Trying to find the best hotels in Old Town Edinburgh, Scotland can turn into a rabbit hole fast. There are gothic castles turned into suites, craft beer hotels with taps in the shower, and budget pods tucked inside a former jail. Old Town genuinely has it all.
I’ve pulled together the properties actually worth your money, split by budget, so whether you’re planning a big splurge or just need somewhere clean and central, you’ll know exactly where to look.
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What Makes Old Town Edinburgh Hotels Different?
Old Town is the medieval half of the city, running from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace. Staying here means steep closes, centuries-old stone buildings, and a genuinely electric atmosphere once the sun goes down.
Is Edinburgh Castle in Old Town? Yes, it sits right at the top of it, which is why so many of the hotels below are within a ten-minute walk or less. This matters if you’re planning to sightsee mostly on foot.
Most hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland fall into three rough categories here: proper luxury stays, boutique properties with real personality, and budget-friendly spots that still put you steps from everything. I’ve picked three or four of the strongest in each.
Luxury Hotels in Edinburgh Old Town
1. The Witchery by the Castle
- Quick Verdict / Best Known For: Edinburgh’s most theatrical hotel, perfect for anniversaries, proposals, or anyone wanting a proper Gothic fantasy stay right by the castle gates.
- Star Rating: 5-Star Luxury Suites
- Location & Accessibility: Castlehill, at the very top of the Royal Mile, essentially attached to Edinburgh Castle. Cobbled and steep, so bring comfortable shoes.
- Price Range: £800 – £1,200+ (Luxury)
The Atmosphere & Overview
This is the iconic Old Town property where visiting celebrities and high-profile travelers stay, and it feels like it. Each of the nine suites is individually decorated with velvet drapes, four-poster beds, and freestanding silver baths, all lit by candlelight in the evenings.
Why It’s Worth Booking (Pros & Highlights)
- The Witchery by the Castle restaurant: One of the most romantic dining rooms in Scotland, known for candlelit tables and a wine list running past 600 bottles.
- Unmatched location: You genuinely cannot get closer to Edinburgh Castle without staying inside it.
- In-room breakfast hamper: A lavish spread delivered right to your suite each morning.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons & Realities)
- Very limited rooms: Only nine suites total, so it books out fast, especially around anniversaries and festival season.
- Premium pricing: This sits at the very top of the Old Town price range.
💡 LetsBookStays Insider Tip: Book the restaurant even if you can’t get a room. The Secret Garden dining area is worth the trip on its own.
👉 Book The Witchery by the Castle on Agoda for Best Price Guarantees
2. Old Town Chambers, Autograph Collection Edinburgh
- Quick Verdict / Best Known For: High-end serviced apartments hidden in a medieval close off the Royal Mile, ideal for families or longer stays wanting a kitchen and extra space.
- Star Rating: 5-Star Serviced Apartments
- Location & Accessibility: 329 High Street, two minutes from the Royal Mile. Some units require climbing stairs, as upper floors in historic sections are stairs-only.
- Price Range: £200 – £450 (Upscale)
The Atmosphere & Overview
Cheval Old Town Chambers Edinburgh is a collection of apartments built into a genuine historic close, blending original stonework with modern interiors. Every apartment comes with a full kitchen, Egyptian cotton linens, and enough space to actually spread out.
Why It’s Worth Booking (Pros & Highlights)
- Full kitchens in every unit: Great for families or anyone who wants to cook a few meals rather than eat out every night.
- Genuine Old Town setting: You’re staying inside a real medieval close, not just near one.
- Space: Apartments run far larger than a typical hotel room, some sleeping up to seven.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons & Realities)
- No elevator to some upper floors: Certain apartments require climbing ten or more steps to reach, which is worth noting if you have heavy luggage.
- Historic quirks: As a centuries-old building, don’t expect perfect modern soundproofing throughout.
💡 LetsBookStays Insider Tip: Ask for a lower-level apartment at booking if stairs are a concern for anyone in your group.
👉 Check Rates & Availability for Old Town Chambers on Agoda
3. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
- Quick Verdict / Best Known For: Trendy, high-energy luxury on the famously photogenic Victoria Street, ideal for modern travelers who still want top-tier dining.
- Star Rating: 5-Star Luxury
- Location & Accessibility: 1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, right in the heart of Old Town, a few steps from the castle.
- Price Range: £220 – £500 (Upscale)
The Atmosphere & Overview
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh takes a 19th-century building and fills it with stained glass windows, heated floors, and a genuinely fun, design-forward sensibility. The 222-room property leans into local character rather than feeling like a generic chain.
Why It’s Worth Booking (Pros & Highlights)
- Commons Club restaurant: A destination dining room in its own right, not just a hotel afterthought.
