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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Edinburgh (Old Town)
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.
Edinburgh (Old Town)
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.
Edinburgh (Princes Street)
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.
Edinburgh (Old Town)
Contemporary hotel close to the Royal Mile. Wine cellar, whisky snug, bar and brasserie. Large comfortable rooms.
Edinburgh (Old Town)
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.
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