As the U.K.’s second most popular tourist destination and Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh’s rich history is a serious selling point for tourists who want to stay among castles and converted country homes. Experience your own enlightenment and feel like royalty at one of the city’s historic and luxurious Edinburgh hotels.
Prestonfield House
Once home to the Lord Provost’s of Edinburgh (Mayor), Prestonfield House’s tranquil, the country home setting allows the castle-like Baroque/Georgian mansion to shine. It’s located just minutes from Edinburgh’s city center. The 5-star hotel boasts 23 luxurious rooms and suites featuring jewel tones, velvet, and many original features this is a most stylish of the Edinburgh hotels. Enjoy views of the ruined Craigmillar Castle from the decadent Owner’s Suite. Or catch site of Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano, as you wander among the resident Highland Cows and peacocks and walk in the footsteps of famous guests like Princess Grace of Monaco, the Dalai Lama, Elton John, and Sean Connery.
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The Scotsman
The Scotsman was built in 1905 at the historic North Bridge and occupies the former baronial offices of the Scotsman Newspaper. The hotel’s location in the heart of Edinburgh’s city-center is only one selling point of the luxury hotel. It’s top claim to fame is the exclusive views over Edinburgh Castle, The Firth of Forth, Leith, Princes Street, and Calton Hill. Rich oak paneling and Italian marble blend seamlessly with contemporary design to create a lavishly furnished, yet still modern hotel.
The Balmoral Hotel
Fans of The Crown will recognize the Balmoral name, meaning “majestic dwelling,” and relish the chance to stay in the Edinburgh landmark. The Balmoral Hotel opened in 1902 as a station hotel, and the enormous clock and façade are staples of the Edinburgh skyline. Suites are named for Scottish rivers and castles – with the exception being one named for J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, as she finished the seventh (and final) book at the hotel. Known for its timeless elegance, lavish interiors, Michelin-starred dining, castle views, and attention to minutiae, the Balmoral Hotel is the epitome of luxury in Edinburgh.
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The Caledonian one of the classic Edinburgh hotels
Another former railway hotel, 2014 brought The Caledonian an extensive and expensive facelift to the property as it was brought into the Waldorf Astoria brand. Stained glass windows and the original station clock (which survived a fire in 1890), maintain the history of the hotel, while suites range in décor from modern to classic. The hotel boasts outstanding views of Edinburgh Castle and the old town of the city. Choose any of the 241 rooms, book a trip to the UK’s first Guerlain Spa, and dine knowing you are under the care of the Michelin-starred Galvin brothers.
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The Witchery by the Castle
The Witchery certainly lives up to its name, casting a hypnotic spell over those who stay. Unique, opulent décor lavish the nine suites in this famous hotel and eatery. Named “One of the seven wonders of the hotel world” by Cosmopolitan, The Witchery features classic oak paneling, enormous roll-top baths over marble floors, and incomparable views. Andrew Lloyd Webber described the restaurant as “the prettiest restaurant ever,” and other famous feet that have trod the grounds include Pierce Brosnan, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and of course the ghost of an accused witch burned in the 15th and 16th centuries on Castlehill. You’ll feel simply wicked for enjoying the sort of luxury provided by the Edinburgh hotels.
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