Edinburgh Hotels

Top reasons to visit Edinburgh

• Historic Edinburgh Castle: Dominating the skyline, this iconic fortress offers a glimpse into Scotland's royal past and stunning views of the city.
• Charming Old Town: Wander through cobbled streets filled with vibrant shops, cafes, and rich history, capturing the essence of Edinburgh.
• Cultural Attractions: Enjoy the city's diverse theatre scene and educational attractions, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts.
• Nearby Beaches: Relax at beautiful beaches just a short journey from the city, offering a serene escape.
• Diverse Accommodation: Find a range of lodging options, from pet-friendly hotels to modern city centre retreats.

Find great hotels in Edinburgh

Discover a diverse selection of hotel accommodations in Edinburgh, perfectly suited for every traveller. Whether you seek a pet-friendly retreat, a business-themed stay, or an LGBTQIA welcoming environment, the city has it all. Enjoy modern amenities like gyms and prime locations, with options such as voco Edinburgh and Abbey Gate Studios, ensuring a memorable experience in this historic and vibrant destination.

• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Offering a blend of business professionalism and eco-conscious living, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel is a distinguished 4-star accommodation situated in the heart of Edinburgh. This hotel is perfect for the discerning traveller who values sustainability alongside a productive environment. With multiple meeting rooms and a fully equipped business centre, it caters excellently to business guests. Its eco-certification highlights a commitment to environmentally friendly practices, making it an ideal choice for eco-friendly travellers. The hotel’s contemporary design and comfortable rooms create a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant stay.
• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: This elegant 4-star hotel combines family-friendly amenities with a professional atmosphere, perfect for both leisure and business travellers. Nestled in a prime location in Edinburgh, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is eco-certified, reflecting its dedication to sustainability. The hotel features multiple meeting rooms and a conference space, making it suitable for corporate events while also providing services tailored for children. Families will appreciate the thoughtful amenities that ensure a comfortable stay for guests of all ages, coupled with a stylish ambiance that enhances the overall experience.
• ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile: A vibrant 3-star hotel, the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile welcomes guests with its friendly atmosphere and eco-certification. This hotel stands out as LGBTQIA welcoming and pet-friendly, making it an inclusive choice for all travellers. The property offers essential amenities such as food and water bowls for pets, ensuring a hassle-free stay for those travelling with furry companions. Centrally located near the Royal Mile, it provides easy access to Edinburgh’s iconic attractions, while its modern facilities and warm hospitality create a memorable experience.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a captivating blend of history and culture, perfect for family and city-themed adventures. Explore the ancient Old Town, where cobbled streets lead to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a must-visit for any traveller. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and discover affordable city breaks in this vibrant metropolis, where historical charm meets modern conveniences, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. Venture beyond the city to uncover nearby neighbourhoods that echo the same welcoming spirit.

• Edinburgh: Edinburgh is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture, nestled in the heart of Scotland. With a steady influx of travellers year-round, the city particularly thrives in April, July, and September. Visitors flock here for family-friendly activities, cultural experiences, and urban exploration. You'll find an array of shopping areas, theatres, and educational institutions, all within easy reach. Key attractions include historic landmarks and bustling streets, making it a captivating destination for all ages.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Old Town Edinburgh is a charming neighbourhood that transports you back in time with its cobbled streets and medieval architecture. This area attracts visitors particularly in April and during the summer months from June to July. Old Town is known for its rich cultural offerings and family-friendly experiences. It boasts a variety of shopping spots, theatres, and educational venues. The local landmarks, including historic sites and lively streets, provide an immersive experience steeped in history and vibrancy.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Edinburgh City Centre is the bustling heart of the city, where modern life meets historical significance. With peak visitor numbers in the summer months of July to September, this area is a hub for culture, family activities, and urban exploration. The centre is filled with shopping areas, theatres, and educational institutions, ensuring there's something for everyone. Notable attractions include historic places and symbolic landmarks, making it an ideal base for your Edinburgh adventure.

Things to do in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a delightful blend of culture and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for city-themed vacations. Visitors can explore vibrant shopping areas, enjoy educational attractions, and immerse themselves in the local theatre scene. For those seeking fun, the city also boasts various amusement centres that promise to entertain all ages. Experience the charm and creativity of this historic city while indulging in its diverse offerings.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Livingston Designer Outlet, an excellent shopping mall with a vibrant atmosphere. Visit The Hub for unique gifts, and don’t miss Scottish Gems, a charming shopping centre ideal for family-friendly finds and local treasures in the heart of Edinburgh.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Murrayfield Stadium, where you can enjoy exhilarating sports events. For a serene outdoor escape, Muirfield Golf Course offers stunning landscapes and a challenging game of golf. Finally, immerse yourself in the cultural vibes at Queen's Hall, where captivating performances await.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of climbing at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho, where you can tackle various climbing walls in a vibrant atmosphere. For snow sports enthusiasts, the Midlothian Snowsports Centre offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Alternatively, unleash your adventurous spirit at A1 Paintball Edinburgh, perfect for adrenaline-fuelled fun.

Nightlife

For an unforgettable night in Edinburgh, catch a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre for a cultural experience. If you're seeking adventure, explore Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. For a more relaxed evening, enjoy drinks at Greyfriar's Bobby, where romance and entertainment abound.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh

Edinburgh provides numerous ways to save money during your visit. Many attractions, such as Princes Street and the Royal Mile, are free to explore. For affordable transport, utilise the bus or tram services. The best time to visit is from January to March when hotel prices are lower; avoid Saturdays for the most expensive rates. Booking through platforms like Expedia allows you to find deals, particularly if you combine your hotel, flights, and activities. Don't forget to check for last-minute discounts and consider eco-friendly hotels for a budget-friendly stay.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Edinburgh are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Edinburgh about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Edinburgh is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Edinburgh is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you customise your preferences by choosing your budget, desired location, and additional criteria. You can organise your search results to display prices in ascending order, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel in Edinburgh with your flights and activities.

Find the best attractions in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a rich cultural experience perfect for family and city-themed holidays. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as castles, vibrant streets, and nearby beaches. The city caters to those seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and relaxation by the sea, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy during their stay.

• Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into Scotland’s history. Explore its ancient stone walls, the Crown Jewels, and the poignant National War Museum, all while soaking up the romantic and cultural atmosphere.
• Princes Street: A vibrant hub of activity, Princes Street is the ideal spot for shopping and dining. Enjoy the bustling city vibes as you stroll past iconic shops, relax in the beautiful gardens, and take in the stunning views of the castle looming above.
• University of Edinburgh: As one of the world’s oldest universities, this historic institution boasts stunning architecture and a rich academic heritage. Explore its picturesque campus, which exudes culture and learning, and visit the notable museums that showcase its scholarly contributions.

Best time to go to Edinburgh

The best time to visit Edinburgh can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Edinburgh falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Edinburgh falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Edinburgh

Flying into Edinburgh is convenient, with Edinburgh Airport (EDI) located 11.3km from the city centre. Excellent hotel options nearby include the 5.5-star Crescent House and the luxurious 5-star Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and The Balmoral Hotel. For those considering alternative airports, Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is 77.2km away, with notable hotels like the 5-star Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort and the 5-star Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa. Another option is Dundee Airport (DND), situated 56.3km away, where you can find the 5-star Hideaway Experience and the 4.5-star Premier Inn Dundee North. Each airport provides various transportation services to their respective hotels.