The 15 Best Hotels near Edinburgh Castle

Planning a trip to Edinburgh and want to stay close to the castle? Look no further! 

This city is such a stunner, with its dramatic castle perched on a volcanic rock and medieval streets that are absolutely buzzing with energy. We’ve visited Edinburgh a handful of times, and honestly, it just never gets old. The views, the history, the people… and don’t even get us started on the pubs! But figuring out where to stay can be super tricky, especially if you want to be close to the city’s most iconic landmark: the magnificent Edinburgh Castle. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best hotels near Edinburgh Castle, featuring luxurious spots with jaw-dropping views and cozy, budget-friendly gems just a short walk away. 

Ready? Let’s go!

Where to Find the Best Hotels near Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh is a compact city, and the best way to explore it is definitely on foot. Honestly, don’t even bother booking a car. Parking can be expensive, and driving through those steep, winding streets can be a bit of a nightmare! 

If you want to stay in the center of it all near Edinburgh Castle, you’ll find most of the best hotels clustered in the surrounding neighborhoods of the Royal Mile, Old Town, Grassmarket, New Town, and the West End. Each area has its own unique character, but best of all, they offer easy access to the castle and other top sights in central Edinburgh. 

Hotels with a direct view of the castle are (unsurprisingly) a bit more expensive. But if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to wake up to that iconic skyline, they are absolutely worth the splurge. If you’re on a tighter budget, though, don’t worry! There are plenty of fantastic, wallet-friendly options just a short walk from the castle that put you right in the heart of the action.

To make things as easy as possible for you to find your perfect hotel, we’ve broken down our top picks into two main categories: 

• Hotels with the best views of Edinburgh Castle – If you want to wake up and go to sleep with that incredible view of the castle, this is your section! Our top mid-range pick for a room with a view is the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel.

• Best hotels within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle – If you’re happy with a short stroll to get your castle fix, this section is for you. For a fun, quirky, and affordable stay, we love the Grassmarket Hotel.

The Best Hotels near Edinburgh Castle

Hotels With the Best Views of Edinburgh Castle 

Pros 

• Unbeatable, iconic views of Edinburgh Castle
• Often luxurious with top-notch amenities
• Incredibly romantic and perfect for special occasions

Cons 

• Significantly more expensive
• You need to book a specific “castle view” room
• Can be in busy, tourist-heavy areas

There’s something pretty special about pulling back the curtains and seeing Edinburgh Castle right outside your window. It’s a view that will never, ever get old. And if you stay in this area, you’ll have the chance to see it at all times of day (it’s absolutely gorgeous lit up at night!). So if you’re looking to make your trip feel a little more memorable, this is 100% the way to do it.

These particular hotels are all about that postcard-perfect skyline, and they’re ideal for romantic trips, celebrations, or just treating yourself to something a bit extra. Most are set right in the heart of the city (think the Old Town, New Town, and West End), so you’re not just getting the view, you’re also within easy walking distance of Edinburgh’s top sights, restaurants, and cafés.

That said, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Rooms with castle views are usually in high demand, and not every room in these hotels will necessarily have a perfect view of the castle. When booking, it’s worth double-checking that you’ve selected a “castle view” room, just to make sure you’re actually getting the view you’re paying a premium price for.

The Caledonian Edinburgh – $$$ 

First up on the list is The Caledonian Edinburgh. This former Victorian railway hotel is an Edinburgh institution, and we were blown away by the sheer scale of this building! Located in the West End on Princes Street (just a 12-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle), it offers some of the most stunning, unobstructed views of the castle you can find. The interior of the hotel is (of course) beautiful, with an elegant blend of historic details and contemporary design.

There’s also an on-site spa with a swimming pool, sauna, and steam room, which was just what the doctor ordered after a full day of walking. The hotel is also home to two award-winning restaurants and a fantastic cocktail bar, which we loved! 

Rates typically start from around £186 to £207+ per night, depending on the season and room type. Definitely a splurge, but worth it for the views! 

