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Old Town is a popular tourist area of Edinburgh due to its historic culture. At the top is the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, which protrudes an extinct volcano.
Many Old Town attractions can be found on The Royal Mile, home to narrow alleyways and traditional buildings with pubs, restaurants, souvenir shops and museums.
There is a variety of Edinburgh Old Town hotels to cater to everyone’s needs, and this guide will explore the best places to stay in this area.
Planning your trip to the Old Town? Start here.
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Old Town Edinburgh Hotels
1. Market Street Hotel
Located across the road from the back entrance of Waverley Train Station, Market Street Hotel is a great option for those looking to be close to the station, Old Town and the city centre.
Each room contains a free minibar, a TV with Chromecast and Apple TV, and some also boast beautiful views of the city.
The boutique-style rooms are made with locally sourced fabrics, artwork, bespoke furniture and also have a wardrobe and private bathroom
A complimentary light breakfast bag is provided in addition to the provision of breakfast at the restaurant and rooftop terrace, Nor’ Loft.
For lunch, you can order three small plates for £18 which include pork, lamb, mussels, prawns, salad and vegetables.
They are all incredibly flavoursome.
There is also a Sir Walter Scott cocktail tribute which you can sip soaking in the New Town landscape with the Scott Monument in view!
If you prefer to get up and go at breakfast, Gordon Street Coffee is next door as well as the popular lunch spot, Mimi’s Bakehouse.
The cool cafe at the Fruitmarket Gallery is also across the road.
Brewhemia is a live music bar and restaurant just a few minutes’ walk from Market Street Hotel.
The family-friendly attraction, Edinburg Dungeons can also be found on Market Street.
Parking is available nearby at a cost of £6 an hour (lower than most other city car parks) and charging stations are also available for electric vehicles.
The hotel has air conditioning and wheelchair-friendly features, such as lift access and modified toilets.
This Old Town hotel has been rated as ‘exceptional’ with an overall rating of 9.5/10.
2. Motel One Edinburgh – Royal
Situated in the Old Town but on the outskirts of the New Town, this affordable hotel is the perfect location for those looking to be close to Waverley Train Station and Old Town attractions.
At the foot of Cockburn (Coburn) Street, Motel One Royal is very near Edinburgh Castle and is only a 5-minute walk away from Waverley train station.
Across the road from this Motel One is Princes Street Gardens and Princes Street shops.
All rooms have a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and an en suite bathroom.
Pets are welcome and there is a lift to accommodate wheelchair users.
The historic market square Grassmarket, home to many restaurants and bars, is found less than half a mile from the hotel.
Guests at this Old Town hotel are also just 10 minutes away from the award-winning Scottish Storytelling Centre which has fun activities for families as well as evening entertainment.
This Edinburgh accommodation is one of the best in the Old Town, with an overall rating of 9.9/10!
Motel One is a popular modern hotel chain in the UK.
3. The Inn Place
Located near Cockburn Street around Anchor Close, The Inn Place is a budget hotel in a busy area.
Every room has a flat-screen TV, desk space with free Wi-Fi, and a bathroom with complimentary toiletries – some rooms even have views of the city or the historic Cockburn Street.
Request a room with windows.
In surrounding streets, there are numerous eateries and bars, with St Giles’ Cathedral and The Real Mary King’s Close also a 5-minute walk away.
Previous guests have given the hotel an overall rating of 9.7/10, making it one of the best price hotels in Edinburgh Old Town.
4. The Scotsman
With views overlooking Calton Hill (image) and Princes Street Gardens, this hotel has been providing a high-quality service to its guests since 1905.
Each unique room and suite contains curved corner window bays with scenic views of the city, AC and a marble-tiled en suite bathroom.
Elevators are available for guests.
The Baroque-style hotel also has a 48-seat cinema, free Wi-Fi, and a privacy hatch for 24-hour room service.
Just a few steps from the Royal Mile, guests are entitled to discounted parking, available at Waverley Station (long stay) – a 5-minute walk away.
The hotel is famous for its 104 marble stairs called The Scotsman Steps.
The Scotsman also features in our guide to historic hotels in Edinburgh.
5. The Witchery By The Castle
Looking for somewhere unique to stay in Edinburgh?
The Witchery by the Castle has a range of 9 lavish suites, each with their own elaborate gothic touches; large oak 4-poster beds, velvet-lined walls and flamboyant red and gold décor symbolic of the unique style.
Within the suites are separate seating areas, large bathrooms with free-standing silver baths, walk-in dressing rooms, love seats and large hanging tapestries – some even overlook the Royal Mile or across the Old Town.
