Edinburgh

Affordable luxury | hotels in Edinburgh that don’t cost the world

Everyone deserves to indulge in a luxury stay from time to time, and in Edinburgh it doesn’t mean emptying your pockets.

The mysterious medieval passageways of Scotland’s capital build intrigue with every step, and after a long day wandering around its weaving wynds and cobbled corners, you’ll want to put your feet up somewhere a little extra special. But how do you find somewhere that’s both luxurious and within budget? Sit back and relax, VisitScotland have done the leg work for you…

Affordable luxury with a touch of Edinburgh glamour

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Le Monde has elegance and glamour in abundance. Wake up to views of magnificent George Street architecture after a VIP night out in the Shanghai Club – all executive rooms offer free entry and queue jump passes. Each room has its own city-inspired theme with rainfall showers and chic furnishings, and the Atlantis suite has a stunning aquarium above the bed, guaranteed to help you drift off into a deep sleep. There is also delicious dining in the restaurant, not to mention an array of decadent cocktails in the bar and club.

Along George Street endless retail therapy awaits with some of Edinburgh’s best shopping, luxury brands, high street favourites and chic boutiques. Head to Edinburgh Castle and then wander down the Royal Mile, dropping into the Scotch Whisky Experience to discover the five whisky-making regions of Scotland, before heading back to your room to get ready for a night out on the town.

Le Monde Hotel

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.2 Excellent (1693 reviews)

Luxury apartments in the centre of Edinburgh New Town

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It might not be the castle, but it’s definitely the next best thing. On Castle Street, this selection of beautifully luxurious apartments in the heart of the New Town, with their garden-facing rooms, studios and penthouses, offers guests ultimate relaxation. High-quality furnishings, incredible views of the cityscape and luxurious bed linen will make your stay even more special, as will the latest in-room technology including LCD Smart TVs for relaxing nights in.

Guests at the Edinburgh Castle Apartments will find the location unbeatable. If you have a head for heights, climb up the winding staircases to the top of the Scott Monument on Princes Street for some of the best views of Edinburgh. Once you’ve weaved your way back down the striking gothic monument, treat yourself to a high tea at The Balmoral, known as ‘the Grand Old Lady of Edinburgh’. This luxury establishment offers fine dining experiences and has several offers for cheap but chic experiences.

For dinner, try El Cartel, and sample a selection of delicious tacos and tapas on the menu. Just be sure to go early enough to grab a table.

Edinburgh Castle Apartments And Suites

Top rated
Edinburgh
8.9 Excellent (870 reviews)

Luxury country house and boutique hotel in Edinburgh's West End

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For a luxury country house feel combined with a boutique hotel experience, head to Edinburgh’s lovely West End. With 35 cosy and stylish bedrooms spread across two Victorian townhouses, Dunstane House & Hampton House, the influence of Orkney will strike guests straight away. The hotel’s owners hail from the isles just north of the Scottish Mainland. In the Dunstane Suite you can enjoy stunning views of the Pentland hills from the comfort of the roll top copper bath tub. At the Ba’ Bar, try some tasty Scottish cuisine with haggis bon bons and hand-dived Orkney scallops on the menu.

With close connections to Haymarket train station, the Edinburgh Tram and the airport, the hotel’s quiet location on West Coates road is a great spot to experience the capital. Wander along the leafy Water of Leith pathway to the charming Dean Village or check out the latest exhibitions at the Gallery of Modern Art on Belford Road with its beautiful sculpture park designed by Charles Jencks. Don’t miss a local favourite haunt for lunch or dinner, Pizzeria 1926 which is a 13-minute walk away for an authentic slice of Naples-inspired pizza.

The Dunstane Houses

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.2 Excellent (1409 reviews)

Luxurious apartments for the ultimate wellness retreat in Edinburgh city

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If rest and relaxation is what you need, a stay at Eden Locke is the one for you! With a real passion for health and wellness, Eden Locke has beauty treatments, meditation, yoga and mindfulness classes to help you leave stress all behind. Relax in the Hyde & Son coffee lounge by day or enjoy wine and cocktails by night as it transforms into after-dark drinking haunt.

A little different from your typical luxury hotel, every single one of these indulgent apartment rooms overflow with elegance and style, from the sociable L-shaped sofas to the cosy feel of the soft furnishings, colour palettes and modern finishes.

If you can bear to leave your pad, Eden Locke’s George Street location opens up every possibility for enjoying the capital. Venture north west to the friendly Stockbridge area for a lovely brunch at The Pantry or Hamilton‘s, or if you’re visiting at the weekend, head to the legendary Sunday foodie market.

Alternatively, head east to take in the 360° views of the city from the top of Calton Hill. This year, the Collective Gallery is due to re-open after a refurbishment, with lots of exciting contemporary visual arts exhibitions to look forward to.

Eden Locke

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.6 Excellent (1880 reviews)

Chic luxury stays with gorgeous views over Edinburgh Old Town

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Weave down a quiet lane off the Royal Mile and it might surprise you to find these chic luxury spaces. The Old Town Chambers offers a few options: a choice of spacious studio apartments, a 15th century townhouse tucked away on Advocate’s Close and glamorous penthouses overlooking the capital. Indulge in lavish breakfasts or dine-in boxes, supplied by the Edinburgh institution and merchant Valvona & Crolla.

A stay at the Old Chambers is a unique chance to get acquainted with the magical vibe of the Old Town. Take a tea break or catch up on some reading at Spoon, where JK Rowling is thought to have penned some of the early chapters of Harry Potter, or if biology is more your thing, check out the human brains at the Surgeon’s Hall Museum. That’s right, this beautiful building is bursting with medical marvels and forward-thinking papers and ideas.

If you opt for a stay in the Townhouse, the Devil’s Advocate next door is a wise choice for a couple of cocktails, and if its haggis that you simply need before leaving Edinburgh – grab some at the Arcade on Cockburn Street or at Angels with Bagpipes.

Cheval Old Town Chambers

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.6 Excellent (6200 reviews)

A luxury Edinburgh mansion overlooking an ancient hill

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Situated in the grounds of Pollock Halls (also the term-time residence of Edinburgh University students) this 18th-century mansion house is complete with turrets and a grand Victorian feel. An ideal choice for a refreshing luxury break in the southerly side of the capital, enjoy delicious breakfasts, free WiFi, and simply stylish rooms, not to mention impeccable service.

An essential stop on any Edinburgh itinerary is the invigorating ascent of Arthur’s Seat, an ancient extinct volcano. Luckily, the Salisbury Green is just a stone’s throw away from the hill – one of Edinburgh‘s favourite landmarks. Take the route further around the charming village of Duddingston and explore the lovely peaceful village and stop at the Sheep’s Heid Inn.

Overlooking the Salisbury Crags, a decadent dinner at Aizle will not disappoint with its innovative and mouthwatering seasonal five-course tasting menu, as well as delicious matching wines.

The Scholar

Edinburgh
8.4 Very good (2446 reviews)

An Edinburgh dweller, Annierose is a Content Executive at VisitScotland. Her favourite things include the seaside, road trips, jogging around Edinburgh, taking pictures and adventuring through as much of Scotland and the world as possible!