where to stay in edinburgh
Edinburgh’s cobbled streets, dramatic skyline, and storied history make it one of Britain’s most beloved cities. Whether you’re heading there for a week‑long cultural immersion, a business trip, or a quick weekend escape, the city offers a remarkably wide array of accommodation to suit every budget, taste and travel style. This guide will walk you through the major districts, highlight the best hotels, hostels and self‑catering options, and give you a few insider tips on how to secure the best value.
TL;DR –
Luxury: Balmoral (Old Town) or Langham Edinburgh (New Town)
Mid‑range: The Gunpowder (New Town) or Clarendon Hotel (Leith)
Budget: Castle Rock Hostel (Old Town) or The Jolly Jill (Leith)
Self‑catering: Airbnb Apartments in New Town, or serviced flats in the Southside
Edinburgh’s Key Areas (Neighbourhoods)
| District | What Makes It Popular | Typical Accommodation Types |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town – the historic heart, near the castle, Royal Mile, and nightlife | Classic Edinburgh vibes, proximity to major sights | Boutique hotels, family B&Bs, some hostels |
| New Town – Georgian elegance, fashionable shops & cafés | Upscale dining, galleries, fresh feel | Mid‑range boutique hotels, serviced apartments |
| Leith – once Edinburgh’s docks, now hip, artsy | Shorehouse restaurants, street art, waterfront | Hostels, budget hotels, new developments |
| Southside (Canongate / Morningside) | Residential feel, quieter, off‑beat cafés | Self‑catering flats, smaller hotels |
| Gorgie / Old Town Fringe | In‑depth culture, often cheaper | Hostel bars, guesthouses |
(You can walk between many of these areas, especially Old and New Town, which are just a 5–10 minute stroll apart—the city’s compactness gives you a rare “walk‑able city” feel.)
1. Luxury & High‑End Choices
| Hotel | Highlights | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| The Balmoral | Historic 1900s grandeur, close to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. 2 Michelin‑star at 10 Across | £250 – £500 |
| The Langham Edinburgh | Modern luxury, French‑style interior, gym & spa, near New Town shopping. | £200 – £450 |
| The Balmoral Hotel – Legacy (Milling Street) | Boutique feel, no‑frills, less expensive than the Balmoral but still premium. | £160 – £280 |
| Sunflower Hotel, Edinburgh | Tiny, fully decked out, strong design vibe, steps from the Royal Mile. | £150 – £260 |
Why choose luxury? If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want the best access to paid attractions, many of these hotels operate a partner program with ticket suppliers, so you could secure “Ticket‑in‑Room” packages that combine accommodations with skip‑the‑line entries (e.g., Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland).
2. Mid‑Range – Comfort & Value
| Establishment | What’s Special | Typical Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| The Gunpowder | 17th‑century heritage building with a famous vaulted lounge. | £110 – £170 |
| The Clarendon Hotel (Leith) | Tiny—only a handful of rooms—but located by the waterfront; great breakfast options. | £90 – £140 |
| The Clan Hotel (New Town) | Local brand, trendily painted doors, low‑mid‑range. | £80 – £130 |
| Sloane House Hotel (Old Town) | Cultural vibe, great terrace overlooking the Castle. | £95 – £140 |
Mid‑range hotels often give you the best balance of location, comfort, and cost. Many offer free Wi‑Fi, a nice breakfast, and occasionally a “Late Check‑out” option on holiday weekends. If you’re traveling in a group or with family, ask about kitchenette access or rolling kitchen appliances.
