Hotels Edinburgh Old Town offers some of the most atmospheric accommodations in Britain — converted 16th-century townhouses, gas-lit Royal Mile suites overlooking Edinburgh Castle, design-forward boutiques in former newspaper buildings, and a handful of theatrically over-the-top independent hotels that don’t quite exist anywhere else. The Old Town’s UNESCO World Heritage status means new construction is largely impossible; almost every hotel here occupies a historic building, with all the charm and quirks that implies.

This guide covers the best hotels in Edinburgh Old Town across every budget tier — from £40-a-night hostels to £1,000-a-night theatrical suites. We’ve focused on hotels with strong recent reputations, walking-distance access to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, and the right balance of historic character versus modern amenities. Information is current as of 2026 and based on cross-referenced reviews from multiple booking platforms.

Why Stay in Edinburgh Old Town?

The Old Town puts you in the medieval heart of the city. From most Old Town hotels, you can walk to Edinburgh Castle in 5-10 minutes, the Royal Mile is on your doorstep, and the Grassmarket, the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and Real Mary King’s Close are all within a 10-minute radius. The atmosphere is unmatched — gas-lit closes after dark, the constant background bagpipe soundtrack of the Royal Mile, and a sense of being in the historic city rather than near it.

The trade-offs of Old Town hotels: rooms are often smaller (Georgian or earlier buildings have constrained dimensions), some hotels have no lift access (heritage protections), and the Royal Mile can be noisy especially during August Festival. For a quieter, larger-room alternative, see our companion guide on New Town hotels. For broader area context see best area to stay in Edinburgh.

The Best Luxury Hotels in Edinburgh Old Town

1. The Witchery by the Castle

The most theatrical hotel in Britain. Nine suites above the famous Witchery Restaurant, immediately at the gates of Edinburgh Castle. Each suite is its own elaborate themed creation — the Library, the Old Rectory, the Vestry — with red velvet, antique tapestries, four-poster beds, and panelled walls. Champagne and breakfast hampers are included. Closer to staying in a Walter Scott novel than a hotel.

Pricing: £400-£800 per night depending on suite. Book 3-6 months ahead for weekends.

2. Old Town Chambers, Autograph Collection

An 82-apartment hotel housed in 16th-19th century buildings off the Royal Mile, near St Giles’ Cathedral. Each apartment has self-catering kitchen facilities plus full hotel services. Egyptian cotton sheets, designer toiletries, and meticulous attention to historic detail. Recent guest review average: 9.8 — exceptional.

Pricing: £250-£500 per night for studios; £400-£800 for larger apartments.

3. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

A 222-room luxury hotel on the corner of Cowgate and Victoria Street, opened in 2022 in a converted Victorian municipal building. Modern, design-led, with a striking rooftop bar (Greyfriars Hall) overlooking Edinburgh Castle. Excellent recent guest reviews (9.4 average) and one of the most reliable luxury options for visitors who want polished modern hospitality.

Pricing: £200-£500 per night.

4. Hotel du Vin Edinburgh

Set in a Victorian former asylum building on Bristo Place, just south of the Royal Mile. 47 rooms with custom-made sleigh beds, Egyptian cotton linens, monsoon showers, and several with in-room roll-top baths. Excellent on-site French restaurant. The combination of luxury and Edinburgh character is hard to beat.

Pricing: £180-£400 per night.

5. The Scotsman Hotel

Housed in the iconic former Scotsman newspaper building on North Bridge, with classical façade and stunning interiors. 69 rooms with heritage details, a luxurious spa, an excellent brasserie, and a private cinema. The river-frontage edge of the building gives some rooms direct views of Calton Hill and the city.

Pricing: £200-£500 per night.

6. Market Street Hotel

Scotland’s first Design Hotels member. 98 boutique rooms and suites with contemporary finishings and historic charm. Award-winning design. Set on Market Street near the Royal Mile.

Pricing: £200-£450 per night.

7. Radisson Collection Royal Mile Edinburgh

A 5-star hotel directly on the Royal Mile, housed in a building dating back to the 19th century. Modern interiors with Scottish design touches, Cucina restaurant, and a popular cocktail bar. One of the most central luxury locations in the city.

