Self-catering apartments in Edinburgh for an affordable city break

With Edinburgh’s Old Town on your doorstep, a stay at the Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile puts you right at the centre of the city. Based within the former Old Sailor’s Ark – a hostel for ex-servicemen – this historic building sits on the Royal Mile: the main thoroughfare which has the castle at one end and Holyrood Palace at the other.

Step inside the old stone exteriors, and you’ll find apartments here are fresh and modern, with rich wooden furniture and floors. Black-out blinds and feature walls in cool grey tones create a calm backdrop for atmospheric monochrome photographs of the city, while pops of red add character to each room. Both the spacious studios and larger suites have fully-equipped kitchens with dishwashers – ideal for making your own steaming bowl of Scotch broth after a brisk walk along Portobello beach. What’s more, pets are allowed, so your four-legged companion can come along and explore Holyrood Park to its heart’s content.

Set yourself up for a day of sight-seeing at the Aparthotel’s buffet breakfast, complete with traditional hot options as well as fresh fruits. Sip on your morning coffee in the contemporary restaurant with a view of the Royal Mile from the huge windows. There’s even an on-site gym – if hiking up to Arthur’s Seat wasn’t enough of a workout for you.

Aged stone walls and original fireplaces meet velvet furnishings at the Old Chambers. Balance self-indulgence with self-service in one of their 5-star townhouses or apartments, that all come with spacious kitchen areas complete with washers, dryers, ovens, and Nespresso coffee machines. Plus, you have the added benefit of a 24-hour front desk and a dedicated concierge to give you insider tips on museums or Fringe Festival comedy venues (if you visit in August).

For a true home-from-home experience, book an intimate townhouse, with its own private entrance onto the cobbled street. Vaulted ceilings and original open fireplaces are in keeping with the old-world charm of this 15th-century building, while rich-hued sofas and soft rugs give each room a warm and welcoming feel. Sink into the free-standing bathtub for a long soak after a day spent roaming Edinburgh’s many hills, and pamper yourself with the complimentary Malin and Goetz toiletries.

For a city break with family in tow, choose a spacious capital apartment. While the kids are entertained in front of the widescreen TV in the cosy living area, there’s plenty of space to cook up a feast in the open-plan kitchen. Create your own version of a steaming Colcannon stew to eat together on the long wooden dining table. With Waverley Station a 7 minute walk away and Edinburgh Castle within 5 minutes reach, you have the city at your fingertips.

Don’t let the term ‘New Town’ label fool you – this central area of Edinburgh is packed with Georgian buildings lining bustling boulevards and quaint cobbled streets. This is also where you’ll find Braid Apartments: a selection of bright suites with bay windows and handy self-catering amenities, only a 2 minute walk from the monuments and shops that line Princes Street. On a wet-weather day, wander to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery – which is a mere two streets away – and meander through likenesses of kings, queens and poets.

Whether you choose a studio suite or a two-bedroom apartment, each accommodation option has a comfy living room, with soft sofas in warm berry hues, as well as a dining space and a full kitchen. Make yourself a hot bowl of Scottish porridge in the morning to prepare for the day ahead, or create a full roast on an evening to share with a loved one. Large double beds and twins are set with crisp white sheets and thick blankets in check and tartan prints.

If you feel like eating out, there are plenty of drinking and dining options in the New Town area. Classic Scottish pubs, like the Thistle Street Bar and The Black Rose Tavern are all within an easy walk of your apartment. For a true taste of Scotland, head to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Pick up a bottle to bring back and mull over in the comfort of your armchair, wrapped snugly in a tartan blanket.

Situated opposite the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Garden Apartments are a central base for a stay in Edinburgh. Dip into high-end boutiques around St Andrew Square, including Harvey Nichols and Louis Vuitton, or walk 10 minutes to reach the popular shopping stretch on Princes Street for high-street favourites. For entertainment that’s right on your doorstep, nip over the road to the famous Stand Comedy Club for an evening of laughter.

Ideal for a break on a budget, the Royal Garden Apartments provides many helpful necessities, such as cleaning supplies, coffee, tea and milk. Once you’ve checked in, take a moment to unwind in your cosy living area with a hot brew in hand. Each apartment has a quaint kitchen with an oven and dishwasher to make your self-catered stay as homely as possible. However, a few little luxuries add an indulgent hotel feel – namely, the daily maid service and complimentary set of Scottish Fine Soap toiletries in the bathroom. Before bed, wander down to the bar and sink into an armchair for a nightcap (there’s sure to be a whisky or two available to whet your whistle).

While the Royal Garden Apartments may maintain all their Georgian stateliness on the outside, indoors is a different story. The grand lobby is a modern entrance with sleek black and chrome furnishings, punctuated with warm red rugs. Large windows flood each apartment with plenty of light, and provide views over the lush private Queens Street Gardens, which guests have access to.

There’s no need to cut back on those little hotel luxuries when you stay in self-catered accommodation – especially when you book with Edinburgh Castle Apartments. Each space has a king-sized bed set with premium white and grey linens: a colour scheme which continues throughout. Visiting Edinburgh for a weekend of romance? Check in to an elegant Garden Suite. Your room leads out into the manicured gardens and your own private terrace. In the morning, sit on the patio and devour a full Scottish breakfast (remember to pick up sausages, eggs and mushrooms) before you begin the day.

Alternatively, treat someone special to a stay in the Penthouse Suite, and look out from your top-floor accommodation over the rooftops of the city. Set out an intimate meal with a bottle of rioja at your own dining table and have a quiet evening together, gazing out to the lit-up castle. Make the most of your kitchen space and create home-cooked meals that you know and love – or try your hand at a Scottish favourite. The national menu has hearty options like haggis, grouse and Scotch pie, as well as plenty of warming strews made from local vegetables.

Thanks to the Castle Apartments babysitting service, parents can still wine and dine out in the city while the kids relax at home. Drop into a couple of the nearby bars to embrace the city’s nightlife: both The Kenilworth and Auld Hundred offer a traditional pub setting with local ales on tap. For a cocktail, take the 2 minute stroll from your apartment to Tigerlily: a popular spot with its own award-winning mixologist. A Kiss for Luck – made with Jura whisky and honey is a romantic way to end your evening.

For a comfortable apartment filled to the brim with period features, book a room at the charming Distillers House. This Georgian building was fully restored in 2016 to make the most of its high corniced ceilings, large sash windows and original oak fireplace in the grand lobby. Housing just 12 serviced suites – each with their own living rooms – the house is a peaceful retreat from the busy city centre.

Distillers House is located in the Georgian streets of the historic West End, which is known for its theatres and venues. Catch a show at The Lyceum Theatre or a new release at the bohemian Filmhouse before heading back to your self-catered apartment for dinner. Each suite has a spacious open-plan kitchen area for all your cooking needs. Create a pot of nourishing Scottish porridge first thing in the morning, or use the space to make a picnic if you’re heading for an afternoon in Holyrood Park.

Each apartment is awash with both traditional details and modern luxuries, from the solid wood furniture to the thick tartan scatter cushions on the sofas. While each kitchen is fully stocked with stainless steel appliances, the rooms are decorated with subtle yet homely brass objects, such as grouse ornaments or antler lampstands. Large double beds await to welcome you after a long day spent exploring the town – if you have little ones with you, ask at the desk for a cot or cosy roll-away bed.