Best Historical Hotels in Edinburgh

Sitting at the crossroads of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and Georgian New Town, The Balmoral meaning ‘majestic dwelling’ in Gaelic is more than just a hotel, it’s one of the Scottish capital’s most iconic landmarks.A true masterpiece of Scottish Baronial design, its exterior is a romanticised interpretation of medieval Scottish castles brought to life through its warm sandstone façade. While intricate carvings along with decorative turrets, gables and ornate columns, all add to its sense of history and grandeur. A masterpiece outside is equally matched inside, including 187 rooms, suites and one-of-a-kind signature suites including the J.K Rowling Suite where the novelist herself finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Experience award-winning fine dining at Number One, sophisticated Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court, stylish brasserie dining and bar Brasserie Prince, and an exceptional whisky collection at SCOTCH. The Balmoral Spa adds to the experience with indulgent treatments, making the hotel a true resort-like escape in the heart of the city.

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.

Located on Edinburgh’s most famous thoroughfares and offering what has to be one of the most enviable vistas of Edinburgh from any hotel window, 100 Princes Street is the latest addition to the family-owned Red Carnation Hotels collection, and arguably its most exclusive. Evocative of a private members’ club and a celebration of Scottish exploration, the property features 30 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, ‘The Wallace’ dining room, bar and lounge and ‘Ghillie’s Pantry’, an elegant private dining space offering over 200 whiskies along with custom whisky experiences.

Prestonfield House is a unique 5-star hotel that seamlessly blends opulence, theatricality, and luxury within one of Edinburgh’s most charming historic buildings and has been operating since the 1950s. This exclusive haven, presided over by James Thomson O.B.E DL, marries the serenity and seclusion of a country estate with the vibrancy of urban Edinburgh. Set within 20 acres of beautiful, manicured gardens, with views across the nearby majestic Arthur’s Seat guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the green open space. Yet just a mere five-minute jaunt from the heart of Edinburgh, those seeking to explore the city can easily do so.

Each of the 18 lavish bedrooms and five romantic suites showcases individual features and character, adorned with one-of-a-kind antique furnishings and distinctive feature beds with the antique theme flowing throughout the hotel. The destination restaurant, Rhubarb, presents guests with the choice of private dining rooms, lavish salons, and grand public spaces – not to mention the fine seasonal cuisine they serve. The level of service and hospitality is impeccable, personal yet professional.

Originally built to transport keepers and supplies to lighthouses around Scotland, this heritage vessel is now an AA five-star hotel with  AA Rosettes. Docked in Leith, the ship provides wonderful waterside views, as enjoyed from the restaurant (named after Fingal’s original purpose) and the deck, where guests can partake of artisanal cocktails as the sunsets over the sea. Each of its 23 cabins has been named after a lighthouse and comes equipped with Noble Isle amenities. Set over one or two levels, they feature soft curves, with an interior design reflecting the glory days of mid and early-20th-century travel.

The century-old Perthshire spa resort brings its famous quintessential Scottish luxury to the heart of Edinburgh. In 2022 the brand completed the refurbishment of the iconic former Bank of Scotland HQ, a Grade A-listed building on St Andrew Square. The boutique property has a small number of bedrooms decorated in a modern style, but reflecting a timeless Georgian townhouse elegance. Guests and the general public can mingle in The Spence, an art deco all-day dining establishment, or in the rooftop bar. The bank’s old vault accommodates the wellness area, including a cryotherapy chamber and infrared sauna.

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.

Elegance and grandeur have long been associated with this historic hotel that is located on George Street in Edinburgh – a convenient setting to explore the great city. Set over five townhouses that date back to 1881, the hotel presents a range of rooms and suites (240 in total) all of which are relaxed, warm and welcoming. Destination restaurant Le Petit Beefbar at InterContinental Edinburgh The George marks the brand’s first-ever foray into Scotland, here guests can experience some of the best cuts in the world, surrounded by the classically chic décor of the magnificent dining room. For a light bite or caffeine fix Burr & Co is the perfect pitstop. Extensive meeting, conference and event spaces along with private dining facilities makes this hotel a popular choice for a great variety of business and leisure occasions.

Taking up residence in the Old Town’s India Buildings, the Virgin Hotel is homey, plush and contemporary, bedecked in hues of cream. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of pops of red around the place — in the in-room Smeg mini-fridges, on doors and forming the arrival carpet into the lobby. Do stop to look up once inside — the glass cupola ceiling and atrium are quite something when viewed from ground level especially. Dine in the Commons Club for a little old-world glamour, order food and drinks in Eve for a funky feel and spend time in the Victorian Funny Library. Dogs are welcome at the property too and get their own food menu.

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.

Housed in a Victorian building that dates back to 1903, this hotel is considered to be one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and was one of the British grand railway hotels. Nowadays The Caledonian is perhaps most renowned for its excellent cuisine. Dean Banks at The Pompadour, the flagship restaurant by a star of TV’s Masterchef, has been awarded a coveted Michelin star. Then there’s Grazing by Mark Greenaway and Peacock Alley for drinks and snacks. This Curio Collection property also offers a Guerlain Spa, with treatments using 111SKIN face and body products.