Best Luxury Hotels in Lothian

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s new town, on the iconic George Street, the boutique Righ Residences is the perfect place for guests looking for more spacious accommodation in the centre of Edinburgh. The hotel’s 25 luxury serviced apartments are all bathed in natural light and are exceedingly comfortable. The apartments all feature kitchenettes, climate control, en-suite bathrooms, and high-quality linen. The apartments also have a high-tech flair with in-room tablets which have room controls and local guide services available. The hotel’s signature penthouse boasts some of the best views of the Castle to be found anywhere in the city. It also has three floating beds, a freestanding bath, three private roof terraces and a private living room. Whilst the Righ residence does not have its own restaurant, it is only a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s best restaurants.

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.

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, 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.

Taking the aparthotel to another level, Cheval Old Town Chambers takes advantage of all of the 15th-century charm found within its tenement homes across three buildings. But this is offset by clean contemporary lines and modern Scandi-inspired furnishings. Choose a studio, an apartment with a mezzanine, a private outdoor terrace, or a four-bedroom townhouse. You’ll have access to a concierge to assist you around the clock, a gym and a lobby with comfortable seating for a little fireside reading, as well as Luckenbooths restaurant for a touch of trad. Cheval Old Town Chambers welcomes pets and families and has several accessible apartments.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.