Where to Stay in Edinburgh (Areas We Loved + Hotels We’d Actually Book Again)
Figuring out where to stay in Edinburgh felt a bit overwhelming at first.
The city isn’t huge—but the vibe changes a lot depending on the area. One street can feel like a medieval film set, and ten minutes later you’re somewhere calm and residential with local cafés.
After spending time here (and walking… a lot), these are the areas that stood out to us—not just for convenience, but for how they felt to stay in. And of course, we’re sharing places we’d personally book again.
Old Town (For the Full Edinburgh Experience)
If it’s your first time, this is where you probably imagine staying—and honestly, it lives up to it.
Cobbled streets, historic buildings, everything within walking distance… it feels like you’re right in the middle of the story. The only thing to keep in mind is that it can get busy, especially around the Royal Mile.
Where we’d stay:
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
It’s right in the heart of Old Town, which makes exploring ridiculously easy. After a full day of walking, being able to step out and already be in the middle of everything was a big win for us.
New Town (Cleaner, Calmer, Still Central)
New Town feels completely different—more polished, less chaotic, and a bit more relaxed.
You’ve got wide streets, great shopping, and still easy access to Old Town (it’s just a short walk). It’s a good balance if you want to be central without being surrounded by crowds all the time.
Where we’d stay:
The Balmoral
This one’s a bit of a splurge—but if you’re celebrating something or just want a memorable stay, it’s worth it. The location is perfect, and it has that classic Edinburgh elegance without feeling outdated.
Stockbridge (Our Personal Favourite)
If we came back, we’d probably stay here.
Stockbridge has a more local feel—independent cafés, small shops, and a slower pace. It’s close enough to walk into the city centre, but far enough that you can escape the crowds when you want to.
It just felt… easy to be here.
Where we’d stay:
This place matched the vibe of the area perfectly—stylish but not over the top, and really comfortable. It felt more like staying somewhere personal than just another hotel.
Leith (For Food and a Different Vibe)
Leith surprised us.
It’s a bit outside the main centre, but it has its own personality—more modern, slightly edgy, and really good when it comes to food. If you’re the kind of traveller who plans your days around meals, this area makes a lot of sense.
Where we’d stay:
Malmaison Edinburgh
Right by the waterfront, with a relaxed but stylish feel. It’s perfect if you want something a bit different from the typical city-centre stay.
West End (Quiet but Super Convenient)
This area doesn’t always get as much attention, but we really liked it.
It’s quieter than Old Town, still central, and well connected. You can walk into the main attractions easily, but you’re not dealing with constant crowds outside your door.
Where we’d stay:
The Bonham Hotel
This felt like a hidden gem—boutique, elegant, and peaceful. A great option if you want something a bit more low-key but still special.
What We Learned About Staying in Edinburgh
A few things we’d keep in mind next time:
- Location matters more than you think – hills and cobblestones make walking feel longer
- Old Town = atmosphere, but also crowds
- Stockbridge = balance (we kept coming back here)
- You don’t need to be right in the centre to enjoy the city
Final Thought
Where you stay in Edinburgh really shapes your experience.
You can wake up in the middle of history, or somewhere quiet with a local feel—and both are great, just different.
For us, the best moments weren’t just about the hotel itself, but how the area made the city feel.
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