Edinburgh is a popular place for tourists to visit because it has beautiful buildings, a long history, and a lively cultural scene. As a city that attracts many different kinds of tourists, Edinburgh has a wide range of places to stay, from expensive hotels to cheap hostels. This guide will give you an overview of the best places to stay in Edinburgh, as well as tips on where to stay and how to get the best deals.
The Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh
Before delving into the various types of accommodation available, it is best to consider the possible places to stay in Edinburgh. Here are some of the most popular tourist neighbourhoods:
The Old Town
The Old Town, as the heart of Edinburgh's historic centre, is an excellent choice for visitors who want to be within walking distance of many of the city's top attractions. Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the National Museum of Scotland are all included. There are also many traditional Scottish pubs and restaurants in the area.
New City
The New Town is a more modern neighborhood just north of the Old Town. It is known for its Georgian architecture and high-end shopping. It's a good choice for visitors who want to be close to the city centre but prefer a more tranquil atmosphere than the bustling Old Town.
Leith
Leith, which is located to the north of the city centre, is a vibrant and up-and-coming neighbourhood known for its creative community and excellent food scene. One of Edinburgh's most popular tourist spots, the Royal Yacht Britannia, is also in the area.
Stockbridge
Stockbridge, located to the north of the New Town, is a charming residential neighbourhood popular with visitors looking to experience a more local side of Edinburgh. The area is known for its independent shops and cafes, and the Royal Botanic Garden is within walking distance.
Edinburgh's High-End Hotels
If you want to spend a truly luxurious stay in Edinburgh, there are several high-end hotels to consider. Here are some of the city's best luxury hotels:
The Balmoral Estate
The Balmoral is one of Edinburgh's most iconic luxury hotels, located on Princes Street in the heart of the city centre. The hotel has beautiful rooms and suites, an award-winning restaurant, and a spa with a pool, sauna, and steam room.
The Scotsman Inn
The Scotsman Hotel is a stylish and classy hotel that used to be a newspaper building. It is in the middle of the Old Town. The hotel has luxurious rooms and suites, a fantastic restaurant, and a spa complete with a gym, sauna, and steam room.
The Castle's Witchery
The Witchery, located just steps from Edinburgh Castle, is a one-of-a-kind and luxurious hotel ideal for visitors interested in the city's history and culture. The hotel has opulent suites decorated in a Gothic style, with rich fabrics and antique furnishings.
Edinburgh Hotels in the Mid-Range
There are a number of good value hotels in the middle price range in Edinburgh. These hotels are good for people who want to stay somewhere comfortable and convenient without spending a lot of money. Here are some of the city's best mid-range hotels:
Edinburgh Hotel Indigo
The Hotel Indigo Edinburgh, located in New Town, is a modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a stylish restaurant. Many of the city's top attractions, including Princes Street Gardens and the Scottish National Gallery, are within walking distance of the hotel.
Hotel Grassmarket
The Grassmarket Hotel, located in the heart of the Old Town, is a stylish and affordable hotel with colourful rooms and a lively bar. Many of the city's top tourist attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, are within walking distance of the hotel.
The Bonham Inn
The Bonham Hotel, located in the charming Stockbridge neighbourhood, is a boutique hotel with elegant rooms and suites in a 19th-century townhouse. The hotel has a chic bar and restaurant, and it's close to the Royal Botanic Garden and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Edinburgh Hostels and Budget Hotels
There are several budget-friendly options in Edinburgh for travellers looking to save money on lodging. Here are some of the city's best budget hotels and hostels:
CODE Edinburgh Hostel
CODE Hostel Edinburgh, located in New Town, is a stylish and modern hostel with shared dormitories and private rooms. Many of the city's top attractions are within walking distance of the hostel, which has a large communal lounge and kitchen area.
Hostel Castle Rock
Castle Rock Hostel, located just steps from Edinburgh Castle, is a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers. The hostel has both shared and private rooms, as well as a large communal lounge with views of the castle.
Edinburgh EasyHotel
EasyHotel Edinburgh is a no-frills budget hotel in the city centre with compact and functional rooms. Many of the city's top attractions are within walking distance of the hotel, making it an excellent choice for travellers who only need a place to sleep.
Edinburgh Apartments and Vacation Rentals
There are several self-catering options in Edinburgh for travellers who prefer more space and privacy. Here are some of the city's best apartments and vacation rentals:
Apartments in Edinburgh City
Edinburgh City Apartments, located in New Town, offer a variety of modern and stylish apartments that are ideal for families and larger groups. The apartments have fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas, and they are close to many of the city's top attractions.
Mansley's Knight Residence
The Knight Residence by Mansley, located in the Old Town, provides luxurious and spacious serviced apartments ideal for extended stays. The apartments have full kitchens, large living rooms, and a front desk and concierge service that are open 24 hours a day.
Apartments in Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle Apartments, located just steps from Edinburgh Castle, offer a variety of comfortable and well-appointed apartments ideal for couples and small families. The apartments have modern furniture and kitchens that are fully stocked. They also have amazing views of the castle and city.
How to Find Cheap Edinburgh Accommodation
There are several tips and tricks that can help you find the best deals in Edinburgh, regardless of the type of accommodation you're looking for. Here are some things to remember:
- Book early: Because Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination, it's best to book your accommodations as far in advance as possible to ensure the best rates.
- Consider the season: Edinburgh can get quite crowded during peak tourist season, which is usually in the summer and during the Edinburgh Festival in August. Consider visiting during the off-season to benefit from lower rates.
- Consider package deals: Many hotels and airlines provide package deals that can help you save money on your trip. To get the best deal, book your accommodations and flights together.
- Use travel websites: Websites such as Booking.com and Expedia.com can help you compare prices and find the best deals on Edinburgh accommodation.
- Consider alternative lodging options: If you're on a tight budget, instead of booking a hotel room, consider staying in a hostel or renting an apartment.
Last Words on Edinburgh Accommodation
Overall, Edinburgh has a wide range of accommodation options to meet the needs and budgets of every traveller. There are numerous options available for a luxurious stay in a historic hotel or a budget-friendly hostel in the city centre. You can find the ideal place to stay in Edinburgh and make the most of your visit by taking into account your preferred location, budget, and travel style.
Other Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Edinburgh
In addition to finding the right place to stay, there are a number of other things to think about when planning a trip to Edinburgh. Here are some things to remember:
- Transportation: Edinburgh has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and a subway. To save money on transportation, consider purchasing a day pass or a multi-day pass.
- Sightseeing: Edinburgh has a diverse range of attractions, including historic landmarks, museums, galleries, and gardens. To save money on admission fees, consider purchasing a city pass or combination ticket.
- Weather: The weather in Edinburgh can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain and wind at any time of year. Pack warm clothing and rain gear to keep you warm and dry during your stay.
- Currency: Scotland's currency is the pound sterling, so make sure to exchange your money or withdraw cash from an ATM before arriving in Edinburgh.
Conclusion
Edinburgh is a beautiful and historic city with a wide range of places to stay for every budget and style of travel. You can make the most of your visit to this wonderful city by considering the best places to stay and taking advantage of tips and tricks for finding the best deals. Edinburgh has something for everyone, whether you want luxury, comfort, or affordability.
