Edinburgh

5-star hotels in Edinburgh for a luxurious city-break

Edinburgh has all of the ingredients for a wonderful city break: luxury shops and restaurants on the stately George Street, verdant green spaces like the Princes Street Gardens and the intricate Gothic architecture of the Old Town.

Perhaps you’re coming for the vibrant year-round festival calendar or maybe you’re lured by traditional Scottish charm. Either way, you’ll stay in the lap of luxury in these 5-star hotels in Edinburgh.

A 5-star Edinburgh hotel in the heart of the city with a luxury spa

1/4

Located on the world-famous Princes Street, the grand Waldorf Astoria puts you at the centre of the action. This former railway hotel, also known as The Caledonian, sits beneath historic Edinburgh Castle, close to the Royal Mile, Castle Terrace and trendy West End Village. The décor is a celebration of Scottish heritage, befitting a hotel with views of the dramatic castle ramparts from many of its bedrooms.

Try a treatment at the Guerlain Spa and see for yourself why it won Best Luxury Hotel Spa in the UK in the World Luxury Spa Awards 2017. Choose from indulgent facials, massages, aromatherapy, body treatments, hand and foot therapies, waxing, tinting and makeup treatments. Build up a light sweat in the gym before relaxing in the swimming pool, whirlpool, steam room or sauna.

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.0 Excellent (2494 reviews)

A 5-star hotel in Edinburgh rich in heritage

1/4

The refined Principal comprises five Georgian townhouses dating back to 1775, while the hotel itself first opened its doors in 1881. You’ll find traces of Edinburgh’s history throughout the building, from the aptly named Printing Press Bar and Kitchen to the coffee shop’s Victorian-era décor.

This hip coffee shop, Burr & Co, is the perfect way to start your day – a favourite with locals as well as guests. Sip on a freshly brewed George Street blend, specially formulated for the hotel by artisan roasters Caravan Coffee.

The rooms at the Principal are a celebration of wild Scottish landscapes and 19th century painters. Cool tones evoke highland heather and forest glens. Sumptuously upholstered and with pampering extras like rainfall showers, they’re a cosy haven after a busy day exploring.

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George, An Ihg Hotel

Top rated
Edinburgh
8.9 Excellent (2369 reviews)

A 5-star hotel in Edinburgh immersed in cosmopolitan culture

1/4

In Edinburgh’s dignified New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find the Principal Charlotte Square, made from seven interconnected Georgian townhouses. Recent renovation has seen this historic hotel updated with a glass-ceilinged courtyard restaurant.

Vintage-inspired rooms celebrate the golden era of travel, featuring carefully curated art and tuck boxes full of treats. For an exclusive feel, stay in the Wee House – a ‘hotel within a hotel’ which sleeps 24 guests.

When you’re in the mood for some pampering, head to the spa for an OSKIA facial or an ishga massage using seaweed from the Isle of Lewis. Afterwards, take a dip in the pool, detoxify in one of the heated rooms or take a yoga class in the gym. Finish with a beauty treatment:

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, An Ihg Hotel

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.1 Excellent (2593 reviews)

A 5-star hotel in Edinburgh with classic elegance and a unique Harry Potter connection

1/4

Arguably occupying one of the most impressive addresses in the city – No.1 Princes Street – The Balmoral has exemplified sophistication for over a hundred years. Its iconic clock tower dominates the skyline and you can admire views of the lush Princes Street Gardens from the windows.

All 168 rooms and suites were created by British designer Olga Polizzi, who matches Tartan touches with cool-toned neutrals. Harry Potter fans, stop by room 552 – J K Rowling famously finished writing the bestselling series here in 2007.

In the award-winning Rocco Forte spa, you’ll discover a relaxation suite and five treatment rooms, an indoor pool, Finnish sauna and steam room. Treat yourself to a massage, body treatment, facial or a beauty service like Jessica manicure, tanning or waxing. If you’re feeling active, start your day in the gym or fitness studio.

The Balmoral Hotel

Top rated
Edinburgh
8.8 Excellent (379 reviews)

A distinctive 5-star hotel in Edinburgh with a rooftop garden

1/4

Those looking for a luxury hotel brimming with local character need look no further than the Glasshouse, a boutique hotel in a converted church. Stand atop the two-acre rooftop garden to admire views of dramatic Calton Hill, or cosy up in The Snug and sample a dram (or two) from their collection of almost 100 whiskies.

Start your day in the glass-walled Brasserie with a breakfast of Scottish smoked salmon and eggs as you watch light wash over the city. In the evening enjoy a three-course meal of seasonal ingredients such as 28-day aged steak or ox tongue terrine.

Almost every room at the Glasshouse features floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a light, fresh environment. Choose a room with a private balcony and enjoy views all the way to the Firth of Forth.

The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.0 Excellent (2098 reviews)

A 5-star hotel in Edinburgh with contemporary elegance and an infinity pool

1/4

Vibrant décor and natural light give this luxury Edinburgh hotel a modern and polished feel. Situated on the city’s bustling Lothian Road, it’s just minutes from the town centre, the West End and the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

At the One Spa and gym, let your worries drift away in the Infinity Pool or gaze at the castle from your spot in the rooftop hydrotherapy pool. In the thermal suite, cleanse your pores in the hammam, invigorate your senses in the aromatherapy grotto or flush out toxins in one of the saunas. Pick from a range of beauty treatments, massages, facials, hand and foot treatments, body treatments and Ayurvedic treatments.

The One Square Restaurant’s expertise lies in whipping up seasonal Scottish cuisine such as Orkney scallops and Shetland mussels. Finish off the day by sipping a cool long drink made with the hotel’s own brand of gin.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.0 Excellent (2393 reviews)

A 5-star hotel in Edinburgh on the Royal Mile

1/4

The Royal Mile hotel perfectly encapsulates Edinburgh’s mysterious and playful spirit. It’s home to the secret underground world of Mary King’s Close and a crooked network of cobbled passages. It’s also the street connecting Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, and it’s home to the Radisson Collection Hotel.

The Radisson has a distinctively artistic atmosphere, with rooms created by local design studios and bursts of striking colour throughout. The hotel’s Italian restaurant, Cucina, is no exception – creative chefs expertly fuse Italian and Scottish delicacies such as hearty haggis ravioli.

End your day at the vibrant bar, Epicurean, a favourite of locals and guests alike. Sip on imaginative blends shaken up by in-house mixologists. They use flowers and herbs grown on-site to tempt your taste-buds with inventive flavour combinations.

Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.0 Excellent (2357 reviews)