The Balmoral Hotel – $$$ 

Another iconic Edinburgh landmark, The Balmoral Hotel, is a grand Victorian hotel with a famous clock tower, located where the Old Town meets the New (around a 12-minute walk to the castle). The views of the castle from the south-facing rooms are absolutely breathtaking, so if that’s what you’re after, this spot seriously delivers! 

The hotel also has a 4 AA Rosette restaurant, a beautiful afternoon tea lounge, and a whisky bar with over 500 Scottish whiskies (a must-visit for whisky fans, even if you’re staying somewhere else). The on-site spa, with its indoor pool and Turkish steam room, is also a real treat after a long day of sightseeing. Prices usually begin at around £300 per night and can go up to £1,100+ for the top suites.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – $$$

For more of a modern vibe, the Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is another option we love. Located in the heart of the Old Town (just a 4-minute walk to the castle), this stylish hotel has a fun, playful energy and some incredible views of the castle from its historic chambers. 

The hotel has multiple bars and restaurants, including the chic Commons Club and the lively Eve, so you don’t even have to leave the hotel for a great night out (which is perfect for those dark, rainy nights if you’re traveling in fall or winter). In terms of pricing, you can expect rates to start around £200 per night and climb to £350+ for the top suites.

Apex Grassmarket Hotel – $$$ 

Apex Grassmarket Hotel is a stylish and comfortable base just steps away from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. With beautiful rooms, castle views, and a lovely indoor swimming pool, we think that this place offers incredible value for money. The sleek marble bathrooms and warm, inviting rooms definitely feel like they should belong to a more expensive hotel.

In fact, this hotel is our top pick for places to stay in Edinburgh. It’s welcoming, comfortable, and within walking distance to the city’s must-see sights. What’s not to love? Double and twin rooms here cost between £200 and £350 per night.

100 Princes Street – $$$

This brand-new boutique hotel in New Town is one of the most luxurious and exclusive in the city. With just 29 individually designed rooms, 100 Princes Street feels more like a private club than a hotel. The interiors are absolutely stunning, with bespoke furnishings and curated art, and the unobstructed views of the castle from the front-facing rooms are simply jaw-dropping.

We were so impressed with the attention to detail at this place. The hotel has a private dining room with a collection of rare whiskies, and the on-site restaurant is reserved exclusively for residents. And, to top it all off, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the castle. It really is an ideal choice if you’re after something ultra-exclusive but still right in the middle of it all. 

Because this is a luxury stay, you can expect rates to typically start from around £450 to £1,000+ per night. 

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel – $$ 

The Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel is located in the vibrant Grassmarket area right at the foot of the castle (just a 5-minute walk to the top), and the views from the Castle View King Rooms are absolutely incredible. We loved waking up and seeing the castle right there, framed perfectly in the window.

The hotel is chic and modern, and the rooms are super comfy. While the hotel itself doesn’t have a pool or gym, you can actually use the leisure facilities at the nearby sister hotel, Apex Grassmarket, which was a massive plus for us! 

Prices usually begin at around £90 per night and can go up to £410+ for a castle view room in high season. Just make sure to book well in advance, as the best rooms do fill up!

Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh – $$ 

Located right on Princes Street, just a 9-minute walk to the castle, the Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection offers some of the best views in the city, with many rooms looking out over Princes Street Gardens to the castle beyond. We were so impressed with the recently refurbished rooms, which have a stylish, contemporary design with nods to Scottish heritage (think tweed fabrics and herringbone patterns).

The hotel also has a great on-site restaurant and bar, and the location is absolutely perfect for exploring both the Old and New Towns. Rates typically start from around £64 to £210+ per night, which is an absolute steal for this location in my opinion!

Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh Grassmarket – $$

Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh Grassmarket is a sleek, design-forward stay right at the foot of Edinburgh Castle. I mean, does it get any better than that?

If you stay here, you’ll be just a short walk from the Royal Mile, Camera Obscura, and the National Museum of Scotland. The interiors are glossy and sophisticated, but warm and welcoming at the same time. With bespoke furniture, super soft mattresses, and rainfall showers, I’m sure that your stay will be extremely comfortable! 

