Family hotels Edinburgh visitors can choose from cover the full range — from the Balmoral’s interconnecting castle-view family suites with personalised “Rocco Forte Kids” passports through to no-frills Premier Inns where kids stay free. Edinburgh is genuinely one of Britain’s best family-travel destinations: a small walkable city centre, multiple free museums (the National Museum of Scotland is among Europe’s best), Edinburgh Castle’s quiz sheets and One O’Clock Gun, the dragon-volcano of Arthur’s Seat, and accommodation that increasingly understands what travelling families actually need.

This guide covers the best family hotels Edinburgh offers across every budget tier, with detail on which properties have interconnecting rooms, kids-eat-free policies, family suites, swimming pools, and other family-relevant amenities. Information is current as of 2026.

What Makes a Good Edinburgh Family Hotel?

For travelling families, the key features to look for in Edinburgh accommodation:

Family rooms or interconnecting rooms. Standard hotel rooms in central Edinburgh are often too small for families of 4. Look for properties offering interconnecting double rooms (parents in one, kids in adjacent) or proper family suites.

Kids stay/eat free policies. Several Edinburgh hotels offer free child stays (typically up to age 12-17) when sharing parents’ room. Some include free children’s breakfasts or even all meals.

Cot/highchair availability. Free cots and highchairs should be standard at any family-friendly hotel. Confirm at booking.

Walking distance to attractions. Most Edinburgh family attractions cluster in central Old/New Town. Stays here minimise the time spent on logistics.

Swimming pool. Few central Edinburgh hotels have pools. Apex Waterloo Place, the Waldorf Astoria – The Caledonian, and a handful of out-of-centre options do.

Family-friendly meal options. Hotel restaurants offering kids’ menus are surprisingly rare. Check before booking.

For broader family-trip planning see our pillar guide on Edinburgh with kids; for area context see best area to stay in Edinburgh.

The Best Luxury Family Hotels in Edinburgh

1. The Balmoral, Rocco Forte

The Balmoral has invested significantly in family-friendliness. Family options include:

– Castle View Suite interconnecting with a Deluxe Castle View Room — spacious, with two bathrooms.
– Junior Suite interconnecting with an Executive Room — slightly more compact.
– “Rocco Forte Kids” programme: personalised kids passports, welcome treats, child-sized bathrobes, in-room kids’ menu, and an animal-themed in-room amenity package.
– Family afternoon tea in Palm Court (with shortbread instead of finger sandwiches for younger guests).

Pricing: £600-£1,500 per night for family-suite combinations. High-end but the experience is genuine.

2. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian

Family rooms (sleeping up to 4) and interconnecting room options. The hotel’s 14-metre indoor pool — Edinburgh’s largest hotel pool — is a major draw for families. The Guerlain spa offers limited children’s services. Restaurant Pompadour has a reasonably accessible kids’ menu by request.

Pricing: £450-£900 per night for family configurations.

3. InterContinental Edinburgh The George

Connecting rooms. Kids-stay-free policies (under 12 with parents). Welcome amenities for children including kids’ toiletries. Good central New Town location.

Pricing: £250-£500 per night.

4. Kimpton Charlotte Square

Pet-friendly and family-friendly. Adjoining rooms available. Welcome cookies for kids. The Garden Restaurant has a kids’ menu.

Pricing: £300-£600 per night for family configurations.

5. The Roxburghe

Family rooms and interconnecting suites. The Italian restaurant Cucina has reasonably accessible kids’ options. The spa welcomes older children.

Pricing: £300-£600 per night.

The Best Mid-Range Family Hotels in Edinburgh

6. Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Among Edinburgh’s most family-friendly hotels. Kids up to age 17 stay free with parents. Children aged 5 and under eat and drink free. King-size beds plus separate beds for children. Cribs available. Has a small indoor pool and gym.

Pricing: £140-£260 per night for family rooms.

7. Apex Grassmarket

The bigger Apex property in the Old Town has family rooms, a rooftop pool with castle view, and similar kids-stay-free policies.

Pricing: £150-£280 per night.

8. Hotel du Vin Edinburgh

Interconnecting rooms allow parents privacy while keeping children close. Provides high chairs, cots, and baby bath amenities upon request. The on-site bistro has a children’s menu.

Pricing: £180-£400 per night.

9. The Principal Edinburgh George Street

Family rooms in the Victorian building. Children’s menu in the restaurant. Reasonable mid-range option in a central New Town location.

