Edinburgh's best hotels are characterised by their distinctive personality. The offering includes establishments belonging to major groups such as W, Virgin Hotels and The Hoxton, as well as boutique hotels with just nine rooms housed in centuries-old buildings, plus establishments with private clubs and cultural and musical offerings comparable to those of major European capitals.
The Hoxton occupies eleven Georgian terraced houses in the Haymarket neighbourhood, a few minutes' walk from Princess Street, with a total of 214 rooms. Despite its size, the décor and services maintain the essence of a boutique hotel, with soft tones such as pastel pink and mint green combined with classical and contemporary furniture. The establishment has three apartments equipped with a kitchen and three rooms, called "The House", as well as the Patatino restaurant, specialising in Amalfi Coast cuisine.
A hotel located in two mansions operates simultaneously as a private club and a public establishment. The rooms, of generous proportions, feature a colourful classical style with textiles that create a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel offers views of St Andrew Square, from where Edinburgh Castle can be reached in less than half an hour on foot.
Gleneagles Townhouse houses two distinct gastronomic and social offerings: The Spencer, open 24 hours for aperitifs, meals and late-night snacks, and Lamplighters, a rooftop cocktail bar reserved for members and guests that offers local whiskies and panoramic city views.
The Balmoral Hotel, located at number 1 Princess Street with its iconic clock tower, is considered Edinburgh's most emblematic hotel. With over a century of history, it has 167 rooms and 20 suites, with the Scone & Crombie Suite, at 120 square metres, being the highest category. The establishment houses five restaurants and bars, including Number 1, whose Scottish cuisine has received a 4 Rosettes AA score, one of the most prestigious accolades in the United Kingdom.
W Edinburgh, divided into three buildings that include the oval-shaped "The Ribbon building" and renovated Georgian terraced houses, features a vibrant and contemporary design aimed at a younger audience. Located at St James Square, it combines cultural offerings and a musical programme that changes each season with the Sushisamba restaurant, serving nikkei and Brazilian cuisine, with views of Calton Hill.
100 Princes Street, managed by Red Carnation Hotels, houses 100 rooms in a historic building that was once the headquarters of the Royal Overseas League. The interior, filled with tartan, antiques and portraits of former members, reflects classic Scottish luxury. The hotel features El Wallace, its culinary offering that pays homage to Scottish gastronomy and includes whisky tastings and afternoon tea sessions.
