Scotland’s compact, hilly capital never fails to fascinate and excite. Teeming with history, its beautiful medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town are a delight to wander around at any time of year, with even Scotland’s famously inclement weather doing little to dampen the spirits. The city sits in the imposing shadow of Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, and one of its main tourism attractions. But there is plenty more to see here, in one of Europe’s most beguiling cities.
For affordable accommodation, visitors to Edinburgh have plenty to choose from. Many of its hotels are located in the city centre, and you’ll inevitably pay a premium here, but if you’re happy to be positioned a little further out, there’s a wide range of cheap hotels to be found in Edinburgh’s outskirts too. We’ve picked out 10 of the best across the city, based on price, location and guest reviews.
Edinburgh Capital Hotel
From £80/ night
Enjoying a tranquil setting a few miles from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s city centre, this mid-range hotel had an indoor heated pool, a fitness centre with a sauna, steam room and aerobics studio, and a stylish on-site restaurant with scenic views. There’s also a bar with a flat-screen TV. Sleek guest rooms are designed in a modern style and some offer pleasant views of the region too. Free Wifi is available throughout the hotel and there’s also free parking. Buses run regularly to the city centre.
ibis budget Hotel Edinburgh Park
From £83/ night
Just over 5 minutes by rail from the city centre, just off the City of Edinburgh Bypass, this is another well-regarded and affordable Edinburgh hotel. Amenities include free parking and free WiFi throughout, while air-conditioned rooms come with a flat-screen TV and en suite shower. A daily continental breakfast buffet is available to guests and there’s also Vending machines with drinks and snacks available 24/7. The Gyle Centre Tram Stop is located just opposite the hotel and leads to Edinburgh Airport and city centre.
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Waterfront
From £83/ night
Situated next to the Ocean Terminal shopping centre and the Royal Yacht Britannia in the Edinburgh district of Leith, this contemporary styled hotel offers easy access to a number of shops, bars and restaurant. Regular buses to and from the city centre, just over 3 miles away, also run from directly outside the hotel. Modern en suite rooms have a hairdryer, satellite TV, work desk, and tea/coffee making facilities. There’s an on-site bar showing live sport and a buffet breakfast, included in the price, is served each morning. For those arriving by car, there’s free on-site parking.
Royal Overseas League Hotel
From £189/ night
With the majestic Edinburgh Castle looming large over this hotel, there are few more dramatic settings anywhere in the city. Many of the guest rooms come with period features along with eye-catching castle views along, and all have a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV and radio. There’s a stylish on-site brasserie serving a varied evening menu and world wine list and guests can also benefit from free WiFi throughout the property. Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station is half-a-mile away and the city’s historical Royal Mile can be reached by 5 minutes on foot.
Cityroomz Edinburgh
From £96/ night
Situated just seconds from Edinburgh’s vibrant Prince’s Street, one of the city’s major thoroughfares and teeming with shops and bars, this hotel boasts an enviable location. An extensive continental breakfast is served each morning, or if you’re heading out early you can grab an express bagged breakfast to eat on the go. Modern guest rooms have a flat-screen TV and an en suite bathroom with free toiletries, as well as impressive city views. Edinburgh Castle is a 10-minute walk away.
Best Western Kings Manor
From £122/ night
A family-run hotel just over 5 minutes on foot from a pleasant beach and 5 miles from the city centre, this is a popular mid-range option for visitors to Edinburgh. Amenities include an on-site restaurant and separate bar and a Leisure Club featuring a swimming pool, gym, spa bath and tennis court. Spacious guest rooms come with satellite TV and 24-hour room service is available. The railway station is 5 minutes’ walk away and for those arriving by car there’s free on-site parking.
Holiday Inn Edinburgh City West
From £136/ night
Another hotel that enjoys a quiet location, the 3-star Holiday Inn Edinburgh City West is conveniently positioned for those arriving by air, with Edinburgh Airport just 5 miles away. The city centre is also within easy reach by public transport with regular buses running from near the hotel. There’s an on-site restaurant and a separate bar and lounge that serves meals and drinks throughout the day, as well as showing live sport on a large-screen TV. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service.
Masson House
From £87/ night
Nestled in the private, landscaped grounds of Pollock Halls, this mid-range hotel benefits from a fairly recent refurbishment and is within walking distance of the city’s famous Royal Mile and Old Town. Guest rooms come with an en suite bathroom, television, safe and tea/coffee-making facilities, while free WiFi is available throughout the property. Traditional Scottish breakfasts are served each morning. There’s a 24/hour front desk and free on-site parking.
Salisbury Green Hotel
From £91/ night
This hotel makes a striking first impression, set as it is within an 18th-century mansion house and featuring grand fireplaces and ornate staircases Amenities include a charming breakfast room where cooked breakfasts are served each morning. Elegant guest rooms come with a private bathroom, tea/coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV. Edinburgh Castle is 1.5 miles away and Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station is even closer.
Rick’s
From £141/ night
For a stylish boutique hotel option that won’t break the bank, it would be hard to find a better option than Rick’s. Located in the heart of the city, it has a range of amenities including a bar and restaurant offering al fresco dining, while guest rooms come with a private bathroom, work desk, cable television, and tea/coffee making facilities. Many of Edinburgh’s most renowned attractions are within easy reach, as are a huge number of shops, bars and restaurants.