The Radisson Blu sits right on the historic Royal Mile, halfway between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood, which makes it one of the few pool hotels where you can swim in the morning and be at the castle gates ten minutes later. Behind the traditional stone frontage it is a thoroughly modern hotel, with air-conditioned rooms, a business centre and a spa built around a heated indoor pool.
Rooms are contemporary and comfortable rather than showy, each with a private bathroom, satellite TV and a proper work desk, so the hotel works equally well for a weekend break or a business trip. Nightly rates start from around £205, which is competitive for a central Old Town base with its own pool.
Pool & Spa
Swimming happens at the Melrose Spa and Health Club inside the hotel, which has an indoor heated pool, a sauna and a fully equipped fitness suite. The pool is child-friendly, so families can use it together rather than it being an adults-only spa. A range of spa and beauty treatments can be booked on top of your stay, and the health club is included for guests, so there is no extra charge just to swim.
Location & Getting Around
You could not be more central. The hotel is a ten-minute walk from both Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park, with Princes Street and its shops just to the north. Waverley Station is within easy walking distance, so you can arrive by train and leave the car at home. If you do drive, on-site parking is available for an additional charge.
Rooms & Dining
Every room is air-conditioned with a spacious work area, and there are accessible rooms with lift access for guests with limited mobility. Downstairs, the Itchycoo Bar and Kitchen looks out over the Royal Mile and serves a seasonal menu, while a second restaurant handles a traditional Scottish breakfast. Between the two you rarely need to leave the building for a meal, though you are surrounded by Old Town pubs and restaurants if you want to.
Who It Suits & Practical Tips
This is a strong pick if you want to be in the thick of the Old Town with a pool to come back to, and the child-friendly pool makes it workable for families. If you are set on the Old Town but want a more spa-led five-star experience, The Balmoral is a short walk away, while the Sheraton Grand in the West End offers a larger spa with a rooftop hydropool.
- Pool, sauna and gym at the Melrose Spa are included for guests
- On-site parking is available but costs extra — confirm the daily rate at booking
- Ask for a room away from the Royal Mile side if you are a light sleeper, as the street stays busy
- Waverley Station is a short walk, so the train is the easiest way in
- Spa treatments book up at weekends — reserve before you arrive
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Radisson Blu Edinburgh have a swimming pool?
Yes. The Melrose Spa and Health Club inside the hotel has an indoor heated pool, plus a sauna and gym, all included for guests. The pool is child-friendly, so families can swim together.
Is the pool free for hotel guests?
Use of the pool, sauna and fitness suite is included in your stay. Only extra spa and beauty treatments cost more, and those can be booked in advance.
How central is the hotel?
Very central. It is on the Royal Mile, about a ten-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park, with Waverley Station and Princes Street close by.