Pricing: £200-£400 per night.

The Best Mid-Range Old Town Hotels

8. Apex Grassmarket

A modern 169-room hotel directly on the Grassmarket with a popular restaurant and a rooftop pool with castle view (one of only two hotel pools in central Edinburgh). Reliable mid-range value.

Pricing: £140-£280 per night.

9. The Knight Residence

Apartment-style accommodation on the Grassmarket. Self-catered units with one or two bedrooms. Good for families or longer stays.

Pricing: £140-£280 per night.

10. Cold Town House

A modern hotel and rooftop bar on the Grassmarket, with the closest rooftop view of Edinburgh Castle of any hotel in the city. The rooftop bar is open to non-residents but residents have priority booking.

Pricing: £150-£280 per night.

11. Ten Hill Place Hotel

A 129-room modern hotel with strong sustainability credentials, on the corner of the Royal Mile and South Bridge. Owned by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh — profits fund medical education. Reliable mid-range option.

Pricing: £120-£240 per night.

12. Holiday Inn Edinburgh – City West

A modern Holiday Inn offering reliable mid-range corporate-standard accommodation, walking distance to Edinburgh Castle. Lacks character but offers consistent quality.

Pricing: £100-£200 per night.

13. Travelodge Edinburgh Royal Mile

Budget chain hotel directly on the Royal Mile. Small rooms but excellent location at low prices. The cheapest reliable option for staying in the absolute heart of the Old Town.

Pricing: £60-£140 per night.

The Best Budget & Hostel Options in Edinburgh Old Town

14. Castle Rock Hostel

One of Edinburgh’s best-known hostels, in a converted historic building on Johnstone Terrace immediately below Edinburgh Castle. Mixed dorms, female-only dorms, and private rooms. Lively but well-run.

Pricing: £25-£45 per night dorm; £80-£120 per night private rooms.

15. High Street Hostel

On the Royal Mile near St Giles’ Cathedral. Mixed and female-only dorms. Good location, decent facilities.

Pricing: £25-£40 per night dorm.

16. Stay Central Hotel

A budget hotel on Niddry Street near the South Bridge. Small rooms, no frills, central location.

Pricing: £80-£140 per night.

17. Argyle Backpackers Hotel

A small, friendly hostel-with-private-rooms in a Victorian townhouse on Newington Road. About 15 minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile but excellent value.

Pricing: £25-£45 per night dorm; £60-£100 per night private.

Booking Strategies for Old Town Hotels

Book Early

Edinburgh Old Town hotels book up 2-4 months ahead for weekends in tourist season. For August Festival, book 6-9 months ahead — the Old Town is the most-affected area for Festival pricing and availability.

Direct Booking Often Cheapest

Most Old Town hotels offer best-rate guarantees on direct bookings. Always check the hotel’s own website before booking through OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) like Booking.com or Expedia.

Watch for Festival Premiums

August Festival prices typically double or triple. Some hotels close during August for renovation rather than charge extreme rates; others maximise revenue. New Year’s (Hogmanay) similarly inflates prices for 28 December – 2 January.

Check Cancellation Policies

Many Old Town hotels have moved to non-refundable rate-only options. Read terms carefully if your travel plans are flexible.

Edinburgh Old Town Hotels by Profile

For Romantic Couples

The Witchery (theatrical, expensive) or Hotel du Vin (sophisticated, relaxed). Both deliver atmospheric Old Town suites.

For Festival Visitors

Apex Grassmarket or Cold Town House (rooftop bar atmosphere matches Festival energy). Book 6+ months ahead.

For Families

Old Town Chambers (apartment format with kitchens). The Knight Residence is similar.

For Solo Travellers

Castle Rock Hostel (social, central, reasonable). Travelodge for budget privacy.

For Luxury Splurges

Old Town Chambers or Virgin Hotels Edinburgh — modern luxury. The Witchery for theatrical luxury.

