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Here are the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh, ideal for a special occasion. Whether you are celebrating a milestone anniversary, getting to know each other a little bit better, or just searching for a bit of indulgence, our guide reveals the best options in the Old and New Town and their amenities, including hot tubs, jacuzzis, and roll-top baths. We’ve personally stayed or dined in 90% of the hotels on the list; I even got married at one of them!
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Most Romantic Hotels in Edinburgh
1. The Witchery By The Castle
If you want true decadence and opulence in the most historic surroundings, then The Witchery is for you.
This gothic building is nestled under Edinburgh Castle in the Old Town.
With silks and velvets galore, you are transported back to an age gone by.
The hotel features suites instead of rooms, each with its own personality.
Roll-top baths for two are a highlight of these decadent bedrooms.
With views over the Royal Mile or the Old Town, this hotel will set the scene for your most romantic break.
You won’t even have to leave the hotel to get top-class food.
The Witchery boasts a 5-star restaurant, James Thomson’s The Witchery by the Castle, also featured in our guide to the most romantic places to dine in the city.
With only nine suites available, this historic hotel is worth booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
Amenities
- AC and heating in each room
- Dryer and straightener
- Refrigerator
- Restaurant
2. Prestonfield House
Another of Edinburgh’s romantic hotels is Prestonfield House.
This is my favourite as I got married here, and I believe it is one of the most romantic places to stay in Edinburgh.
Prestonfield House is set under Arthur’s Seat on its own grounds; as you drive up to this unassuming building from the outside, you see highland cows and peacocks that roam the grounds.
The hotel is full of history dating from the 17th century.
Inside, it opens up to reds and golds, drawing you into its welcoming body.
There are pieces of furniture from the 1600s that add to the atmosphere and romance of this 5-star hotel.
There are so many different rooms that you can explore, sit in, have afternoon tea in, and relax as you sip a glass of their brand of champagne.
The hotel offers you rooms and suites.
Massages are also available.
Prestonfield House’s Rhubarb is one of Edinburgh’s best restaurants, and it was featured on 4OD’s Married at First Sight!
Dining by candlelight gives the feeling of intimacy.
Prestonfield House is also featured in our dog-friendly accommodation guide.
Amenities
- Free parking is available for guests
- Elevator facilities
- AC in each room
- Dog-friendly
- Restaurant
Alternatively, if you want a castle hotel stay, read this guide.
3. House of Gods
It’s not your conventional romantic hotel, but if you are looking for something a little spicer, check out House of Gods, located in Old Town’s Cowgate area.
House of Gods is cheeky yet lavish, with standalone baths and red drapes.
This adult-only hotel is a big fan of the bell; room service, and midnight snacks as its vibe.
Soundproof rooms so you don’t have to listen to other couples…
Dark, daring, decedent and on the doorstep of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket bars.
Gemma had fun overnight in one of the suites; you can read her full and impartial House of Gods here.
Amenities
- AC and heating in each room
- Walk in showers
- Netflix on TV
4. The Balmoral Hotel
The historic Balmoral Hotel is worth considering if you prefer to stay in the city centre.
Opened in 1902, this beautiful building boasts the address of No. 1 Princes Street.
Rooms are spacious, and beds are handmade by Glencraft, the supplier to the Queen at Balmoral Castle.
The famous Balmoral Clock Tower is a well-known landmark in the city.
This 5-star hotel has a luxury spa, which you can use as one of your romantic things to do in Edinburgh.
The Balmoral also features in our guide to hotels in Edinburgh with swimming pools.
The Michelin-starred Number One Restaurant offers the best of Scottish fare in opulent surroundings.
Palm Court is popular for afternoon tea in a photogenic setting.
Princes Street Gardens is just next door, and as the hotel is situated at the top of the Waverley Steps, public transport is easily accessible.
Room 552 is now called the J.K. Rowling Suite and is where the Harry Potter author completed the final book, the Deathly Hallows, in this very suite.