This aparthotel also has a gym, restaurant, and a self-service pantry. Wilde Aparthotels really nails that sweet spot between boutique hotel and practical apartment living! Studios here cost between £300 and £400 per night. Meanwhile, one-bed apartments start at £400 per night.

Best Hotels Within Walking Distance of Edinburgh Castle

Pros 

• More budget-friendly options available
• Often in quieter, more local neighborhoods
• Still incredibly convenient for sightseeing

Cons 

• No direct castle views from your room
• Can be a slightly longer walk to the castle
• May have fewer luxury amenities

If you’d rather save your money for experiences (and let’s be honest, some seriously delicious food!), a hotel within walking distance of the castle is a great move. You might not get that iconic castle view right from your window, but you’ll still be right smack dab in the middle of all the action, with easy access to the castle and all of Edinburgh’s other top sights just a short walk away. 

What we really love about this option is the chance to stay in areas that feel a bit more local. For example, neighborhoods like the lively Grassmarket or the elegant streets of New Town have so much character, with great cafés, independent shops, and plenty of places to grab a drink (and maybe make some friends). 

There’s also a huge range of places to choose from. You’ll find stylish boutique hotels and quirky, budget-friendly stays that still feel thoughtful and comfortable. Ideal if you plan to spend most of your day out exploring (like climbing up to the castle, wandering the Royal Mile, or discovering hidden corners of the city) and just want a cozy, easy-to-access base to come back to.

The Witchery – $$$ 

If you’re looking for a truly magical and unforgettable stay, The Witchery is the place for you. Located in a 16th-century building right at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, this hotel is pure gothic romance. We were absolutely enchanted by the opulent, theatrical suites, with their four-poster beds, roll-top baths, and antique furnishings. It honestly feels like you’ve stepped into another world.

The hotel also has a legendary restaurant that’s one of the most famous in the city, and the atmosphere is incredibly romantic. It’s a very special-occasion kind of place, perfect for a honeymoon or milestone getaway. In terms of pricing, you can expect rates to typically start from around £345 per night.

Fraser Suites Edinburgh – $$$

For a more modern and spacious stay, the Fraser Suites Edinburgh is a fantastic choice. Housed in a beautiful Victorian building just off the Royal Mile (and just a 4-minute walk to the castle), this hotel offers stylish and contemporary apartments with fully equipped kitchenettes. 

The hotel also has a 24/7 gym and a cozy lobby lounge for breakfast. It’s a great option for families or anyone who wants a bit more space and flexibility than a traditional hotel room. Plus, the location is absolutely perfect for exploring the Old Town. Prices usually begin at around £112 per night and can go up to £438+ for a suite in high season.

Grassmarket Hotel – $$

We absolutely love the Grassmarket Hotel for something a bit fun and quirky. Located in the heart of the vibrant Grassmarket square (just a 5-minute walk to the castle), this hotel has a playful, youthful vibe, with Dandy comic wallpaper and complementary Tunnock’s Tea Cakes in every room! 

The hotel is also connected to the lively Biddy Mulligan’s pub, where you can get a traditional Scottish breakfast. This spot really is a fantastic choice for younger travelers or anyone looking for a fun, budget-conscious stay, with rates typically starting from around £75 to £250+ per night.

30 Castle Street Aparthotel – $$

30 Castle Street Aparthotel offers beautifully designed apartments set inside a classic Georgian building, tucked away in the elegant New Town. We were actually really impressed by the interiors of this place, which were stylish, colorful, and a bit different from your typical hotel setup.

The location is also fantastic, just steps from the designer shops on George Street and a scenic 14-minute walk to the castle. Overall, it’s a great option if you’re after something a little more independent, with the comfort and style of a boutique stay. Expect prices to start around £143 per night and climb to £412+ for the larger apartments.

