The Luxury Hotels in Edinburgh: A Unique and Personalized Experience
The Luxury Hotels in Edinburgh: A Unique and Personalized Experience
Edinburgh
Welcome to Edinburgh, the historic and breathtaking capital of Scotland. A city of dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and a rich literary heritage, Edinburgh is a captivating blend of medieval history and Georgian elegance. From the Royal Mile to the vibrant festival scene, our guide to the best luxury hotels in Edinburgh offers a unique and personalized experience in this stunning city.
1. The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel: A Timeless Landmark
The Place: As the city’s most iconic and prestigious grand hotel, The Balmoral boasts a landmark clock tower and an unbeatable address at No. 1 Princes Street, where the Old Town meets the New Town. Since 1902, this magnificent hotel has been a symbol of Scottish hospitality and timeless elegance. It offers breathtaking castle views and a palpable sense of history, making it the undisputed grand dame of all luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s magnificent, heritage-listed clock is famously set three minutes fast. This is a charming, historic tradition intended to ensure travelers don’t miss their trains from the nearby Waverley Station, a delightful quirk.
1. The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel
The Place: The city’s most iconic and prestigious grand hotel, with a landmark clock tower and an unbeatable address at No. 1 Princes Street. Since 1902, The Balmoral has been a symbol of Scottish hospitality and timeless elegance. It offers breathtaking castle views and a palpable sense of history, the undisputed grand dame of all luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s magnificent, heritage-listed clock is famously set three minutes fast to ensure travelers don’t miss their trains from the nearby Waverley Station.
2. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian: A Legend Reborn
The Place: A magnificent and historic former railway hotel, ‘The Caley,’ as it’s affectionately known, stands proudly at the west end of Princes Street. This hotel is a true city landmark, offering breathtaking, direct, and panoramic views of the magnificent Edinburgh Castle. It masterfully blends its rich Victorian heritage with modern, sophisticated luxury, a classic and beloved choice among luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The stunning, completely unobstructed, and panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle from the castle-facing rooms and suites are simply some of the absolute best and most picture-perfect in the entire city, offering a truly magical sight.
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2. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
The Place: A magnificent and historic former railway hotel that stands proudly at the west end of Princes Street. ‘The Caley,’ as it’s affectionately known, is a true city landmark, offering breathtaking, direct views of Edinburgh Castle. It masterfully blends its Victorian heritage with modern luxury, a classic and beloved choice among luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The stunning, unobstructed, and panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle from the castle-facing rooms and suites are simply some of the best in the city.
3. Gleneagles Townhouse: The City’s Most Exclusive Address
The Place: As the first city outpost of the legendary Gleneagles country estate, this exclusive private members’ club and hotel is housed in a magnificent former bank headquarters on St. Andrew Square. It masterfully blends its grand, historic architectural details with a sophisticated, warm, and contemporary design. It has quickly become the most stylish, sought-after, and exclusive of all luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The Lamplighters rooftop bar, which is reserved exclusively for members and hotel guests, offers stunning, panoramic views of the city’s historic skyline and is a perfect spot for enjoying a finely crafted, classic cocktail.
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3. Gleneagles Townhouse
The Place: The first city outpost of the legendary Gleneagles estate, this exclusive private members’ club and hotel is housed in a magnificent former bank headquarters on St. Andrew Square. It masterfully blends its grand, historic architectural details with a sophisticated, contemporary design. It has quickly become the most stylish and sought-after of all luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The Lamplighters rooftop bar, which is reserved for members and hotel guests, offers stunning panoramic views of the city’s historic skyline.
4. The Witchery by the Castle: A Gothic Fairytale
The Place: A unique and theatrical gothic fantasy, this world-famous hotel is comprised of just nine lavishly decorated and incredibly opulent suites, located in a 16th-century building near the gates of Edinburgh Castle. The Witchery offers a truly unique and immersive experience, with magnificent antique furnishings, four-poster beds, and a deeply romantic, historic atmosphere. It is the most magical and memorable of all luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The spectacularly atmospheric and candlelit Secret Garden restaurant, with its beautiful, secluded terrace, is widely regarded as one of the most romantic and enchanting dining spots in all of Scotland, perfect for a special occasion.