Pricing: £200-£400 per night.

10. Eden Locke (George Street)

72 design-forward studios and suites with kitchens. Excellent for families wanting to self-cater for some meals while still having hotel services. Studios accommodate up to 3; one-bedroom suites up to 4.

Pricing: £180-£350 per night.

11. Holiday Inn Edinburgh

Located right next to Edinburgh Zoo (15 minutes from the city centre by tram). Family rooms and interconnecting rooms. Kids-stay-free and reasonable kids’ menus. Good for families specifically interested in the zoo.

Pricing: £100-£220 per night.

12. Crowne Plaza Edinburgh – Royal Terrace

Family rooms in the New Town. Reliable mid-range chain.

Pricing: £150-£280 per night.

The Best Budget Family Hotels in Edinburgh

13. Premier Inn Edinburgh – Princes Street

Two children under 16 sleep free in their parents’ room (sharing existing beds). Family rooms available. One of the most reliable budget options in the city centre.

Pricing: £80-£180 per night for family rooms.

14. Travelodge Edinburgh Royal Mile

Family rooms (1 double + 1 single + sofa bed). Small but central. Up to 2 children under 16 sleep free.

Pricing: £70-£160 per night.

15. Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Royal Mile

Family rooms. Continental breakfast included for kids. Good budget chain option in the heart of the Old Town.

Pricing: £120-£220 per night.

16. Yotel Edinburgh

Modern micro-hotel with family rooms (“Premium Cabin Family”) sleeping up to 4. Compact but central.

Pricing: £100-£220 per night for family configurations.

Self-Catered Family Apartments

For longer family stays, self-catered apartments often deliver better value and more space than hotels. Top options:

17. Old Town Chambers, Autograph Collection

82 apartments in 16th-19th century buildings off the Royal Mile. Each has a kitchen, washing machine, and full hotel services. One-bedroom apartments accommodate families of 3; two-bedroom of 5. Strong recent reviews (9.8 average).

Pricing: £250-£600 per night.

18. Knight Residence (Grassmarket)

Self-catered apartment-style hotel on the Grassmarket. One- and two-bedroom apartments. Less polished than Old Town Chambers but more affordable.

Pricing: £150-£300 per night.

19. Apartment-style options via Sonder, Plum Guide, Bright Stays

Various private letting agents offer registered short-let apartments around the city. Quality varies significantly; check recent reviews carefully.

Pricing: £100-£300 per night for one-bedroom; £200-£500 for larger.

Edinburgh Hotels with Pools (For Families)

Few central Edinburgh hotels have pools. The options:

Waldorf Astoria – The Caledonian: 14m indoor pool. Edinburgh’s largest hotel pool.
Apex Grassmarket: Small rooftop pool with castle view.
Apex Waterloo Place: Small indoor pool.
The Roxburghe: 18m indoor pool plus Asian-influenced spa.
Sheraton Grand: Indoor pool, decent gym.
Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh – Queensferry: Indoor pool (out of city centre).
Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club: Pool, golf, and grounds (15 minutes outside city).

Edinburgh Hotels Near Family Attractions

Near Edinburgh Castle: The Witchery (luxury), Apex Grassmarket, Cold Town House, Travelodge Royal Mile.
Near the National Museum of Scotland: Most Old Town hotels (5-minute walk).
Near the Royal Botanic Garden: Nira Caledonia (Stockbridge), various Stockbridge B&Bs.
Near Edinburgh Zoo: Holiday Inn Edinburgh, Doubletree Edinburgh-Queensferry.
Near the Royal Yacht Britannia: Malmaison Edinburgh (Leith), the Fingal (Leith).
Near Holyrood Park / Arthur’s Seat: Most central Old Town hotels.

Family Hotel Tips for Edinburgh

Book interconnecting rooms early. The number of interconnecting room pairs at any hotel is fixed. They book up first, especially in summer. Confirm in writing.

Confirm cot/highchair availability at booking. Some hotels charge for these; many provide free of charge but require advance request.

Watch for “kids stay free” age limits. Some hotels’ policies are 12 and under; others go to 16 or 17. The Apex chain is particularly generous.

Check breakfast inclusions. Hotel breakfast for a family of 4 can add £40-£80 per day. Some hotels offer free children’s breakfast even when adults pay; others charge per person.

