Edinburgh, the hilly capital of Scotland, attracts many visitors for its ancient buildings and fantastic sights. With winding cobbled streets and no less than four exquisite national art galleries, this is a place that we have enjoyed several times.
The Scottish capital is a compact city, so you can explore a lot on foot, no matter where you stay. But we wanted to give you some ideas about our favorite parts of the city and the best hotels there to help you find accommodation that will fit perfectly into your Edinburgh itinerary.
Every area of Edinburgh offers something unique, from the historic Old Town to the trendy West End. Whether it’s buildings that are more than a thousand years old or lush hiking trails along the river, I do not doubt that whichever hotel you book, you will enjoy your trip.
Lodging in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a charming city with a ton of historical sites. It is also very accessible on foot, so you don’t have to stay in the city center to discover all its best sites and attractions on foot. And if you don’t mind taking the tram or bus, you can save a lot of money by booking accommodation in a quieter area.
This is not to say that the city center is a bad place to stay; the new town and the old town are some of my favorite options for new visitors because of the beautiful old architecture and the endless interesting sights. However, both areas are expensive and are not a good option for travelers on a tighter budget.
Where we stayed
We stayed at the Cheval the Edinburgh Grand, mainly because I prefer apartments to hotels for long stays. He provided everything we needed during our stay and I especially enjoyed the view of Andreasplatz. And the comfortable beds! Do not hesitate to book the Edinburgh Grand if you are looking for a more comfortable accommodation with an excellent location in the city center.
Edinburgh Old Town: Our Recommendation
The Old Town of Edinburgh is the historical heart of this Scottish city and, for most travelers, the best place to stay. Stay in the old town and you will be within walking distance of the best sights, shops, restaurants and museums in the city.
Keep in mind that such a large part of Edinburgh is usually expensive, especially for hotel stays. If you are looking for mid-range and luxury hotels, you have many options in Edinburgh’s Old Town. But if you’re trying to explore Scotland on a budget, look for something less Central.
The best places to stay in Edinburgh’s Old Town
Witchcraft in the castle
The Witchcraft at the Castle is a unique stay in the heart of Edinburgh. With nine richly furnished suites, this charming hotel offers an unparalleled experience. Sleep in four-poster beds in suites carefully decorated with antique decorations, from guard uniforms to painted ceilings.
Each of the nine suites is decorated on the theme, and my favorites are the guard room and the library. The elegant suites measure between 40 m2 and 72 m2; the larger Suites have a separate living room or even a dining room. Breakfast is included in the nightly rate and you can choose to enjoy it in the room or at the hotel restaurant.
