The 13 Best Historic Hotels in Edinburgh

Having stayed in Edinburgh many times over the years, I’ve had the chance to explore its historic streets and admire the incredible old town buildings. 

It’s a city full of character, and staying in one of its historic places really adds to the experience. 

In this guide, I’ll share some of the best historic hotels in Edinburgh to stay, perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the city’s heritage while enjoying a comfortable and memorable stay. 

The Best Edinburgh Historic Hotels

1. The Witchery by The Castle

📍 Google Map Location | 🎖 Rating: 9.2/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Book Now

When it comes to historic hotels in Scotland, you can’t outdo the Witchery.

A magnificent property, The Witchery by The Castle is one of Edinburgh’s most famous hotels. It’s located right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, just steps from the iconic Edinburgh Castle, Victoria Street, and Grassmarket. 

This historic hotel is known for its luxurious, gothic-themed suites. There are only 9 of them, so staying at The Witchery is quite the exclusive stay. Each suite is outfitted with lavish details like four-poster beds, velvet-lined walls, and deep red and gold decor. 

The building itself exudes old-world charm, with tapestries, walk-in dressing rooms, and views of the Royal Mile or across to the old town. 

Every morning an inclusive breakfast is served. You can enjoy a breakfast hamper delivered to your suite or cooked breakfast in the hotel’s grand restaurant, which serves up Scottish dishes in a similarly decadent setting.

2. Edinburgh The George

📍 Google Map Location |🎖 Rating: 8.4/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐| ✅ Book Now

Located right in the city center, the InterContinental Edinburgh The George is within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens. 

Built in 1775, this Grade II listed building is packed with history and has been carefully restored to maintain its grandeur. The rooms are elegantly decorated with natural materials, and each one features modern touches like flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and luxury toiletries.

You can enjoy meals at Le Petit Beefbar, the hotel’s restaurant, or relax at Burr & Co., a cosy café serving up cakes, pastries, and more. There’s also a gym and plenty of event spaces, including the grand Kings Hall.

3. The Scotsman

📍 Google Map Location |🎖 Rating: 8.5/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Book Now

This centrally-located hotel overlooks Carlton Hill and Princes Street Gardens, and it is just a minute’s walk from the Royal Mile. 

What makes this one of the most popular Edinburgh historic hotels is that the 1905 building was once the home of The Scotsman newspaper. 

Elegant rooms feature curved window bays with stunning city views, marble bathrooms, and luxury Egyptian cotton linens. 

There are plenty of onsite modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, a 48-seat cinema, and 24-hour room service through a special privacy hatch! 

4. Old Waverley Hotel

📍 Google Map Location | 🎖 Rating: 7.9/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐| ✅ Book Now

The Old Waverley Hotel is perfectly located on Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street, just a minute’s walk from Waverley Station. 

This historic hotel has been welcoming guests for years and offers elegant accommodation, with many rooms boasting incredible views of Edinburgh Castle. The building blends classic decor with modern comforts like an interactive entertainment system and 24-hour room service. 

My favorite part? You can enjoy a traditional Scottish breakfast or choose from a continental buffet with fresh pastries, fruit, and more.

5. The Balmoral

📍 Google Map Location | 🎖 Rating: 9.4/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Book Now

First opened in 1902, this historic hotel is one of the most well-known in all of Edinburgh. It is easily recognizable for its iconic clock tower and luxurious 5-star accommodation. 

The rooms are incredible. The suites at The Balmoral Hotel have amazing amenities like spacious marble bathrooms and interactive TVs. Many of the rooms offer stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town- just an added touch that will add some magic to your stay in Scotland. 

Onsite, you can enjoy fine dining at the 4 AA Rosette Number One Restaurant, or a more relaxed meal at Brasserie Prince. The hotel also has an impressive spa with a pool, a Finnish sauna, and Turkish steam room.

It’s the perfect home base for a romantic couple’s weekend in Edinburgh!

6. Stevenson House

📍 Google Map Location | 🎖 Rating: 9/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐| ✅ Book Now

Stevenson House is a charming bed-and-breakfast located in Edinburgh’s New Town, overlooking the beautiful Queen Street Gardens. 

This historic Georgian townhouse, built between 1802 and 1806, was once the home of author Robert Louis Stevenson. The house still serves as a family home for the Macfie family, adding a personal and homely touch to your stay. 

The two guest rooms have elegant 19th-century decor, including a four-poster bed and designer wallpaper, with en suite bathrooms and free WiFi. 

Every morning you can enjoy a cooked breakfast in the beautiful dining room and relax in the lounge, complete with a piano and fireplace. It’s also possible to experience events here tailored to your historic interests, such as a “Tea and Talk with Robert Louis Stevenson,” a private dinner, or a personalized show around Edinburgh from the hosts.

⭐ Do note that while exceptionally historic in nature, this is not your traditional “hotel,” but rather a historic house that serves as a family home, with two suites offered as a bed and breakfast.

7. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh- The Caledonian

📍 Google Map Location |🎖 Rating: 8.4/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Book Now

The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian was originally built in 1903, and was known then as just The Caledonian Hotel. 

Once part of Edinburgh’s central railway station, this hotel has been a symbol of Scottish hospitality for over a century. 

Here you can enjoy stunning, unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle from many of the rooms, which also feature flat-screen TVs, luxurious designer toiletries, and fluffy bathrobes. 

The hotel has a full leisure club, including a spa, pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. Dining options include afternoon tea, a bar, and an award-winning restaurant, Grazing, by Mark Greenaway.

8. Prestonfield House

📍 Google Map Location | 🎖 Rating: 9.4/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Book Now

This luxurious 5-star hotel is located about 3 km from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a golf course. 

A historic retreat, the hotel offers elegant rooms with antique furnishings, free Wi-Fi, plasma TVs, and views of the parkland. Each room also has a stocked minibar. You can dine at the Rhubarb Restaurant, which serves outstanding Scottish cuisine, or enjoy traditional afternoon tea at the tea house in the garden (my favorite!). 

With relaxing terraces, an astounding garden, a charming drawing room, and free parking, Prestonfield House provides a peaceful escape just a short journey from the city center.

9. Houstoun House

📍 Google Map Location | 🎖 Rating: 7.8/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐| ✅ Book Now

Houstoun House is a historic 4-star hotel set in peaceful grounds between Edinburgh and Glasgow, just a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport. 

Originally a stately home, its old Great Hall, Drawing Room, and Library have been transformed into a beautiful dining area with oak paneling, antiques, and family paintings. The hotel features an award-winning restaurant, the Tower, and a cozy bar with vaulted ceilings, an open fire, and over 100 malt whiskies. 

Guests staying here can enjoy the leisure club, which includes an 18-metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and gym.

10. The Inn on the Mile

📍 Google Map Location |🎖 Rating: 8.3/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Book Now

Located right on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, The Inn on the Mile offers a luxury experience in one of the city’s most popular areas. 

The rooms are spread across three floors and come with modern amenities like large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks with ceiling speakers, and GHD hair straighteners. 

You can enjoy Scottish treats with their tea and coffee facilities. The bar overlooks the Royal Mile, offering a relaxing spot with deep wood accents, outdoor seating, and a full Scottish breakfast each morning.

11. Malmaison Edinburgh – Leith

📍 Google Map Location |🎖 Rating: 7.6/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Book Now

This stylish boutique hotel is located on the scenic banks of the Forth in Leith, just a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh city center. 

Housed in a historic building, the hotel combines modern luxury with industrial charm. 

Rooms at Malmaison Edinburgh are individually designed and feature luxurious beds, and satellite TVs, and many offer views of the port. 

Enjoy a meal at the Malmaison Brasserie, which serves British classics made from local produce, or sip cocktails at the chic Mal Bar. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art gym, free parking, and a terrace for outdoor dining and drinks.

12. The Roseate (Formerly The Dunstane Houses)

📍 Google Map Location | 🎖 Rating: 8.8/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Book Now

The Roseate Edinburgh, formerly known as The Dunstane Houses, is set across two beautifully restored Victorian townhouses in Edinburgh’s West End. 

Built in 1852, the hotel retains many original features, like open fireplaces, while offering luxurious, modern amenities. Each of the 35 rooms is individually decorated, with Egyptian cotton bed linens, LCD TVs, and en-suite bathrooms. Some suites even have four-poster beds or freestanding copper roll-top baths. 

You can dine at The Dunstane Restaurant and Bar, which serves Scottish seasonal dishes and offers whisky and gin tastings. Haymarket Station is just a short walk away, with easy access to Edinburgh city center.

13. CoDe Pod- THE CoURT

📍 Google Map Location | 🎖 Rating: 8.6/10 | Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Book Now

CoDE Pod Hostels – THE CoURT is a great option if you’re traveling on a budget, but still looking to stay somewhere with some historic relevance. 

This historic building once served as a courthouse, adding to its charm and character. Today, the hostel features modern pod-style sleeping arrangements, offering both privacy and comfort. 

It’s located in the heart of Edinburgh, just 100 meters from The Real Mary King’s Close, and within walking distance of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the National Museum of Scotland. 

FAQ: Top Historic Hotel Stays in Edinburgh

What is the oldest building in Edinburgh?

The oldest building in Edinburgh is St. Margaret’s Chapel, which is inside Edinburgh Castle. It was built around 1130 and is still standing today.

Edinburgh Hotels Old Town: The Wrap-Up

I hope this guide gave you plenty of ideas about the best historic hotels in Edinburgh. There’s something for everyone, from grand, luxurious spots to family-run places with unique stories.

So no matter where you stay, you’ll be surrounded by Edinburgh’s rich history and charm in one of my favorite cities in Europe!