Hotels in Edinburgh: Where to Stay in 2025
Updated 13 September 2026 · 319 real hotels
Edinburgh's Old Town and New Town are the most central choices, offering walkable access to the castle, museums, and restaurants. For a quieter stay with easy tram links, Haymarket and the West End deliver solid value without sacrificing convenience.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolver Edinburgh ★★ | Edinburgh Zoo : à 3,2 km | ★ 3.3 | 69 €/nuit |
| Murrayfield Park Guest House ★★★ | Edinburgh Zoo : à 1,4 km | ★ 3 | 104 €/nuit |
| Britannia Hotel Edinburgh ★★★ | Edinburgh Zoo : à 3 km | ★ 3.1 | 124 €/nuit |
| Edinburgh City Hotel ★★ | Edinburgh Zoo : à 0,5 km | ★ 3.1 | 142 €/nuit |
| Grosvenor Suites ★★★★ | Edinburgh Zoo : à 3,2 km | ★ 4 | 143 €/nuit |
| Palmerston Suites ★★★★ | Edinburgh Zoo : à 3,2 km | ★ 4.1 | 143 €/nuit |
| Twin Lions Hotel ★★ | Edinburgh Zoo : à 0,9 km | ★ 3.7 | 147 €/nuit |
| Cumberland Hotel ★★★ | Edinburgh Zoo : à 2,6 km | ★ 3.9 | 149 €/nuit |
| Acer Lodge Guest House ★★★★ | Edinburgh Zoo : à 2 km | ★ 4.5 | 150 €/nuit |
Edinburgh is one of Europe's most architecturally striking capitals, built across volcanic rock and medieval lanes, with a skyline defined by its castle and a city rhythm shaped by centuries of history. Whether you visit for the Fringe Festival in August, the winter markets in December, or simply a long weekend exploring Holyrood and the whisky distilleries, the city rewards visitors who pick their base carefully.
Accommodation in Edinburgh spans a real range: Georgian townhouse hotels in the New Town, compact urban properties near Haymarket station, and country club retreats just outside the city limits. Prices reflect demand, particularly during festival season, so understanding which neighborhood fits your priorities makes a genuine difference to your experience and your budget.
Which area to stay in Édimbourg?
- Old Town (Royal Mile and Grassmarket): Best for first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere. Cobbled streets, Edinburgh Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are all on your doorstep. Expect higher prices and more noise near the main thoroughfares.
- New Town (Princes Street and George Street): A Georgian grid of wide streets, independent shops, and excellent restaurants. Central, elegant, and well connected by bus. Good for travelers who want a balance of culture and comfort.
- Haymarket and Dalry: A practical, slightly quieter alternative just west of the center. Haymarket train station connects you to Glasgow and the airport tram line. Several well-rated mid-range hotels operate in this area, including the Garner Edinburgh Haymarket.
- West Edinburgh and Corstorphine: The neighborhood around Edinburgh Zoo sits roughly 3 to 5 km west of the city center. Less touristy, with residential streets and green space. Useful if you are visiting the zoo, attending events at Murrayfield Stadium, or driving in from the west. Hotels like the Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo and The Torfin are located here.
- Morningside and Bruntsfield: South of the center, these leafy residential districts are popular with locals. Quieter, charming, and well served by buses, though a 20-minute commute to the Old Town.
- Outer Edinburgh and Countryside (Kirknewton area): For a full country house experience, properties like the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club sit about 8 km from the center, with golf courses and spa facilities. Better suited to guests with a car or those attending events in the Lothians.
Good to know
- Book early for festival periods: The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August) and Hogmanay (late December to early January) push hotel rates to their annual peak and rooms sell out months in advance. If your dates are flexible, May, June, or September offer better value and pleasant weather.
- Use the tram for airport transfers: The Edinburgh Trams line runs from Edinburgh Airport directly to the city center (St Andrew Square) in around 30 minutes, with stops at Haymarket along the way. It is reliable, flat-fare, and runs until after midnight.
- Factor in the hills: Edinburgh is genuinely hilly. The walk from Waverley station up to the castle is steep, and the Old Town involves frequent stairways. If mobility is a concern, choose a hotel in the New Town or near a flat main road.
- Check proximity to your key venues: If you are attending a conference at the EICC, a match at Murrayfield, or visiting Edinburgh Zoo, hotels in the West End corridor (Haymarket, Corstorphine) save significant travel time compared to Old Town properties.
- Validate parking before booking: Central Edinburgh has very limited street parking and strict charging zones. If you are driving, confirm in advance whether your hotel offers parking, at what cost, and whether it is on-site or nearby.
What to know about hotels in Édimbourg?
What is the best area to stay in Edinburgh for sightseeing?+
The Old Town, along the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, puts you within walking distance of the city's main historic attractions. The New Town is a close second, offering the same central access with wider streets and a calmer atmosphere.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?+
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September) offer mild weather, longer daylight hours, and fewer crowds than the summer festival peak. August is vibrant but extremely busy and expensive. December is atmospheric for the Christmas markets but cold and wet.
How much should I budget for a hotel in Edinburgh per night?+
Based on currently available options, expect to pay from around 147 euros per night for a 2-star property up to 176 euros per night for a 3-star city hotel. Prices rise sharply during the Fringe Festival and Hogmanay. Booking in advance typically secures better rates.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to the city center?+
The Edinburgh Trams service is the simplest option, running every 7 to 10 minutes and reaching the city center in about 30 minutes. Taxis and ride-share services are also available but cost more. Some city hotels in the Haymarket area are only one tram stop from the airport line.
Is it worth staying near Edinburgh Zoo rather than in the city center?+
Staying near the zoo makes sense if you are visiting the zoo itself, attending a Murrayfield event, or prefer a quieter residential setting with lower ambient noise. The area is well served by buses (Lothian Buses route 26 and others) and is about 20 to 25 minutes from the city center by public transport. It is not ideal if your priority is walking to Old Town landmarks.
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