The 5 Best Hotels on The Royal Mile (or Almost)

EdinburghFlickr user Sander Fontijn

Edinburgh sure is a beauty. She’s also historic and lively, and small enough so that you can walk between many of her most famous sites, exploring the nooks and crannies as you do. If you can’t afford to be here long this time, the Royal Mile is definitely the places to stay in Edinburgh. Just below the castle, and in amongst the medieval and the granite grey, the Royal Mile is at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, and our Guru’s recommendations for the best hotels on the Royal Mile will put you as close to the action as you can be, whether you’re here for for the Festival, Hogmany, or just for a weekend’s explorations.

And Edinburgh is certainly a great choice for a short city break. It’s always been known for its hospitality - its pubs are the stuff of legend, known for luring many a great thinker away from their books and out to form their philosophies amongst the people. And these days the restaurants have an excellent reputation too, offering opportunities to enjoy meals late into the night around whatever cultural activity you’ve spent your evening over.

The Scotsman

One of Edinburgh’s charms is its layout, built in sympathy to the rocky outcrops and crags of its landscape, rather than flattening them, and the Royal Mile is a great example of this, leading upwards to Castle Rock at one end and the Salisbury Crags at the other. And from a few points you have a view of the most famous rocky peak, Arthur’s Seat. Starting with the Castle at one end, a thousand years old and in excellent condition, and with the modern Scottish Parliament building and the ancient Palace of Holyrood at the other (most famously the Palace is known for being the home of Mary Queen of Scots), the Royal Mile is also lined with St. Giles Cathedral, Mary King’s Close, Gladstone’s Land and plenty of ‘closes’ or alleyways to explore and pubs and restaurants to review your experiences in.

The 5 Best Hotels on the Royal Mile

The Best Hotels on the Royal Mile for a Special Occasion

For complete over the top decadence it'll have to be a night at the Witchery by the Castle - think gildedceilings, panelling and swathes of jewel-coloured velvet.

Witchery by the Castle

The Scotsman is good for being in the thick of things, and effortlessly blends old and new and has greatfacilities, including a top notch spa and 3AA Rosette standard brasserie.

The Best Hotels on the Royal Mile for Location, Location, Location

You can’t get closer to the action than The Inn on The Mile, a nine room hotel and inn on the Royal Mile and just five minutes stroll from the castle.

The Inn on The Mile

The Best Royal Mile Adjacent Hotels

The Balmoral is an old railway hotel transformed into a grande dame by the Rocco Forte group, and now boasting a Michelin starred restaurant, comprehensive spa and over 150 bedrooms. It's quietly confident, stylish, sophisticated and efficient. And the views are excellent.

The Balmoral

The Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh is close to the National Museum of Scotland, just past Cowgate, which is a great, central location. This version of the chain has a whisky snug as well as an extensive wine list in its bar and brasserie.

If you haven’t found your idea of the best hotels on the Royal Mile on our Guru’s list of the 5 Best Hotels on the Royal Mile you could:

The 5 Best Hotels on the Royal Mile

  • The Witchery by the Castle Edinburgh (Old Town) 9 rooms from €421

    Foodies  -  Serving Scottish beef, lamb, game, the Witchery's famous steak tartare, briny-fresh seafood platters and even some haggis.
    Romantic Break  -  The glamourous, plush yet cosy interiors with love seats, four poster beds, and plenty of candles are perfect for couples
    Sights nearby  -  In the heart of the Old Town on Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile
    Full of character  -  Theatrical red & gold, velveted rooms
    Air conditioningRestaurantViewsNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Frommers, Good Hotel Guide

    Superbly located at the gates of the Castle, on the Royal Mile, sits this intimate, Gothic hotel. The rooms are luxurious, romantic & eccentric – think candlelit, wood paneling and plenty of velvet. Enjoy delicious Scottish food in the equally atmospheric restaurant. See More

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  • The Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh (Old Town) 82 rooms from €225

    Great walks  -  Calton Hill, the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site or Arthur's Seat for even more impressive views.
    Sights nearby  -  Overlooking Edinburgh Castle.
    Views  -  Good city views.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    RestaurantDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Fodors, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide

    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. See More

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  • The Inn on the Mile Edinburgh (Old Town) 9 rooms from €168

    Sights nearby  -  Within five minutes walk of Edinburgh Castle and St Giles Cathedral.
    Great walks  -  Take a walk up the nearby picturesque Arthur's Seat.
    Landmark  -  Situated on Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.
    Air conditioningNo pets

    Those looking for a ringside seat for Edinburgh's famed Hogmanay celebrations, or who just like to be in the heart of things at any time, will like the Inn on the Mile. See More

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  • Hotel du Vin Edinburgh Edinburgh (Old Town) 47 rooms from €121

    Local exploring  -  Superb central location in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town meaning all its highlights are close by
    City Style  -  You can expect Egyptian cotton linens, sleigh beds, monsoon rain showers and much more
    Sights nearby  -  Situated just off the Royal Mile bang in between Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle
    Restaurant  -  Bistro du Vin serves tradition French Brasserie style dishes
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled access
    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet, Kiwi Collection

    Contemporary hotel close to the Royal Mile. Wine cellar, whisky snug, bar and brasserie. Large comfortable rooms. See More

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  • The Balmoral Edinburgh (Princes Street) 168 rooms from €240

    Sights nearby  -  Visit the nearby Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
    Great walks  -  Walk to the summit of Calton Hill and enjoy the panoramic views.
    Views  -  Wonderful city views towards Arthurs Seat.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor Pool
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi Collection

    Quietly confident, stylish, sophisticated and efficient.THE place to stay in Edinburgh. Part of Rocco Forte Collection and boasting a Michelin starred restaurant, comprehensive spa and over 150 bedrooms. The old railway hotel transformed into a grande dame. True indulgence. See More

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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

posted Thursday, 11th April 2019