Visiting Edinburgh for a city break and looking to avoid the Old Town crowds? Edinburgh’s West End Village is a quirky neighbourhood best suited for those who like food, pubs and independent shops owned by locals.
The beauty of the West End in Edinburgh is that you are so close to the city centre yet far enough to avoid the Scotland souvenir shops!
Let’s take a look at where to stay in the West End! Below, we’ll share the best hotels and Airbnb apartments for every budget.
Updated September 2026
| Accommodation | Type | Area | Price/night | Postcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Resident Edinburgh | 4-star hotel | Drumsheugh Gardens | From £120 | EH3 7UG |
| The Bonham Hotel | 5-star boutique | Drumsheugh Gardens | From £105 | EH3 7RN |
| Kimpton Charlotte Square | Boutique hotel | Charlotte Square | From £135 | EH2 4HQ |
| Waldorf Astoria (The Caledonian) | 5-star luxury | Princes Street | From £131 | EH1 2AB |
| The Roseate Edinburgh | Boutique B&B | West Coates | From £120 | EH12 5JQ |
| Staycity Aparthotels West End | Aparthotel | Brandfield Street | From £80 | EH3 8AS |
| Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End | 3-star chain | Fountainbridge | From £150 | EH3 9RX |
| YOTEL Edinburgh | Budget design | Queen Street | From £90 | EH2 4NA |
| Belford Hostel | Hostel | Douglas Gardens | From £22 | EH12 5JE |
| West End Hostel | Hostel | Palmerston Place | From £20 | EH11 2AB |
Edinburgh West End Hotels
There is a fair amount of choice when it comes to hotels in Edinburgh’s West End with a decent variety when it comes to satisfying budgets. Here are our top picks across luxury, boutique and mid-range categories.
Luxury & Boutique Hotels
- The Resident Edinburgh (15 Drumsheugh Gardens, EH3 7UG) – One of the newest additions to the West End, this 4-star hotel offers 164 rooms with signature mini-kitchens, locally sourced fittings and views ranging from neighbourhood streets to Edinburgh Castle. A 15-minute walk from both Waverley and Haymarket stations. From around £120/night.
- The Bonham Hotel (35 Drumsheugh Gardens, EH3 7RN) – An elegant 5-star boutique hotel in a Georgian townhouse with just 49 rooms. Expect period features, an award-winning restaurant and a cocktail bar. Self-parking available at £20/day. From around £105/night.
- Kimpton Charlotte Square (38 Charlotte Square, EH2 4HQ) – A 199-room boutique hotel on the UNESCO-listed Charlotte Square. Modern Scottish design, an excellent restaurant and access to a private garden square. Valet parking £45/night. From around £135/night.
- Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian (Princes Street, EH1 2AB) – A grand 1903 railway hotel at the east edge of the West End. Castle views, a pool, spa and multiple restaurants. From around £131/night.
- The Roseate Edinburgh (4 West Coates, EH12 5JQ) – Formerly the Dunstane Houses, this 35-room boutique hotel spreads across two Victorian townhouses. Four-poster beds, freestanding copper baths in suites and a highly-rated restaurant. From around £120/night.
Mid-Range & Chain Hotels
- Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End (166 Fountainbridge, EH3 9RX) – A reliable 3-star chain hotel with 228 rooms, close to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). Clean, modern, included breakfast. Self-parking £16/day. From around £150/night.
- YOTEL Edinburgh (68-73 Queen Street, EH2 4NA) – A 276-room design hotel on the border of New Town. Compact but well-designed cabin rooms, a rooftop terrace and a central location 5 minutes from Princes Street. From around £90/night.
- Holiday Inn Edinburgh City West – Budget-friendly option with free parking, handy if you’re driving into Edinburgh.
- Castle Apartments – Just off Princes Street near the West End. Spacious rooms with kitchenettes – a good self-catering option for families.
Why Stay in Edinburgh’s West End?
Edinburgh’s West End sits between the grand Georgian New Town and the historic waterfront at Dean Village. It’s the city’s most liveable neighbourhood – tree-lined streets filled with Victorian townhouses, independent cafés, wine bars and some of Edinburgh’s best restaurants, all within walking distance of Princes Street and Haymarket Station.
