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5-star hotels in Edinburgh
This shortlist gathers the 5-star hotels in Edinburgh, from a floating ship in Leith to grand addresses on Princes Street. It is for travellers who want the city's top class of comfort and are choosing between the historic centre, the Georgian New Town and the port.
Staying in Edinburgh
The Old Town runs along the Royal Mile between the Castle and Holyrood Palace, and is ideal for sightseeing on foot. North of Princes Street, the New Town is a Georgian grid known for elegant architecture and shopping, and feels quieter while staying close to everything. Most of these 5-star hotels sit in that central band. The Balmoral Hotel, 100 Princes Street and The Caledonian Edinburgh Curio Collection by Hilton stand on Princes Street, with the Old Town hotels Old Town Chambers Autograph Collection on the Royal Mile and Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh at 1 George Iv Bridge even closer to the centre. Around St Andrew Square and Charlotte Square are The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh and Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG; Virgin Hotels Edinburgh occupies Victoria Street, and The Howard an Ascend Hotel Collection Member is on Great King Street. Others sit further out: The Bonham Hotel, The Roseate Edinburgh, 23 Mayfield, 94Dr and Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel in Leith. Couples, families and business travellers all find a fit, whether for a short break or a longer stay.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel
Alexandra Dock Historic Port Of Leith, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereSleep aboard a ship moored in Alexandra Dock, 3.5 km from the centre, with a spa, a restaurant and a terrace on the water. Free parking and free wifi suit guests arriving by car, and the 24 hour front desk handles late arrivals. A 4.9 guest rating from 565 reviews reflects how consistently it lands with couples and anyone wanting a Leith base that feels nothing like a standard city hotel.
See Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel23 Mayfield
23 Mayfield Gardens Newington Edinburgh Eh9 2Bx, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereA five-star townhouse on Mayfield Gardens in Newington, 2.4 km from the centre, with a garden, a bar and a spa. Breakfast, free wifi and free parking are all provided, which keeps a short break simple, and the quiet residential setting suits guests who would rather return somewhere calm after a day in town. Guests rate it 5.0 across 194 reviews.
See 23 MayfieldThe Balmoral Hotel
1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereDirectly on Princes Street, 0.3 km from the centre, this is the choice for anyone who wants Edinburgh's main thoroughfare and the castle views of the area on the doorstep. An indoor pool, sauna and steam room sit alongside a spa and fitness centre, so a day indoors is easy, and family rooms plus pets allowed widen who it works for. It holds a 4.7 guest rating from 3021 reviews.
See The Balmoral HotelOld Town Chambers Autograph Collection
Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Travelling with pets
- Fitness Center
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereSet right on the Royal Mile, 0.1 km from the centre, these apartments place the Old Town outside the door. Kitchens with a dishwasher, oven and washing machine make self-catering straightforward for longer stays and families, and there is a fitness centre and 24 hour front desk. The 4.7 guest rating comes from 613 reviews.
See Old Town Chambers Autograph Collection100 Princes Street
Princes Street 100, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Breakfast
- Breakfast in room
- Family rooms
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereA Princes Street address 0.6 km from the centre, with a restaurant and bar on site and a terrace and patio for sitting out. Rooms come with air conditioning, bathrobes and slippers, and extras like a business centre, special diets and family rooms cover both work trips and stays with children. It carries a 5.0 guest rating from 58 reviews.
See 100 Princes StreetKimpton Charlotte Square by IHG
38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereOn Charlotte Square, 0.9 km from the centre, with an indoor pool, fitness centre and massage on site, plus a bar and lounge. Pets are allowed and family rooms are available, and the garage and parking take the sting out of arriving by car. A 4.6 guest rating from 1700 reviews makes it a steady pick for guests who want New Town calm with the centre walkable.
See Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHGVirgin Hotels Edinburgh
1 India Buildings Victoria Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
- Lounge
Why stay hereIn India Buildings on Victoria Street, 0.2 km from the centre, this is for guests who want the Old Town's lanes and the Royal Mile within a short stroll. A fitness centre, restaurant and bar are on site, some rooms have balconies, and pets are welcome. Parking and valet parking are available. 744 reviews give it a 4.6 guest rating.