3. Budget & Hostel Options
Hostels – the ultimate for backpackers & group travellers
| Hostel | Key Features | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Castle Rock Hostel | Located on the Old Town’s “High Street”; sociable bars & a classic atmosphere. | £12 – £35 (dorm beds) |
| Jolly Jill | Only a 15‑min walk from the Royal Mile; quirky, free Wi‑Fi; “Jolly Street” bar. | £10 – £25 (dorm beds) |
| Scotland Gateway Hostel | East of the city centre, in a quiet residential area; has an on‑site shop. | £9 – £22 |
| Pinetree Backpackers | Boutique one‑bedroom hostel, artist‑run. | £15 – £30 |
Budget Hotels & Guesthouses
| Property | What Makes It Stand Out | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| The Chimes Hotel – New Town | Historic building, comfortable rooms, affordable rates. | £70 – £120 |
| The Coconut Hotel – Morningside | Cheap, cheerful rooms, a hidden gem for locals. | £60 – £110 |
| The Royal Regent – Leith | Classic design, good value; steps to the waterfront. | £50 – £90 |
Tip: Many host in Edinburgh offer ‘half‑board’ (breakfast & dinner) at a set price—perfect for avoiding pricey city‑centre restaurants. Some hotels now provide mobile check‑in apps, eliminating lines, especially handy during peak season.
4. Self‑Catering & Airbnb
Unless you’re a frequent sharer who enjoys living like a local, staying in a private flat is best for families or couples. Here’s what to look for:
- Location & Safety – Aim for New Town or Leith if you’re budget‑conscious, as older buildings in Old Town often require renovations and may have smaller rooms.
- Amenities – Think of a mini‑kitchen (microwave, kettle), washing machine, and a good amount of storage.
- Transport Access – Check the proximity to the main bus routes or the No 1 Edinburgh “Argyll” Bus for a 15‑minute ride to Old Town.
Popular Airbnb Picks
- “Cozy Georgian Flat in New Town” (for 2–4 guests) – ~£90/night
- “Chic and Quiet Apartment in Leith” – ~£75/night
- “Large Family‑Friendly Home (Canongate)” – ~£110/night
(No exact prices are provided to keep you flexible against changes—but these are fairly typical for the city right now.)
5. Seasonal & Practical Tips
| Tips |
|---|
| Book Early in Winter – Edinburgh’s winter crowd (Christmas Market, Hogmanay) saturates accommodation; early reservations below £250/night are fairly rare. |
| Avoid Mid‑Week in Summer – Back‑to‑school students and local events push mid‑week prices. Top recommendations are Thursday–Saturday. |
| Use City Discount Apps – Aftermarket sites like Thomas Cook, price comparison portals and local travel agencies sometimes offer “stay & visit” packages. |
| Check for “Free Breakfast” – Many hotels, particularly boutique ones, refuse to let you claim “no breakfast” at two‑way price. |
| Leith’s New Waterfront Projects – The “Leith Riverside” development has several newly built hotels that have gained excellent reviews for high‑speed Wi‑Fi. |
| Public Transport – Get a City Pass – If you plan to stroll a lot or only visit a few key sights, a Glasgow Edinburgh 14‑day pass may be cheaper at £45 incl. unlimited bus travel. |
6. Quick “Get‑The‑Best‑Value” Treemap
┌───────────────────────────────┐
│ Edinburgh Accommodation 2025 │
├─────────┬─────────┬─────────────┤
│ Luxury │ Mid‑Range │ Budget/Hostel│
├─────────┼─────────┼─────────────┤
│ Balmoral │ Gunpowder │ Castle Rock │
│ Langham │ Clarendon │ Jolly Jill │
│ Legacy │ Sloane House│ Pinetree │
│ Sunflower │ Clan Hotel │ Sc. Gateway │
└─────────┴─────────┴─────────────┘(Legend: The map shows the most popular and distinct options in each category. You may find “hidden gems” that come out more price‑competitive during off‑peak times.)
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh is a city that rewards curiosity and wanderlust, and its range of accommodation options reflects that. Think of the nights you want off‑site to explore Arthur’s Seat at sunrise versus nights you’d like to stay right on top of the action. Blend a little bit of luxury where the city’s grandeur calls for it, and mix in a pocketed hostel or boutique hotel to keep the travel budget sustainable.
With the right choice, you won’t just stay in Edinburgh—you’ll experience the city from perspectives that fit your schedule, temperament, and Wi‑Fi needs. Plan ahead, consider the advice above, and reserve your stay—quick, smooth, and with a little room left for the spontaneous adventures that Edinburgh is famous for. Happy travels!