The area is ideal if you want to be close to the action without staying in the tourist-heavy Royal Mile zone. Haymarket is a major transport hub with direct trams to the airport (around 35 minutes), trains to Glasgow and the Highlands, and bus connections across the city. Princes Street shops and Edinburgh Castle are a 10–15 minute walk east.
Head north from Haymarket and you’ll reach Dean Village in 10 minutes – a former milling village tucked along the Water of Leith that feels like a countryside escape in the middle of the city. Stockbridge, with its Sunday market and boutique shops, is another 10-minute walk further north.
Airbnbs In Edinburgh West End
Want to have the place to yourself so you can enjoy privacy and/or cook for yourself after visiting one of Edinburgh’s weekend markets?
An Airbnb may be the best option for you.
- Boutique West End Georgian Flat – 2 guests and 1 bedroom
- Unique West End Stable Mews – 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed
- Bright Apartment in West End – 2-4 guests, 1 bedroom
Edinburgh West End Hostels
If you are flying solo and want to meet friends or are visiting on a tight budget consider one of the following Edinburgh hostels located in the West End.
- The West End Hostel (35 Palmerston Place) – A restored Victorian building directly opposite Haymarket Station, making it the most convenient budget option for train and tram access. Dorms and private rooms, a bar with live music at weekends, and breakfast for £3. 10-minute walk from the city centre.
- Belford Hostel (6/8 Douglas Gardens, EH12 5JE) – A converted church in a quiet West End street, 5 minutes from Dean Village and the Water of Leith. Rated 8.2/10 on Hostelworld with dorms from around £22 and privates from £40. Clean bathrooms, free WiFi and a central location.
Practical Information for Your Stay
Edinburgh Visitor Levy: From 24 July 2026, all paid overnight accommodation in Edinburgh carries a 5% visitor levy on top of the room rate (before VAT), capped at 5 consecutive nights. This applies to hotels, hostels, Airbnbs and aparthotels alike. Factor this into your budget – a £100/night room for 3 nights adds £15 in levy.
Getting around: Haymarket Station offers direct trams to the airport (around 35 minutes, £7.50 single), trains to Glasgow Queen Street (50 minutes) and bus connections across the city. Lothian Buses operate an excellent network with day tickets at £6. The West End is very walkable – Princes Street is 10–15 minutes on foot, Dean Village 10 minutes, and Stockbridge 15 minutes.
Parking: Most West End hotels charge for parking (£16–£45/night). Street parking in the area is restricted during weekdays (8:30am–6:30pm) and free outside those hours and all day Sunday. If you’re driving, the Holiday Inn Edinburgh City West offers free parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the West End a good area to stay in Edinburgh?
Yes. The West End is one of Edinburgh’s most popular areas for visitors who want to be close to the city centre without the tourist crowds. You’re within walking distance of Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, with excellent restaurants, bars and the leafy Dean Village on your doorstep. Haymarket Station provides direct airport and national rail connections.
How do I get from the airport to the West End?
The Edinburgh Tram runs directly from the airport to Haymarket (around 35 minutes, £7.50 single or £10 return). From Haymarket, most West End hotels are a 5–10 minute walk. Taxis to the West End cost around £25–£30 and take 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the Edinburgh Visitor Levy?
Since 24 July 2026, Edinburgh charges a 5% visitor levy on all paid overnight stays, capped at 5 nights. It applies to hotels, Airbnbs, hostels and self-catering apartments. The levy is calculated on the room rate before VAT and is collected by your accommodation provider. For a typical 3-night stay at £150/night, expect to pay an extra £22.50.
What is the best budget accommodation in the West End?
For budget travellers, Belford Hostel (from £22/dorm) and West End Hostel (from £20/bed) offer clean, well-located dorm and private rooms. For a private room on a budget, YOTEL Edinburgh (from £90) and Staycity Aparthotels (from £80) are excellent mid-range options. Self-catering apartments can save money on meals during longer stays.
Is the West End family-friendly?
Absolutely. The West End is quieter than the Old Town and has several parks nearby including Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (free entry). Self-catering options like Staycity Aparthotels and Castle Apartments give families more space and kitchen facilities. Most hotels in the area accept children and offer family rooms.
Other West End Guides
- Best West End bars
- West End Village restaurants you should try
- West End Village guide
- Airbnbs in Edinburgh City Centre
Any questions or comments?
Let us know below