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The best boutique hotels in Edinburgh
These snug and stylish properties are some of the Scottish capital’s most characterful places to stay
All hotels have been independently reviewed and selected. We will earn a commission if you book via the links below, but this never affects our rating.
If there's one thing Edinburgh isn't short of, it's visitors. Nor is there any shortage of flagship hotels to accommodate them. But just as much of the fascination of Edinburgh lies in its variety – from the historic drama of the Old Town to the architectural elegance of the New Town. And of course not forgetting the considerable attractions of smaller neighbourhoods such as Stockbridge for shopping or Leith for its thriving food scene.
The same applies to this choice of hotels, from the quirkily imaginative to the quietly stylish. All of them can be described as boutique in size and style, but no two are the same, from a surprisingly luxurious lighthouse supply ship in Leith to outrageously opulent suites that are as much stage setting as accommodation. Whether it's budget-friendly urban chic, old-school glamour or a deliciously discreet hideaway you’re after, start here with the best boutique hotels in Edinburgh.
How we review
Every hotel in this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. They stay for a minimum of one night, test at least one meal and trial other experiences that the hotel might have to offer.
Imagine a chic godmother – old money but addicted to post-war Dior. If she designed a hotel it would look like this: part country house; part stylish swank. With elegant bedrooms, dramatic restaurant, state-of-the-art gym, wellness treatments and an exclusive rooftop bar, it doesn’t get much more glamorous than this. The attention to detail is particularly impressive; the execution first-class throughout – think traditional luxury with discreet mod-cons.
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From
£
395
per night
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If owner James Thompson has a motto it must be Oscar Wilde's 'nothing succeeds like excess'. The formal park and virginal white 17th-century house might make you think of Jane Austen heroines, but the leopard skin carpet certainly won't – there's a Puckish sense of mischief at play in the midst of all the over-the-top the opulence and extravagantly sustained scene-setting, as well as a sincere commitment to both dazzle and delight. No opportunity to tassel, swag, fringe or embellish is passed up on.
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From
£
348
per night
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Sir Walter Scott meets Vivienne Westwood in the decorative scheme of this tartan fantasia boutique hotel, which occupies the former home of the Royal Overseas League – an inheritance it whole-heartedly embraced with its tribute to Scottish Explorers. Dazzling views over the castle add even more appeal to this unique setting. The luxurious property is as close as you can get in concept to a private members' club, without actually joining one, with only resident guests allowed in the leather-bound library, bar and restaurant. Life here revolves around the guest-only Wallace Room where you can order a dram and take in the view.
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From
£
410
per night
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There's nothing stuffy about these Victorian villas and their comely original features, lovingly preserved in a design-led transformation. Stylish bedrooms, an elegant bar providing modest all-day dining and a location just 10 minutes from the city centre make this fine pair of handsome houses, which face across from each other, a good boutique Edinburgh stay. Rooms ranging from petite to suite include options with a freestanding tub positioned for a view of the Pentland Hills and dining is offered in a lounge bar area of warm, soft colours, stacks of vintage board games and an enormous bay window.
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From
£
245
per night
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So hip it hurts, in a very design-led manner. New York architect’s Grzywinski+Pons’ design is Georgian Edinburgh outside, Shoreditch inside. Pale oak floors, plenty of pastels with the odd squirt of mustard and self-conscious quirkiness creates a light-hearted but seriously on-trend feel. The heart of it all is the pistachio and vanilla coffee lounge/bar, with seating largely occupied by people tapping at their tablets, spiky plants in terracotta pots and an abundance of light. The 72 studio apartments offer more space (just) than a hotel.
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From
£
205
per night
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If Pugin designed Gothic revival love nests they would look like this: an outrageous riposte to modern minimalism realised in nine fantasy suites close by the gates of Edinburgh Castle. Darkly, deeply sumptuous, utterly indulgent and slightly (delightfully) mad, these secret dens of overblown delight are the ultimate expression of an overheated imagination, realised with a meticulous, theatrical attention to detail. The suites are situated either above the famously atmospheric Witchery at the Castle Restaurant or on the opposite site of the Royal Mile, secreted in Jollie's Close.
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From
£
575
per night
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No expense was spared in creating this convivial restaurant and bar with rooms in the popular neighbourhood of Stockbridge. Expect a handsome modern meets heritage look, with a surprise or two, in inviting space including the restaurant and bar this property is best known for, along with 10 thoughtfully designed rooms featuring painted reproduction linenfold panelling, stylish wallpaper and giant tweed headboards. The hotel is surrounded by independent shops, restaurants and a Sunday market, and it is only a 15-minute amble to the city centre.
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From
£
375
per night
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You’ll find Fingal tucked up in her own cosy berth near the huge ships and towering cranes of the working docks of Leith. She is a grand little ship, polished to a high gloss with décor that respects the ship’s working history without going overboard. Imagine a miniature luxury liner with an Art Deco via 1930s Hollywood feel, all luxuriously deep carpets, curvaceous wood panelling, leather and sparkling glass. On the beds you'll find custom-made throws by local weaver Araminta Campbell. Her studio is just along the road – private tours can be arranged.
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Cabins from
£
300
per night
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A heavenly 18th-century house hidden on Calton Hill with a courtyard garden to the front, a prett... Read expert reviewRates provided byBooking.com -
Although it's been an Edinburgh landmark for more than a century there's nothing old-fashioned ab... Read expert review -
Imagine a chic godmother – old money but addicted to post-war Dior. If she designed a hotel it wo... Read expert review
