The German Hotel chain Motel One combined 16th- and 18th-century buildings to create its reasonably priced, 208-room Edinburgh-Royal hotel. Located in a quiet section of Old Town, just in front of Waverly Station, the hotel is within walking distance of most major tourist destinations. The lobby interior features Arne Jacobsen ball chairs and tables made from whiskey barrels for a contemporary Scottish take on mid-century modern style. Streamlined rooms are snug and comfortable though the views vary. Some, not all, offer a glimpse of Princes Street Gardens. But families may find the bathrooms to be too small. Travelers could compare rates and amenities with the neighboring three-pearl Grassmarket Hotel, which has fresh and youthful decor.
The German Hotel chain Motel One combined 16th- and 18th-century buildings to create its reasonably priced, 208-room Edinburgh-Royal hotel. Located in a quiet section of Old Town, just in front of Waverly Station, the hotel is within walking distance of most major tourist destinations. The lobby interior features Arne Jacobsen ball chairs and tables made from whiskey barrels for a contemporary Scottish take on mid-century modern style. Streamlined rooms are snug and comfortable though the views vary. Some, not all, offer a glimpse of Princes Street Gardens. But families may find the bathrooms to be too small. Travelers could compare rates and amenities with the neighboring three-pearl Grassmarket Hotel, which has fresh and youthful decor.
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is an upscale hotel located in Edinburgh's Old Town -- on the east end of Princes Street. The 148 spacious rooms, suites, and family suites feature stylish decor, with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, though noise in the area can be an issue on weekends. Elliot's Bar and Restaurant serves traditional Scottish cuisine, including a popular traditional Scottish breakfast (for an additional fee). Guests have free use of the indoor swimming pool, sauna, and gym, and treatments are available at PURE Spa and Beauty. It's worth comparing rates at Apex Grassmarket Hotel (within the same hotel chain) for many of the same features and similarly contemporary feel, at a slightly lower price point.
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is an upscale hotel located in Edinburgh's Old Town -- on the east end of Princes Street. The 148 spacious rooms, suites, and family suites feature stylish decor, with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, though noise in the area can be an issue on weekends. Elliot's Bar and Restaurant serves traditional Scottish cuisine, including a popular traditional Scottish breakfast (for an additional fee). Guests have free use of the indoor swimming pool, sauna, and gym, and treatments are available at PURE Spa and Beauty. It's worth comparing rates at Apex Grassmarket Hotel (within the same hotel chain) for many of the same features and similarly contemporary feel, at a slightly lower price point.
The Caledonian is a 241-room, luxury landmark hotel that reopened in 2012 after a major makeover by the Waldorf Astoria chain. Its location is great for exploring both new and old town Edinburgh, with both Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle only minutes away on foot. Rooms are spacious and stylish, combining modern and classic decor, and some even feature views of the famous castle, but there are occasional signs of wear and tear. There's also a spa with a fitness center and pool, plus multiple dining and drinking outlets. While the Caledonian is one of the finest hotels in the city (with a price tag to match), travelers may also want to consider the Balmoral Hotel, which is not quite as chic but is located next to the train station.
The Caledonian is a 241-room, luxury landmark hotel that reopened in 2012 after a major makeover by the Waldorf Astoria chain. Its location is great for exploring both new and old town Edinburgh, with both Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle only minutes away on foot. Rooms are spacious and stylish, combining modern and classic decor, and some even feature views of the famous castle, but there are occasional signs of wear and tear. There's also a spa with a fitness center and pool, plus multiple dining and drinking outlets. While the Caledonian is one of the finest hotels in the city (with a price tag to match), travelers may also want to consider the Balmoral Hotel, which is not quite as chic but is located next to the train station.
The tiny, two-pearl Baxter stands out among Edinburgh’s many hostels with its polished industrial-chic design, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. Its six dorms are snug but comfy, with spacious lockers, thick mattresses (bed linens provided), and free Wi-Fi, and each bed is equipped with a power socket, a reading light, and a shelf. Five dorms share a single (spotless) bathroom, which can unfortunately cause lines for showers and toilets in the morning. There is also limited space for changing clothes. Free breakfast with free-range eggs and toast is served daily in the common kitchen, which doubles as a lounge with free tea and coffee throughout the day. All in all, this is a great pick for travelers on a budget, but those seeking something even cheaper may want to compare rates at the High Street Hostel.
