Updated September 2026
So you’ve made the right decision by choosing to visit Scotland’s capital for its biggest festival of the year but how do you choose the Edinburgh Fringe accommodation?
This guide will explain the best places to stay in Edinburgh for the Festival Fringe depending on your budget. Naturally, if you want to be within walking distance to venues, you will be paying top dollar but if you’re on a budget we can provide tips on where to stay that won’t quite break the bank.
If you’ve not done so already, read our guide to the Fringe for an extensive breakdown of what to expect and who to see.
| Hotel / Accommodation | Area | Type | Fringe Price/Night | Postcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu | Royal Mile | 4-star hotel | £200–400 | EH1 1NG |
| ibis Royal Mile – Hunter Square | Royal Mile | Budget hotel | £150–300 | EH1 1QW |
| Aparthotel Adagio | Canongate | Aparthotel | £180–350 | EH8 8AE |
| Apex Grassmarket | Grassmarket | 4-star hotel | £200–400 | EH1 2HS |
| The Balmoral | Princes Street | 5-star luxury | £400–800+ | EH1 3DQ |
| Hotel Indigo Edinburgh | Princes Street | 4-star hotel | £200–400 | EH1 3DH |
| InterContinental The George | George Street | 4-star historic | £250–500 | EH2 2PB |
| Eden Locke | George Street | Apartments | £180–350 | EH2 2HY |
| Native Edinburgh | Queen Street | Aparthotel | From £150 | EH2 4NB |
| The Resident Edinburgh | West End | 4-star boutique | £200–350 | EH3 7UG |
| CoDE Pod – The CoURT | Royal Mile | Pod hostel | £45–80 | EH1 1RE |
| Destiny Student – Holyrood | Holyrood | Student halls | £80–150 | EH8 8AE |
| Pollock Halls | Holyrood | University halls | £80–150 | EH16 5AZ |
Where to Stay in Edinburgh for the Fringe
Venues and Areas Explained
Most of the Fringe shows and events take place on the streets and in the businesses around the Old Town all the way down to George Street in the New Town, which is just behind Princes Street.
Pop-up food trucks and bars are located on George Street and around Teviot and George Square Gardens at Edinburgh University in the South Side.
It takes around 25 minutes to walk from George Street so keep this in mind when booking shows!
If you need more details about Fringe venues, you can read about them fully in our guide.
Old Town Edinburgh Fringe Festival Accommodation
The Old Town, which includes the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and the Tattoo, Victoria Street, the Cowgate, and the Grassmarket, is a great base for those who want to open their accommodation door and be smack bang among the crowds and the Fringe buzz.
Old Town hotels will double in price during the Fringe compared to low season prices.
This is a lively area so do consider the potential for noise if you are a light sleeper.
Royal Mile Hotels and Apartments
Radisson Blu
The Radisson Blu is a popular hotel on the Royal Mile.
Guests love the modern and comfortable bedrooms with air conditioning which is quite rare for Scottish hotels!
There’s a fitness suite, spa, and swimming pool so if you can find time to relax during your busy Fringe schedule, you can do it back at the Radisson.
There’s also a bar and kitchen called Itchycoo.
ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Hunter Square
I have personally stayed at the ibis by Hunter Square.
It is quiet hotel with spacious budget rooms and friendly staff at reception.
Rooms don’t have AC but they do have cooling systems.
There is a bar at reception if you fancy a coffee or a beer before heading out into the madness.
As you leave the ibis, turn left for the Royal Mile, which is seconds away, or right for the Cowgate and Grassmarket which is less than five minutes’ walk.
There is a popular pizza restaurant called Civerinos next door and plenty of pubs such as The Piper’s Rest and The City Cafe in the area.
Check out our Old town hotels guide for more.
Aparthotel Adagio
Aparthotel Adagio is located at 231 Canongate which is the same street as the Royal Mile, in fact, it is the same row, the name just changes!
Apartments have a kitchenette with a coffee maker, kettle, crockery, kitchen utensils, and a private bathroom.
Some have a seating area too.
Guests say the 24-hour reception staff go above and beyond.
When you leave your apartment you will be minutes away from the street performers on the Royal Mile, the John Knox House Museum, the famous World’s End pub, and a secret garden which you can see in the image below.
Apex Grassmarket
The Apex Grassmarket (31–35 Grassmarket, EH1 2HS) sits right in the Old Town, a minute’s walk from the Cowgate and less than five minutes from the Royal Mile.
