Choosing where to stay in Edinburgh isn't just about finding the right hotel—it's about deciding how you want to experience the city.

One of the things I appreciated most about Edinburgh is that each neighborhood has its own personality, yet everything still feels surprisingly connected on foot. Whether you're hoping to step outside into the heart of the Old Town, enjoy quieter residential streets, or make your hotel part of the experience itself, there's an area that fits the kind of trip you're planning.

Here's where I'd stay depending on what you're looking for.

For Your First Visit: Stay Between Old Town and New Town

If it's your first time in Edinburgh, I'd prioritize location over almost anything else.

Staying within walking distance of both the Old Town and New Town lets you experience the city's two distinct personalities without constantly thinking about transportation. You can spend the morning exploring the Royal Mile, browse the shops and cafés of New Town in the afternoon, and finish the evening in a historic pub before walking back to your hotel.

For most first-time visitors, this is the area I'd recommend building your trip around.

→ Choosing where to stay is only one part of planning a great trip. If you're still deciding how you want to experience Edinburgh, my guide to Planning Your First Trip to Edinburgh shares the advice I'd give before booking anything.

The Scotsman

Best For: First-time visitors who want to stay in the heart of the city
Price Range: $$$

Set within the former headquarters of Scotland's national newspaper, The Scotsman combines historic architecture with a central location that's hard to beat. With Waverley Station, the Royal Mile, and many of Edinburgh's most iconic sights just minutes away, it's an easy base for experiencing the city on foot.

✦ Editor's Note: If you're visiting Edinburgh for the first time, this is the hotel I'd choose. You can walk to nearly everything you'd want to see, and the historic building gives it a distinctly Edinburgh feel.

For a Quieter Stay: The West End

If you prefer returning to peaceful streets after a busy day of sightseeing, Edinburgh's West End offers a completely different atmosphere.

Elegant Victorian townhouses, neighborhood cafés, and a slower pace make it feel more residential while still being within walking distance of the city's major attractions. It's a wonderful choice if you enjoy boutique hotels and don't mind being just outside the busiest part of the city.

The Roseate Edinburgh

Best For: Travelers looking for a refined boutique stay
Price Range: $$$

The Roseate Edinburgh was one of my favorite places I stayed during my trip. Set across beautifully restored Victorian townhouses, it feels elegant without being overly formal. The rooms have been thoughtfully remodeled while preserving the property's traditional character, and details like the deep soaking tubs, exceptional service, welcoming bar, and excellent breakfast made it feel like much more than simply a place to sleep.

If you're looking for a boutique hotel that offers a quieter stay without feeling disconnected from Edinburgh, this is the one I'd recommend.

✦ Editor's Note: The Roseate is one of those hotels I'd happily return to just as much for the stay itself as for the city. It manages to feel both beautifully updated and deeply rooted in Edinburgh's historic character.

For a Luxury Stay

If you're celebrating a special occasion—or simply want your hotel to become one of the highlights of your trip—Edinburgh offers a collection of historic luxury hotels that are every bit as memorable as the city itself.

The Balmoral

Best For: A classic Edinburgh luxury experience
Price Range: $$$$

If you've imagined staying in one of Edinburgh's grand historic hotels, this is where I'd begin. The Balmoral has welcomed guests for more than a century and occupies one of the city's most recognizable buildings, perfectly positioned between the Old Town and New Town. It's elegant without feeling dated, and its renowned restaurants, afternoon tea, and timeless atmosphere make the hotel feel like a destination in its own right.

100 Princes Street

Best For: Boutique luxury with unforgettable castle views
Price Range: $$$$

For a more intimate luxury experience, 100 Princes Street combines beautifully designed rooms with highly personalized service in one of the city's most coveted locations. Many rooms look directly toward Edinburgh Castle, creating views that are among the best you'll find anywhere in the city.

If you prefer smaller luxury hotels with a strong sense of place, I'd put this at the top of your list.

Beyond the Hotel: Consider a Luxury Rail Journey

f you're looking for one of Scotland's most extraordinary travel experiences, the Belmond Royal Scotsman transforms the journey into one of the highlights of the trip. Combining beautifully appointed cabins, exceptional dining, and spectacular scenery through the Highlands, it's certainly a splurge—but for travelers celebrating a special occasion or planning a once-in-a-lifetime Scotland itinerary, it's an unforgettable way to experience the country.

✦ Editor's Note: I didn't experience one of Scotland's luxury trains on this trip, but it's firmly on my list for a future visit. Edinburgh feels like the perfect place to begin or end that kind of journey.

Continue Planning Your Edinburgh Trip

Now that you've chosen where to stay, these guides will help you plan the experiences that make Edinburgh such a memorable city to explore.

• Planning Your First Trip to Edinburgh

• The Edinburgh Pubs I'd Build an Evening Around

• Meaningful Souvenirs to Bring Home from Edinburgh

From the Edit

One of the things I appreciated most about Edinburgh is that there isn't a single "best" neighborhood to stay in.

Every area offers a different perspective on the city, and because everything feels so connected, your hotel becomes less about being close to landmarks and more about choosing the kind of experience you want to have.

Wherever you decide to stay, I hope you give yourself time to enjoy the quieter moments between the landmarks. Those evenings spent wandering back through the city, discovering another pub, or simply taking in Edinburgh after the crowds have gone home are the moments I still think about most.

The kind of details you remember long after checkout.