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Hotels in Old Town
15 Hotels
The Witchery by the Castle
352 Castlehill The Royal Mile

The Witchery by the Castle is a four-pearl, gothic-style property at the top of the Royal Mile in the Old Town, at the base of the Edinburgh Castle. Essentially a restaurant (well, two actually) with some suites attached (nine), there are few communal spaces -- the hotel is a favorite among those seeking seclusion. The rooms are large, ornately designed, and filled with antiques, but be aware that the hotel lacks such large-scale amenities as a fitness center, business center, spa, and even Wi-Fi. It excels in the small touches -- slippers, chocolates, Champagne, and nightly turndown service by an attentive staff.

Budget Backpackers

Nestled in a slate-gray Victorian building with green window frames and a distinctive turreted roof, Budget Backpackers is very popular with frugal travelers thanks in part to its funky, freewheeling decor. Located in the center of Old Town, near pubs, shops, and well-known sights, the hip hostel is only a stone's throw from Edinburgh Castle and a short hike from the Waverley rail station. With a hip lounge space, a spacious common kitchen, and more than 250 beds, this property is a great fit for young travelers seeking accommodations. For another budget property with loads of character, guests could try the nearby Castle Rock Hostel.

The Scotsman Hotel

The Scotsman is an upscale historic boutique located right off the Royal Mile, in the heart of the Old Town. The building is a former printing house, and many of the original features are preserved, including an Italian marble staircase, ornate ceilings, and oak paneling. Luxurious amenities include a relaxing spa complete with an indoor pool, a large fitness center with classes and personal trainers, and a wonderful brasserie. But the individually decorated rooms have inconsistent quality and decor -- while some have beautiful wood paneling, ornamental fireplaces, and great city views, others have blander furnishings and lack wow factor. However, they all have luxurious amenities, such as Egyptian cotton linens, Highland Aromatic toiletries, and flat-screen TVs.

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton

The three-and-a-half-pearl Hilton Edinburgh Carlton is an elegant hotel with an excellent location in the heart of the Old Town. Its 211, 2016-renovated rooms are fresh and contemporary, featuring free Wi-Fi, electric kettles, and large flat-screen TVs with international channels. Some have striking city views, particularly Executive Rooms and Suites, which also come with a few nice extras, such as espresso machines and access to a private lounge with free drinks and snacks. The hotel is home to a decent steakhouse with a celebrity chef and a popular afternoon tea service, and the lounge is a favorite among guests for evening drinks. This Hilton is a decent pick in the city center, but both the gym and breakfast require fees, and there are no spa facilities. In this price range, the Radisson Blu, Edinburgh offers better value.

Grassmarket Hotel

The Grassmarket Hotel is a mid-range, 42-room property brimming with quirky character and fun contemporary style. Its Grassmarket square setting is both picturesque and super-convenient for exploring the city, with almost everything well within walking distance. While some rooms are tiny and can have issues with noise, Tunnock's teacakes and bathroom speakers are pleasing signature touches. While it's possible to bag a real bargain -- especially considering the location -- rates and vibe are similar to the Stay Central Hotel, which is also worth checking out.

Stay Central Hotel
139 Cowgate near St. Giles' Cathedral

The Stay Central Hotel is a hip, contemporary hotel housed in a 17th-century building in the center of Old Town Edinburgh. Although the immediate area feels a little rough around the edges, most of the city center's main tourist attractions are well within walking distance. The 37 rooms at this mid-range property have funky decor, along with iPad docks and free Wi-Fi, while private dorms -- which have an upmarket hostel feel -- can be kitted out for parties. With a lively hotel bar and young, up-for-it clientele, noise is inevitable, especially on weekends -- so for a similar though slightly quieter vibe, guests could take a look at the nearby Grassmarket Hotel.  

Macdonald Holyrood Hotel

The Macdonald Holyrood Hotel is a 156-room upscale property just steps from Holyrood Park and a mile from Edinburgh Castle. Many rooms were refurbished in 2014, and some have great views and include access to a Library Lounge. A large indoor pool and well-appointed spa, along with a chic restaurant and unconventional afternoon tea service -- with gin -- round out this hotel's amenities. The property caters mostly to couples, businesspeople, and tourists looking for a refined atmosphere. Another nearby option could be Radisson Blu Edinburgh, which is situated in a mock-castle.

High Street Hostel

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.

Stay Edinburgh City Apartments - Royal Mile

This 15-unit upscale hotel is an exceptionally located property right on the cobblestone Royal Mile, lined with shops, pubs, and restaurants. The Old Town apartments are within walking distance of everything; guests won’t need a car to get around the city. Built in a former 18th-century palace, the apartments offer the luxury of a high-end hotel with the convenience and privacy of apartment living. The units are clean, spacious, and comfortable, with modern kitchens and beautiful bathrooms. Guests may also want to consider the nearby Fraser Suites, which offers in-suite kitchenettes and an on-site restaurant/bar, for a moderately higher price.

Safestay Edinburgh

Part hostel, part residence hall, the budget Safestay Edinburgh is a young, casual property with a party atmosphere. It is popular with big groups, and noise can sometimes be an issue, but it is one of the few hostels in town where each dormitory has its own private bathroom. Clean rooms feature between two and 12 beds -- each outfitted with free linens and reading lights -- and bathrooms have wet room-style showers and small shelves for storing toiletries. The bar downstairs is popular with students from the nearby University of Edinburgh (many of whom sleep on-site as well), and the vibe is lively and fun, with pool tables, big couches, and a pleasant patio housing picnic tables and heaters. Its location right off the Royal Mile is convenient for sightseeing. Travelers wanting a quieter stay may prefer the Code Hostel