This 4-star hotel has a swimming pool, sauna, and fitness centre – rare facilities for central Edinburgh. Rooms are comfortable and modern, and guests love the location for Fringe venues. The Metro Bar & Brasserie serves breakfast and dinner on site.
New Town Hotels
The Fringe also spills over into the New Town which includes Princes Street Gardens, Rose Street and George Street.
Princes Street Hotels
Princes Street used to be the main shopping drag in Edinburgh but this is changed lately with stores moving to St James Quarter, which is at the top of Princes Street.
Princes Street Gardens runs alongside the street and Edinburgh Castle overlooks the gardens.
The Balmoral
I have personally stayed at The Balmoral which sits at 1 Princes Street, next to Waverley Train Station.
Coined ‘Scotland’s finest hotel’, most visitors are aware of this historic hotel and if they’re not, they can’t miss it with its striking clock when they first arrive to the city.
The Balmoral offers double rooms and suites with AC, including the famous JK Rowling Suite (Room 552) which is one of many Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh.
There are three restaurants to choose from, Number One Restaurant, Brasserie Prince, and the Palm Court for afternoon tea.
Guests also have access to The Balmoral Spa and pool.
Check out our guide to Edinburgh hotels with pools if you like the sound of a swim to start or end the day!
Hotel Indigo Edinburgh
Hotel Indigo Edinburgh is located across from The Balmoral on Princes Street and is a five-minute walk from George Street.
Guests love the location, comfortable bedrooms with AC, and breakfast.
The restaurant, Twenty Princes Street, and the lovely Juniper Bar can be found next to Hotel Indigo.
George Street Hotels and Apartments
You’ll find shops, upmarket restaurants, and bars, such as The Dome, dotted along George Street.
A bar sets up outside of the Assembly Rooms, a nice sun trap for afternoon drinks between shows!
InterContinental Hotels – Edinburgh The George
The George is one of Edinburgh’s historic hotels, located in a Grade II building, constructed in 1775.
Guests enjoy the lavish feel of the hotel’s public spaces, the breakfast, and the courteous staff.
There is a fitness suite and a bar called The Printing Press.
The hotel’s King’s Hall is a popular wedding venue.
The George is one of Edinburgh’s dog-friendly hotels.
Eden Locke
Eden Locke (127 George St) is a series of 72 stylish apartments in Edinburgh.
The suites come with free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, kitchenettes, and sofas. In-room spa treatments are offered.
Guests can also caffeine up at the property’s Eden Locke cafe before starting the busy Fringe schedule.
Native Edinburgh
Native Edinburgh (Queen Street, New Town) offers 82 serviced apartments with kitchenettes, washing machines, and separate living areas – ideal for Fringe stays of a week or more.
Studios and one-bedroom apartments are available, with the on-site Counter bar offering cocktails and whisky tastings. Starting from around £150/night, you save on meals by cooking in your apartment. The location on Queen Street puts you in the quiet Georgian New Town, a 5–10 minute walk to Princes Street.
West End Hotels
The West End sits between the New Town and Stockbridge, offering easy walking access to both Princes Street and Dean Village. It’s a 10–15 minute walk to most Fringe venues.
The Resident Edinburgh
The Resident Edinburgh (15 Drumsheugh Gardens, EH3 7UG) opened in September 2024 and offers 164 rooms with kitchenettes, making it one of the newest boutique options for Fringe visitors.
The 4-star hotel sits between the Georgian New Town and the Victorian West End, within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and Dean Village. Rooms include a mini kitchen, smart TV, and super-king bed. Fringe rates from around £200–350/night.
Cheap Places to Stay for Edinburgh Fringe
If you are on a tight budget there is the option of Edinburgh hostels, if you don’t mind sharing a dorm, or student halls.
You may also like this budget guide which details how much Edinburgh costs and our article on free things to do in Edinburgh.
Note: There are free shows at the Fringe but it is customary to pay a tip at the end.
CoDE Pod – The CoURT
CoDE Pod (1a Parliament Square) is a very modern hostel in Edinburgh.
It is located in a former courthouse and jail, transformed into a luxury pod hostel that has secure keypad entry.
There’s a variety of rooms with Japanese pods to choose from starting at 6 to 12-person dorms and you can choose female only if you prefer.
Rooms have AC, WiFi, and sockets.
There’s also a cafe called The CoURT.
Guests love the location right off the Royal Mile next to St Giles’ Cathedral.
They also say, although CoDE Pod is called it hostel, the space feels private.
