Best Luxury Hotels In Edinburgh’s Old Town

The Scottish capital’s oldest district dates back to Medieval times. Its long history has been well-preserved in the steep winding cobbled streets, narrow wynds and towering crammed buildings. Originally built on a glacial ridge, the Old Town is also home to a castle set atop a dormant volcano and a palace, as well as a vast number of tourist attractions and the most notable modern building, the contrasting Scottish Parliament. Its main artery, The Royal Mile (named after the two regal residences at either end) forms the heart of the annual Fringe Festival and a meeting point for almost all of the city walking tours. Here are our favourite 5 star and luxury hotels in the Old Town



Old Town, Edinburgh

Cheval Old Town Chambers

Apartments
(5 stars)
At a glance
RoomsStylish Independent Living
AmenitiesPet-friendly, Easy Access to Edinburgh’s Old Town
In the knowMeets Historic Individuality
TLE Recommends: The four-bedroom town house is straight from a fairytale – stay if you can!

Taking the aparthotel to another level, Cheval Old Town Chambers takes advantage of all of the 15th-century charm found within its tenement homes across three buildings. But this is offset by clean contemporary lines and modern Scandi-inspired furnishings. Choose a studio, an apartment with a mezzanine, a private outdoor terrace, or a four-bedroom townhouse. You’ll have access to a concierge to assist you around the clock, a gym and a lobby with comfortable seating for a little fireside reading, as well as Luckenbooths restaurant for a touch of trad. Cheval Old Town Chambers welcomes pets and families and has several accessible apartments.

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Cheval Old Town Chambers

Old Town, Edinburgh

Cheval Abbey Strand Apartments at Holyrood

Apartments
(4 stars)
At a glance
RoomsCulture Vultures and Families.
AmenitiesSelf-Catering Facilities and Complimentary Access to a Local Gym.
In the knowHistoric Charm Meets Modern Luxury
TLE Recommends: Tap into the local knowledge of the concierge at sister property Old Town Chambers

Cheval Abbey Strand Apartments at Holyrood, located at the foot of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. These nine boutique apartments, designed with inspiration from their historical past, range from open-plan studios to two-bedroom units, all featuring fully equipped kitchens, free WiFi, and access to a complimentary gym. Guests enjoy the independence of self-check-in with a four-digit access code, while support is available 24/7 from the nearby Cheval Old Town Chambers. Pets are welcome, and nearby attractions include the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Park.

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Cheval Abbey Strand Apartments at Holyrood

Old Town, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland

The Witchery By The Castle

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
RoomsA Romantic Escape
AmenitiesAward-Winning Restaurant, Castle Views
In the knowDramatic Design
TLE Recommends: Enjoy an indulgent breakfast hamper served in your room

Perhaps one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh, The Witchery, is a boutique hotel which is intimate, opulent and offers an exceptional fine-dining experience with an award-winning wine list. Located at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, in a 16th-century building, the hotel boasts a rich and colourful history that is intertwined into the guest experience. Each of the nine suites are dramatic and theatrical – some with a four-poster bed, some with a roll-top bath for two, some with original portraits and tapestries-  and all with flamboyant style. Stay here and be transported to a bygone era.

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The Witchery By The Castle

Old Town, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland

Market Street Hotel

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
RoomsCity Adventurers
AmenitiesRooftop Champagne Bar, Close to City Centre Attractions
In the knowStylishly Simple
TLE Recommends: Upon arrival make time for a glass of bubbles at N’or Loft and take in the fantastic city views.