To celebrate, Rowling signed a marble bust of Hermes, which still sits in the room.
Harry Potter fans! Check out our guide to all the locations in Edinburgh you must visit.
Amenities
- 167 rooms and 20 suites
- Elevator facilitates
- AC in each room
- Castle views
- Dog-friendly
- Restaurants
- Pool
- Spa
If you’d like to find out more about The Balmoral, you can read our Balmoral Hotel review.
We stayed in the Deluxe Castle View room, 314.
5. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
At the opposite end of Princes Street is the Waldorf Astoria, known locally as The Caledonian.
The hotel itself was built in 1903 and is beautifully Art Deco inside.
You can almost feel the romance of the roaring 20s as you enter and take the sweeping staircase.
The hotel has a spa that you can use to add some extra romance to your Edinburgh romantic break.
This is one of the romantic hotels in Edinburgh with a hot tub, sadly not in the room, but in the spa area.
If you are booking a treatment, make the most of this facility!
The hotel restaurant, Grazing by Mark Greenaway, offers exquisite dining in glorious surroundings, or you can enjoy drinks at The Caley Bar.
Afternoon tea at the hotel’s Peacock Alley is worth considering as you create your romantic Edinburgh itinerary.
You can request a room with a view of Edinburgh Castle to add even more drama.
Amenities
- Elevator facilitates
- AC in each room
- Castle views
- Hot tubs
- Dog-friendly
- Restaurants
- Swimming pool
- Fitness suite
- Spa
6. Tigerlily
George Street is an upmarket entertainment street with cocktail bars, restaurants, shops, and accommodation.
Tigerlily is a must-stay hotel for easy access to all the romantic things to do in Edinburgh.
This Georgian townhouse has 33 rooms and suites, all of which include Egyptian cotton sheets, The White Company toiletries, GHD straighteners and hairdryers, smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and a fully stocked mini-bar.
The restaurant serves seasonal Scottish dishes and champagne afternoon teas.
Now, be honest, who hasn’t dreamed of exploring one of Edinburgh’s stunning townhouses, never mind staying overnight in one?!
Tigerlily goes wild for Christmas; expect NYC-style decor spread across the bar and restaurant.
Amenities
- 33 rooms
- Elevator facilitates
- AC in each room
- Restaurant
- Cocktail bar
7. InterContinental Hotels – Edinburgh The George
Further along George Street is the George Hotel.
This grade II listed building, built in 1775, delivers romantic grandeur, so much so that it is a popular wedding venue; Gemma has attended a full-day wedding here.
The striking pillared reception stands proud on George Street, across from the famous Christmas bar, The Dome.
Riccardo Giraudi’s Le Petit Beefbar does fine dining, but if you don’t want to leave the room, you can order breakfast or light meals 24 hours a day.
Amenities
- Elevator facilitates
- AC in each room
- Restaurant
- Fitness suite
8. The Nira, Caledonia.
Looking for a romantic room with a jacuzzi?
Look no further than The Nira, Caledonia.
This hotel is based in the city’s affluent Stockbridge area (New Town), which is packed with cafes and lovely walks to Leith and Dean Village.
It is very popular with locals and second-time visitors.
The Nira, Caledonia, is another famous Georgian Townhouse that has been converted.
With goose-down pillows and duvets, floor-to-ceiling windows, and spa baths in some rooms, returning to your room at night will be the perfect nightcap for your romantic weekend away.
If you fancy whisky tasting, Blackwood’s Bar & Grill has 25 different ones to offer you!
Amenities
- Hot tub in some rooms
- Restaurant
Final words
You may be visiting Scotland’s capital with the love of your life, but I guarantee you will leave with a new obsession–this beautiful city.
This guide has shown you some of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh, and hopefully, you will find the magic you are looking for in one of them.
About the author: Hi, I am Ruth. A Highlander living in Fife longing for the mountains of home but I can’t give up the delights of the big city!