Hotels in New Town, Edinburgh – Best Places to Stay
Updated 1 August 2026 · 13 real hotels
New Town is one of Edinburgh's most practical and attractive areas to stay, combining Georgian architecture, excellent restaurants, and strong transport links. It suits couples, business travellers, and first-time visitors who want a central base with a calmer, more residential feel than the bustle of the Royal Mile. Those who prioritise walkability and style over budget will find it particularly rewarding.
Your stay in New Town, in one conversation
Charlize builds hotels, activities and dining around your wishes, dates and budget.
Edinburgh's New Town sits just north of Princes Street, separated from the medieval Old Town by the green corridor of Princes Street Gardens. Built from the late 18th century onward as a planned residential district, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right, defined by wide Georgian streets, neoclassical facades, and quiet garden squares. Staying here places you within easy walking distance of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, St Andrew Square, the upscale shops of George Street, and the city's best cocktail bars and brasseries. The atmosphere is noticeably more refined and less crowded than the Old Town after dark, which appeals to travellers who want comfort and convenience without sacrificing proximity to the main sights.
For transport, New Town is extremely well connected. Princes Street and St Andrew Square serve as the main hubs for city buses and the Edinburgh Trams line, which links the area directly to Edinburgh Airport in around 35 minutes. The main railway terminus at Waverley Station sits right on the southern edge of the neighbourhood, making arrival and departure straightforward. Whether you are here for the Festival in August, a winter city break, or a business trip, New Town offers a reliable, well-serviced base. Hotels in the area range from compact urban properties and serviced apartments to full-service four-star hotels, with nightly rates typically sitting between 200 and 260 euros depending on the property and season.
Where to stay on any budget?
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| easyHotel Edinburgh ★★★ | New Town | ★ 3.3 | 160 €/nuit |
| Point A Edinburgh St Andrew Square ★★★★ | New Town | ★ 2.7 | 201 €/nuit |
| Point A Hotel Edinburgh, St Andrew Square | New Town | — | 205 €/nuit |
| Destiny Scotland - St. Andrew Square Apartments ★★★★ | New Town | ★ 4.5 | 226 €/nuit |
| Albany Hotel ★★★★ | New Town | ★ 4.3 | 235 €/nuit |
| Le Monde Hotel ★★★★ | New Town | ★ 4.5 | 252 €/nuit |
| Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street ★★★ | New Town | ★ 4.7 | 253 €/nuit |
| Apex Waterloo Place Hotel ★★★★ | New Town | ★ 4.6 | 258 €/nuit |
| New Town Hotel ★★★★ | New Town | ★ 4.3 | 258 €/nuit |
| YOTEL Edinburgh ★★★★ | New Town | ★ 4.4 | 260 €/nuit |
Frequently asked questions
Is New Town a good location for first-time visitors to Edinburgh?+
Yes, it is one of the most practical choices. The area borders Princes Street, which means the castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Park are all reachable on foot in under 20 minutes. St Andrew Square is a short walk from Waverley Station, so arriving by train from London or Glasgow is straightforward. The neighbourhood is safe, well lit, and easy to navigate, with plenty of cafes, supermarkets, and pharmacies for day-to-day needs.
Which hotels in New Town Edinburgh have the best guest ratings?+
Among the properties currently listed in the area, Apex Waterloo Place Hotel (4 stars, 4.6 out of 5) stands out as the highest-rated option, priced at around 258 euros per night. YOTEL Edinburgh and Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection both score 4.4 out of 5 at similar price points. Destiny Scotland St Andrew Square Apartments also performs strongly at 4.5 out of 5, and offers a self-catering format that suits longer stays or small groups. Point A Edinburgh St Andrew Square carries the lowest score in the group at 2.7 out of 5, which is worth noting if guest experience is a priority.
How do I get from New Town to Edinburgh Airport?+
The Edinburgh Trams line is the simplest option. The St Andrew Square tram stop is located within New Town itself and offers a direct, frequent service to Edinburgh Airport with a journey time of approximately 35 minutes. Tickets can be bought at the stop or via the Lothian Buses app. Taxis and rideshare services are also widely available and typically take between 25 and 45 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the difference in atmosphere between staying in New Town versus the Old Town?+
The Old Town, centred on the Royal Mile and Grassmarket, is denser, hillier, and more intensely touristic, with a medieval street pattern and a livelier, sometimes noisier nightlife scene. New Town has a grid layout, broader pavements, and a slightly calmer residential character, particularly in the evenings. Both neighbourhoods are central and walkable between them, so the choice largely comes down to personal preference: Old Town for historical atmosphere and immediate proximity to the castle, New Town for Georgian elegance, better shopping streets, and a quieter night-time environment.
Plan your stay in New Town
Tell us your wish, your dates and your budget. Charlize puts together hotels, activities and tables in one conversation.