- Pet-friendly throughout: A rare find among Old Town luxury properties.
- Victoria Street address: One of the most colorful, most photographed streets in the entire city.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons & Realities)
- Busy street outside: Victoria Street is a major tourist draw, so expect foot traffic during the day.
- Newer property: Service can occasionally feel less steeped in tradition than century-old competitors.
💡 LetsBookStays Insider Tip: Castle-view rooms book out first, so lock in your dates early if that view matters to your stay.
👉 Book Virgin Hotels Edinburgh on Agoda for Best Price Guarantees
4. The Scotsman Hotel
- Quick Verdict / Best Known For: A former newspaper headquarters turned boutique luxury hotel, famous for its private cinema and grand marble staircase.
- Star Rating: 4-Star Boutique Luxury
- Location & Accessibility: 20 North Bridge, one minute from the Royal Mile, sitting right between Old and New Town.
- Price Range: £180 – £380 (Upscale)
The Atmosphere & Overview
This Baroque building once housed The Scotsman newspaper, and the Edwardian character still shows in the oak paneling and grand staircase. It’s a genuinely distinctive stay for anyone drawn to a hotel with real history.
Why It’s Worth Booking (Pros & Highlights)
- The Scotsman Hotel cinema Edinburgh: A 48-seat private cinema, a feature almost no other hotel in the city can match.
- The Scotsman Steps: 104 marble steps connecting the hotel down to Market Street, right outside the door.
- Central for both districts: Easy access to Old Town’s Royal Mile and New Town’s George Street alike.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons & Realities)
- Room sizes vary: Some rooms run smaller given the historic building’s original layout.
- Road noise: North Bridge is a busy street, so request a room facing away if you’re a light sleeper.
💡 LetsBookStays Insider Tip: Ask about cinema screening times when you check in; it’s a lovely rainy afternoon activity included for guests.
👉 Check Rates & Availability for The Scotsman Hotel on Agoda
Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh Old Town
5. House of Gods Edinburgh
- Quick Verdict / Best Known For: An unapologetically lavish micro-boutique hotel with a cocktail bar downstairs, perfect for a playful, extravagant weekend rather than a quiet retreat.
- Star Rating: 4-Star Boutique
- Location & Accessibility: 233 Cowgate, three minutes from the Royal Mile, five minutes from Waverley Station.
- Price Range: £160 – £350 (Moderate to Upscale)
The Atmosphere & Overview
House of Gods sits inside a former building on Cowgate and leans hard into decadence—think burgundy walls, Versailles-inspired decor, and mirrors that double as smart TVs. Rooms are small but designed cleverly, and the on-site bar is one of the most talked-about in the city.
Why It’s Worth Booking (Pros & Highlights)
- House of Gods cocktail lounge Edinburgh: Genuinely one of Edinburgh’s most striking bars, open to hotel guests and the public alike.
- 24-hour WhatsApp service: Staff respond to requests around the clock through a messaging line.
- Central Cowgate location: Steps from the Royal Mile with easy access to the University of Edinburgh area.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons & Realities)
- Small rooms: Several guests note the compact size, though the design makes clever use of space.
- Not for quiet nights: This hotel is built around its bar scene, so it suits guests wanting energy over peace and quiet.
💡 LetsBookStays Insider Tip: Book a table at the cocktail bar even if you’re staying elsewhere; it’s worth experiencing regardless.
👉 Check Rates & Availability for House of Gods Edinburgh on Agoda
6. Hotel du Vin Edinburgh
- Quick Verdict / Best Known For: French bistro chic inside a former Victorian building, ideal for wine lovers wanting a calmer, character-filled stay just off the Royal Mile.
- Star Rating: 4-Star Boutique
- Location & Accessibility: 11 Bristo Place, ten minutes from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, near Greyfriars Kirk.
- Price Range: £150 – £320 (Moderate to Upscale)
The Atmosphere & Overview
Hotel du Vin Bristo Place Edinburgh occupies a historic Victorian site, now transformed into a warm, contemporary space with timber floors and a wine glass chandelier in the lobby. It’s quieter than most Old Town hotels, tucked slightly away from the busiest streets.
Why It’s Worth Booking (Pros & Highlights)
- Extensive wine cellars: Over 300 bottles across four cellars, plus a dedicated Laroche tasting room.
- Heated outdoor courtyard: Includes a cigar bothy—a genuine rarity in the city.
- Pet-friendly: Dogs are welcomed throughout, a real plus in Old Town.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons & Realities)
- Some rooms run small: Given the historic building’s original layout.
- Breakfast comes at a cost: It’s well-regarded but not included in standard rates.
💡 LetsBookStays Insider Tip: Book a room with the original roll-top bath if you can; it’s one of the property’s signature touches.
👉 Book Hotel du Vin Edinburgh on Agoda for Best Price Guarantees
7. BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh
- Quick Verdict / Best Known For: A craft beer-themed hotel with taps and beer fridges built into the rooms, perfect for beer lovers wanting something completely different.
- Star Rating: Boutique Concept Hotel
- Location & Accessibility: 5 New Street, moments from Waverley Station and the Royal Mile.
- Price Range: £120 – £260 (Moderate)
The Atmosphere & Overview
Set in a converted Victorian schoolhouse, BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh hotel gives every one of its 20 apartment-style rooms a draught beer tap, an in-shower beer fridge, a record player, and even a guitar. It’s a genuinely unique niche stay built entirely around craft beer culture.
Why It’s Worth Booking (Pros & Highlights)
- Two on-site bars: Pouring over 30 taps of craft beer between them, plus an outdoor terrace with fire pits.
- Fully dog-friendly: Complimentary pooch packages are provided for four-legged guests.
- Fun in-room extras: Vinyl records, guitars, and smart TVs make it feel more like a private hangout than a standard hotel room.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons & Realities)
- Very niche concept: This won’t suit guests wanting a quiet, traditional hotel stay.
- Limited rooms: Only 20 rooms total, so it books out fast, especially on weekends.
💡 LetsBookStays Insider Tip: Ask about the shower beer fridge packages at booking; they’re a genuinely fun add-on worth trying once.
👉 Check Rates & Availability for BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh on Agoda
Cheap Hotels in Edinburgh Old Town
8. Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
- Quick Verdict / Best Known For: Sleek, designer-style rooms at genuinely affordable prices, widely considered the best value stay in Old Town.
- Star Rating: 3-Star Design Budget
- Location & Accessibility: 18-21 Market Street, between Waverley Station and the Royal Mile, a flat and easy walk to most attractions.
- Price Range: £90 – £190 (Moderate)
The Atmosphere & Overview
Motel One Edinburgh Royal Market Street punches well above its price point, with 208 rooms finished in Egyptian cotton bedding, rainfall showers, and a genuinely stylish lobby bar. It stands out as one of the largest mid-priced hotels in an area otherwise dominated by expensive names.
Why It’s Worth Booking (Pros & Highlights)
- Design quality for the price: Rooms feel boutique despite the budget-friendly rates.
- Unbeatable location: A short walk to the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral, and Edinburgh Castle alike.
- Pet-friendly: A nice bonus at this price point.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons & Realities)
- Rooms run compact: Standard rooms are efficient rather than spacious.
- Prices climb in summer: Rates rise significantly during festival season, so book early.
💡 LetsBookStays Insider Tip: Book a Room with a View for a small upcharge; several look straight out over the Old Town rooftops.
👉 Check Rates & Availability for Motel One Edinburgh-Royal on Agoda
9. ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge – Royal Mile
- Quick Verdict / Best Known For: Reliable, no-surprises budget accommodation steps from Hunter Square and the Royal Mile.
- Star Rating: 3-Star Budget
- Location & Accessibility: 77 South Bridge (just off Hunter Square), two minutes from the Royal Mile, five minutes from Princes Street.
- Price Range: £80 – £170 (Budget to Moderate)
The Atmosphere & Overview
This is a straightforward, clean chain hotel that does exactly what it promises. Rooms are compact but soundproofed, with flat-screen TVs and a solid breakfast buffet each morning.
Why It’s Worth Booking (Pros & Highlights)
- Genuinely central: Positioned right by Hunter Square and off the Royal Mile without the price tag of nearby luxury hotels.
- Pet-friendly: Dogs are welcome for a small fee.
- Consistent quality: Part of a reliable international chain, so you know what you’re getting.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons & Realities)
- Weekend noise: The surrounding area gets lively at night, so ask for a room facing away from the main streets if you’re a light sleeper.
- Basic style: Don’t expect boutique design flourishes here; this is function over flair.
💡 LetsBookStays Insider Tip: Book the SweetRoom category if it’s available; guests consistently rate it higher than standard rooms for the same trip.
👉 Book ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge on Agoda for Best Price Guarantees
10. Code Pod Hostel – THE COURT
- Quick Verdict / Best Known For: A luxury pod hostel inside a former Victorian courthouse and jail, ideal for solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors wanting a genuinely unique stay.
- Star Rating: Premium Pod Hostel
- Location & Accessibility: 1A Parliament Square, three minutes from the Royal Mile, nine minutes from Edinburgh Castle.
- Price Range: £30 – £80 Pods / £110 – £200 Private Rooms (Budget)
The Atmosphere & Overview
Code Pod Hostel The Court Old Town occupies an A-listed building dating back to the 1690s, once home to Edinburgh’s police chambers and holding cells. Original vaulted cells are now private rooms, while the former courtroom holds rows of high-tech pod beds, each with power sockets, lighting, and privacy curtains.
