If you ask anyone who knows me well what my favorite place in the world is…without hesitation, they’ll tell you: Edinburgh, Scotland. My love affair with this city began about two years ago (via social media) and has only grown stronger. Bookstores, castles, coffee shops, park spaces, cobblestones—what’s not to love?
After visiting three times in one calendar year (yes, really) and staying in four different hotels, I decided it was time to put together a “wee” Edinburgh hotel guide for anyone considering (don’t consider…just book!) a trip to this magical city.
Curious how I actually choose hotels when I travel? I wrote about my thought process in this post here.
The Bonham Hotel
Location: Dean Village / West End
Vibe: High-End Boutique
My Score: 9/10
Booking.com Rating: 9.0/10
Expedia Rating: 4.7/5
Price Range: £180–£300 per night (varies by season and room type)
Oh… The Bonham Hotel. This hotel will forever hold a special place in my heart. It was the first place I stepped into on my very first visit to Edinburgh, and it remains one of the top two hotels I’ve ever stayed in.
The Bonham is tucked away in Dean Village (a fairytale-like area on the west end of the city) and it deserves every ounce of its reputation as a top boutique hotel. It’s housed in a grand Victorian townhouse and effortlessly blends traditional elegance with modern touches. Think: high ceilings, big windows, plush decor, and a calm, walkable neighborhood that still gives you access to the city center.
The first time I stayed there, I had a corner room on an upper floor and was genuinely blown away. The radio was playing soft music when I walked in, there were Scottish shortbread cookies and chocolates on the pillow, and the bathtub was basically a dream. Everything about it screamed cozy luxury. One night, I treated myself to tea in the hotel restaurant and felt like I was living a different life in the best way.
On my most recent trip, I had the misfortune of being placed in a lower-level room that was just as beautifully decorated but unfortunately located under the kitchen. There was quite a bit of noise (door slams, footsteps, the kitchen radio). So here’s my one pro tip: if you book The Bonham, request a room that’s not in the basement so you can fully enjoy the experience.
While The Dean Village location is peaceful and picture-perfect, it is about a 20–25 minute walk to Old Town. Still, if you’re looking for charm, class, and a little Scottish magic—this is your spot.
Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
Location: Old Town
Vibe: Affordable, Central, Busy
My Score: 7.5/10
Booking.com Rating: 8.8/10
Expedia Rating: 4.6/5
Price Range: £90–£150 per night (varies by season and room type)
To balance out the cost of my trip (especially over a weekend), I stayed at Motel One Edinburgh-Royal, a more budget-friendly option with a truly unbeatable location. Just note: there are two Motel One locations in Edinburgh. This one is in Old Town, right across from Waverley Station and the start of Cockburn Street (my favorite street in Old Town).
This hotel is great if you're planning to do a lot in a short amount of time. You’re steps from both Old Town and New Town, right near some of my favorite spots: The Milkman coffee shops, the Royal Mile, and basically every kind of public transport you could need. The walkability is off the charts: 10/10.
The vibe, however, is busier and younger. The lobby was always packed, and the energy was less cozy, more urban. While the décor had some Scottish flair, the room itself was quite basic—no bathtub, no luxe touches, just clean and functional. I didn’t use the bar or restaurant, mostly because so much was right outside the door.
Would I stay here again? Probably not—but I’d still recommend it for travelers who are only in town for a couple of nights or who want to prioritize location and affordability.
Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street (Formerly Native Edinburgh)
Location: New Town / West End
Vibe: Apartment-Style Convenience
My Score: 8.0/10
Booking.com Rating: 8.9/10
Expedia Rating: 4.7/5
Price Range: £100–£200 per night (varies by season and room type)
For my second trip to Edinburgh, I stayed at what was then called Native Edinburgh, now rebranded as Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street. I booked it for four nights during peak summer season, and choosing an apartment-style hotel helped me offset food and dining costs.
My suite had a small kitchen, a comfy living area, and all the setup of a hotel: gym, lobby bar, and coffee area included. It was the perfect hybrid: the independence of an Airbnb (without those damn fees) with the convenience of hotel amenities.
The location was also ideal: technically in New Town but a short walk to Stockbridge and only 15–20 minutes to Old Town. I loved being able to do a grocery run, cook a couple of simple meals, and make myself feel a little more “at home” in Edinburgh. A favorite breakfast spot was also right next door, which made my mornings extra lovely.
Now rebranded, it looks like prices have gone up a bit, but I’d still recommend this hotel if you’re staying longer than a couple of nights and want a quiet, modern base.
The Royal Scots Club Edinburgh
Location: New Town (Central)
Vibe: Old-World Charm Meets Hidden Gem
My Score: 9.5/10
Booking.com Rating: 9.0/10
Expedia Rating: 4.6/5
Price Range: £120–£220 per night (varies by season and room type)
On my most recent trip, I split time between The Bonham and The Royal Scots Club—and I think this one just might be my new favorite.
This is a private members’ club that also offers hotel rooms to the public. It has that old-world charm that I absolutely adore: elegant sitting rooms, hushed hallways, cozy little library corners. Walking around feels like being in a museum (in the best way). The clientele skews older, which contributes to the peaceful, calm vibe.
My room was technically in the basement, which initially worried me (after the noise at The Bonham), but it turned out to be incredibly quiet and well-insulated. The bathroom was fabulous—huge tub, spacious counter, separate shower—and overall, the room felt like a restful retreat. Not as visually stunning as The Bonham, but just as comfortable.
The biggest win here? The location. I felt like I was in the center of everything. Old Town, Stockbridge, Princes Street, the Portrait Gallery, the Royal Botanic Garden…everything felt just a short stroll away. The hotel is technically in New Town, but it’s in that perfect sweet spot where all of Edinburgh’s best neighborhoods seem to converge. I could walk uphill to Old Town in under 15 minutes, wander down to Stockbridge for coffee and market browsing, or be at the Leith Walkway and Canonmills in no time. Queen Street Gardens were right across the street, and I even popped into the nearby Tesco Express more than once for snacks, a meal deal, and mini grocery runs.
Between the old-world charm, the peaceful atmosphere, the thoughtful amenities, and the unbeatable location, The Royal Scots Club really checked all my boxes. The room may not have been flashy, but it’s warm, welcoming, and deeply Edinburgh. If you're the kind of traveler who values quiet charm and excellent walkability over sleek modern interiors, this might be your perfect home base too.
This is the one I’ll be returning to.
Let’s Chat!
If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh and have questions about where to stay—or want me to peek at a hotel you’re considering—please feel free to message me. I’m always happy to chat, share tips, or help you find the best fit for your travel style.
And if you’ve been to Edinburgh and have a hotel that you absolutely loved, please share it in the comments below! I'd love to hear about your favorites—and I’m sure other readers would too.
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