In a nutshell
- Our personal selection of the 7 best boutique hotels in Edinburgh — all with great locations and well above-average guest ratings.
- Edinburgh has a fantastic mix of hotel styles. We cover everything from vintage-inspired stays to sleek modern lodging across several neighborhoods.
- Our three personal favorites are the Eden Locke, The Lane Hotel, and The Raeburn.
Eden Locke
The Eden Locke is centrally located in Edinburgh’s New Town, one of the best areas to stay in Edinburgh. Here, only the façade still hints at the building’s age.
Inside, you’ll find a totally laid-back, modern atmosphere — soft pastel tones, plants everywhere you look, and lounge sofas in the rooms.
And despite being right in the heart of the city, it’s incredibly quiet. So quiet that the Eden Locke markets itself with the slogan “Keycard in, City out.” We think that says it all.
We’re also big fans of the cozy workspace and the fact that dogs are welcome.
The Lane Hotel
In the quiet neighborhood of Morningside, south of the Old Town, two Victorian villas now make up the ultra-stylish adults-only boutique hotel The Lane Hotel.
Design hotel meets historic residence. Really cool!
At The Lane Hotel, comfort and well-being are the top priority. You can look forward to six generously sized rooms with modern 5-star amenities, a cozy bar, and a small outdoor terrace.
The hotel also has its own family-run restaurant: The Canny Man’s. It’s not in the same building — just around the corner — and the seafood is so good that locals love eating there too.
The Raeburn
The Raeburn sits in the peaceful residential neighborhood of Stockbridge. This is the place to stay if you prefer a quieter vibe, don’t mind a 20-minute walk to the Old Town, and want to be surrounded by Edinburgh’s lesser-known spots.
The building dates back to 1832, originally built as an elegant Georgian family home — and it’s now a seriously stylish boutique hotel with ten rooms designed so beautifully that you’ll wake up in a great mood every morning.
Our personal highlights? The freestanding bathtubs with outdoor views, the hotel’s own brasserie restaurant, and the wonderful terrace out front.
Gleneagles Townhouse
The 5-star Gleneagles Townhouse is a majestic property in Edinburgh’s New Town, north of the historic center and close to the city’s top attractions.
The rooms are impressively opulent yet understated at the same time — honestly, we’re not sure how they pulled that off, but we love it.
From the terrace, you get an unforgettable panorama over Edinburgh. Back inside, there’s a hotel bar styled after the Roaring Twenties and a restaurant serving the best of British and Scottish cuisine.
Gleneagles Townhouse isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s a luxurious all-around experience that genuinely delights.
The Witchery by the Castle
The Witchery by the Castle sits right at the foot of Edinburgh Castle. It’s a dark, fairy-tale setting — and something of a celebrity in its own right. Even The Times and The Telegraph have raved about this place.
Expect uniquely luxurious rooms with one-of-a-kind features like four-poster beds, velvet-lined walls, and freestanding silver bathtubs. Wow!
And on top of all that atmosphere, the rooms offer a stunning view over Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. It feels like stepping back in time — without giving up a single modern comfort.
Book The Witchery by the Castle
Also check out our Harry Potter tips for Edinburgh!
Eleven Stafford Street Townhouse
The Eleven Stafford Street Townhouse is a family-run 4-star boutique hotel in the West End neighborhood — an area west of the Old Town filled with Georgian townhouses, popular pubs, and small boutiques.
Every room is uniquely designed and inspired by a different corner of the world — think French palaces and tropical forests.
What we especially love is the modern twist woven through all the traditional and antique elements. Nothing here is cookie-cutter, and that’s exactly the point.
Book the Eleven Stafford Street Townhouse
Hapimag Resort Edinburgh
The Hapimag is a boutique hotel in Edinburgh’s West End, about a ten-minute walk from the historic center.
The focus here is very clearly on traditionally British, classic décor — carried through every corner of the property.
In the spacious rooms, you’ll find crown molding, grandfather clocks, antique beds, and floral patterns.
Kitschy? Not at all. The Hapimag brings the elegant Victorian way of life into the 21st century in an authentic yet comfortable way — because alongside the antiques, there’s also a whirlpool tub waiting for you.
