If you’ve read some of our previous posts on Edinburgh, Scotland, you know it’s Kayla’s favorite city she’s visited. Edinburgh has an abundance of accommodations to choose from. To help you decide where to stay during your visit, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to stay in Edinburgh.
These are all places that we’ve personally stayed at and recommend. There is something for every type of traveler!
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Princes Street Suites
For Families Wanting A Quiet But Central Location
Location: New Town (extremely close to Waverley Station)
Princes Street Suites is the perfect place to stay for families because they offer extremely spacious serviced apartments. We were grateful for how much space our 2 bedroom flat had, especially with a 10 month old who was on the move!
The apartments are fitted out with full living room, kitchen, and dining areas giving ample space to spread out. If you want some extra space though, you can head up to the rooftop terrace (via the elevator) for breathtaking views of Arthur’s Seat, the cemetery next door, and the skyline of Old Town.
Princes Street Suites are in a prime location. It is only a short walk from Waverley Station (so also very close to Old Town) and only around a block from Calton Hill. Not many tourists venture down that far on Princes Street though, so the area is incredibly quiet despite being so close to the main attractions!
It is also around a 3min walk to St. James Quarter, a mall with clothing stores, restaurants, and a large pharmacy that sells everything a baby or toddler could need during a trip.
Destiny Scotland Apartments – Royal Mile Residence
For Families Wanting to Stay in Old Town
Location: Bishops Close on the Royal Mile
Destiny Scotland Apartments has several options to stay throughout Edinburgh, and we were incredibly pleased with their Royal Mile Residence. This location offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. We chose the 2 bedroom penthouse and had so much space we didn’t know what to do with it all!
These are also serviced apartments, so each one has a kitchen, dining area, and living room. We had views of Calton Hill from one side of the apartment and an overlook of the Royal Mile from the other.
These apartments are also serviced by an elevator which is a rare thing to come by in Edinburgh, especially in Old Town! We immediately knew that this would make our list of best places to stay in Edinburgh. We were pleasantly surprised by how much more affordable this option was compared to other options in the area that offered less amenities. 10/10 recommend!
Braid Apartments by Mansley
For People Wanting to Live Like a Local
Location: The heart of New Town
These serviced apartments offer everything you could want during your visit to Edinburgh (including an elevator!). We were very appreciative of the welcome basket we received upon arrival that had various snacks in it.
Braid Apartments by Mansley offers Studios, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom apartments. They are smaller than the other serviced apartments listed but are furnished in a way that feels a little homier.
The apartments are located on a quiet street in New Town. There are several shops and cafes nearby that are frequented more by locals than tourists, but it is still within easy walking distance to the typical tourists attractions.
These apartments are also only a 1/2 mile walk from Circus Lane, which is the end point for our Self Guided Walking Tour of Dean Village and Circus Lane – a MUST when you are in Edinburgh!
Stately Georgian Family Townhouse with Castle Views
For Large Groups
Location: New Town
This 6 bedroom, 6.5 bathroom townhouse is absolutely stunning. It is perfect for large groups, as there is plenty of space to spread out over the three floors. Thirteen of us stayed there comfortably for Kayla’s wedding in Edinburgh.
The home is beautifully and thoughtfully decorated and has lovely views. Situated in New Town, the townhouse is in a quiet area, just a 10 minute walk to Old Town.
The King’s Chamber- Stunning Flat on Royal Mile
For History Lovers
Location: Riddle’s Court on the Royal Mile
You would be hard pressed to find a place to stay in Edinburgh that isn’t steeped in history, but this one is especially unique. King James the VI hosted a dinner party in this flat, and the bedroom ceiling has the original painted beams. Kayla was instantly sold upon hearing this.
The newly renovated flat is made available by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust. This organization has made it their mission to find new uses for underused historical buildings throughout Scotland while preserving their historical integrity.
It only makes sense that this kingly apartment would have a comfy king size bed. The colorful and modern furnishings somehow compliment the 400 year old beams above them. Although it is located on the Royal Mile, it is pushed back in a surprisingly quiet close.
Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Aqueous Spa
For Honeymooners, History Lovers, and Ghostbusters
Location: Midlothian (9 miles south of Edinburgh)
Dalhousie Castle is so incredibly dreamy. In 2016, Kayla had a fairy tale destination wedding at Dalhousie. It was simply magical.
The castle dates back to the 13th century and has been renovated into a hotel. It has a variety of room options, but Kayla’s favorites are the honeymoon suite, with it’s original stone walls and old castle well (covered with plexiglass to prevent injury), and the beautifully furnished themed rooms.
In your free time, have afternoon tea in the orangery, relax in the spa, visit the falconry, hang out at the library bar, have dinner in the dungeon, or even take archery lessons! If you’re lucky, you will get a chance to hear the castle piper expertly play a tune on his bagpipes. Keep an eye out for the ghosts of Lady Catherine and Sir Alexander Ramsay who are said to haunt the castle.
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel
For Solo Travelers
Location: New Town
Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel is located in New Town and is just a 10 minute walk to Calton Hill. Kayla stayed here for 2 weeks when she studied abroad in Edinburgh and was extremely pleased.
All of the rooms are en-suite with free wifi. The rooms are simply furnished, but have everything you’ll need. The kitchen is quite big for hostel standards. Kayla felt very safe there, because there are three points throughout the hostel you must scan your key card before gaining access to your room. A small cafe serves up snacks and tea, and there is a large breakfast area.
It was nice to have a lift after a long day of exploring. We recommend the hostel to anyone who wants a nice, cheap, clean place with accommodating staff.
City Centre Flat off the Royal Mile
For Marvel and Harry Potter Fans
Location: Cockburn Street (practically on the Royal Mile)
This Airbnb sits above an officially licensed Harry Potter store and on a curvy picturesque street that is prominently featured in Avengers: Infinity War. It is across the street from La Locanda, an Italian restaurant that made our list of the best places to eat in Edinburgh.
Cockburn Street also has some of our favorite shops in the city centre. Another bonus about its location is that Waverley Station is literally at the end of this short street (which is also the drop off point for the airport bus).
The apartment has large windows that we loved sitting by to people watch and listen to the Scotsman who sometimes sings below. In the evenings, you can occasionally hear groups of Scots belting Scottish hymns as they head home from the pubs. Some might find this bothersome, but we found it to be endearing.
If you’re a fellow Potterhead, check out our post on Visiting Harry Potter Sites in Edinburgh!
High St Flat – Amazing Views!
For Amazing Views
Location: The Old Stamp Office Close on the Royal Mile
Being in a city filled to the brim with breathtaking architecture, it’s only natural that you want to see it at every available chance. Staying in this flat will definitely give you that opportunity!
We loved waking up to such a beautiful panoramic view of Edinburgh’s skyline. There are a lot of steps up a narrow spiral staircase to get to the flat, but isn’t that how you usually see the best views?
Another reason we loved this flat is because of the close’s impressive history. The Old Stamp Office Close was once home to the Government Stamp Office, the Royal Bank, two taverns, a boarding school tied to Bonnie Prince Charles, a countess, and a center for poor women in the community to receive midwifery and maternity resources.
Enchanting 16th Century Dovecot Cottage in Private Garden
For Lovebirds
Location: Morningside (Lovely 20 minute walk to Grassmarket that passes through parks and Flodden Wall)
This is one of the most unique places that Kayla has ever stayed. Nestled in a garden fit for a fairy queen, this whimsical dovecot is perfect for a couple seeking a romantic getaway.
The dovecot has modern features such as a luxurious shower, an extremely comfortable bed, and sky lights. Yet, the owner left the stone walls almost exactly as they would have been hundreds of years ago, which is what Kayla loved best.
It is an oasis that makes you feel as if you are far removed from the world, despite being so close to Edinburgh’s city centre.
Photo Sources: Airbnb, Brides & Dolls Photography (Kayla’s awesome wedding photographers)
Do you have recommendations for the best places to stay in Edinburgh? Tell us in the comments below!
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I went to Edinburgh last summer for my first solo travel and I absolutely fell in love I’d love to go back
Isn’t it wonderful? It’s my dream to live in Scotland one day.