11 Best Hotels Near the Edinburgh Christmas Markets (2026)

While you’ll find Christmas stalls scattered all around the city during the run-up to the festive season, the main markets are located on Princes Street.

There are typically around 80 stalls, selling everything from homeware to sweet treats – making it a great location to do some gift shopping for friends or relatives, and also to get some mulled wine or baked goods for yourself!

Alongside the markets, there are multiple Christmas spots in the Edinburgh city center each year, including Santa’s grotto, an ice rink, and a massive Ferris wheel! However, you do need to pay to take advantage of these additional activities while the standard market is free.

🎄Traveling to Scotland during the holiday season? Read about the best Christmas markets in all of Scotland here!

Princes Street itself is rammed with great accommodation options for tourists to stay in while visiting the markets, with plenty of fabulous hotels located just a short walk away from the main Christmas market.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a few days of luxury or would rather save your money for your shopping, you’ll find many great hotels that will suit your needs around the main markets and festive attractions.

Here are the top 11 hotels that I’d recommend for your stay while visiting Edinburgh’s delightful Christmas Markets:

* Prices are approximate and may vary depending on availability and when you book*

1. The Balmoral Hotel

⭐RATING: 4.7/5 | 💲PRICE: £500/night | 🚶‍♂️DISTANCE: ~5 min walk from markets

Located on Princes Street, the Balmoral Hotel is the perfect luxury option, setting you just a couple of minutes walk from the markets.

This hotel is the epitome of luxury. It has two restaurants, a gym, a spa and wellness center, and a pool (which is quite hard to come by in Scotland!). It is also easily one of the most beautiful buildings on the street. It has its own clock tower, it’s that fancy!

Each of the hotel rooms is immaculately decorated with period pieces and marble bathrooms, but don’t worry, they still have plenty of modern comforts like TVs and mini-bars.

Even so, the pièce de résistance of the Balmoral is the views of Edinburgh Castle or the Old Town. Be sure to book a room with a good view if you’d like to elevate your stay even further!

I would definitely recommend the Balmoral if you’re going for an elegant stay in one of the absolute closest hotels to the main Christmas market location in Edinburgh.

2. Market Street Hotel

⭐RATING: 4/5 | 💲PRICE: £175/night | 🚶‍♂️DISTANCE: ~9 min walk from markets

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a few minutes from the Royal Mile and the Christmas Markets, Market Street Hotel offers boutique-style rooms decorated with hand-crafted tartans, beautiful artwork, and bespoke furniture that reflect the unique character of Scotland.

Their rooms feature high-speed WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Many rooms also offer breathtaking views of the city, allowing you to soak in the sights from the comfort of your own space. 

The hotel’s rooftop champagne lounge, Nor’ Loft, serves breakfast, small plates and drinks, and offers amazing panoramic views of the city. The breakfast is particularly well-raved about in the hotel’s reviews, with a mix of warm pastries, artisan breads, and traditional Scottish dishes on the menu, so make sure to check that out!

3. 100 Princes Street

⭐RATING: 4.5/5 | 💲PRICE: £450/night | 🚶‍♂️DISTANCE: ~1 min walk from markets

As far as hotels near the Edinburgh Christmas Market go…you can’t get much closer than 100 Princes Street. It’s literally right across the street! Overall, 100 Princes Street is a very well-reviewed 5-star hotel that looks like something from the front of a magazine! 

Each room includes multiple amenities, and some even offer a terrace. The decor is beautiful with a grand mix of modern and ornate, making the hotel a cozy haven after a day of exploring the markets in the very unforgiving Scottish weather.

When it comes to dining, you’ve got options at 100 Princes Street with a fabulous restaurant called The Wallace serving up local dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast to kickstart your day of shopping or would like a relaxed dinner with your partner or friends, the menu has something for everyone.

Ghillie’s Pantry also belongs to the hotel and is a snug bar serving refreshing cocktails, regional whiskeys, and all your other favorites!

5. The Scotsman Hotel

⭐RATING: 4.3/5 | 💲PRICE: £190/night | 🚶‍♂️DISTANCE: ~10 min walk from markets

The Scotsman Hotel, built in 1905, is a stunning historic building that once housed The Scotsman newspaper. This hotel has recently gained a 4-star rating as an elegant accommodation option- and it’s a perfect option for a Christmas Market stay in center-city Edinburgh. 

Overlooking Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens, and Waverley Station, the Scotsman is a historic location with unique rooms and suites that have grand features like curved corner window bays and marble-tiled en-suite bathrooms. 

Guests can enjoy luxury Egyptian cotton sheets, free WiFi, and a complimentary Scotsman newspaper to peruse each morning – how fancy!

The hotel has its very own 48-seat cinema, 24-hour room service, a grand café, and stunning city views from many rooms. It’s the perfect place for getting a feel of historic Scotland with modern-day comforts, and it’s easily one of my favorite hotels in all of Edinburgh.

6. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

⭐RATING: 4.4/5 | 💲PRICE: £300/night | 🚶‍♂️DISTANCE: ~8 min walk from markets

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is definitely one of the biggest hotels on this list with 222 guest rooms and 18 suites to choose from – it is also one of the most trendy hotels in the city!

With great modern decor and a relaxed atmosphere, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is the perfect spot for relaxation. Plus, the hotel promises some of the city’s most comfortable beds, you’re guaranteed to get a wonderful night’s sleep after a long day of shopping.

I also love the location of this hotel! It’s right at the start of Victoria Street, near the Grassmarket area– one of my favorite spots in Old Town Edinburgh.

One of the best things about the “chambers” at this hotel is that many of them have spacious lounge areas, allowing you a place to kick back with family or friends or get on with some work if needed.

The hotel also boasts its own restaurant and bar, serving both delicious local and international cuisine.

7. Eden Locke

⭐RATING: 4.5/5 | 💲PRICE: £150/night | 🚶‍♂️DISTANCE: ~8 min walk from markets

Eden Locke offers a unique twist on your typical hotel experience, with stylish apartments rather than rooms, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a home-away-from-home vibe. 

Just a very short walk from the markets, this chic establishment combines modern millennial design with cozy living spaces, with all the practical spaces you need to work, live, and relax. 

Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for whipping up your own meals, along with comfortable living areas to relax in after a day of exploring Edinburgh. 

The on-site café, Mayvn, serves delicious coffee and light bites right into the night and acts as a social space, allowing you an opportunity to interact with locals and other tourists during your stay.

Eden Locke definitely stands out, particularly if you’re looking to save some money on meals or are a traveler that prefers to have your own space.

8. Gleneagles Townhouse

⭐RATING: 4.7/5 | 💲PRICE: £450/night | 🚶‍♂️DISTANCE: ~8 min walk from markets

Gleneagles Townhouse is elite- it offers a range of stylish rooms that have classical allure- think antiques and velvet furnishings- but are definitely not stuck in the 19th century!

You can choose from cozy Nook Bedrooms featuring king-sized beds and luxurious ensuite bathrooms that have free-standing tubs or opt for the spacious Master Bedrooms, which provide stunning views over St Andrew’s Square. 

Keep an eye out for your complimentary snacks and drinks and ensure you make use of your exclusive access to the rooftop bar and wellness center during your stay too!

The Spence Restaurant is a must-visit while staying at the Gleneagles, as the architecture and food are stunning! Whether you’d like to have an elegant afternoon tea or a three-course sit-down meal, the Spence will definitely not disappoint and is well worth the hefty prices.

If you’re staying in the Gleneagles Townhouse over the actual holiday period, then you might like to check out the Christmas package deals at the Spence Restaurant. The festive food is to die for!

9. Princes Street Suites

⭐RATING: 4.6/5 | 💲PRICE: £200/night | 🚶‍♂️DISTANCE: ~10 min walk from markets

Princes Street Suites is another fantastic option if you’re looking for a spacious, self-catering accommodation with a touch of luxury right in the heart of Edinburgh! 

This modern spot is perfect for those who want a bit more room to stretch out and enjoy their own space. The suites come fully equipped with kitchens, living areas, and gleaming bathrooms, making it feel like a home away from home. 

You’ll also need to check out the roof terrace with great city views sweeping as far as the castle.

Princes Street Suites would be perfect for both families and groups, mixing convenience with comfort and style!

10. Motel One Edinburgh – Princes

⭐RATING: 4.3/5 | 💲PRICE: £150/night | 🚶‍♂️DISTANCE: ~8 min walk from markets

Motel One Edinburgh might not sound like the most glamorous of places to stay while in Edinburgh, but there are a few of them across the city, and they’re actually really nice! 

Of course, the one on Princes Street is the best for exploring the markets, but if you don’t mind walking (Edinburgh is a very walkable city!), then the Royal Mile location is also great.

Rooms are modern, yet cozy, with comfy beds and sleek bathrooms. The hotel lounge is one of its best features, acting as a fun space to chill out and grab a coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening after exploring the city. 

Overall, the Motel One on Princes Street is a great option if you’d like to be close to the action while not breaking the bank!

11. Hotel Indigo

⭐RATING: 4.4/5 | 💲PRICE: £180/night | 🚶‍♂️DISTANCE: ~6 min from markets

Hotel Indigo Edinburgh is located in the space of five Georgian townhouses, giving it a great historic charm.

The hotel is within walking distance of many major attractions like Princes Street and Waverley Station, where lots of people will first arrive in the city. 

The rooms are chic, featuring luxurious cotton sheets, rainfall showers, and advanced TVs with all the most popular streaming apps. My personal favorite out of the room options would be the standard rooms, which have beautiful and authentic book shelf headboards, stacked with leather-bound vintage-style books.

Hotel Indigo also has its own on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, inclusive of local ingredients when possible.