Best Luxury Hotels in Lothian

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.

As the only five-star hotel on the city’s High Street, there’s no better-placed luxury property for sightseeing the UNESCO-listed landmarks. It’s one of two Radisson hotels in the city centre; guests have access to the facilities (including a pool and sauna) at the other just a five-minute stroll away. Book one of the nine suites if you’re seeking a bold, colour-filled and bohemian aesthetic; each has been individually designed by native artists and designers. Interconnecting and accessible rooms are also available. For onsite wining and dining, there’s the Cucina restaurant and the Epicurean bar. 

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.

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.

The 269 rooms at this Grand Hotel overlooking Festival Square, feature Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds and marble bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs. Set right in the commercial heart of Edinburgh, close to financial institutions, the shops of Princes Street and walking distance from the Old Town, this hotel suits all types of travellers. But many (including locals) come here purely for its remarkable spa. At the very top is an outdoor infinity hydropool with stunning views, while inside, there’s an upscale thermal suite, a large swimming pool and treatment rooms. Also onsite is the One Square restaurant and One Square Bar.

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.

A Carlton Collection Hotel, Market Street hotel is the first Design Hotels member in Scotland and it is clear to see why. The hotel interior design has been led by award-winning team FG Stjil and showcases a perfect balance of contemporary finishings whilst firmly acknowledging the historic charm and local artistic influences. Market Street hotel is located in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town the hotel boasts 98 boutique rooms and suites and for hotel residents and non-residents Nor’Loft the rooftop Champagne lounge on the seventh floor is THE place to enjoy a sophisticated drink coupled with stunning panoramic views of the city.

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.

Located in an A-listed converted Georgian Townhouse, it’s nestled in one of Edinburgh’s most fashionable streets, George Street. Perfectly placed for any high-end shopper and gourmand, it’s the ideal place to start exploring the tastes, smells and sights of Edinburgh. Each room in the hotel is beautifully and uniquely decorated to juxtapose the aesthetics of modern design while highlighting the exquisite original features. More than the opulent surroundings, you’ll find each room kitted out with Egyptian cotton sheets, luxury toiletries, and added extras like pre-loaded iPods and access to an extensive DVD library (not to mention complimentary room service at breakfast). Don’t miss their fabulous bar, cocktail bar and restaurant downstairs. You may just find you don’t need to leave the hotel at all!

Located minutes from the Forth Bridge, in South Queensferry and only 10 minutes from Edinburgh airport, it’s ideal for a quieter visit to Edinburgh. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, it’s the perfect place to take some time to relax and unwind. Surround yourself with sophisticated and stylish furnishings, bespoke toiletries, digital LCD TVs and High-Speed Internet in every room to really get the benefits of this beautiful hotel. And with their complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, you’ll never have to worry about making your flight. Don’t forget to make your way to the heart and soul of the Dakota, their bar & grill. Voted Scottish Seafood Restaurant of the Year and Scottish Hotel Restaurant of the Year, it’s more than just a hotel restaurant, it’s a gastronomic delight.

Walk along York Place in the heart of the city, and you’ll see a row of beautiful historic Georgian townhouses. Within five is a beautiful, chic and contemporary hotel ready to steal you away from the bustle of the city. More than a place to rest your head at night, it’s a hotel that works to ensure comfort and luxury is at the forefront. With a business centre, health and fitness centre and luxury room amenities, they make it easy for you to access whatever you need during your stay. Don’t forget to take advantage of their spa-inspired rainfall shower, mini bar with complimentary soft drinks and snacks, WiFi, and 32” HD LCD TV in all King bedrooms. And when you’re too tired to stay up, you’ll be handsomely rewarded as you snuggle into crisp Egyptian cotton linens, perfect for a good night’s sleep.

Located in what was once home to renowned surgeon Joseph Lister, the beautiful townhouse now boasts a beautiful boutique hotel, a fashionable bar, The Huxley and a gourmet steak restaurant, Kyloe. With twelve individually designed guest rooms, you’ll find yourself surrounded by opulent luxury. From free WiFi to Bluetooth audio connectivity, wall mounted flat screen TVs, a fully stocked mini bar, complimentary daily newspapers and shortbread on arrival. More than day-time comforts, you’ll be bedding down with quality goose-feather pillows and duvet, the finest Egyptian cotton bedding and access to luxury toiletries to wash the day away.