Motel One Edinburgh-Royal – $$

For a budget-friendly stay that doesn’t sacrifice style or location, Motel One Edinburgh-Royal is a fantastic choice. This hotel is located in the heart of the Old Town (just a 7-minute walk to the castle), and while not all rooms have a castle view, the ones that do are absolutely worth booking. 

The rooms are clean, modern, and comfortable, and the hotel has everything you’d want from a bar and lounge area in the city center. For pricing, you can expect rates to start around £100 per night and climb to £380+ in peak seasons. 

Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – $$

Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Hunter Square offers a comfortable and affordable stay in the heart of the city’s historic Old Town. It’s just steps from the iconic Royal Mile and a short walk to Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street, so we think that its central location makes it the perfect stay for first-time visitors!

The hotel features bright, modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, spacious work desks, and sleek private bathrooms. We also think that the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is a great value at just £13.50! Meanwhile, with Edinburgh Waverley Station just a 4-minute walk away, getting around is easy.

Prices here normally cost between £250 and £300 per night, although they’re more expensive during August, aka festival season.

Stay Central Hotel – $ 

Another stylish and incredibly affordable gem of a hotel is the Stay Central Hotel. The rooms are on the smaller side, but they’re comfortable and well set up with everything you need for a short city stay. And honestly, with a location like this, you probably won’t be spending much time in your room anyway!

What really makes this place stand out is the location. You’re right in the heart of Old Town, surrounded by some of Edinburgh’s best pubs, restaurants, and late-night spots. You’re also just a 10-minute walk to the castle, which is about as central as it gets! Rates typically start from around £50 to £150+ per night; an absolute steal for this location.

Related Read: Want to take things up a notch? Don’t miss our guide to the best castle hotels in Scotland for a truly unforgettable, storybook stay.

Top Activities to do in Edinburgh

Once you’ve figured out where to stay, it’s time to jump into everything that makes Edinburgh so unforgettable. Whether you’re heading underground for ghost stories, trekking through the Highlands, or snacking your way through the Old Town, this city brings the drama, flavor, and history in spades.

Here are some of the best things to do in Edinburgh—from eerie vaults to legendary lochs—to soak up the city’s character, culture, and just the right amount of creepiness along the way!

• Step into Edinburgh’s underground history – We didn’t expect to be walking through pitch-dark vaults beneath the Royal Mile, but that’s exactly what made this underground walking tour so cool. Our guide’s storytelling was equal parts creepy and fascinating. History really does hit differently underground!

• Indulge your sweet tooth – Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you. We toured a working micro-factory, learned how chocolate is made from bean to bar, and got hands-on with tastings (and even made our own!). This chocolate-making adventure is a fun, flavorful experience right in the heart of Edinburgh.

• Chase legends through the Highlands – From rolling glens to moody lochs, this day trip gave us all the Scotland feels. We visited Loch Ness, spotted Highland cows, and wrapped things up with a whisky tasting. A scenic, storytelling-filled adventure you’ll talk about for years.

• Skip the line and storm the castle – No waiting in line and no wandering aimlessly—this Edinburgh Castle tour got us straight to the good stuff. Our guide’s stories of battles, royalty, and the Stone of Destiny gave real context to this iconic landmark.

• Eat your way through Old Town – Haggis, whisky, and local cheeses never tasted so good. We spent three hours on this food tour strolling through Edinburgh’s historic center with a small group, sampling our way through Scotland’s flavors while learning a ton of fun local food trivia.

Thanks for reading!

Staying near Edinburgh Castle really adds something special to your trip. Whether you’re waking up to those iconic views or just a short walk away from it all, being based in the heart of the city makes exploring so much easier (and way more memorable). From historic streets to cozy pubs and incredible viewpoints, this part of Edinburgh has a way of pulling you right into its story.

Before you go, be sure to check out more of our Europe travel guides here! We’ve packed them with helpful tips, hotel recommendations, and easy itineraries to make planning your trip a whole lot smoother. Or here are a few more blogs you might find useful as you plan your next adventure. Cheers!

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