Midlothian is an historic county, its scenery in places dramatic, and others rural and very pretty, and borders with Edinburgh and East Lothian. So choosing one of the best places to stay in Midlothian means that Edinburgh’s charms are within half an hour, and East Lothian's beaches and golf courses similarly close by. Our pick of Midlothian's hotels are scattered throughout the region, some of them in pretty towns, like Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg and Penicuik, and some have been converted from country houses in more rural settings. We have discovered a handful of great properties including country B&Bs, pubs with rooms and a lovely castle conversion.

Midlothian’s position, next to the Scottish Borders, means the region’s history has been as dramatically contested as its landscape. The region is home to a number of significant battlefields, as well as some impressive forts and castles, but its most famous landmark may well be Rosslyn Chapel, which many more people became aware of after reading The Da Vinci Code.

The best places to stay in Midlothian provide a quieter, and often great value, alternative to staying in Edinburgh’s centre, especially for families, or anyone wanting to see more of Scotland than just its capital. They also makes a good base for any walkers exploring the Pentland Hills, the Lammermuir Hills, or Blackhope Scar.

The Best Places to Stay in Midlothian

For a Special Occasion

• Dalhousie Castle is a romantic, and historic, fortress-turned-hotel, complete with turrets, towers, crenelations and four-poster beds. There are 29 rooms and suites, plus an elegant restaurant, a library, a deluxe spa, and a gym. The location is ideal for golfers hoping to play the fine courses along Scotland’s East Lothian’s coast, and for visiting Rosslyn Chapel and Edinburgh.

Best Pub-with-Rooms

• The Sun Inn, Midlothian is a lovely pub-with-rooms — just five of them — in Dalkeith. But what most visitors come here for is the food — classic homely pub food done very, very well. The rooms have been individually decorated, with feature wallpaper in opulent colours, but relatively simple decor otherwise. The most romantic rooms have large copper baths in the room. Peaceful and family friendly, but with great access to Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel, the Garden at Eskbank, and the Pentland Hills.

For a Countryside Escape

• Glenarch House is a beautiful Georgian-era farmhouse surrounded by acres of woods and fields. It’s been converted into a very comfortable five bedroom B&B, with some the rooms in the stables and coach house. The decor is surprisingly contemporary, and very comfortable. A peaceful base for exploring the region, and also Edinburgh, with plenty of space for families, and self-catering facilities allowing guests to come and go as their exploring leads them.
• Crookston House is a small, but rather grandly designed, country house retreat, now a three guest room B&B. The exterior includes turrets, corner towers, and plenty of balustrades, while inside there’s a lovely entrance hall, a warm and welcoming lounge, a sitting room, conservatory, atmospheric dining room, and the bedrooms. The decor is classic country house style. The garden is lovely, and there are numerous walking trails around the property. It’s also on several cycling routes.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Edinburgh International Airport is very convenient for visiting Midlothian, as are Edinburgh’s rail stations, especially Waverly Station, which connects Edinburgh to London. and many other destinations within the UK.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Midlothian’s weather is most pleasant in spring and summer (some attractions and accommodation close over the coldest months). June is the start of the busy summer season in Scotland, and the weather is often very good at this time of year. In a country known for its unpredictable weather, Midlothian is actually considered one of the sunniest regions! But wise souls know to pack wet weather gear at all times, just in case.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include the best accommodation in neighbouring East Lothian
• Include all of the best places to stay in Edinburgh
• Refine your search further using the Gurus’ Edinburgh neighbourhood guide, or refine by the type of accommodation and consider just Edinburgh’s best B&Bs, the best family hotels in Edinburgh or Edinburgh’s best luxury hotels
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.