Edinburgh Castle sits on a plug of extinct volcanic rock, and the medieval streets tumbling downhill from it form one of Europe's best preserved medieval centres. The Old Town and its mile-long spine, the Royal Mile, running from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Choosing among Edinburgh hotels usually comes down to one question: how close do you want to wake up to the Royal Mile and Princes Street? This guide ranks seven standout stays, from a value-led base near the Old Town to the city's most celebrated five-star addresses. For each one you get the location, the amenities that earn its place, honest trade-offs, and clear advice on who it suits.
The 7 best Edinburgh hotels at a glance
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre: best for spa-and-pool downtime right on the Royal Mile: a full-service spa and indoor pool inside a walkable Old Town address.
- The Scotsman Hotel: best for period character: a Victorian landmark above North Bridge with a grand cafe and a 24-hour gym.
- Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh: best for value near the Old Town: a comfortable four-star base steps from the Royal Mile with its own restaurant and bar.
- Virgin Hotels Edinburgh: best for design-led stays with castle views: a playful five-star on Victoria Street with two restaurants and a pet-friendly policy.
- The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton: best for a grand address by the gardens: an Edwardian icon at the west end of Princes Street with an indoor pool and hot tub.
- The Balmoral Hotel: best for top-tier luxury: the clock-tower landmark by Waverley with the strongest guest marks on this list.
- Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh: best for a serious spa and family swimming: a large leisure club with an indoor pool near Edinburgh Castle.
| Hotel | Style | Best for | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu | Upper-midrange (4-star) | Spa and pool on the Mile | On the Royal Mile; about 0.5 mi to the castle |
| The Scotsman | Boutique (4-star) | Historic character | Steps off the Royal Mile; 10-min walk to the castle |
| Leonardo Royal | Comfortable (4-star) | Value near the Old Town | Steps from the Royal Mile; 8-min walk to Princes Street |
| Virgin Hotels | Design (5-star) | Castle-view rooms | Steps from Grassmarket; within a 10-min walk of the castle |
| The Caledonian | Grand (5-star) | Landmark luxury | On Princes Street, beside Princes Street Gardens |
| The Balmoral | Flagship (5-star) | Best-reviewed splurge | On Princes Street; 5-min walk to Calton Hill |
| Sheraton Grand | Resort-style (5-star) | Spa and families | By Festival Square, near the castle |
1. Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Set at 80 High Street in the thick of the Royal Mile, this four-star delivers something rare for such a central address: a proper leisure floor. Guests get a full-service spa, an indoor pool, a sauna and a steam room, plus a health club, so a rainy Edinburgh afternoon has an easy answer. The restaurant, coffee shop and bar cover meals without a walk, and 24-hour room service is on hand.
Why it makes the list: it is one of the few hotels sitting directly on the Royal Mile that also has an indoor pool and spa on site.
Key features:
- Full-service spa with body treatments and facials
- Indoor pool, sauna and steam room
- On-site restaurant, coffee shop and bar
- Concierge and 24-hour front desk
- Around 0.5 mi from Edinburgh Castle and 0.3 mi from Princes Street
Booking note: an upper-midrange four-star rated by VisitScotland; breakfast and self parking are available for a surcharge.
Pros:
- Spa and pool are unusual for a Royal Mile location
- Family rooms available for groups
- Walkable to St Giles' Cathedral, the castle and Grassmarket
Cons:
- The pool closes for a short maintenance window each January
- No pets allowed
- A busy stretch of the Mile means street noise on the front side
2. The Scotsman Hotel
Housed in the former newspaper headquarters built in 1899, The Scotsman Hotel turns Edwardian-era grandeur into a boutique stay above North Bridge, moments off the Royal Mile. A marble staircase, a lobby fireplace and Smart-TV-equipped rooms with minibars set the tone, while the Grand Cafe handles buffet breakfast and the bar covers evenings.
Why it makes the list: it pairs a genuinely historic Victorian building with a walk-everywhere position between the Old Town and Princes Street.
Key features:
- Grand Cafe restaurant and a bar or lounge
- 24-hour fitness centre
- Concierge and 24-hour room service
- LGBTQ+ friendly with contactless check-in and check-out
- About a 10-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle
Booking note: a four-star boutique property; buffet breakfast is available for a fee and parking is at a nearby lot for a surcharge.
Pros:
- Distinctive period architecture and interiors
- Central to both the Old Town and Princes Street
- Round-the-clock gym for early or late training
Cons:
- No swimming pool or full spa on site
- Parking is offsite rather than at the door
- No pets beyond service animals
3. Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
On Jeffrey Street just off the Royal Mile, Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh is the practical choice: a well-run four-star that keeps you in the Old Town without the flagship price tag. Rooms come with espresso makers and flat-screen TVs, and the hotel runs its own restaurant, Leo's, a coffee shop and a bar, so you are never far from a meal or a nightcap.
