Scotland’s capital is one of the most attractive cities in the UK. Its mix of medieval, neo-Gothic and Georgian architecture alongside a castle atop a dormant volcano and an abundance of green spaces make every twist and turn a feast for the eyes. The cobbled streets of the Old Town are lined with artisanal cafes, museums and vintage shops. While the New Town brims with art galleries, designer stores and trendy bars. International, Fringe, film, jazz and science festivals, along with unique smaller events draw visitors from around the globe during the summer months and a Christmas festival – with its markets and fair – lights up Edinburgh come December. Here are our favourite 5-star and luxury hotels in the city.
W Edinburgh (5 Star)
- Location – New Town
- Key Amenities – Spa, Gym, Rooftop Cocktail Bar, Destination Restaurant, Club Lounge
- Type – Hotel
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. Read our expert review here.
Prestonfield House (5 Star)
- Location – Prestonfield
- Key Amenities – Fine Dining Restaurant, Afternoon Tea Lounge, Whisky Bar
- Type – Boutique Hotel
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 1950’s. 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 showcase 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. Read our expert review here.
Gleneagles Townhouse (5 Star)
- Location – New Town
- Key Amenities – Gym, Destination Restaurant, Club Floor
- Type – Boutique Hotel
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.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (5 Star)
- Location – Old Town
- Type – Hotel
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.
Fingal (5 Star)
- Location – Leith
- Key Amenities – Destination Restaurant
- Type – Boutique Hotel
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.
Market Street Hotel (5 Star)
- Location – Old Town
- Type – Hotel
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.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa (5 Star)
- Location – West End
- Type – Hotel
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.
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection (5 Star)
- Location – Leith
- Type – Hotel
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.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian (5 Star)
- Location – West End
- Type – Hotel
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. The Waldorf Astoria property also offers a Guerlain Spa, with treatments using 111SKIN face and body products.
The Balmoral (5 Star)
- Location – New Town
- Type – Hotel
Liveried doormen await those arriving to stay this grand dame, Edinburgh’s most famous hotel. The Balmoral stands sentinel over the city, straddling the Old and New Towns from its sizeable perch on Princes Street and North Bridge. Steps from Waverley Station and a minute’s walk from the Royal Mile, its location is hard to beat for tourists. The Number One restaurant has a Michelin-star, art pieces lent by London’s Royal College of Art and a Scottish oak triptych. Brasserie Prince caters for relaxed meals, with its French menu, lamps and banquette seating. And Palm Court is the regal setting for The Balmoral’s award-winning Afternoon Tea.
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand (5 Star)
- Location – New Town
- Type – Aparthotel
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.
Cheval Old Town Chambers (5 Star)
- Location – Old Town
- Type – Aparthotel
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.
The Witchery by The Castle (5 Star)
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.
Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club (4 Star)
Located in 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland, just seven miles from Edinburgh city centre, the Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club is a 4-star hotel that offers guests refined accommodation across its 215 rooms and suites. Guests can choose from period rooms and suites within the original manor house or more contemporary rooms in the north wing. There is lots to do at the hotel including a luxurious leisure club, indoor swimming pool, two 18-hole golf courses, and a refurbished driving range. Guests can also enjoy an excellent choice of Scottish gastronomy in a period drama-style setting; from the signature restaurant with views out to Edinburgh Castle and beyond through to an elegant Afternoon Tea and cocktails or a wee dram at the cosy bar. Mary, Queen of Scots is said to have once been a visitor to Dalmahoy in days gone by – so stay and follow in the footsteps of Royalty.
The Scotsman Hotel (4 Star)
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.
InterContinental Edinburgh the George, an IHG Hotel (5 Star)
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.
Norton House Hotel & Spa (4 Star)
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 its 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. Read our expert review here.