Consider apartment-style for stays of 3+ nights. Self-catering kitchens save significantly on food costs and give kids breakfast routines that don’t depend on hotel timing.

Visit during school terms if possible. Edinburgh’s school holidays (especially mid-October half-term and Easter) bring family pricing premiums.

Pram-friendly rooms. Some heritage hotels have stairs-only access; confirm lift availability if travelling with pram.

Family Hotel Profiles

For Luxury Families

The Balmoral (Rocco Forte Kids programme is genuinely excellent) or Waldorf Astoria (large pool, pool-friendly central location).

For Mid-Range Families

Apex Waterloo Place (kids stay free up to 17, kids eat free under 5) or Apex Grassmarket (rooftop pool with castle view).

For Budget Families

Premier Inn Princes Street (two kids stay free, central). Travelodge Royal Mile (cheaper but smaller).

For Self-Catering Families

Old Town Chambers (luxury) or Knight Residence (mid-range). Apartments with kitchens reduce stress for families.

For Families Visiting Edinburgh Zoo

Holiday Inn Edinburgh (next to the zoo) or Doubletree Queensferry (10 minutes by car).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best family hotel in Edinburgh?

For luxury, the Balmoral (interconnecting suites, Rocco Forte Kids programme). For mid-range, Apex Waterloo Place (kids stay free up to 17, eat free under 5). For budget, Premier Inn Princes Street (two kids stay free).

Do Edinburgh hotels have family rooms?

Most do, in some form. Family rooms typically accommodate 2 adults + 1-2 children. Larger families (5+) often need interconnecting rooms or apartment-style accommodation.

Are interconnecting rooms available in Edinburgh?

Yes. The Balmoral, InterContinental Edinburgh, Hotel du Vin, the Roxburghe, Kimpton Charlotte Square, and several mid-range hotels offer interconnecting room pairs. These book out first; confirm in advance.

Which Edinburgh hotels have swimming pools?

Waldorf Astoria – The Caledonian has the largest (14m). Apex Grassmarket has a rooftop pool with castle view. Apex Waterloo Place has a small indoor pool. The Roxburghe has a new 18m pool. Sheraton Grand and Dalmahoy (out of centre) also have pools.

Are Edinburgh family hotels expensive?

Variable. Budget chain hotels (Premier Inn, Travelodge) start around £80-£100 per night for family rooms. Mid-range (Apex, Holiday Inn) £140-£260. Luxury (Balmoral, Waldorf) £400-£900+. Festival prices double or triple all of these.

Do kids stay free in Edinburgh hotels?

Many. Premier Inn allows two children under 16 free in family rooms. Travelodge similarly. Apex Waterloo Place allows kids up to 17 free. Holiday Inn allows kids under 12. Confirm policies at booking.

What is the best area for families to stay in Edinburgh?

The New Town. Larger rooms, quieter nights, easier transport for prams, and good park access. Old Town offers walking distance to attractions but smaller rooms. For full area context see best area to stay in Edinburgh.

Are Edinburgh hotels pram and buggy friendly?

Modern hotels generally yes (lifts, accessible bathrooms). Heritage Old Town hotels can have stairs-only access in older parts of the building; confirm lift availability when booking. The cobbled approach to Edinburgh Castle is bumpy on prams.

Which Edinburgh family hotels have kids’ menus?

Most mid-range and luxury hotel restaurants now offer kids’ menus. Apex hotels are particularly strong on family-friendly food. The Balmoral’s Number One has a kids’ tasting menu (advance request). For broader Edinburgh family eating, see our Edinburgh food guide.

Should I book family hotels early?

Yes. Family rooms and interconnecting room pairs are limited inventory at any given hotel and book out first. For peak summer, 2-4 months ahead. For Festival, 6-9 months ahead.

Final Thoughts

Family hotels Edinburgh visitors can choose from now span the full range from luxury icons with kids’ programmes to no-frills chain hotels where kids stay free. The Balmoral for special-occasion family luxury, Apex Waterloo Place for the best mid-range value with pool access, Premier Inn Princes Street for reliable budget. Self-catered apartments through Old Town Chambers or Knight Residence often work better for longer stays. Whatever the budget, Edinburgh’s compact walkable city centre rewards families who choose accommodation that minimises logistical friction.

For more, see our pillar guide on Edinburgh with kids, our Edinburgh Castle with kids guide, our piece on best area to stay in Edinburgh, and our where to stay in Edinburgh overview.