Why it makes the list: it sits steps from the Royal Mile yet is squarely aimed at travellers who want location and comfort over resort-style extras.
Key features:
- On-site restaurant, coffee shop and bar
- Fitness centre and 24-hour front desk
- Complimentary cribs for families
- Green Tourism programme participant
- Roughly an 8-minute walk to Princes Street
Booking note: a comfortable four-star; buffet breakfast is available for a surcharge and cots are complimentary on request.
Pros:
- Strong value for an Old Town address
- Family-friendly with free cribs
- On-site dining and bar
Cons:
- Fewer leisure facilities than the five-star options
- Room service runs limited hours
- No pets allowed
Jeffrey Street runs a level below the Royal Mile, so budget a short uphill walk up the closes to reach the main sights. The upside is a quieter address at night than the rooms sitting directly on the Mile, which is worth asking for if you are a light sleeper.
4. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Occupying the converted India Buildings on Victoria Street, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is the most design-forward stay here, a five-star with a sense of humour and a hillside Old Town setting. Chamber rooms and suites carry the brand's signature bed-and-lounge layout, several look out toward the castle, and the property runs two restaurants including the Commons Club plus a bar.
Why it makes the list: it is a full five-star, steps from Grassmarket and within a 10-minute walk of Edinburgh Castle, with castle-view rooms and a genuinely pet-friendly policy.
Key features:
- Two on-site restaurants and a bar or lounge
- 24-hour fitness centre and concierge
- Castle-view room categories
- Pets welcome at no extra fee
- Fast in-room WiFi and Smart TVs
Booking note: a VisitScotland-rated five-star; buffet breakfast is available for a surcharge and parking is valet-only with height restrictions.
Pros:
- Bold, contemporary design
- Castle views from select rooms
- Pet-friendly with no pet fee
Cons:
- Parking is valet-only and space is limited
- The steep Old Town setting means some stairs and slopes
- Busy public areas are livelier than a quiet hotel lobby
5. The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
Known to locals simply as "the Caley," The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton is a red-sandstone Edwardian landmark from 1903 anchoring the west end of Princes Street. It leans into grand-hotel comforts with a full-service spa, an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna and a steam room, along with three restaurants including Dean Banks Pompadour.
Why it makes the list: it combines a storied five-star address beside Princes Street Gardens with a leisure club that includes both an indoor pool and a hot tub.
Key features:
- Full-service spa, indoor pool and hot tub
- Three restaurants plus a coffee shop and bar
- Health club, sauna and steam room
- Business centre with meeting space
- Steps from Johnnie Walker Princes Street and the Edinburgh Gin Distillery
Booking note: a five-star Curio Collection hotel; full breakfast is available for a surcharge and parking is at a nearby lot for a fee.
Pros:
- Indoor pool, hot tub and spa on site
- Iconic Edwardian building with castle views
- Dog-friendly with prior arrangement
Cons:
- The far west end is a longer walk to the Royal Mile
- A pet fee applies per night
- Grand-hotel scale can feel formal
6. The Balmoral Hotel
The clock tower over Waverley station belongs to The Balmoral Hotel, the 1902 landmark at 1 Princes Street that earns the highest guest marks on this list. This is the flagship splurge: Number One is one of three restaurants, there are two bars, and the leisure side runs to a spa, an indoor pool, a sauna and a fitness centre. Suites are named for figures tied to the city, including the J.K. Rowling suite.
Why it makes the list: it is the best-reviewed property here and pairs that reputation with a spa, pool and a front-door position on Princes Street.
Key features:
- Spa, indoor pool and sauna
- Number One and two further dining rooms
- Two bars or lounges and 24-hour room service
- Wedding services and ten meeting rooms
- A 5-minute walk to Calton Hill and about 0.5 mi to the Royal Mile
Booking note: a five-star flagship at the splurge end of the range; full breakfast and valet parking are available for a surcharge.
Pros:
- The strongest guest ratings of the seven
- Landmark address directly above Waverley station
- Spa and pool plus destination dining
Cons:
- Clearly the priciest option here
- No cots available for infants
- A pet fee applies
7. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
For travellers who put the spa first, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh on Festival Square brings the largest leisure offering on the list. The health club pairs an indoor pool with a sauna, a steam room and a Turkish bath, and Club rooms add lounge access with breakfast and refreshments. One Square handles dining, and the rooms feature deep soaking bathtubs with separate showers.
