Fancy a swim while you explore the capital? Edinburgh has a small but varied set of hotels with indoor pools — from five-star spa complexes in the Old Town to a 20-metre family pool out at Crewe Toll. This guide rounds up eight of them across every budget, with a card for each so you can jump straight to the one that suits your trip. The grander pools sit in the centre; the roomier, cheaper ones are a short tram or train ride out.
Quick jump: Best pool → Sheraton Grand · Best value → Best Western Kings Manor · Best for families → Village Hotel.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
Best PoolHome to One Spa, one of the largest hotel spa complexes in the city. The indoor pool is free for guests, with a thermal suite and rooftop hydropool as paid add-ons.
The Balmoral
Iconic 5-StarEdinburgh’s landmark hotel above Waverley Station, with a spa and pool. Marble bathrooms, castle views and the clock tower that sets the city’s time.
Radisson Blu
Most CentralOn the Royal Mile itself, with the Melrose Spa & Health Club indoor heated pool. The pool area is child-friendly and the location is as central as it gets.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh
Grande DameThe former Caledonian, a red-sandstone landmark at the west end of Princes Street. Guerlain Spa with pool, plus award-winning dining and afternoon tea.
Kimpton Charlotte Square
BoutiqueA boutique bolthole metres from George Street with an indoor pool and spa. Two restaurants, The Garden courtyard and Mediterranean BABA, sit downstairs.
Novotel Edinburgh Park
Kids Stay FreeA 12-minute tram or train from the centre, built for families and business stays. Complimentary heated indoor pool, gym and steam room; two under-16s stay free.
Village Hotel Edinburgh
Biggest PoolThe family pick at Crewe Toll, with a large 20-metre pool and jacuzzi — bigger than the compact spa pools downtown. Walking distance to Leith and Stockbridge.
Best Western Kings Manor
Best ValueThe cheapest pool stay on the list, out east near Portobello beach. A 20-metre pool plus the Fountain Spa Leisure Club with sauna and steam room, and free parking.
Edinburgh Hotels with Pools Compared
| Hotel | Area | Pool | Rating | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa | West End | Free indoor pool | 5 stars | from £200 |
| The Balmoral | Old Town | Spa & pool | 5 stars | from £400 |
| Radisson Blu | Old Town | Heated pool | 4 stars | from £205 |
| Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh | West End | Guerlain Spa pool | 5 stars | from £270 |
| Kimpton Charlotte Square | New Town | Indoor pool & spa | 5 stars | from £220 |
| Novotel Edinburgh Park | Edinburgh Park | Heated pool | 4 stars | from £119 |
| Village Hotel Edinburgh | Crewe Toll | 20m pool + jacuzzi | 4 stars | from £104 |
| Best Western Kings Manor | Portobello | 20m pool + spa | 3 stars | from £80 |
How to Choose
If the pool is the point of the trip, the Sheraton Grand has the most to offer: One Spa is the largest hotel pool-and-spa complex in Edinburgh, and the pool itself is free for guests. Families tend to do better away from the centre, where the pools are bigger and the rooms cheaper — the Village Hotel’s 20-metre pool and jacuzzi is the roomiest on this list, and Novotel Edinburgh Park lets two under-16s stay free.
Watch the small print: several of these pools sit inside spas that charge a separate treatment fee, and a few hotels count pool access as a paid add-on rather than a guest freebie. Central five-stars like the Balmoral and Waldorf Astoria have pools, but they are compact spa pools built for a dip rather than lengths. For a genuine swim on a budget, the Best Western Kings Manor out at Portobello is the cheapest way to get a full 20-metre pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Edinburgh hotel has the best pool?
The Sheraton Grand’s One Spa is widely regarded as the best, with a large indoor pool that is free for hotel guests plus a thermal suite and rooftop hydropool available as add-ons. It sits in the West End with views toward Edinburgh Castle.
Are hotel pools in Edinburgh free for guests?
It varies. At the Sheraton Grand, Radisson Blu, Novotel and Best Western Kings Manor the pool is included for guests. At some spa hotels the pool comes with a treatment booking or a day-spa fee, so it is worth confirming pool access when you book.
Which hotel pool is best for families?
The Village Hotel at Crewe Toll has the largest pool — a 20-metre family pool with a jacuzzi — and Novotel Edinburgh Park lets two under-16s stay free with breakfast. Both are a short tram or train ride from the centre with easier parking than the Old Town.
Are there cheap hotels with pools in Edinburgh?
Yes. The best-value pool stay is the Best Western Kings Manor near Portobello beach, from around £80 with a 20-metre pool and leisure club. The Village Hotel from about £104 is the next step up. The cheaper pools are generally a little outside the city centre.