Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland is a green city with a beautifully stunning Old Town. It makes the perfect long weekend or an even longer getaway – travelling out to see other parts of Scotland with Edinburgh as a base. There’s plenty to see in Edinburgh including St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument and the burial site of Greyfriars Bobby (Read my blog on 7 things not to be missed in Edinburgh). Today, I’m here to help you to choose where to stay in Edinburgh. The last time I visited Edinburgh, the fabulous Scottish capital. I loved staying at the Holiday Inn right next to Edinburgh Zoo, a comfortable mid range hotel with swimming and spa facilities. There is also a restaurant on site and a Chinese take-away opposite, so you won’t go hungry! The only downside was that it was a bus or taxi ride into the Old Town. The Holiday Inn supplies an excellent breakfast with clean rooms. Tea and coffee making facilities are available in the room with a kettle. It’s just a 20 minute bus into town on Lothian buses. The only down side to the Holiday Inn I guess is that you do have to travel in and out of the centre to visit the Old Town. There are other Holiday Inn’s in Edinburgh to choose including the Holiday Inn Edinburgh Waterfront (still out of the city centre but near the coast if you’re into that) and thew Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre (more centrally located near the Edinburgh Playhouse). With the Holiday Inn, I know that I will get a certain standard and many decent online offers. If you prefer an even more central location, here are some of my top choices near Edinburgh Old Town to fit all budgets. I have been to Edinburgh several times over the years and have either stayed in, visited or known another travel blogger who has recommended these places to stay in Edinburgh.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh – Budget/Backpacking accommodation in Edinburgh
CODE – POD Hostel is an excellent choice for backpackers and is one of the highest rated Edinburgh hostels. A continental, vegetarian and gluten free breakfast is available and breakfast is included in every booking. It’s based on the Asian style POD concept, so don’t expect loads of room, but as far as hostels go, CODE POD Hostel is clean friendly and has excellent facilities. It’s located near Primark in the main shopping district next to Princes Park, so just a short walk up the hill to the Old Town. I also highly recommend the Royal Mile Backpackers as the best budget option in Edinburgh. The location (as the name suggests) is perfect – it’s smack bang in the middle of the old town and just a 10 minute walk from Edinburgh castle. The Royal Mile Backpackers is an extremely sociable hostel, so great if you are travelling alone and want to meet people. Dorms at the Royal Mile Backpackers are clean and spacious and there is a good social area. You can also purchase a breakfast for an additional fee.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh – Mid Range hotels in Edinburgh
For central mid range hotels, I recommend the Ibis and The Jury’s Inn – two excellent 3* hotels near the Royal mile with 24 hour reception. In actual fact, there are two Ibis Hotels in Edinburgh – the Ibis Budget hotel, Edinburgh Park (2*) and the Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge – Royal Mile (3*). Both are clean and suitable hotels, but I particularly recommend the Edinburgh South Bridge, again due to its location just 10 minutes walk from the Royal Mile and 15 minutes from Edinburgh Castle. As you know, for me, food is important, and the Ibis ticks this box with a full English or continental breakfast and an affordable restaurant. ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Hunter Square
Where to Stay in Edinburgh – Luxury/High end accommodation in Edinburgh
Some of the top hotels in Edinburgh include The Balmoral Hotel (5*) just 5 minutes from the Edinburgh Tatoo and Hotel Du Vin (4*) in the Old Town. The Balmoral Hotel is a 5 star hotel that offers Castle View rooms and roll top baths – the height of luxury in Edinburgh! A full cooked or continental breakfast is available at a £25 supplement or included in some room tarifs. For something a little different, Hotel Du Vin offers a French Bistro serving Lothian specialities in a former city Assylum in the Old Town. Finally, for something truly ornate and splendid, my top pick for Edinburgh is The Witchery by the Castle. It’s lavish gothic style right but the castle is quite an experience. We’re talking 5* opulent historic luxury! If you are looking for somewhere to stay, compare Edinburgh hotel prices here. You might also like to read about what to see during 48 hours in Edinburgh or One Day in Edinburgh