Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh
The history, culture and stunning natural setting of Edinburgh all make for perfect boutique hotel escape. Edinburgh is a city of two halves, architecturally at least, divided between the charming cobbled maze of streets and alleyways of the Old Town and the grand Georgian splendour of the New Town. Handily, the city centre’s compact size makes it easy to explore and to take advantage of the many art galleries, theatres, shops, restaurants and bars Edinburgh has to offer.
Edinburgh also has a fantastic selection of boutique hotels to help make a great visit. Here’s Boutiquehotels.co.uk’s guide to the best boutique hotels in Edinburgh.
Top Edinburgh boutique hotels mentioned in this article
- The Witchery by the Castle – Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF
- No. 11 Brunswick Street – Edinburgh, EH7 5JB
- Malmaison – One Tower Place, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 7BZ
- Nira Caledonia – 10 Gloucester Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6EF
- 21212 – 3 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5AB
- The Glasshouse Boutique Autograph Collection – 2 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA
- Oakhill Apartments – Thorntree Park, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8FE
The Witchery by the Castle
For Old Town historic charm, The Witchery by the Castle (*****) is every bit as enchanting as its name might suggest. The magic starts with the entry to the hotel, found through one of the small, pedestrian-only closes off Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. The nine rooms have names that conjure up visions of fairytale castles and medieval tales, such as ‘the turret’ and ‘the armoury’. Each room has its own unique character, but all reflect the decadent gothic style of this boutique hotel. Think velvet walls with sumptuous red and gold accents and dramatic details like freestanding silver baths.
The Witchery by the Castle – as enchanting as the name might suggest…
No. 11 Brunswick Street
If your style is more restrained than gothic, head over to the New Town to enjoy the splendours of its neoclassical style – this part of Edinburgh was built over the 18th and 19th centuries and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The distinctive Georgian architecture has been used to full effect by No. 11 Brunswick Street (****). Located in convenient reach of Princes Street and the railway station, the rooms of this hotel start at a ‘premium single’ and go up to a ‘Georgian suite’, complete with a grand four-poster bed. They’re all equipped with under-floor heating – perfect for a frosty Scottish evening.
Malmaison Edinburgh
Outside of Edinburgh city centre, on the banks of the the Forth in Leith, is Malmaison (****). With superb views, this chic hotel has contemporary, individually-designed rooms throughout. The property itself dates back to the 1880s and was a seaman’s mission but has now been transformed in to a funky, stylish retreat which is a popular choice for visitors to the city.
Malmaison Edinburgh
Nira Caledonia
Nira Caledonia (****) also prides itself on adapting its two Grade A listed buildings to meet the needs of its twenty-first century guests. The original Georgian architectural details, such as elaborate ceiling cornices, are complemented by bohemian contemporary decor. Wi-Fi and iPod docking stations are standard while some of the hotel’s 28 rooms are fitted with Jacuzzis to make for an extra relaxing stay.
21212
After being awarded a Michelin star in 2010, 21212 (*****) is especially renowned for its restaurant. The amazing breakfast is only one of the treats in store for guests, as this hotel succeeds in balancing contemporary cool with old-fashioned hospitality. Its four spacious bedrooms are set over the top two floors of an impressive town house and boast fantastic views of the dramatic skyline of the city and the Firth of Forth.
The Glasshouse Boutique
The Glasshouse Boutique (*****) is a sleek contemporary hotel built behind the façade of a 150-year-old church. Refurbished in June 2013, the hotel is decorated in up-to-the-minute style, using original artworks alongside quirky designer furniture. While each room has extra large windows to maximise the views across the city, the highlight of any stay is a visit to their stunning roof top garden, a wonderful oasis to be enjoyed right in the centre of the city, and the perfect place to plot your next adventure in Scotland.
The Glasshouse – “original artworks alongside quirky designer furniture”
Oakhill Apartments
Situated in the Leith area of Edinburgh, Oakhill Apartments are a self catering option with a boutique hotel-style design aesthetic. These well appointed one, two and three bedroom apartments are beautifully decorated and include features like striking wallpaper, rugs and furniture. The apartments are a short drive from some excellent golf courses and provide guests with free wifi and free car parking.
Author: Frances Ambler
- Why not check out our guides to other boutique hotels in Scotland?
