Hotels in Edinburgh: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 12 August 2026 · 191 real hotels
Edinburgh's New Town suits visitors who want stylish streets, great restaurants, and easy transport links, while the West End offers a quieter, residential feel with solid access to Haymarket station. For first-timers, New Town or the Old Town area keeps you within walking distance of the main sights.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith Place Hotel ★★★ | Leith | ★ 4.1 | 198 €/nuit |
| Britannia Hotel Edinburgh ★★★ | West End | ★ 3.1 | 215 €/nuit |
| Braid Hills Hotel ★★★ | Morningside | ★ 4.2 | 230 €/nuit |
| Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West ★★★★ | Édimbourg | ★ 4.4 | 252 €/nuit |
| Kildonan Lodge Hotel ★★★★ | Newington | ★ 4.5 | 261 €/nuit |
| Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club ★★★★ | Dalmahoy : à 12,6 km de Édimbourg | ★ 4.5 | 262 €/nuit |
| Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo by IHG ★★★★ | Édimbourg | ★ 4.3 | 269 €/nuit |
| Regent House Hotel ★★★ | Édimbourg | ★ 3.9 | 272 €/nuit |
| Garner Edinburgh Haymarket by IHG ★★★ | West End | ★ 4 | 275 €/nuit |
Edinburgh is one of Europe's most visually dramatic cities: a medieval volcanic ridge topped by a castle, flanked by Georgian crescents and a coastline barely six kilometres away. It rewards slow exploration on foot, where every close and wynd seems to hide another layer of history. Staying centrally means you can walk between the Old Town, the National Museum, Calton Hill, and the city's best restaurants without relying on a taxi.
Beyond the August Festival crowds, Edinburgh functions as a compact, serious European capital with a world-class food scene, outstanding independent bookshops, and a whisky culture that goes far deeper than tourist-facing distillery tours. Whether you come for a long weekend or a week, the neighbourhood you choose shapes your experience significantly, so it is worth thinking about priorities before you book.
Which area to stay in Édimbourg?
- New Town: The Georgian grid north of Princes Street is Edinburgh's most polished address, lined with independent restaurants, design shops, and easy tram and bus connections. Ideal for travellers who want elegance, walkability, and proximity to both Waverley station and the main sights.
- Old Town: The historic spine running from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Perfect for first-timers who want atmosphere on their doorstep, though accommodation here books out early, especially around August Festival season.
- West End / Haymarket: A calmer, slightly more residential quarter with excellent access to Haymarket rail station (useful for airport tram connections and intercity trains). A good choice for business travellers or those attending events at Murrayfield.
- Stockbridge: A charming village-within-a-city feel north of New Town, known for its Sunday market, independent cafés, and the Water of Leith walkway. Best for travellers returning for a second or third visit who want a local rhythm.
- Leith: Edinburgh's port district has transformed over the past decade into a destination in its own right, with Michelin-starred restaurants and a creative scene. Around 30 minutes on foot or a short bus ride from the centre.
- Ingliston / Airport area: Only sensible for very early departures or one-night layovers. Functional, affordable, and connected by tram directly to the city centre in about 35 minutes.
Good to know
- Book early for August: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the International Festival, and the Military Tattoo all run simultaneously in August. Hotel prices surge and availability collapses months in advance. If your dates are flexible, late September or October offers similar weather with dramatically lower rates.
- Use the tram for the airport: The Edinburgh Trams line runs from Edinburgh Airport directly to the city centre (York Place stop), taking roughly 35 minutes and costing around £8 one way. It is far more reliable than a taxi during peak hours.
- Haymarket is a smart rail hub: If you are arriving by train from Glasgow, the Highlands, or London, Haymarket station stops before Waverley and is less congested. West End hotels are within easy walking distance of it.
- Edinburgh is hilly: The Old Town sits on a ridge and involves steep climbs. If mobility is a consideration, New Town's flat Georgian grid or the West End are more comfortable bases.
- Shoulder season is genuinely worth it: March to May and September to early November bring mild temperatures, manageable crowds, and better hotel value. January is quiet but cold, and the city still functions well for a winter city break.
What to know about hotels in Édimbourg?
What is the best area to stay in Edinburgh for first-time visitors?+
New Town is the most practical base for a first visit: you are within walking distance of Waverley station, Princes Street Gardens, the National Galleries, and the top end of the Royal Mile. It also has the city's most consistent concentration of good restaurants and bars. The Old Town is more atmospheric but can feel very busy in peak season.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?+
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the best balance of decent weather, manageable crowds, and competitive hotel prices. August is unmissable if you are coming for the Festival, but expect full hotels and high rates. December has a lively Christmas market atmosphere, though it is cold and dark by late afternoon.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?+
The tram is the simplest option: it runs every 7 to 10 minutes during the day, takes about 35 minutes to reach the centre, and costs around £8 one way. Taxis and rideshares are available but slower during rush hours. The Airlink 100 express bus is another affordable alternative, running to Waverley Bridge in about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the average hotel budget for Edinburgh?+
Based on currently available options, centrally located hotels in Edinburgh typically range from around 275 euros to over 750 euros per night depending on star rating, location, and season. Budget travellers can find functional 3-star options in Haymarket or New Town in the 275 to 310 euro range, while luxury 5-star stays in New Town can reach 750 euros or more per night.
Is Edinburgh a walkable city or do you need public transport?+
The city centre is very walkable: the Old Town, New Town, Calton Hill, and Stockbridge are all reachable on foot from a central hotel in under 20 minutes. Leith and the Royal Botanic Garden are comfortable on foot for most visitors or a short bus ride away. Trams are useful mainly for the airport connection, while buses cover the wider city efficiently.
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