An indulgent breakfast hamper or a cooked breakfast served in the restaurant will be available to guests each morning at no extra cost.
James Thomson’s The Witchery by the Castle is one of the most notable fine dining restaurants in the city and features in our romantic places to eat guide as well as our best hotels for couples.
This hotel has featured in The Telegraph and The Times due to its glamorous interior, and many celebrities have enjoyed an overnight stay too!
Being a very luxurious hotel, it is unsurprising that previous guests have given it a rating of 9.8/10.
The Witchery keeps good company, neighbouring with The Scotch Whisky Experience, Ramsay Gardens, Camera Obscura and Edinburgh Castle.
6. House of Gods
House of Gods is one of the new kids on the block and a huge hit with young couples visiting Edinburgh.
The cheeky red-draped rooms of the House of Gods, are located at the Old Town’s Cowgate.
Close to Edinburgh’s Vaults which was a hotbed for debauchery.
House of Gods guests can enjoy a continental breakfast served in a picnic hamper, cocktails and midnight snacks – all delivered by butler service.
House of Gods offers air-conditioned rooms, 24-hour front desk and room service and free Wi-Fi.
The rooms in this Royal Mile hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with a shower, and a fridge. Suites have a free-standing bath.
The vibe is gothic lux so the rooms do tend to be dark.
Read our full House of Gods review.
Cowgate is an ideal location, close to the Grassmarket pubs, restaurants and music venues.
It is a 5-minute walk from some of the best Instagram spots including The Vennel and Victoria Street.
7. Apex Grassmarket Hotel
The Apex Grassmarket Hotel is perfectly located at the Grassmarket, close to The Vennel and West Bow of Victoria Street.
It is directly across from the popular bars, The Last Drop and Maggie Dicksons.
Every Saturday smells from the food stalls at the Grassmarket Farmers Market dominate this popular pocket of the Old Town.
The bright, modern rooms of the Apex Grassmarket, have 42″ LCD TVs and the ensuite bathrooms are stocked with Elemis toiletries.
Reserve a Deluxe or Family room for Edinburgh Castle views.
The hotel has elevators for guests to use.
There is an indoor swimming pool and fitness suite available to guests looking to work out before or after a day of sightseeing.
The Apex Grassmarket has an onsite restaurant called Metro Brasserie.
8. The Inn on the Mile
The Inn on the Mile is a boutique hotel smack bang in the middle of the Royal Mile.
All rooms have AC and a large flat-screen TV, desk space for business travellers, GHD hair straighteners, and tea and coffee making facilities in addition to free Wi-Fi.
The hotel bar and outdoor seating area look onto the Royal Mile and serves full Scottish breakfasts and general pub food daily, with room service available too.
The location of this stylish hotel has received particularly high reviews (9.8/10) due to being close to landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, St Gile’s Cathedral and Arthur’s Seat.
Ev Ed recommended Old Town restaurants, City Cafe (image), Ramen & Maki and Scran just off the Royal Mile or @Pizza on the Royal Mile.
9. Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh
Hotel Du Vin is an Old Town hotel with an interesting story. The building of this French hotel was once used as an asylum.
It has since been transformed into a beautiful 4-star hotel and a French Bistro, which serves quality local produce.
Rooms feature a TV and luxury private bathroom and a roll-top bath.
Free Wi-Fi is available, there is lift access to upper floors, and pets are welcomed.
In the evenings, guests can relax in the mezzanine bar, or sample a global range of fine wines in the Laroche tasting room.
Hotel Du Vin is a 5- minute walk from Greyfriars Bobby statue, Greyfriars Kirk and the Grassmarket.
It is an ideal option if visiting Edinburgh for the Festival Fringe as it is located close to George Square Gardens, Teviot Row Union and the Pear Tree pub which all host acts and live music.
Planning a trip during the Fringe? Here’s our guide to EdFest accommodation.
You May Also Like These Old Town Guides
- The ultimate guide to Edinburgh’s Old Town
- Where to stay in the Old Town
- Old Town Airbnbs incl. Harry Potter
- Old Town Edinburgh restaurants for every budget
- Our recommended Old Town pubs and bars
- Walking tours including history and Harry Potter
- Spooky ghost tours featuring Edinburgh’s Underground
- Every Harry Potter location fans can’t miss
Any questions or comments?
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About the Author: Eilidh has lived in Scotland her entire life and loves visiting Edinburgh with her family, especially during the festive period and when the Fringe Festival is on. As a University student, she is looking to travel more and experience new cultures in the future.