Best Urban Hotels in Lothian

The highlight of this boutique establishment is its rooftop garden terrace with far reaching views. Not only a convivial place to take the ozone with a cocktail in hand, this space also serves a practical purpose as home to a variety of plants and herbs, which are used in the hotel’s dishes and beverages. Guests can also drink inside in the Snug and sample the best of Scottish cooking at the Observatory restaurant. The Glasshouse accommodates 77 bedrooms, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso coffee machines, artworks and individual design.

Bursting with individuality and charm, The Scotsman Hotel is an Edinburgh institution. The beautiful Baroque buildings in which this luxury hotel sits was once home to the National Newspaper – which is now the hotel’s namesake. Interiors showcase many original features, including luxurious floor-to-ceiling wood-panelled rooms, grandiose marble staircase and stained glass windows – all combined with modern amenities and unique signature details. Each of its  58 rooms and 14 suites is individual, stylishly appointed and a comfortable sanctuary in the heart of the city. Guests can dine at the hotel’s destination restaurant, enjoy a drink in the bar or seek a moment of solitude in many of the cosy spaces throughout the hotel. And home to a 48-seater classic cinema, guests can enjoy a trip to the Picturehouse with the utmost convenience.

Perhaps one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh, The Witchery, is a boutique hotel which is intimate, opulent and offers an exceptional fine-dining experience with an award-winning wine list. Located at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, in a 16th-century building, the hotel boasts a rich and colourful history that is intertwined into the guest experience. Each of the nine suites are dramatic and theatrical – some with a four-poster bed, some with a roll-top bath for two, some with original portraits and tapestries-  and all with flamboyant style. Stay here and be transported to a bygone era.

Perfectly positioned between the leafy Inverleith Park and swanky Stockbridge, just 15 minutes walk from the city centre, The Raeburn is an enduringly popular local. But in addition to its log fire-lit bar, cosy restaurant and expansive terrace, this former Georgian family home accommodates 10 bedrooms and a library. Staying guests are greeted with contemporary Scottish furnishings, fluffy robes, classy muted tones, wooden floorboards, large sash and case windows, marble-finished rainfall showers and Victorian-style bathroom fittings (with freestanding tubs in deluxe rooms). Breakfast is provided and The Raeburn’s excellent menu can be ordered as room service.

Just off the beaten track, but a stone’s throw from the major attractions, this quiet and stunning four-star boutique hotel is a gem for any visitor. Juxtaposing bold colours, rich textures and contemporary art with original features and architecture, their 49 rooms are a blend of historic elegance with modern-day design. Each room, whether standard doubles or junior suite, gives guests a place of serenity and calm in the heart of this beautiful city. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, you must book one of their two executive suites. You’ll be rewarded with plenty of space, beautifully finished modern furniture, stunning bathrooms with period features, Freeview TV and free WiFi. And don’t forget to peek your head out the window for magnificent views over Drumsheugh Gardens.

An independent, family-run establishment, this five-star boutique hotel is set across two heritage buildings. The Victorian townhouses are across the road from each other and have been freshly refurbished to create 35 modern bedrooms, a sunny beer garden and a dining room lounge: the Ba’ Bar. The Roseate Edinburgh takes its interior design cue from the neoclassical architecture familiar to the capital and the owners’ Orcadian roots. Top-end suites come with special features such as roll-top copper baths, four-poster beds, Vispring mattresses, Noble Isle bath products, Chesterfield sofas and a chaise longue. Plus there’s a cute and cosy single room for solo travellers.

Cheval Abbey Strand Apartments at Holyrood, located at the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. These nine boutique apartments, designed with inspiration from their historical past, range from open-plan studios to two-bedroom units, all featuring fully equipped kitchens, free WiFi, and access to a complimentary gym. Guests enjoy the independence of self-check-in with a four-digit access code, while support is available 24/7 from the nearby Cheval Old Town Chambers. Pets are welcome, and nearby attractions include the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Park.

Hotel du Vin offers an exquisite blend of luxury and heritage. Once a poorhouse and later an asylum, this beautifully restored building now houses 47 character-filled rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy custom-made sleigh beds, Egyptian cotton linens, monsoon showers, and in-room roll-top baths. Dine al fresco in the picturesque courtyard during summer or savour classic French cuisine in the Bistro du Vin during cooler months. The hotel also features a Whisky Snug, a heated Cigar Bothy, and versatile function rooms perfect for meetings or celebrations. Located just steps away from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, Hotel du Vin is the ideal base for exploring the city.

Situated on the historic Leith waterfront, Malmaison Edinburgh offers a luxurious escape just 10 minutes from the city centre. The hotel features 100 chic rooms and suites, each blending modern comforts with unique, stylish decor. Guests can indulge in contemporary British cuisine at the vibrant Bar & Grill, unwind with signature cocktails, or explore the extensive wine list. With versatile function rooms, state-of-the-art amenities, and warm, personalised hospitality, Experience the rich offerings of Edinburgh from this charming location.

Eden Locke, located on Edinburgh’s George Street, combines boutique hotel luxury with the flexibility of self-catering accommodation. Featuring 72 stylish studios and suites, each with a kitchen and lounge area, the aparthotel is ideal for extended stays. Amenities include a co-working space, onsite café, pet-friendly policies, superfast Wi-Fi, and modern conveniences like rainfall showers and smart TVs. Its prime location offers easy access to key landmarks such as Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, with Waverley Station just a 15-minute walk away.

Hotel Indigo Edinburgh – Princes Street. This boutique hotel, located on Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh’ with views looking out across the Old Town, offers 64 uniquely designed rooms inspired by the city’s rich literary history, featuring cosy armchairs, vibrant decor, and stunning city views. Savour mouth-watering dishes at the award-winning Twenty Princes Street Grill & Smokehouse, renowned for its locally sourced ingredients and innovative menu. For a more relaxed setting, Juniper Bar provides creative cocktails with a backdrop of panoramic city vistas. Ideal for both leisure and business travellers, Hotel Indigo boasts top-notch amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, a well-equipped fitness centre, and versatile meeting spaces.

The Scott Hotel provides a sophisticated retreat located within the historic Pollock Estate next to Holyrood Park and is approx. 20-minutes’ walk from Edinburgh’s Old Town. A former 18th-century baronial mansion originally built in the 1750s for merchant Alexander Scott has been meticulously restored to a beautiful boutique hotel within tranquil landscaped grounds. The hotel features 36 individually styled bedrooms and junior suites with striking marble-tiled bathrooms and contemporary furnishings. For guests who desire extra space and privacy, the Gatehouse offers a standalone cottage experience complete with a fully equipped kitchen and lounge.

Dining at the Scott Hotel is a must – the Bonnar’s Restaurant, led by Head Chef Pier Berretta, serves modern Scottish cuisine from an a la carte or tasting menu. Set in a stunning rococo-style ballroom guests can expect a warm and welcoming ambience and the Velvet Lounge is the perfect place for a relaxed drink, where a carefully selected menu of whiskies, wines and cocktails awaits.