Destiny Student – Holyrood (Brae House)
Destiny Student at Holyrood (Brae House) (31 Abbeyhill) is campus accommodation near Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament at the bottom of the Royal Mile.
Rooms include 120cm-wide double en-suites with a shared kitchen and living area or private apartments for larger groups or families.
Alternatively, for even cheaper options you could consider staying out at Edinburgh Park, in East Lothian or over the Forth Bridges in Fife.
However, public transport does not run all night so you would need to watch your timings for the last ride home.
Pollock Halls – University of Edinburgh
Pollock Halls (18 Holyrood Park Road, EH16 5AZ) is the University of Edinburgh’s main student campus, opening 2,000+ rooms to visitors during the summer break.
A full Scottish breakfast is included, and the campus has a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the Royal Mile and close to Holyrood Park. Fringe rates are typically £80–150/night – significantly cheaper than hotels. Book through the university website direct.
When to Book & Fringe Accommodation Tips
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026 runs 7–31 August (previews from 5 August), with the middle weekend (15–17 August) traditionally the busiest. Accommodation is the number one challenge for Fringe visitors.
When to Book
9–12 months ahead (October–December): Best selection and rates. This is the ideal window.
6–9 months ahead (January–February): Reasonable selection, though the best options are gone.
3–6 months ahead (March–May): Central well-priced rooms mostly booked. Prices climbing fast.
Under 3 months: Limited availability at premium prices. Most central options sold out.
What to Expect Price-Wise
Festival pricing is typically 2–3x normal Edinburgh rates. Hostel dorm beds run £45–80/night (vs £20–35 normally), budget chain hotels £150–300/night, and mid-range hotels £250–500/night. Many properties impose 3–7 night minimum stays during peak weekends.
Money-Saving Tips
Book direct: Hotels often guarantee best rates on their own website. Consider university halls: Pollock Halls and other campuses are cheaper than hotels. Look outside the centre: Leith, Portobello, and Marchmont offer better rates with 15–25 minute bus rides. Glasgow alternative: Stay in Glasgow (1 hour by train) for dramatically lower rates. Lothian DAYticket: At £6 it covers unlimited buses and trams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book Fringe accommodation?
Ideally 9–12 months ahead (October–December for the following August). Booking by January–February still gives reasonable choice. By March–May, central well-priced rooms are mostly gone.
What’s the best area to stay for the Fringe?
The Old Town (Royal Mile, Cowgate, Grassmarket) puts you within 5–10 minutes of most major Fringe venues on foot. The New Town (Princes Street, George Street) is equally central. For quieter evenings, the West End or Stockbridge are 10–15 minutes’ walk away.
Are university halls worth it for the Fringe?
Yes – Pollock Halls and other university campuses offer the best value during the festival. At £80–150/night with breakfast included, they’re significantly cheaper than hotels. The trade-off is basic rooms and a 15-minute walk to venues.
What are the budget accommodation options?
Hostel dorm beds start at £45–80/night during the Fringe (CoDE Pod, Castle Rock, Safestay). University halls from £80/night. For self-catering savings, aparthotels like Native Edinburgh let you cook instead of eating out. Consider staying in Glasgow and commuting by train (1 hour, ~£15 return) for the biggest savings.
Can I stay outside Edinburgh centre and still attend the Fringe?
Absolutely. Leith, Portobello, Marchmont, and Corstorphine all have good bus connections to central venues (15–25 minutes). The Lothian DAYticket (£6) covers unlimited buses and trams. Glasgow is just 1 hour by train for even bigger savings.
Our Edinburgh Hotel Guides
- Where to stay in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh hotels for budget trips
- Edinburgh hotels with pools
- Edinburgh hotels with parking
- Edinburgh hotels with dog-friendly rooms
- Edinburgh hotels for romantic getaways
- Edinburgh hotels for Christmas trips
- Edinburgh accommodation for the Festival Fringe
- Edinburgh Old Town hotels
- Edinburgh West End hotels
- Edinburgh Leith hotels
- Edinburgh Stockbridge hotels
- Edinburgh South Queensferry hotels
- Review: The Balmoral Hotel
- Review: House of Gods
Final Words
This guide shares advice on where to stay in Edinburgh for the Fringe, with a focus on the areas that are within walking distance of the main EdFringe venues.
For other areas in Edinburgh check out our guides to the West End (walking distance), Leith (bus route), Stockbridge (bus route), and South Queensferry (train and bus service).