See Virgin Hotels EdinburghThe Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh
42 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Fitness Center
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereOn St Andrew Square, 0.4 km from the centre, with apartments that include a kitchen, dishwasher, oven and washing machine, plus a spa and fitness centre. Wheelchair accessible and pet friendly, it suits longer stays and families who want to cook some meals and be close to Princes Street and the station area. The 4.6 guest rating is drawn from 436 reviews.
See The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel EdinburghThe Caledonian Edinburgh Curio Collection by Hilton
Princes Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereOn Princes Street, 0.9 km from the centre, with an indoor pool, kids pool, jacuzzi and massage, plus a fitness centre and restaurant. Family rooms and pets allowed make it practical for mixed groups, and a business centre covers work needs. It holds a 4.5 guest rating from 2893 reviews, so it is a well-worn choice rather than an unknown one.
See The Caledonian Edinburgh Curio Collection by HiltonSheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereOn Festival Square, 1.0 km from the centre, this hotel leans on its spa and pools, with indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, massage and fitness centre. A restaurant and bar handle meals, parking and a garage are available, and breakfast is served. A 4.5 guest rating from 2360 reviews reflects steady demand from guests who want the facilities to do the work.
See Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa94Dr
94 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereA five-star house on Dalkeith Road, 2.1 km from the centre, with a garden, games room and computer room alongside a kitchen with dishwasher, oven and washing machine. Free wifi and free parking are included, and the self-catering setup suits families or longer visits away from the busiest streets. Only 66 reviews, but they average 4.8.
See 94DrThe Bonham Hotel
35 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereIn Drumsheugh Gardens, 1.5 km from the centre, with a garden and a restaurant and bar, and fireplaces in some rooms. The 24 hour front desk, room service and parking make arrivals and days out straightforward, and the leafy residential setting suits guests who prefer quiet evenings. A 4.5 guest rating from 868 reviews.
See The Bonham HotelThe Roseate Edinburgh
4 West Coates, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereOn West Coates, 2.3 km from the centre, with a garden, terrace and picnic area, plus a restaurant and bar. Family rooms, pets allowed and parking are all offered, which makes it workable for groups travelling together, and there is a golf course nearby for guests planning rounds. Its 4.5 guest rating comes from 477 reviews.
See The Roseate EdinburghThe Howard an Ascend Hotel Collection Member
Great King Street 34, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Why stay hereOn Great King Street, 0.9 km from the centre, a smaller five-star address with a garden, restaurant, lifts and room service. Laundry service and a safe are provided, and the scale suits guests who want a handful of facilities done properly rather than a large complex. 57 reviews give it a 4.7 guest rating.
See The Howard an Ascend Hotel Collection MemberRadisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh
1 George Iv Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Best for: Pool and spa · Business trips
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereOn George IV Bridge, 0.2 km from the centre, with the Royal Mile on the doorstep. Multilingual staff and a 24 hour front desk smooth the stay. It holds a 4.4 guest rating from 672 reviews.
See Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel | ★★★★★ | 4.9 | 565 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 3.5 km |
| 23 Mayfield | ★★★★★ | 5.0 | 194 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 2.4 km |
| The Balmoral Hotel | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 3,021 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.3 km |
| Old Town Chambers Autograph Collection | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 613 | – | – | – | Yes | 0.1 km |
| 100 Princes Street | ★★★★★ | 5.0 | 58 | – | Yes | – | – | 0.6 km |
| Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,700 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.9 km |
| Virgin Hotels Edinburgh | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 744 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 0.2 km |
| The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 436 | – | – | Yes | Yes | 0.4 km |
| The Caledonian Edinburgh Curio Collection by Hilton | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 2,893 | – | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.9 km |
| Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 2,360 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 1.0 km |
| 94Dr | ★★★★★ | 4.8 | 66 | Yes | – | – | – | 2.1 km |
| The Bonham Hotel | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 868 | Yes | Yes | – | – | 1.5 km |
| The Roseate Edinburgh | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 477 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 2.3 km |
| The Howard an Ascend Hotel Collection Member | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 57 | – | – | – | – | 0.9 km |
| Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh | ★★★★★ | 4.4 | 672 | – | – | Yes | – | 0.2 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For the centre
If sightseeing on foot matters most, these are the closest to the middle: Old Town Chambers Autograph Collection (0.1 km), Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh (0.2 km), Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (0.2 km), The Balmoral Hotel (0.3 km), The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh (0.4 km) and 100 Princes Street (0.6 km).
