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Edinburgh is an incredibly vibrant city with a perfect blend of old and new, with its medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town.
The stunning architecture, charming cobbled streets, and rich cultural heritage make Edinburgh a unique and fascinating place to visit.
You won’t want to miss the chance to explore the city’s museums, galleries, and landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
To fully experience the city’s charm, I recommend staying in one of the cool boutique hotels in Edinburgh.
Cool Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a variety of unique neighbourhoods to explore, and choosing the best area to stay in can be confusing.
For a cool and eclectic vibe, head to the area of Stockbridge, known for its independent stores, cosy cafes, and green spaces such as the Water of Leith.
If you’re looking for more of a nightlife scene, the neighbourhood of Leith is a great option with its trendy bars and restaurants.
Alternatively, the historic neighbourhood is home to many of Edinburgh’s top attractions, including the famous Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, and offers a true taste of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Many visitors will find this to be the best place to stay.
Top Pick
Market Street HotelAddress: 6 Market Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, UK
For a chic and contemporary stay in the centre of Edinburgh, the Market Street is a fantastic option. You’ll be blown away by the hotel’s stunning panoramic views of the city, which can be enjoyed from the rooftop champagne bar. The hotel’s rooms are spacious and comfortable, with modern amenities and a stylish design that’s sure to impress.
Features:
- Unique decor and design.
- Stylish rooms with loads of natural light.
- Award-winning Scottish Hotel Awards.
- The rooftop Champagne lounge Nor’ Loft.
- Great location near The Real Mary King’s Close.
Sustainability:
- Most food is organic and locally sourced.
- Most lighting throughout the property uses energy-efficient LED bulbs.
- Local artists are offered a platform to display their talents.
- The property makes efforts to reduce its food wastage.
- Offsets a portion of their carbon footprint.
Pros: With its incredible Art Deco design, luxurious amenities, and prime location, this is the best choice for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Edinburgh.
Cons: While this hotel is a top choice for luxurious accommodations, some guests may find certain areas of the hotel to be slightly smaller than expected.
Check AvailabilityWhile I believe that my top pick for the best place to stay in Edinburgh is unbeatable, I’ve recommended a few other boutique hotels that might also pique your interest.
Each of these hotels offers unique features and amenities, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your travel style and preferences.
Whether you choose to stay at my top pick or opt for one of the other recommended hotels, you’re sure to have an unforgettable stay in this beautiful city.
Sustainable Boutique Hotel
For conscious travellers who prioritise sustainability, staying at an eco-friendly hotel is a great way to reduce their environmental impact while travelling.
These hotels offer eco-friendly amenities and take steps to minimise their carbon footprint.
My next recommendation is a sustainable and eco-friendly hotel in Edinburgh that is committed to reducing its environmental impact through various practices such as using renewable energy, offering locally sourced and organic food, and minimizing waste.
By staying at this hotel, you can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable stay while also supporting sustainable travel practices.
BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh
Address: 5 New Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland
The BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh is a standout eco-friendly hotel in Edinburgh that is perfect for conscious travellers. The hotel offers a variety of eco-friendly features that promote sustainability, including 100% renewable energy, locally sourced ingredients, and organic toiletries. The hotel’s upcycled design is also unique and adds to the overall environmentally friendly experience, making it a top choice for conscious travellers visiting Edinburgh.
Next Best
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
Address: 42 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, UK
I also highly recommend the Cheval The Edinburgh Grand for a luxurious and stylish stay in Edinburgh. The hotel’s standout feature is its stunning Art Deco design, which beautifully blends modern luxury with historic charm. You’ll love the spacious and well-appointed rooms and the hotel’s excellent amenities, such as its rooftop champagne lounge and on-site restaurant.
Cool and Quirky Hotel
A cool and unique boutique hotel can be the perfect choice for travellers who are looking for a memorable and personalised stay in Edinburgh, Scotland.
These hotels offer eclectic accommodations and personalised service catering to your preferences.
My next recommendation is a cool and unique boutique hotel that perfectly embodies the city’s unique character, providing guests with a truly one-of-a-kind experience that they’re sure to remember for years to come.
Eden Locke
Address: Eden Locke, 127 George St, Edinburgh, UK
The Eden Locke in Edinburgh is a cool and unique boutique hotel that offers a range of standout features. You’ll love the hotel’s stylish and artistic design and its excellent on-site amenities, such as a chic coffee bar, complimentary yoga classes, and a 24-hour fitness centre. The hotel’s spacious and well-appointed rooms are decorated with contemporary furnishings and unique artwork, providing guests with a truly one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of the city.