A Carlton Collection Hotel, Market Street hotel is the first Design Hotels member in Scotland and it is clear to see why. The hotel interior design has been led by award-winning team FG Stjil and showcases a perfect balance of contemporary finishings whilst firmly acknowledging the historic charm and local artistic influences. Market Street hotel is located in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town the hotel boasts 98 boutique rooms and suites and for hotel residents and non-residents Nor’Loft the rooftop Champagne lounge on the seventh floor is THE place to enjoy a sophisticated drink coupled with stunning panoramic views of the city.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Market Street Hotel

Old Town, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland

House Of Gods Hotel

Hotel
At a glance
RoomsFun-Loving Flamboyant Couples
AmenitiesYou may never want to leave your room!
In the knowUpgrade your stay with a VIP Package
TLE Recommends: Upgrade your stay with a VIP Package

If you want pure decadence and lashings of theatrical opulence for your next stay in Edinburg, look no further. House of Gods’ design is infused with deco-style drama at every turn – velvet cushions and heavy drapes, curtained four-poster beds, mahogany antique furniture, parquet flooring, fringed lampshades, oak panelled walls, gleaming freestanding gleaming Victorian tubs and palms. The colour palette revolves around dark, rich hues of deep red and rooms come full of surprises, like hidden TV mirrors and coffee machines secreted out of immediate sight. Lilith’s lounge features a curated cocktail list that’s inspired by rock n’ roll’s tales of hotel debauchery.

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House Of Gods Hotel

Old Town, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland

The Scotsman Hotel

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
RoomsStylish City Break
AmenitiesDestination Restaurant, Onsite Art Deco Cinema
In the knowMeets Historic Individuality
TLE Recommends: Make time for a movie night at the 48-seater onsite cinema

Bursting with individuality and charm, The Scotsman Hotel is an Edinburgh institution. The beautiful Baroque buildings in which this luxury hotel sits was once home to the National Newspaper – which is now the hotel’s namesake. Interiors showcase many original features, including luxurious floor-to-ceiling wood-panelled rooms, grandiose marble staircase and stained glass windows – all combined with modern amenities and unique signature details. Each of its  58 rooms and 14 suites is individual, stylishly appointed and a comfortable sanctuary in the heart of the city. Guests can dine at the hotel’s destination restaurant, enjoy a drink in the bar or seek a moment of solitude in many of the cosy spaces throughout the hotel. And home to a 48-seater classic cinema, guests can enjoy a trip to the Picturehouse with the utmost convenience.

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The Scotsman Hotel

Old Town, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland

Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh

Hotel
(4 stars)
At a glance
RoomsCity Explorers
AmenitiesBistro, Alfresco Courtyard, Cigar Cellar
In the knowStylishly Unique
TLE Recommends: Make sure you wake for breakfast – it’s worth getting up for!

Hotel du Vin offers an exquisite blend of luxury and heritage. Once a poorhouse and later an asylum, this beautifully restored building now houses 47 character-filled rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy custom-made sleigh beds, Egyptian cotton linens, monsoon showers, and in-room roll-top baths. Dine al fresco in the picturesque courtyard during summer or savour classic French cuisine in the Bistro du Vin during cooler months. The hotel also features a Whisky Snug, a heated Cigar Bothy, and versatile function rooms perfect for meetings or celebrations. Located just steps away from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, Hotel du Vin is the ideal base for exploring the city.

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Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh

Old Town, Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
RoomsThe Fun-Loving Bunch
AmenitiesTwo Restaurants, Lounge, Cocktail Bar, Pet Friendly Rooms
In the knowModern Meets Historic Individuality

Taking up residence in the Old Town’s India Buildings, the Virgin Hotel is homey, plush and contemporary, bedecked in hues of cream. Naturally, you’ll find plenty of pops of red around the place — in the in-room Smeg mini-fridges, on doors and forming the arrival carpet into the lobby. Do stop to look up once inside — the glass cupola ceiling and atrium are quite something when viewed from ground level especially. Dine in the Commons Club for a little old-world glamour, order food and drinks in Eve for a funky feel and spend time in the Victorian Funny Library. Dogs are welcome at the property too and get their own food menu.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

* All the properties and products we feature are independently selected by our editors and contributors. If you buy something we may earn a commission.

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