The Balmoral Hotel · Old Town Chambers Autograph Collection · 100 Princes Street · Virgin Hotels Edinburgh · Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh · The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh
For families
Family rooms appear at The Balmoral Hotel, The Caledonian Edinburgh Curio Collection by Hilton, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa and The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh. The Caledonian and the Sheraton both add pools, and the Sheraton has a kids pool, which suits younger children on a city break.
The Balmoral Hotel · The Caledonian Edinburgh Curio Collection by Hilton · Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa · The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh
For parking
Drivers have several options. Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel and 23 Mayfield offer free car parking, as does 94Dr, while The Balmoral Hotel, The Roseate Edinburgh, The Bonham Hotel and Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa list parking, and The Balmoral adds valet parking.
Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel · 23 Mayfield · The Balmoral Hotel · The Roseate Edinburgh · 94Dr · Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
For wellness
Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel, The Balmoral Hotel, Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh and The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh list a spa. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa goes further with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and massage, and The Balmoral adds an indoor pool, sauna and steam room.
Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel · The Balmoral Hotel · Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa · Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh · The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Edinburgh Airport is about 8 miles west of the city centre and is served by trams, buses and taxis, with the journey to the centre taking around 30 minutes by tram or bus. Edinburgh Waverley railway station is in the city centre, with direct trains to London, Glasgow, Aberdeen and other UK cities. By road, the M8 connects Edinburgh to Glasgow and the A1 runs south to England. Within the city, Lothian Buses and the tram provide extensive public transport, and many attractions are within walking distance, though the terrain is hilly.
When to go
July and August are the warmest months but also the busiest, thanks to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and other festivals. May, June and September offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Winter can be cold and dark, but the city hosts Hogmanay celebrations and Christmas markets. Rainfall is possible year-round, so packing waterproof clothing is advisable.
Questions, answered
Which of these 5-star hotels is closest to the centre?
Old Town Chambers Autograph Collection is 0.1 km from the centre on the Royal Mile, followed by Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh at 0.2 km, and The Balmoral Hotel at 0.3 km.
Do any of these hotels have a pool?
Yes. The Balmoral Hotel lists an indoor pool, and Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa has both an indoor and an outdoor pool plus a kids pool. The Caledonian Edinburgh Curio Collection by Hilton and Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG also list an indoor pool.
Which hotels allow pets?
Pets are allowed at The Balmoral Hotel, Old Town Chambers Autograph Collection, Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh, The Caledonian Edinburgh Curio Collection by Hilton and The Roseate Edinburgh.
Where can I park at these hotels?
Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel, 23 Mayfield and 94Dr offer free car parking. The Balmoral Hotel, The Roseate Edinburgh, The Bonham Hotel and Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa list parking, and The Balmoral and Virgin Hotels Edinburgh add valet parking.
Which hotels are best for families?
Family rooms are listed at The Balmoral Hotel, The Caledonian Edinburgh Curio Collection by Hilton, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa and The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh. The Sheraton's kids pool is a practical extra for younger children.
Which are the top-rated hotels on this list?
23 Mayfield and 100 Princes Street both score 5.0 out of 5, from 194 and 58 reviews. Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel follows at 4.9 from 565 reviews, then 94Dr at 4.8 and The Balmoral Hotel at 4.7.
Do these hotels serve breakfast?
Breakfast or breakfast in room is listed at Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel, 23 Mayfield, The Balmoral Hotel, 100 Princes Street, The Caledonian Edinburgh Curio Collection by Hilton, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, The Bonham Hotel, The Roseate Edinburgh and Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG.
Which hotels have a spa?
Fingal A Luxury Floating Hotel, 23 Mayfield, The Balmoral Hotel, Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile Edinburgh and The Edinburgh Grand a Luxury Collection Hotel Edinburgh list a spa. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa also offers massage, a sauna and an indoor pool.