Edinburgh is a city of contrasts—grand yet familiar, ancient yet constantly evolving—and some of the city’s best hotels capture that balance beautifully. Whether you’re after the stately elegance of a landmark address, the low-key charm of a boutique bolthole, or the freedom of a design-savvy apartment, Edinburgh delivers with style. In recent years, the Scottish capital has welcomed a wave of new openings that sit comfortably alongside its heritage favorites, offering visitors even more choice than ever. Some lean into the city’s dramatic history with richly layered interiors and period architecture, while others embrace a sleeker, more contemporary edge. Many come with rooftop bars, whisky-stocked lounges, and front-row views of the castle or the Firth of Forth. Whether you’re in town for festivals, food, or a weekend of cultural wandering, consider a booking at one of the best hotels in Edinburgh right now, as picked by our editors.
How we choose the best hotels in Edinburgh
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing properties, our editors consider both luxury hotels and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location, and warm service—as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.