjacent to Edinburgh’s central Waverley station, and is only a five-minute walk from the National Gallery, shopping, and the Old Town.
The hotel’s proximity to bus, tram, and rail lines means guests can easily find themselves in the hustle and bustle of the city but once beyond the kilted doormen, it’s delightful serenity. The furnishings are of the greatest quality, with handcrafted beds from Glencraft – providers to the Queen at Balmoral Castle – and fabrics by Timorous Beasties, a celebrated Glasgow brand.
When it comes to dining the sumptuous and preppy Number One restaurant is the hotel’s primary restaurant, providing exceptional Scottish seafood and game for which it has in previous years been awarded a Michelin star.
The Waldorf Astoria
This Princes Street hotel, housed in a former train station, has been hosting visitors since 1903, with the Royal Mile and the Old Town, both within a mile of the five-star property. The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh is also home to the UK’s first Guerlain spa, which features an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room.
Intercontinental Edinburgh The George
The George, a hotel established in 1881 and located over five designated Georgian townhouses, has provided a luxurious haven to affluent Scots since 1775. While whisky gets much of the limelight, Edinburgh’s finest gins are also available in the late-night cocktail bar – and the Printing Press showcases Scottish delicacies such as Orkney scallops, Loch Fyne salmon, and smoked haggis.
The hotel is situated on George Street in the centre of the city’s New Town, just a 10-minute walk from the castle. Book one of the suites, which have views of the Georgian street below and are decorated with fresh flowers, for a memorable stay.
The Witchery
The Witchery by the Castle is one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh, with nine unique guestrooms, a candle-lit Secret Garden room with a patio, and, of course, the legendary restaurant. The extravagant dining room is housed in a 16th-century merchant’s house and has authentic wood panelling, painted ceilings, red leather seats, and tapestries, all lit by flames from dozens of vintage candelabra.
The suites have luxuriously draped four-poster beds, chrome bateau bath tubs in the middle of the room, and a combination of velvet, silk, and other magnificent decorations.
Tigerlily
Tigerlily, Edinburgh’s original boutique hotel, has the unique design qualities that placed it on the map: wood-paneled walls, glossy pink draperies, and expansive Georgian rooms with their own fireplaces. Join in the excitement at one of the two bars, where the drinks never stop flowing, with over 100 cocktails to choose from.
Locals enjoy this chic resort for its party ambience, still-trendy design, and superb cuisine. You won’t need them, but the New Town’s pubs, brasseries, and shops are just a short walk away.
Kimpton Charlotte Square
Kimpton Charlotte Square is located in a quiet spot on the edge of a charming garden in the New Town, away from the masses yet close to all of the main attractions. The Georgian structure currently holds a glass-covered patio perfect for a drink and some nibbles among the various plants.
The atmosphere at Baba is all turquoise and tapestries, and the shared plates combine Scottish vegetables with Middle Eastern flavours – many of which are cooked over a charcoal barbecue. Alternatively, head to Aizle for six-course tasting meals prepared by a Great British Menu chef.
KeiKei is a London-based award-winning journalist and videographer with a degree in Broadcast Media and Journalism from the University of the West of Scotland and an extensive reporting background in news, entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
KeiKei has travelled the globe interviewing, reporting and reviewing. Her work has been published in worldwide media outlets including, The New York Post, The Guardian, The Mirror, The Daily Mail, National Geographic and Conde Nast publications.