Walking Distances from Old Town Hotels

From most Old Town hotels:
To Edinburgh Castle: 5-10 minutes uphill.
To Royal Mile attractions: Generally 0-5 minutes.
To Princes Street (New Town): 5-10 minutes.
To Holyroodhouse: 15 minutes downhill.
To Calton Hill: 15 minutes.
To Edinburgh Waverley Station: 5-10 minutes.
To Edinburgh Airport: 30-40 minutes by tram.

What to Look For in an Old Town Hotel

Lift access: Many heritage Old Town buildings have no lifts. If stairs are an issue, confirm before booking.

Castle view (or not): Some Royal Mile hotels offer castle-facing rooms — ask explicitly. Premium rooms often have these views.

Bathroom configuration: Heritage rooms sometimes have unusual bathroom layouts. Look at recent photos.

Soundproofing: Royal Mile noise (street performance, late-night bars) can be significant. Ask about street-facing vs courtyard-facing rooms.

Breakfast included or not: Many luxury hotels charge extra for breakfast. Check the rate inclusions.

Free parking: Almost no Old Town hotels offer free parking. Expect £20-£40 per night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hotels in Edinburgh Old Town?

For luxury: the Witchery by the Castle, Old Town Chambers, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Hotel du Vin, the Scotsman Hotel. For mid-range: Apex Grassmarket, Cold Town House, Ten Hill Place. For budget: Travelodge Royal Mile, Castle Rock Hostel.

How much do Old Town hotels cost?

Budget hostels: £25-£45 per night. Budget hotels (Travelodge): £60-£140. Mid-range: £140-£280. Upper mid-range: £200-£350. Luxury: £350-£800. Festival peak: add 50-100% to all of these.

Are Old Town hotels noisy?

Royal Mile-facing rooms can be noisy, especially during August Festival when the high street has 24-hour activity. Most hotels offer courtyard-facing alternative rooms; ask explicitly when booking.

Do Edinburgh Old Town hotels have parking?

Limited. Most charge £20-£40 per night for parking. Castle Terrace Car Park (10-minute walk) is often the cheapest option at around £25/day.

Can you walk from Old Town hotels to Edinburgh Castle?

Yes — almost universally within 5-10 minutes. The Royal Mile leads directly to the castle gates from any Royal Mile hotel.

Which Old Town hotels have castle views?

The Witchery (next to the gates), Cold Town House (rooftop bar), Apex Grassmarket (rooftop pool), some upper-floor rooms at the Radisson Collection and Old Town Chambers. Confirm castle-facing room category when booking.

Are Old Town hotels good for families?

Old Town Chambers and the Knight Residence (apartment-style with kitchens) are best. Standard hotel rooms in the Old Town are often too small for families of four. For more family advice see Edinburgh with kids.

What is the best location in the Old Town for hotels?

The Lawnmarket / Castlehill area at the top of the Royal Mile gives walking distance to the castle plus the closes and the New Town’s western end. The Grassmarket area gives a different (and arguably better) atmosphere with castle views from the south. The High Street between St Giles’ and the Tron Kirk gives the most central position for general Royal Mile exploration.

How early should I book Old Town hotels?

For August Festival: 6-9 months ahead. For Hogmanay: 6-12 months ahead. For other peak season (May-September weekends): 2-4 months ahead. Off-season (November-March): generally 1-4 weeks ahead is fine.

Are there boutique hotels in Edinburgh Old Town?

Yes. The Witchery, Hotel du Vin, Market Street Hotel, the Scotsman, and several others all qualify as boutique. The independent and small-luxury sector is well-represented in the Old Town.

Final Thoughts

Hotels Edinburgh Old Town deliver a uniquely atmospheric stay — historic buildings, walking distance to nearly every major attraction, and the Royal Mile’s medieval drama right outside your door. The trade-offs (smaller rooms, possible noise, no lifts in some heritage buildings) are real but rarely deal-breaking. Choose the Witchery for theatre, Hotel du Vin for refined comfort, Apex Grassmarket for mid-range value, or Castle Rock Hostel for budget. The location does the rest.

For more, see our companion guide on best area to stay in Edinburgh, our piece on New Town hotels, and our pillar guide on where to stay in Edinburgh.