Luxury Boutique Hotel
The Rutland Hotel & Apartments
Address: 1-3 Rutland Steet, Edinburgh, UK
The Rutland Hotel & Apartments is a truly luxurious boutique hotel that is sure to exceed your expectations. You’ll enjoy a range of deluxe features such as a Michelin-starred restaurant, a cozy bar serving up a vast selection of whiskies, and elegantly designed rooms complete with premium bedding, spa baths, and Bose sound systems. The hotel’s location in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End provides convenient access to the city’s top attractions, ensuring your stay is comfortable and indulgent.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a beautiful and diverse city, and there are several areas that offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors. Here are some of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Edinburgh:
- Old Town: This historic neighbourhood is home to many of Edinburgh’s top attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. The area is also known for its charming cobbled streets, quaint cafes, and independent shops, making it a great place to explore during the day. The area comes alive at night with live music and a bustling nightlife scene.
- New Town: The New Town is a beautiful and elegant neighbourhood that starkly contrasts the Old Town. You’ll find wide, tree-lined streets, grand Georgian architecture, high-end shops and restaurants here. The area is also home to several museums and galleries, making it a great place to stay for culture lovers.
- Stockbridge: For a more laid-back and bohemian vibe, Stockbridge is a great choice. This neighbourhood is known for its independent shops, cozy cafes, and green spaces like the Water of Leith. It’s a great place to relax and explore during the day and offers a lively nightlife scene.
- Leith: This up-and-coming neighbourhood is home to some of Edinburgh’s coolest bars and restaurants, making it a great place to stay for nightlife lovers. The area is also home to several galleries and creative spaces, adding to its trendy and artistic vibe.
When deciding where to stay in Edinburgh, consider the neighbourhood’s unique features and choose the one that best suits your travel style and preferences.
My guide to Scotland’s best places to visit is an essential resource for any traveler looking to explore the country’s breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture, providing you with expert insights and recommendations that are sure to enhance your travel experience.
When planning your trip to Edinburgh, the tourism office’s website is invaluable, providing you with everything you need to know about the city’s top attractions, events and hotels.
Responsible Travel Tips
Many of us are increasingly concerned about climate change and sustainability. Here are a few ideas on how we can travel more responsibly in Edinburgh.
Here are some tips for travelling more responsibly in Edinburgh:
- Support local businesses: When dining out, choose restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients, such as The Kitchin or Fhior, to support the local community and reduce carbon emissions from transportation.
- Use sustainable transport: Walk, bike or use public transportation to explore the city, rather than renting a car or taking taxis. Edinburgh has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains, making it easy to get around sustainably.
- Minimise food waste: Choose restaurants that use sustainable practices, such as The Refillery or The Herringbone, which work to reduce food waste by composting, using food waste for animal feed or donating excess food to those in need.
- Choose renewable energy: Stay in accommodations that use renewable energy, such as the BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh, which uses 100% renewable energy to power the hotel, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable travel practices.
- Adopt a sustainable diet: When dining out, consider adopting a more sustainable diet by choosing plant-based options, such as Hendersons Vegan or The Baked Potato Shop, or choosing restaurants that offer sustainably sourced seafood, such as Ondine.
- Avoid flying: Consider using alternative modes of transportation, such as trains or ferries, to get to Edinburgh rather than flying. Edinburgh has a well-connected train network with direct routes to London, Glasgow, and other major cities.
By adopting these responsible travel practices, you can reduce your environmental impact and support the local community while enjoying all Edinburgh offers.
FAQ
The best areas to stay in Edinburgh are Old Town, New Town, Stockbridge, and Leith. Each neighbourhood offers unique features and amenities, so choosing the one that best suits your travel style and preferences is essential.
There are many things to see and do in Edinburgh, including visiting iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, exploring the city’s museums and galleries, taking a scenic walk along the Water of Leith, and enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife.
The best time of year to visit Edinburgh is during the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is mild, and the city is bustling with events and festivals such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. However, the city is beautiful year-round, offering unique charm and beauty each season.
As you prepare for your trip to Edinburgh, remember that responsible travel practices can help you minimize your impact on the environment and support the local community.
By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, sustainable dining options, and using public transportation, you can make a positive impact while enjoying all this beautiful city offers.
So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore one of the world’s most beautiful and unique destinations!
If you have questions or want to leave a hotel review, please do so in the comments.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels in Edinburgh, UK. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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