The tiny, two-pearl Baxter stands out among Edinburgh’s many hostels with its polished industrial-chic design, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. Its six dorms are snug but comfy, with spacious lockers, thick mattresses (bed linens provided), and free Wi-Fi, and each bed is equipped with a power socket, a reading light, and a shelf. Five dorms share a single (spotless) bathroom, which can unfortunately cause lines for showers and toilets in the morning. There is also limited space for changing clothes. Free breakfast with free-range eggs and toast is served daily in the common kitchen, which doubles as a lounge with free tea and coffee throughout the day. All in all, this is a great pick for travelers on a budget, but those seeking something even cheaper may want to compare rates at the High Street Hostel.
The 145-room Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Waterfront is a contemporary, mid-range hotel located in the waterfront area of Leith, a picturesque neighborhood about a 15-minute drive from central Edinburgh. Rooms were fully refurbished in 2016 and feature contemporary decor and up-to-date amenities, such as bedside USB ports, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, movable laptop desks, and free, reliable Wi-Fi. A free, adequate breakfast buffet with hot options is served daily in a large, light-filled space off the reception, but no other meals are available on-site. Both the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Ocean Terminal are right across the street from the hotel, but travelers wanting to explore the city center may want to compare rates at sister property Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile.
The 145-room Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Waterfront is a contemporary, mid-range hotel located in the waterfront area of Leith, a picturesque neighborhood about a 15-minute drive from central Edinburgh. Rooms were fully refurbished in 2016 and feature contemporary decor and up-to-date amenities, such as bedside USB ports, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, movable laptop desks, and free, reliable Wi-Fi. A free, adequate breakfast buffet with hot options is served daily in a large, light-filled space off the reception, but no other meals are available on-site. Both the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Ocean Terminal are right across the street from the hotel, but travelers wanting to explore the city center may want to compare rates at sister property Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Royal Mile.
Popular among young backpackers, the adult-only High Street Hostel is a lively, basic property offering good value in the heart of Edinburgh. Rooms are clean and spacious, and range from private twin units to 18-bed dorms. Each bed is outfitted with a power socket, linens, and a USB port, and free Wi-Fi and lockers are available in all rooms. Two big lounges, a patio with picnic tables, and a communal kitchen provide ample space for socializing, and the hostel features a weekly event program that includes movie nights, pub crawls, and music shows. Breakfast is basic but cheap, and there is free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate throughout the day. Large groups wanting something less basic may want to compare rates at The Inn Place, which features private en-suite dorms with hotel-style amenities.
Popular among young backpackers, the adult-only High Street Hostel is a lively, basic property offering good value in the heart of Edinburgh. Rooms are clean and spacious, and range from private twin units to 18-bed dorms. Each bed is outfitted with a power socket, linens, and a USB port, and free Wi-Fi and lockers are available in all rooms. Two big lounges, a patio with picnic tables, and a communal kitchen provide ample space for socializing, and the hostel features a weekly event program that includes movie nights, pub crawls, and music shows. Breakfast is basic but cheap, and there is free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate throughout the day. Large groups wanting something less basic may want to compare rates at The Inn Place, which features private en-suite dorms with hotel-style amenities.
The 245-room Edinburgh Marriott is an upper-middle-range business hotel located near the airport and Edinburgh Park. Though lacking in character and showing some age, rooms are comfortable and clean, featuring quality beds, mini-fridges, huge flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles. In-room Wi-Fi is only free for Marriott loyalty program members, though, and rooms overlooking the train tracks may get noise. The lobby bar is a popular spot for evening drinks, and the restaurant serves a good international menu for dinner, as well as a solid breakfast buffet for an extra charge. Free on-site parking, a heated indoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center are all great perks. Travelers wanting to stay closer to major attractions may want to compare rates at the Apex Haymarket Hotel, which also offers on-site parking.
The 245-room Edinburgh Marriott is an upper-middle-range business hotel located near the airport and Edinburgh Park. Though lacking in character and showing some age, rooms are comfortable and clean, featuring quality beds, mini-fridges, huge flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles. In-room Wi-Fi is only free for Marriott loyalty program members, though, and rooms overlooking the train tracks may get noise. The lobby bar is a popular spot for evening drinks, and the restaurant serves a good international menu for dinner, as well as a solid breakfast buffet for an extra charge. Free on-site parking, a heated indoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center are all great perks. Travelers wanting to stay closer to major attractions may want to compare rates at the Apex Haymarket Hotel, which also offers on-site parking.
