The 6 best luxury hotels in Edinburgh

The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Princes Street · next to Waverley Station

The Balmoral's clock tower is one of Edinburgh's landmarks, and the clock is famously set a few minutes fast so travellers don't miss their trains at Waverley next door.

It's where J.K. Rowling finished the final Harry Potter book, and it puts the Old Town, the New Town and the castle all within a short walk.

• Princes Street landmark
• Iconic clock tower
• Harry Potter connection
• Spa and afternoon tea

Gleneagles Townhouse

St Andrew Square · New Town

Gleneagles Townhouse opened in 2021 inside a grand former bank building on St Andrew Square, bringing the polish of the famous Perthshire estate into the city.

The domed banking hall is now an all-day restaurant, and the rooftop bar is one of the best places in town for a drink with a view.

• Opened in 2021
• Former bank building
• Rooftop bar
• Heart of the New Town

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian

West end of Princes Street

“The Caley” started life as a grand railway hotel, and its red sandstone frontage still anchors the west end of Princes Street.

Ask for a castle-view room: Edinburgh Castle rises right across the gardens, and it's spectacular when it's lit up at night.

• Historic railway hotel
• Castle-view rooms
• Waldorf Astoria service
• Walk to the Old Town

Prestonfield House

Below Arthur's Seat · south of the centre

Prestonfield is a 17th-century house set in its own parkland beneath Arthur's Seat, with peacocks and Highland cattle in the grounds.

Inside it's all candlelight, red velvet and antiques. Dinner at its Rhubarb restaurant is one of Edinburgh's most theatrical evenings out.

• 17th-century house
• Peacocks in the grounds
• Rhubarb restaurant
• Gothic interiors

Good to know: it's a short taxi ride from the centre, which is the price of all that peace and quiet.

The Witchery by the Castle

Castlehill · top of the Royal Mile

The Witchery's handful of suites sit at the very top of the Royal Mile, right by the castle gates, in a set of historic buildings.

Expect antiques, tapestries, four-poster beds and candlelight. It's opulent, theatrical and unlike anywhere else in the city.

• Next to Edinburgh Castle
• Only a few suites
• Four-poster beds
• Famous restaurant

Good to know: with so few suites, it books up months ahead, so plan early.

Kimpton Charlotte Square

Charlotte Square · New Town

Kimpton Charlotte Square fills a row of Georgian townhouses on one of the New Town's most elegant squares.

There's a leafy courtyard at its heart, and George Street's bars and restaurants are right on the doorstep.

• Georgian townhouses
• Courtyard garden
• Near George Street
• Relaxed, stylish feel