Why It’s Worth Booking (Pros & Highlights)
- Genuinely unique setting: Sleeping in a former jail cell or historic courthouse setting is not something you’ll find anywhere else in the city.
- Excellent security and privacy: Pod beds come with curtains and secure keypad access, a step above typical hostel dorms.
- Unbeatable price for the location: Dorm beds start remarkably low for how central this hostel sits.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons & Realities)
- No shared kitchen: Guests rely on the on-site café and tavern rather than cooking their own meals.
- Street noise on weekends: Being right in Old Town, some guests mention noise carrying in on busy nights.
💡 LetsBookStays Insider Tip: Book a private cell room rather than a dorm pod if you want the full “spend a night in jail” experience without sacrificing privacy.
👉 Check Rates & Availability for Code Pod Hostel – THE COURT on Agoda
Quick Comparison: Best Hotels in Old Town Edinburgh, Scotland
| Hotel | Category | Price Range | Best For |
| The Witchery by the Castle | Luxury | £800 – £1,200+ | Romance, anniversaries |
| Cheval Old Town Chambers | Luxury | £200 – £450 | Families, longer stays |
| Virgin Hotels Edinburgh | Luxury | £220 – £500 | Modern luxury, dining |
| The Scotsman Hotel | Luxury | £180 – £380 | History, central location |
| House of Gods Edinburgh | Boutique | £160 – £350 | Nightlife, playful stays |
| Hotel du Vin Edinburgh | Boutique | £150 – £320 | Wine lovers, quiet character |
| BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh | Boutique | £120 – £260 | Beer lovers, niche fun |
| Motel One Edinburgh-Royal | Budget | £90 – £190 | Design on a budget |
| ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge | Budget | £80 – £170 | Reliable, no-fuss stays |
| Code Pod Hostel – THE COURT | Budget | £30 – £80 Pods / £110 – £200 Private Rooms | Solo travelers, unique stays |
👉 Compare Old Town Edinburgh Hotels on Agoda
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hotels in Old Town Edinburgh, Scotland?
The Witchery by the Castle, The Scotsman Hotel, and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh rank among the top luxury picks, while Motel One Edinburgh-Royal offers the best value for money in the area.
Is Edinburgh Castle actually located in Old Town?
Yes, Edinburgh Castle sits right at the top of the Royal Mile in Old Town, which is why hotels in this district tend to be the most walkable to the castle itself.
Are there Marriott hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland?
Yes, Cheval Old Town Chambers operates under Marriott’s Autograph Collection, giving Marriott Bonvoy members a luxury serviced apartment option right in Old Town.
What is a good Airbnb alternative to Old Town Edinburgh hotels?
Serviced apartment-style stays like Cheval Old Town Chambers offer the space and kitchen facilities of an Airbnb while still including hotel-level service and front desk support.
Are Old Town Edinburgh hotels noisy at night?
Some areas can get lively, particularly around Cowgate, Grassmarket, and Hunter Square on weekends. Hotels like Hotel du Vin, set slightly back from the main strip, tend to be quieter.
What is the oldest pub in Edinburgh Old Town?
Several pubs claim this title, with The Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston often cited as one of Scotland’s oldest. Within the Old Town core itself, pubs like The Ensign Ewart and Deacon Brodie’s Tavern are among the most historic.
Are hotels in Edinburgh Old Town accessible for wheelchairs or mobility issues?
It varies significantly by property. Historic buildings like Cheval Old Town Chambers and The Witchery have stairs without elevators in places, while newer or larger hotels like Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and ibis South Bridge tend to offer better accessibility.
Do Old Town Edinburgh hotels offer parking?
Most Old Town hotels do not have dedicated on-site parking due to the narrow historic streets, though several, including The Scotsman Hotel, offer discounted rates at nearby public car parks like Waverley Station.
What’s the cheapest way to stay in Edinburgh Old Town?
Code Pod Hostel – THE COURT offers the lowest entry price point in the area, with pod beds starting well below standard hotel rates while still keeping you steps from the Royal Mile.
Which Old Town Edinburgh hotels are pet friendly?
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Hotel du Vin Edinburgh, BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh, and ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge all welcome dogs, though some charge a small additional fee.
Is it worth staying near Grassmarket in Old Town Edinburgh?
Yes, Grassmarket sits right in the heart of Old Town with easy access to the castle, independent shops, and a strong selection of pubs, making it a solid base for most travelers.
How far is Old Town Edinburgh from Edinburgh Airport?
Most Old Town hotels sit around 25 to 30 minutes from Edinburgh Airport by car or tram, depending on traffic and your exact hotel location.