Edinburgh’s Old Town is the most atmospheric place to stay in the city – a warren of closes and wynds running along the Royal Mile from the Castle down to Holyrood. Staying here puts the major sights, restaurants and Fringe venues on your doorstep. Below are nine of the best Old Town hotels, from grand five-star landmarks to stylish budget bases.
Updated September 2026
Quick picks: 🏛️ Landmark luxury: The Scotsman · 💕 Romantic: The Witchery · 💰 Best value: Motel One – Royal · 🐕 Pet-friendly: Hotel Du Vin.
| Hotel | Rating | Price | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Scotsman | 5-star | ££££ | North Bridge | Landmark luxury |
| The Balmoral | 5-star | ££££ | North Bridge | Iconic 5-star |
| Old Town Chambers | 5-star | £££ | Royal Mile | Self-catering apartments |
| Market Street Hotel | 5-star | ££££ | Old Town | Luxury |
| Hotel Du Vin | 4-star | £££ | Grassmarket | Boutique |
| The Witchery by the Castle | Boutique | ££££ | Castlehill | Romantic |
| Apex Grassmarket Hotel | 4-star | £££ | Grassmarket | Family / pool |
| The Inn on the Mile | 4-star | £££ | Royal Mile | Central boutique |
| House of Gods | Boutique | £££ | Cowgate | Boutique |
| Motel One Edinburgh – Royal | 3-star | ££ | Royal Mile | Budget |
| The Inn Place | 3-star | ££ | Old Town | Budget |
The Scotsman
LandmarkA grand 1905 Baroque landmark on North Bridge with a 48-seat cinema and the famous 104 Scotsman Steps.
Hotel Du Vin
BoutiqueA pet-friendly boutique hotel in a former asylum building, with a French bistro and the Laroche wine tasting room.
Market Street Hotel
LuxuryA modern 5-star hotel steps from the Royal Mile, with a rooftop champagne bar overlooking the Old Town.
A stylish budget chain hotel right on the Royal Mile – great value for a central Old Town base.
The Inn Place
BudgetA relaxed budget-friendly stay in the Old Town with a mix of private rooms and group options.
The Witchery by the Castle
RomanticTheatrical, opulent suites at the top of the Royal Mile beside Edinburgh Castle – one of Scotland\u2019s most romantic stays.
House of Gods
BoutiqueA decadent, cocktail-bar boutique hotel in the Cowgate with press-for-champagne rooms and a hedonistic mood.
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
FamilyA comfortable 4-star hotel on the Grassmarket with castle-view rooms, a pool and family-friendly amenities.
The Inn on the Mile
CentralA boutique 4-star inn in a former bank right on the Royal Mile, above a lively bar and restaurant.
How to Choose Your Old Town Hotel
If budget is your main concern, look at Motel One Edinburgh – Royal or The Inn Place, both of which keep you central without the five-star price tag. For a special occasion, the Witchery by the Castle and The Scotsman deliver drama and history in equal measure.
Families and anyone wanting a pool should consider the Apex Grassmarket, while couples after boutique character will feel at home at House of Gods or Hotel Du Vin. Whichever you pick, you are never more than a few minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile.
More Old Town Hotels
Two more outstanding choices worth considering:
Old Town Chambers, Autograph Collection
Right on the Royal Mile facing St Giles’ Cathedral, Old Town Chambers (329 High Street, EH1 1PN) is a Marriott Autograph Collection property offering 82 five-star serviced apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites. A 24-hour gym, free WiFi and a daily English breakfast (£19 adults, £9.50 children) make it ideal for families and longer stays. Prices from around £240/night.
The Balmoral
Edinburgh’s most iconic address: The Balmoral (1 Princes Street, EH2 2EQ) sits at the east end of Princes Street where the New Town meets the Old. A Rocco Forte five-star with 187 rooms, the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant and the iconic clock tower that’s been three minutes fast since 1902. Prices from around £450/night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best Old Town hotel in Edinburgh?
It depends on your priorities. For a landmark luxury stay, The Scotsman on North Bridge is hard to beat; for romance, the Witchery by the Castle; and for value, Motel One Edinburgh – Royal sits right on the Royal Mile at a much lower nightly rate.
Where is the Old Town in Edinburgh?
The Old Town runs along the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood, taking in the Grassmarket, Cowgate and Victoria Street. Every hotel on this page sits within a short walk of the Royal Mile.
Are there budget hotels in the Old Town?
Yes. Motel One Edinburgh – Royal and The Inn Place both offer central Old Town locations at budget-friendly rates, while still being walkable to the main sights.
Which Old Town hotels are pet-friendly?
Hotel Du Vin near the Grassmarket welcomes pets, making it a strong choice for travellers bringing a dog to the city.
Are Old Town hotels good for the Festival Fringe?
Very – the Old Town puts you within walking distance of most major venues. Hotel Du Vin is especially handy for the George Square and Teviot Fringe hubs.
Are there self-catering hotels in the Old Town?
Yes. Old Town Chambers on the Royal Mile offers 82 five-star serviced apartments with full kitchens, ideal for families or longer stays. The Balmoral also offers suites with kitchenette facilities on request.
What is the best Old Town hotel for couples?
The Witchery by the Castle on Castlehill is the most romantic choice, with opulent Gothic interiors and candlelit dining. The Balmoral is another top pick, offering the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant and luxurious spa treatments.