Where to stay in Edinburgh

I may be biased (my dad is from Edinburgh) but Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and should absolutely be on your travel list! The architecture is stunning, it has a beautiful castle and palace, it’s steeped in history and it has an amazing culture and food scene. If you’re planning a trip to Scotland’s capital, where should you stay in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh isn’t a huge city so as long as you stay fairly central, you’ll be well located to explore everything that the city has to offer. Now that Edinburgh has the tram, it’s even easier to get around. We’ve stayed in many locations in Edinburgh over the years, including the West End, Leith, The Royal Mile and the Old Town. Here are the hotels and apartments that I recommend for your stay in Edinburgh, to suit a range a budgets.

Disclosure note: I have paid for every stay at these properties. This post does contain affiliate links, which may earn me a small commission but at no cost to you.

Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh

I stayed at the Heeton Concept Aparthotel for one night when I was up in Edinburgh for a conference. It’s located on Queen Street, which is a short walk to the gorgeous neighbourhood of Stockbridge and the beautiful Dean Village. It’s also only about a 10 minute walk to Princes Street so is ideally located.

The hotel is very stylish and I loved the decor and design of the room. Bonus points that there were USB charge points right next to the bed – which was very comfortable, by the way. The bathroom had a huge shower with very hot water and excellent water pressure!

I arrived in the morning and was delighted to be able to check in early. As I was travelling for work, rather than pleasure, I had a bit of work to do so having a desk in the room was perfect.

As it’s an aparthotel there was a small kitchen in the room with a fridge, microwave and stove top. I didn’t need it as I was meeting a friend for dinner but it was stocked with everything you needed if you wanted to eat in. I did have coffee in the morning though, using the coffee pod machine.

My stay at Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh was great and I’d definitely stay again. The room was comfy, clean and quiet and the staff were lovely.

The Matisse Suite apartment

We have stayed at The Matisse Suite many times. Full disclose – for one of our stays it was complementary in return for a review on my blog. But we have paid for every other stay and we’re booked to stay again later this year.

The apartment is located just behind Edinburgh Castle, so is very central. It’s just a short walk to the bustling Grassmarket and a 5 minute walk from Timberyard, one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. It’s also just a short walk from the West End tram stop – perfect for the airport. On Saturdays there is a lovely Farmer’s Market right opposite the apartment.

The owners, James and LeeAnn, have made sure that the apartment is super stylish and luxurious by having it designed by one of Scotland’s leading interior designers.

There is also a lovely outside area with seating which is perfect for the warmer months. Also outside is where you’ll find the Puffin Room, which is the cutest little place to read a book or enjoy a drink.

If you’re looking for a luxury apartment in the heart of Edinburgh then The Matisse Suite is it! Super stylish, large, quiet and spotlessly clean – and in the perfect location.

Destiny Scotland

Destiny Scotland is a chain of Aparthotels in – you guessed it – Scotland! And they have several in Edinburgh. I’ve stayed in two of them, both times for work. The first one I stayed in was in Thistle Street, however that seems to now be closed.

The second one I stayed at was opposite Waverley Station. I didn’t take any photos but the apartment was lovely – clean, spacious and had a great view of Scott Monument. The only downside was that my room was at the top on the 5th floor but there were no lifts. I only had a small suitcase, and I don’t have mobility issues, so it wasn’t a problem for me. If it is for you, request a room on the first floor.

The great thing about Destiny Scotland is if you book direct and you stay again, or at another of their properties, you get a discount.

Johnstone Apartment by The National Trust Scotland

Looking to stay in an historic building in a pretty funky apartment and support a charity at the same time? Look no further than the Johnstone Apartment, which is owned by The National Trust Scotland.

Tucked away down a narrow alley off of the Royal Mile, you’ll find the Johnstone Apartment. The interiors have been inspired by former residents from the early 1630s! The building is historic and the apartment is accessed by a stone spiral staircase.

The apartment has Scottish-designed furnishings and some funky features, like the quote inscribed on the headboard of the bed, the wallpaper in the lounge and the shower that features historic figures on the glass. It’s very cool!

Note though that as it’s an historic building, be very careful with what you cook if you’re eating in. We managed to set off the fire alarm, which had to be turned off by the management. So don’t cook anything that could trigger a fire alarm!

Motel One Edinburgh

If you’re looking for a great location with a great price, check out Motel One. They have two locations in Edinburgh – one by the Royal Mile, which we stayed at, and one on Princes Street.

The communal areas in the hotel, like the bar and lounge, are lovely and really nicely designed. The room we stayed in was their most basic room and it was clean and nicely furnished but nothing amazing. If you’re looking more for function over design, then check out Motel One.

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