The 240-room Principal Hotel Edinburgh George Street is a gorgeous, upscale hotel that stands out for its thorough attention to detail and beautiful interior design. Elegant rooms have a decidedly upmarket feel, with quality amenities such as Tuck Boxes holding free snacks, smart TVs, and swish bathrooms. On the downside, some standard units are small for the price, and lower-floor rooms can get some noise during on-site events. The Scottish restaurant and bar is a destination unto itself, as is the wonderful Burr & Co Cafe, which is busy with guests and non-guests alike throughout the day. There is a small, well-equipped gym, but the hotel does not have a spa. Those seeking something more contemporary in this price range, with the additional of a spa and pool, may prefer the Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh.
The 240-room Principal Hotel Edinburgh George Street is a gorgeous, upscale hotel that stands out for its thorough attention to detail and beautiful interior design. Elegant rooms have a decidedly upmarket feel, with quality amenities such as Tuck Boxes holding free snacks, smart TVs, and swish bathrooms. On the downside, some standard units are small for the price, and lower-floor rooms can get some noise during on-site events. The Scottish restaurant and bar is a destination unto itself, as is the wonderful Burr & Co Cafe, which is busy with guests and non-guests alike throughout the day. There is a small, well-equipped gym, but the hotel does not have a spa. Those seeking something more contemporary in this price range, with the additional of a spa and pool, may prefer the Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh.
The Rutland Hotel is a Georgian house that's been converted into a 21st-century luxury boutique hotel with 12 rooms, a family-friendly apartment, and a bovine-themed steakhouse. It's in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, close to bustling Princes Street and the Financial District. The property is glitzy -- expect silver spray-painted gothic chairs; a chic bar that remains noisy into the early hours; and rooms with views of Edinburgh castle -- but it's not too sophisticated to offer guests home-baked muffins on arrival. Breakfast, which includes plenty of Scottish fare, comes with a fee. The hotel is quiet (it has heavy soundproofing), stylish, and in a convenient location for visiting the city. Travelers might want to also check out the The Bonham, which is within a 10-minute walk, and has upscale rooms at lower rates (though they're less ornate).
The Rutland Hotel is a Georgian house that's been converted into a 21st-century luxury boutique hotel with 12 rooms, a family-friendly apartment, and a bovine-themed steakhouse. It's in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End, close to bustling Princes Street and the Financial District. The property is glitzy -- expect silver spray-painted gothic chairs; a chic bar that remains noisy into the early hours; and rooms with views of Edinburgh castle -- but it's not too sophisticated to offer guests home-baked muffins on arrival. Breakfast, which includes plenty of Scottish fare, comes with a fee. The hotel is quiet (it has heavy soundproofing), stylish, and in a convenient location for visiting the city. Travelers might want to also check out the The Bonham, which is within a 10-minute walk, and has upscale rooms at lower rates (though they're less ornate).
An upscale boutique property with 100 rooms, Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh is housed in a former house of ill repute (yes, a brothel). Today, with 100 rooms and suites over four floors, it has overcome its salubrious reputation of 1883. Most rooms are cozy and contemporary, but guests have complained about overheating; portable air-conditioning devices, though, are there to regulate the temperature. The hotel, which has a brasserie, bar, terrace, and small fitness center, is part of the Malmaison hotel chain but has its own individual charm, displayed in its quirky use of tartan cushions and the old winding staircases that lead to the rooms. The property is located in the trendy area of Leith, which is a short cab ride from Waverley Station and within walking distance of the historic Royal Mile. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, making this ex-seaman's mission a lively, trendy pit-stop that delivers good value in Edinburgh.
An upscale boutique property with 100 rooms, Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh is housed in a former house of ill repute (yes, a brothel). Today, with 100 rooms and suites over four floors, it has overcome its salubrious reputation of 1883. Most rooms are cozy and contemporary, but guests have complained about overheating; portable air-conditioning devices, though, are there to regulate the temperature. The hotel, which has a brasserie, bar, terrace, and small fitness center, is part of the Malmaison hotel chain but has its own individual charm, displayed in its quirky use of tartan cushions and the old winding staircases that lead to the rooms. The property is located in the trendy area of Leith, which is a short cab ride from Waverley Station and within walking distance of the historic Royal Mile. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, making this ex-seaman's mission a lively, trendy pit-stop that delivers good value in Edinburgh.