The best boutique Edinburgh hotels for a city stay
Discover the most stylish boutique hotels in Scotland’s hilly yet compact capital for your next short break
One of the UK’s most intriguing capitals, Edinburgh is a vibrant and exciting city, home to a host of stylish boutique hotels – from luxury, design-led townhouses and artsy Georgian hotels to cosy boltholes and the more quirky abodes – the city has you covered. Edinburgh’s Old and New towns brim with hip hotels, basement cocktail bars and upscale foodie finds to keep on your radar. Think city-luxe, hip-street style and gothic-inspired with art-filled interiors and luxury bedrooms with personal touches.
Edinburgh is a much-loved destination with endless sights to explore; key landmarks include Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, Arthurs Seat and The Palace of Holyrood house. It’s also the former home of celebrated poet, Robert Burns – relive his history in The Writers Museum, before walking the mile-long Princes Street with its fusion of luxury shops, independent cafes and bars, then head to the Princes Street Gardens – a beautiful urban park located at the heart of the city.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend away or something a little longer, take a look at our favourite boutique hotels in Edinburgh.
Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
With its brilliantly central location and characterful design, Kimpton Charlotte Square is a gorgeous dog-friendly boutique hotel in Edinburgh, perfect for a weekend of city sights.
Situated in Edinburgh’s New Town, overlooking Charlotte Square at the west end of George Street, it’s a great location to explore the many independent boutiques, cafés and bars as well as famous landmarks. A 15-minute walk takes you to the Old Town where you will find Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile, amongst a host of iconic sights.
A vibrant and Instagram-worthy spot with eclectic interiors and a Soho House vibe – think lots of contemporary art, stylish bedrooms, chic bicycles to borrow and blissful spa treatments using Ishga seaweed-based products. There are two distinctly different eateries - BABA, a lively Middle Eastern/Scottish fusion restaurant serving flavoursome sharing plates and Aizle, a fine dining affair with a six-course themed tasting menu, using seasonal ingredients.
House of Gods, Edinburgh
A cool spot with superb attention-to-detail, House of Gods is a boutique hotel in Edinburgh with a maximalist style, snug and brilliantly soundproofed cabin-style rooms and three cocktail bars. Expect dimly lit, velvet-clad rooms with faux fur, Gucci wallpaper and a rock and roll-inspired cocktail menu to see you through the evening.
Well-positioned just off Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket, the hotel is minutes away from major landmarks including the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, National Museum and National Gallery.
The cosiest Orient Express-style rooms with small marble wet rooms boast lush décor with upholstered walls and herringbone floors, hand-built cocktail cabinets with a surprise and delight television found in the full length mirror.
While away the hours in Lilith’s Lounge – a late night hideaway serving cocktails and wake to breakfast hamper bagels, filled with Monterey Jack cheese, sloppy mustard sauce, turkey and fried potatoes.
Tigerlily, Edinburgh
Tigerlily is a boutique hotel in Edinburgh with bold bedrooms and lots of indulgence; a Georgian townhouse located on New Town’s fashionable George Street, surrounded by a brilliant mix of luxury and independent boutiques and cafés, first rate bars and restaurants.
It’s an easy stroll down to the trendy neighbourhood of Stockbridge, and walk along the Water of Leith; five-minutes takes you to the National Gallery and Old Town and Edinburgh Castle are just 15-minutes away.
A characterful spot with a distinct style – colourful pop art and lots of glamour with a basement nightclub and large light-filled rooms – from classic to Georgian Suite - with free-standing baths and well-stocked mini bars. There are plenty of spaces to chill – from the bar with its enormous sparkling glitter-ball to the large velvet-clad sofas. Expect a focus on the cocktails, a weekend Boozy Brunch and Modern International cuisine, served in the restaurant.
21212, Edinburgh
Head to 21212 for an indulgent stay in a quiet, leafy New Town spot of Edinburgh; discover four rooms tucked away in an elegant Georgian townhouse, above the newly-opened LYLA Restaurant (formerly Paul Kitching’s much-celebrated, Michelin-starred restaurant).
Think large comfortable beds and luxury bathrooms, comfy window seats with views across the city and a few welcoming treats including a decanter of sloe gin.
Brilliantly positioned close to the Playhouse – Edinburgh’s largest theatre – you can step outside onto Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city. Around 20-minutes’ walk through stunning architecture will take you to the National Museum of Scotland, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
A boutique hotel in Edinburgh, perfect spot for foodies in-the-know, looking to enjoy experience-led meals – think elegant, sumptuous fine-dining, showcasing traditional Scottish dishes with a twist.
Virgin Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland
Richard Branson brings a little bit of bling to his Virgin Hotel Edinburgh – a characterful abode with a touch of class. Enjoy small plates and creative cocktails with live music in the Eve bar and restaurant, and the ‘funny library’ with its velvet sofas, books stacked to the ceiling and old-school board games.
Bedrooms are spacious with luxe décor – think high cushion piles and lots of velvet, along with mini SMEG fridges, cocktail shakers and martini glasses. Head to the low-lit, wine cellar-esque Commons Club for contemporary Scottish cuisine.
This boutique hotel in Edinburgh is set in a brilliant spot in the historic in Old Town, overlooking pretty Victoria Street – connecting the Grassmarket and Gregory IV Bridge – the Royal Mile and the castle are right on the doorstep and just ten-minutes’ walk takes you to the mile-long Princess Street, lined with a host of shops and restaurants.
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