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4. The Witchery by the Castle
The Place: A unique and theatrical gothic fantasy, this hotel is comprised of just nine lavishly decorated and opulent suites near the gates of Edinburgh Castle. The Witchery offers a truly unique and immersive experience, with magnificent antique furnishings and a deeply romantic, historic atmosphere. It is the most magical and memorable of all luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The spectacularly atmospheric and candlelit Secret Garden restaurant, with its beautiful terrace, is one of the most romantic dining spots in all of Scotland.
5. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh: A Modern Old Town Hub
The Place: A vibrant and stylish new hotel housed in a collection of historic buildings in the city’s ancient Old Town, including the former India Buildings. The hotel masterfully blends its rich historic character with the Virgin brand’s signature playful, contemporary design and a strong focus on creating a lively and welcoming social scene. A fresh and modern choice among luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The stunning and expansive rooftop terrace offers breathtaking, panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and the historic rooftops of the Old Town. It is a true highlight and provides a unique perspective of the city’s beauty.
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5. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
The Place: A vibrant and stylish new hotel housed in a collection of historic buildings in the city’s Old Town, including the former India Buildings. The hotel masterfully blends its historic character with the brand’s signature playful, contemporary design and a focus on creating a lively social scene. A fresh and modern choice among luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The stunning and expansive rooftop terrace offers breathtaking, panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and the historic rooftops of the Old Town, a true highlight.
6. Cheval The Edinburgh Grand: Apartment-Style Grandeur
The Place: A magnificent all-apartment hotel, The Edinburgh Grand is housed in the former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland on the prestigious St. Andrew Square. This impressive property masterfully blends its grand, neoclassical heritage with a contemporary and sophisticated design. It offers the space and privacy of a private residence with the service of a five-star hotel, a unique option among luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The Register Club, the hotel’s stunning and exclusive cocktail lounge located in the former banking hall, is a beautiful and sophisticated spot for a drink, with magnificent historic architectural details and a refined, classic atmosphere.
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6. Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
The Place: A magnificent all-apartment hotel housed in the former Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters on St. Andrew Square. This property masterfully blends its grand, neoclassical heritage with contemporary, sophisticated design. It offers the space and privacy of a private residence, making it a unique and flexible option among luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
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My Top Pick: The Register Club, the hotel’s stunning and exclusive cocktail lounge located in the former banking hall, is a beautiful and sophisticated spot for a drink.
7. Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel: Georgian Elegance Reimagined
The Place: A chic and sophisticated hotel comprised of seven beautifully interconnected Georgian townhouses, located on one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful and prestigious garden squares in the New Town. The Kimpton is celebrated for its stylish, contemporary design by Martin Brudnizki that beautifully respects its historic setting. It offers a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere, a standout among the boutique-style luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The beautiful, expansive, and glass-roofed central courtyard, which houses the vibrant Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, Baba, is a stunning, light-filled oasis that serves as the energetic and social heart of the entire hotel.
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7. Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
The Place: A chic and sophisticated hotel comprised of seven interconnected Georgian townhouses, located on one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful and prestigious garden squares. The Kimpton is celebrated for its stylish, contemporary design that respects its historic setting. It offers a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere, a standout among the boutique-style luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The beautiful, glass-roofed central courtyard, which houses the Baba restaurant, is a stunning, light-filled oasis that serves as the vibrant heart of the hotel.
8. InterContinental Edinburgh The George: A Historic New Town Gem
The Place: A historic and truly elegant hotel, The George is comprised of a collection of beautiful Georgian townhouses in the very heart of the New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel has been a beloved city landmark for over 200 years, hosting famous literary figures like Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. It masterfully blends its rich, historic character with a sophisticated, contemporary design. A true classic among the historic luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The magnificent King’s Hall, a stunning and historic ballroom with its soaring, ornate ceilings, beautiful architectural details, and glittering chandeliers, is a true centerpiece of the hotel and a magnificent event space.
