The Scotsman Hotel

from $247
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“This landmark Edinburgh building, the former Edwardian offices of The Scotsman newspaper and well-placed between the Old and New Towns, carefully mixes original features with a low-key modern luxury. The private cinema is an indulgent treat.”

Hotel review

It’s hard to miss this building, standing impressively on North Bridge with views towards Princes Street and perfectly poised between the Old and New Towns. Built as the grand offices of The Scotsman newspaper it still maintains many of its Edwardian features with baronial turrets and decorative windows on the outside, and oak panelling, and marble pillars and staircase inside. The double-height Grand Café, with its mezzanine level, is a particularly fine space while its all-day menu serves brasserie classics with a strong Scottish streak.

Bedrooms, pleasingly, come in a wide variety of shapes and layouts but all share the same understated modern style of soft creams and greys, pale-oak panelling and furniture, and big white and grey marble-effect bathrooms. Be sure to ask for one with a city view.

Disappointingly there isn’t a guest lounge, other than a narrow bar, in which to relax after a day’s sight-seeing; on the plus side there’s a helpful concierge service and a luxurious private cinema which shows a mix of mainstream and cult classics.

Helen Pickles
Helen Pickles Review published: 26/02/2024

Recommended for

  • Great walks

    • Calton Hill, the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site or Arthur's Seat for even more impressive views.

  • Museums

    • The National Museum of Scotland and National Gallery of Scotland, both free, are within 10 minutes

  • Designer Shopping

    • Just a few minutes walk from Princes Street, with the city's best designer shopping and brands.

  • Other Activities

    • Rejuvenate after a long days exploring in the hotel spa, sauna and pool!

  • Close to nightlife

    • Within walking distance of a range of Edinburgh's hottest night spots!

  • Romantic Break

    • Enchanting suites with phenomenal views of this romantic city.

  • Child friendly

    • All children welcome. Babysitting services available.

  • Sights nearby

    • Overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

  • Views

    • Good city views.

  • Family Suites

  • Gourmet

  • Cinema

  • Romantic

  • Full of character

  • Grand Hotel

  • Restaurant

  • Artworks

  • Landmark

  • Historic

  • Gym

  • Antiques

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Business Hotel

  • Conference facilities

  • Disabled access

  • Traditional

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

Facilities

  • Rooms

    82 rooms in this hotel

  • Child friendly

    All children welcome. Babysitting services available.

  • Parking

    Discounted parking is avialble at a site nearby.

  • Views

    Good city views.

  • Bath robes

  • Meeting Room

  • Family Suites

  • Safe

  • Bar

  • Car not required

  • Fireplace

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Cinema

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon

  • Massage

  • Room service

  • Restaurant

  • Gym

  • Sitting Room

  • Conference facilities

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Disabled access

  • Suites

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Four poster beds

  • Wifi

  • Business Centre

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Calton Hill, the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site or Arthur's Seat for even more impressive views.

  • Museums

    • The National Museum of Scotland and National Gallery of Scotland, both free, are within 10 minutes

  • Designer Shopping

    • Just a few minutes walk from Princes Street, with the city's best designer shopping and brands.

  • Other Activities

    • Rejuvenate after a long days exploring in the hotel spa, sauna and pool!

  • Close to nightlife

    • Within walking distance of a range of Edinburgh's hottest night spots!

  • Sights nearby

    • Overlooking Edinburgh Castle.

  • Theatre

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? People love staying at the hotel as it offers the same 5* luxury experience you’d enjoy at the much larger city centre hotels, but as an independent and smaller property, we offer a more personable and bespoke stay in Edinburgh for all our guests. Add to that the fact we’re slap bang in the middle of Edinburgh’s city centre, and minutes from all the major attractions, and we’re a fantastic venue for anyone looking to enjoy a visit to Scotland.

What is there to do in the area? Within a couple of minutes walk from the hotel is Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile, Princes St, The Scott Monument, Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, Our Dynamic Earth, Camera Obscura, the Scottish Whisky Experience, and many many more – all can be reached with a very short walk from the hotel’s front door.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We offer a full-Scottish breakfast – all produce is sourced from local, free-range suppliers

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? The hotel hosts the Grand Cafe restaurant – which offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and drinks also.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? All of our rooms are totally different, as they were converted from the offices of the Scotsman Newspaper – we have a range which have turrets overlooking the city centre (some with roll-top baths) and we’ve 5 which still have the original oak panelling from the old offices. These are always specially requested!

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Just that we look forward to welcoming them, and that we hope we can offer a stay as unique and luxurious as Edinburgh itself.

Other reviews

The Scotsman Hotel

"This five star hotel is a bastion of solid confidence and quiet style in a commanding position offering great views over the city."

Originally published by The Telegraph

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