Best Luxury Hotels in Lothian

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.

If you want pure decadence and lashings of theatrical opulence for your next stay in Edinburg, look no further. House of Gods’ design is infused with deco-style drama at every turn – velvet cushions and heavy drapes, curtained four-poster beds, mahogany antique furniture, parquet flooring, fringed lampshades, oak panelled walls, gleaming freestanding gleaming Victorian tubs and palms. The colour palette revolves around dark, rich hues of deep red and rooms come full of surprises, like hidden TV mirrors and coffee machines secreted out of immediate sight. Lilith’s lounge features a curated cocktail list that’s inspired by rock n’ roll’s tales of hotel debauchery.

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 Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, located in the city’s historic New Town, combines classic Georgian architecture with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including a fitness centre, spa, and Tesla chauffeur service. The hotel features eclectically styled rooms and suites with luxurious details and innovative technology. Dining options include The Garden for cocktails and light fare, BABA for Levant-inspired dishes, and Aizle for seasonal tasting menus. The hotel is also pet-friendly and offers unique experiences like sound therapy suites and personal shopping services.

W Edinburgh opened in November 2023 and has revolutionised the city’s hospitality scene. Located in the vibrant St James Quarter, this Marriott Bonvoy property combines Edinburgh’s rich history with modern luxury. The hotel features three distinct buildings, Ribbon Building, James Craig Walk, and Quarter House, each offering a unique perspective of the city. Its innovative design includes references to the city’s cultural, historic, and geographical aspects and the unique rooftop W deck rewards visitors with the finest unfettered 360-degree views of Edinburgh and beyond. Inside, elements of fire, water, and local materials create a compelling narrative. W Edinburgh has also introduced exciting dining experiences and social spaces, including Scotland’s first SUSHISAMBA restaurant, celebrating Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine, the signature W Lounge ideal for all-day dining, and a secret speakeasy bar, João’s Place serving creative cocktails and premium spirits.

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!

Stay in an elegant New Town Georgian townhouse with 26 rooms, which, like The Dunstane Houses, are spread across two buildings. Nira Caledonia offers a Jacuzzi Suite, ideal for soothing tired legs after a day of exploring the city’s cobbled streets. All rooms and suites come with PMD Tea, minibars, 2,000-pocket sprung beds, goose-down pillows and L’Occitane toiletries as standard. The hotel boasts its very own 12-year-old ultra-limited edition whisky, bottled in partnership with Adelphi Distillery and served onsite. Guests can try the tipple and dine at Blackwoods Bar & Grill, which has a farm or fishery-to-fork ethos (around 40% of the menu ingredients come from Scotland).

Set in 55 acres of beautiful grounds, Norton House Hotel is a four-star hotel approx 20 minutes drive from the city centre. The former manor house still boasts the welcoming splendour of a private country home and comprises 83 rooms and suites. Suites with period features and panoramic views are found in the main house whilst contemporary rooms are located in the west wing – whatever the choice guests will not be disappointed. Dining experiences include the Brasserie for a classic menu, opt for an indulgent Afternoon Tea in the light and bright  Conservatory and when the sun shines enjoy al fresco dining at its finest – with private dining options too it’s the ideal place to stay over and celebrate any occasion. An award-winning luxury spa and health club invites guests to enjoy exceptional spa facilities designed to rejuvenate both the body and mind.

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.

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.

A former bank, this restored 19th-century building on St Andrew’s Square now accommodates high-end apartments. These range in size from studios to three-bedroom residences, providing a home-away-from-home experience during a longer stay. The apartments are serviced daily and include Nespresso machines. Cook in your own space, or eat in-house at The Register Club, with its top-floor (and top drawer) Art Deco ambience and creative libations. And you’re only steps from multiple eateries for fine or family dining. Travelling with your four-legged friend? They’ll get their own bed, blanket, toys and treats on arrival.