Why it makes the list: its full-service spa and sizeable indoor pool make it the standout for wellness and for families who want a swim, all a short walk from Edinburgh Castle.
Key features:
- Full-service spa, indoor pool and Turkish bath
- Health club with sauna and steam room
- One Square restaurant and bar
- Club rooms with lounge access
- Near Usher Hall, the Royal Lyceum Theatre and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Booking note: a five-star with a dedicated spa; full breakfast and covered self parking are available for a surcharge, and a local visitor levy may apply.
Pros:
- The most extensive spa and pool complex here
- Family swim sessions and free cots
- Handy for concerts, theatre and conferences
Cons:
- The 1980s building lacks the period character of the older hotels
- Spa access carries an additional daily charge
- Self parking is an added cost
How to choose among the best Edinburgh hotels
Match the location to your plans
If your itinerary is castle, closes and cathedral, stay in the Old Town: the Radisson Blu, The Scotsman and Leonardo Royal all sit on or just off the Royal Mile. If you want shopping, gardens and rail links, the Princes Street cluster of the Caledonian and The Balmoral puts you by Waverley and the trams. For quick access to concerts and conferences, the Sheraton Grand near Usher Hall is the logical base.
Set your budget honestly
The four-star Leonardo Royal is the value anchor and keeps you central, while the Radisson Blu and The Scotsman sit a notch up with more facilities. The Balmoral is the clear splurge, so weigh the total cost, not just the nightly figure: breakfast, parking and any spa or visitor charges add up across a stay.
Think about pools, spas and pets
Only some of these have a pool. The Radisson Blu, The Caledonian, The Balmoral and Sheraton Grand offer indoor pools and spa facilities, with the Sheraton's leisure club the largest. For travelling with a dog, Virgin Hotels welcomes pets at no fee, while the Caledonian and Balmoral allow them for a charge.
Time your visit
August is peak season, when the streets fill for the Festival Fringe, and Hogmanay draws crowds at New Year. If you are visiting then, book early and expect higher demand across every property on this list. You can also compare stays across the rest of Scotland if you plan to pair the city with a Highlands trip, or compare stays worldwide if your route runs beyond the border.
For first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere, base yourself on the Royal Mile at the Radisson Blu or keep costs down at the Leonardo Royal. Choose the Balmoral for a landmark splurge, the Sheraton Grand for a full spa and family swimming, and Virgin Hotels if design and castle views matter most.
FAQ
What is the best area to stay in Edinburgh?
The Old Town, along and around the Royal Mile, is the best base for first-time visitors who want the castle, closes and cathedral on foot. The Princes Street side of the city is the alternative, putting you next to the shops, gardens and Waverley station.
Which Edinburgh hotels are closest to the Royal Mile?
The Radisson Blu sits directly on the Royal Mile at 80 High Street, making it the closest on this list. The Scotsman and Leonardo Royal are both only steps away, just off the Mile near North Bridge and Jeffrey Street.
How do I get from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre?
The Edinburgh Trams run from the airport into the city centre in under 35 minutes. Waverley, the city's main railway station, sits beside Princes Street and puts you within walking distance of most hotels on this list.
When is the busiest time to visit Edinburgh?
August is the busiest month, when the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, runs from 7 to 31 August in 2026. Hogmanay at New Year is the other major peak, with a torchlight procession, street party and fireworks, so book well ahead for either.
Which of these hotels have a pool or spa?
Four of the seven have indoor pools and spa facilities: the Radisson Blu, The Caledonian, The Balmoral and the Sheraton Grand. The Sheraton Grand's leisure club is the largest, adding a Turkish bath alongside its pool, sauna and steam room.
Are these Edinburgh hotels pet-friendly?
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh welcomes pets at no additional fee, making it the easiest choice for dog owners. The Caledonian and The Balmoral allow pets for a charge, while the Radisson Blu, The Scotsman, Leonardo Royal and Sheraton Grand do not accept pets beyond service animals.
Which hotel is best for families?
The Sheraton Grand suits families well, with an indoor pool, family swim sessions and complimentary cots. The Radisson Blu and Leonardo Royal also offer family rooms or free cribs in central locations.
Are these hotels within walking distance of the main sights?
Yes. Every hotel here is centrally located within a short walk of either the Royal Mile or Princes Street, and several are moments from Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket or Waverley station.
This guide is based on each hotel's published rates and amenities, official property information, and guest review data.
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Sources: Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre, The Scotsman Hotel, Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton, The Balmoral Hotel, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Festivals | VisitScotland, Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre – Forever Edinburgh, Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland – Apple Maps, Find Us | Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Scotland, Hotel Location – The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton