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8. InterContinental Edinburgh The George
The Place: A historic and elegant hotel comprised of a collection of beautiful Georgian townhouses in the heart of the New Town. The InterContinental The George has been a beloved city landmark for over 200 years. It masterfully blends its rich, historic character with a sophisticated, contemporary design, a true classic among the historic luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The magnificent King’s Hall, a stunning and historic ballroom with its soaring ceilings and beautiful architectural details, is a true centerpiece of the hotel.
9. The Dunstane Houses: A Touch of Orkney in the City
The Place: A unique and charming boutique hotel comprised of two beautiful Victorian townhouses located in the city’s tranquil West End. The Dunstane Houses celebrates its owners’ Orcadian heritage with a stylish, contemporary design that features subtle touches of tweed, Scottish crafts, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It offers an intimate experience, a true hidden gem among boutique luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The Ba’ Bar, with its cozy fireplace, comfortable seating, and an impressive, extensive collection of rare and vintage whiskies from all over Scotland, is the perfect and most authentic spot for enjoying a warming dram of Scotch.
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9. The Dunstane Houses
The Place: A unique and charming boutique hotel comprised of two beautiful Victorian townhouses in the city’s West End. The Dunstane Houses celebrates its owners’ Orcadian heritage with a stylish, contemporary design that features touches of tweed and Scottish crafts. It offers a warm and intimate experience, a true hidden gem among boutique luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The Ba’ Bar, with its cozy fireplace and impressive collection of rare and vintage whiskies, is the perfect spot for a dram of Scotch.
10. Fingal: A Floating Hotel with a Storied Past
The Place: A truly unique and multi-award-winning luxury floating hotel, Fingal is permanently berthed on the vibrant and revitalized Leith waterfront. Fingal is a former Northern Lighthouse Board ship that has been meticulously and lovingly converted into a glamorous and opulent Art Deco-inspired hotel. It offers a one-of-a-kind, nautical-themed experience that stands out from all other luxury hotels in Edinburgh, rich in maritime history.
My Top Pick: The magnificent, double-height ballroom, located in the former engine room of the ship, features a sweeping staircase and a beautiful skylight. It is a spectacular and dramatic space for dining and events in a truly unique setting.
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10. Fingal
The Place: A truly unique and award-winning luxury floating hotel, permanently berthed on the vibrant Leith waterfront. Fingal is a former Northern Lighthouse Board ship that has been meticulously converted into a glamorous and opulent hotel. It offers a one-of-a-kind, nautical-themed experience that stands out from all other luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
My Top Pick: The magnificent, double-height ballroom, with its sweeping staircase and skylight, is a spectacular and dramatic space for dining and events in a unique setting.
Bonus: House of Gods Hotel: A Decadent Escape
The Place: A unique and decadent, rock-and-roll-inspired boutique hotel located in the city’s historic Cowgate area. This hotel offers a maximalist, opulent, and playful experience that is inspired by the lavishness of Versailles and the hedonism of rock stars. It is a truly unique and theatrical escape, a hidden gem among the most unconventional and memorable luxury hotels in Edinburgh, offering pure indulgence.
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Bonus: House of Gods Hotel
A unique and decadent, rock-and-roll-inspired boutique hotel in the city’s Cowgate area. This hotel offers a maximalist, opulent, and playful experience inspired by the lavishness of Versailles and rock-star hedonism. It is a truly unique and theatrical escape, a hidden gem among the most unconventional and memorable luxury hotels in Edinburgh.
1. Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
- Summer (August): The best time for culture lovers, as the city comes alive with the world’s largest arts festival, the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Royal Military Tattoo.
- Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October): These seasons offer pleasant, mild weather for exploring and fewer crowds than the summer festival season, making for a more relaxed visit.
- Winter (December): The city is magical with its famous and charming European-style Christmas markets, festive lights, and the massive, world-renowned Hogmanay (New Year’s) street party.
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Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Edinburgh for your trip:
- For iconic, historic grandeur: The Balmoral is the quintessential Edinburgh experience, a true landmark of history and elegance at the city’s most famous address.
- For breathtaking castle views: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian provides some of the most spectacular, direct, and unobstructed vistas of the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.
- For exclusive, contemporary style: Gleneagles Townhouse is the city’s most stylish and sought-after new destination for modern luxury, with an exclusive members’ club feel.
- For a unique, romantic escape: The Witchery by the Castle offers an unforgettable, opulent, gothic, fairytale-like experience that is truly one-of-a-kind.
2. Getting Around Edinburgh
- Walking: The best way to explore the historic and atmospheric Old and New Towns (both UNESCO World Heritage sites) is on foot. Be prepared for hills and cobblestones.
- Buses and Trams: The city has an excellent and extensive network of buses (Lothian Buses) and a modern tram line that conveniently connects the airport to the city center.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing apps like Uber are also a convenient option for getting around the city and to outlying areas.
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1. Best Time to Visit Edinburgh
- Summer (August): The best time for culture lovers, as the city comes alive with the world’s largest arts festival, the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and the Royal Military Tattoo.
- Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October): These seasons offer pleasant, mild weather for exploring and fewer crowds than the summer festival season, making for a more relaxed visit.
- Winter (December): The city is magical with its famous and charming European-style Christmas markets, festive lights, and the massive, world-renowned Hogmanay (New Year’s) street party.
3. Must-See Sights in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle: Explore this historic and magnificent fortress that dominates the city skyline from its dramatic position on the volcanic Castle Rock.
- The Royal Mile: Walk the historic spine of the Old Town, a succession of streets that connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: Visit the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, located at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from the castle.
- Arthur’s Seat: For the energetic, hike to the top of this ancient, extinct volcano in the middle of Holyrood Park for breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire city.
2. Getting Around Edinburgh
- Walking: The best way to explore the historic and atmospheric Old and New Towns (both UNESCO World Heritage sites) is on foot. Be prepared for hills and cobblestones.
- Buses and Trams: The city has an excellent and extensive network of buses (Lothian Buses) and a modern tram line that conveniently connects the airport to the city center.
- Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing apps like Uber are also a convenient option for getting around the city and to outlying areas.
4. Unique Experiences in Edinburgh
- Scotch Whisky Experience: Take a guided tour at the top of the Royal Mile to learn about Scotland’s national drink, complete with a tasting of different regional whiskies.
- Ghost Tour: Discover the city’s spooky, dark, and often gruesome past by taking one of the famous underground ghost tours through the city’s historic, subterranean vaults.
- Dean Village: Take a short walk from the bustling city center to this incredibly picturesque and tranquil former milling village on the Water of Leith. It feels like stepping back in time.
- Explore Leith: Visit the vibrant and trendy port district of Leith, known for its fantastic waterfront restaurants (including two with Michelin stars) and lively pubs.
3. Must-See Sights in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle: Explore this historic and magnificent fortress that dominates the city skyline from its dramatic position on the volcanic Castle Rock.
- The Royal Mile: Walk the historic spine of the Old Town, a succession of streets that connects Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: Visit the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, located at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from the castle.
- Arthur’s Seat: For the energetic, hike to the top of this ancient, extinct volcano in the middle of Holyrood Park for breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire city.
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4. Unique Experiences in Edinburgh
- Scotch Whisky Experience: Take a guided tour at the top of the Royal Mile to learn about Scotland’s national drink, complete with a tasting of different regional whiskies.
- Ghost Tour: Discover the city’s spooky, dark, and often gruesome past by taking one of the famous underground ghost tours through the city’s historic, subterranean vaults.
- Dean Village: Take a short walk from the bustling city center to this incredibly picturesque and tranquil former milling village on the Water of Leith. It feels like stepping back in time.
- Explore Leith: Visit the vibrant and trendy port district of Leith, known for its fantastic waterfront restaurants (including two with Michelin stars) and lively pubs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s41-ta1_v5A
Welcome to Edinburgh: The Athens of the North
Welcome to Edinburgh, the historic, dramatic, and breathtaking capital of Scotland. A city of stunning landscapes, ancient castles perched on volcanic rock, and a rich literary heritage that has inspired writers for centuries, Edinburgh is a captivating blend of medieval history and grand Georgian elegance. From the historic, winding Royal Mile to the city’s vibrant and world-famous festival scene, our comprehensive guide to the best luxury hotels in Edinburgh offers a unique and personalized experience in this truly unforgettable city in the United Kingdom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_3G4T8cFcM
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