The Scottish capital has long been a bastion of rich history and high culture. It’s no wonder that the city harbours some of the most elegant hotels in the land.
Apex City Hotel, Edinburgh (Photo: Booking.com)
Edinburgh’s landscape is one of rocky cliffs, gothic architecture and commanding sea views. This historical city seamlessly fuses its two different parts – the cobbled alleys of the medieval Old Town and the Georgian sophistication of the New Town. Its cosmopolitan nature means that the cultural offerings are wide and varied. As well as the many leisurely pursuits that abound in Edinburgh, a stay in the city will almost certainly include a trip to Edinburgh Castle. Here, we’ve selected the best hotels near the castle based on style, quality and location. We’ve also listed the hotels in order of close proximity to the city centre.
Apex City Edinburgh
Set in Grassmarket – the true heart of Edinburgh – Apex City Hotel stands in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle, just 300m away. The hotel’s décor has quite some pzazz. Colours are striking and lively, yet retain an understated eloquence. Its award-winning restaurant Agua offers classic dining and stylish modern surroundings. The hotel’s 4-star boutique bedrooms have huge beds, spotless bathrooms with roomy baths and showers, and are light and airy. Guests have access to a swimming pool and fitness centre a short walk away. Room service is available 24-7, and a traditional fry-up or continental breakfast is served daily. Rooms from £165.
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Waldorf Astoria
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh (Photo: Booking.com)
Situated in a regal building just a skip away from Princes Street (a major thoroughfare and shopping hub in central Edinburgh), the Waldorf Astoria allows unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle. Rooms have a sleek yet simple sophistication with antiquated features merged with a modern design aesthetic. The hotel offers a one-of-a-kind spa experience (and first of its kind in the UK) with an array of treatments such as a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, alongside a swimming pool and modern gym facilities. The Caley Bar offers bar food, drinks and tastings for guests and the general public. Fine dining can be had at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Grazing. Rooms from £180.
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Sheraton Grand Hotel
Eliciting fabulous views of Edinburgh Castle, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is a fine location to drop anchor. Embedded in Edinburgh’s financial district – and residing next door to the West End commerce and entertainment area – the hotel is a 500m stroll from Edinburgh Castle. Rooms at the Sheraton bask in luxury and elegance, and come replete with air-conditioning, tasteful furnishings and mood lighting, along with a separate bath and walk-in shower. If you’re looking to retune and recharge, the One Spa health complex offers a 19m swimming pool, gym and fitness studios, a rooftop Hydropool and a variety of beauty and spa treatments. Contemporary Scottish cuisine and unique gin tastings are available at the vibrant One Square Bar + Brasserie. Rooms from £220.
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Stay Central Hotel
Stay Central Hotel Edinburgh (Photo: Booking.com)
Situated in the cobbled courtyard of The Three Sisters, Stay Central Hotel is a lively budget hotel in Edinburgh’s Old Town. It retains many of its four-century-old features, but in terms of design and atmosphere has planted itself firmly in the 21st-century. En-suite rooms have a cool and modern vibe, and are clean and fresh. Each room has a flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, and a bathroom with a rainfall shower. The hotel is well-positioned and is in close proximity to some of Edinburgh’s most notable sights, such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse Palace, Festival Theatre and the National Museum. Rooms from £70.
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The Scotsman Hotel
Originally the offices of the esteemed Scottish newspaper The Scotsman, The Scotsman Hotel holds a commanding position above Carlton Hill, Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Station. This 1905 construction has a stately yet majestic air, and offers scenic views of Edinburgh’s cityscape. Each room and suite has a distinctive design unrepeated throughout the hotel. Rooms are spacious and possess unique features such as original stonework, curved bay windows, arched dividing walls and marble-tiled en-suite bathrooms. Other attributes include a 48-seat cinema with atmospheric lighting, a scrumptious breakfast served daily and easy access to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street. Rooms from £170.
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