Edinburgh is a quaint capital city that should be on every traveler’s Scotland bucket list. At the heart of this beautiful city is the iconic Royal Mile. However, it’s actually 1.2 miles long (but who’s checking?). There are so many things to do on the Royal Mile no matter your interest. Staying near the Royal Mile can guarantee easy access to attractions and public transportation.
I’ve done the research for you to help make your trip planning a breeze! Here are 10+ hotels near the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland (within walking distance).
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Luxury Hotels on the Royal Mile
Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh
Description: For travelers who like to be treated like royalty, look no further. Not only is the location great, but the rooms are stunning and the dining is a work of art. It boasts the history and personality of Edinburgh.
Address: 11 Bristo Place, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.5 stars
Promising Review: “We have stayed here twice before. We booked for 2020, but could not attend due to lockdown. Thank you Hotel Du Vin for honouring our (prepaid) booking and allowing us to return. This hotel is right in the middle of the Fringe. Most venues are within a 10-minute walk – so the location is unbeatable. In the past, the location was the best thing about the hotel. This year everything is much, much better.
Witchery by the Castle
Description: The perfect example of luxury, this high-end hotel will have you living like royalty. Even if you can’t stay here, there is a restaurant that also shows off its stunning decor (be sure to make reservations well in advance). If you’ve ever wanted to live in a castle, this is pretty darn close!
Address: 352 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.5 stars
Promising Review: “We stayed just one night at the Witchery to attend the Royal Military Tattoo. Of course it is not your typically hotel “off the shelf”, but a very special place with rooms that looks like out of Buckingham Palace. Steep stairs led to our room, which had it’s windows directly towards the royal mile.”
The Balmoral
Description: The architecture of the Balmoral is worth a picture – and a thousand words. The beauty of the hotel is both inside and out. They also have a Scotch bar with over 500 unique varieties of Scottish whisky from around the country!
Address: 11 Bristo Place, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.5 stars
Promising Review: “Wonderful stay for our ruby wedding anniversary. Every member of staff we met from the moment we arrived to avail of the valet parking to the moment we left after 2 wonderful nights were without exception amazing. Maintenance, housekeeping, waiters, concierge, bar staff, and reception staff were to a person obviously well trained, knowledgeable, and friendly while professional. Standards were genuine 5 star.”
The Scotsman
Description: The Baroque building stands tall and proud in the heart of Edinburgh. Before it was a hotel, the building was used as a working publishing house. Each room is unique so select one that fits your travel style and enjoy your time in Edinburgh.
Address: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.0 stars
Promising Review: “I loved everything about this hotel. Walked straight out of Waverley Station and it’s there. It’s in the hilly old town and there is a lift to reception on the fourth floor. The hotel is about halfway along The Royal Mile, so very easy to walk to Edinburgh Castle and then Holyrood in the other direction. “
Mid-Range Hotels on the Royal Mile
BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh
Description: A laid-back vibe, this hotel offers free bikes to help get around the city. Enjoy the views from the terrace with a refreshing beer from the bar! While they only have 310 reviews on Booking.com, it ranks high with a 9.5!
Address: 5 New Street, Old Town, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.9 stars
Promising Review: “Everything! The room was spectacular. The location cannot be better. The staff were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, kind and a great joy. we left there feeling like we were leaving family behind.”
Important to Note: This hotel does not have AC.
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
Description: Nestled comfortably in the heart of the Royal Mile, the Hilton Edinburgh brings comfort to the capital city. The building dates back to 1900 and is part of the North Bridge which connects the Old and New town – making it ideal for exploring!
Address:19 North Bridge, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.0 stars
Promising Review: “Centrally located hotel. We are gold Hilton honors members and loved our executive king-size modern room. What I did notice was the soundproofing – it was quite amazing. We had a front-facing room on floor 3 and I didn’t hear a sound all night.”
The Inn on The Mile
Description: If you really want to be in the middle of everything, this is the hotel for you. It’s in the middle of the Royal Mile AND it has a pub with live music – what’s not to love?
Address: 82 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.5 stars
Promising Review: “We visited here for drinks over the Fringe festival. The drinks were lovely, and very reasonably priced. We traveled from Glasgow and realised on the train back from Edinburgh we left a caricature picture we had done on the table. We messaged them and not only did they have it but have said that they will post it back to us for no fee. Outstanding service”
Holiday Inn Express – Edinburgh – Royal Mile
Description: All of the comforts of Holiday Inn are located only a short 5-minute walk from the Royal Mile. This ING hotel has modern rooms and all the amenities we know and love from the chain (don’t forget to get your IHG One Rewards for future travel!)
Address: 300 Cowgate, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.0 stars
Promising Review: “The location is fenomenal! The staff is amazing and very welcoming! We were at the 4th floor, and it was very quiet!, perfect to rest 🙂 Room and bathroom very clean. Helpful staff. good breakfast, good room service. We will definitely visit this hotel again.”
Budget Hotels near the Royal Mile
Fraser Suites Edinburgh
Description: Enjoy views of Edinburgh’s skyline at this affordable hotel right near the Royal Mile. The building dates back to the 1800’s and features art from the Edinburgh College of Art. The hotel is under 500 feet from St. Giles Cathedral!
Address: 12-26 St. Giles Street, Old Town, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.3 stars
Promising Review: “Our room was spotless and met all our expectations. The facilities in the room were more than adequate. We had a problem with our shower tray not emptying and had to report it to Reception. The repair was completed within the hour and caused us no further problems. This service was excellent.”
Jurys Inn Hotel Edinburgh
Description: Located just off the Royal Mile, this hotel has over 8,000 reviews on Booking with a score of 7.8! Refurbished in 2021, this hotel features a modern design and comfortable beds!
Address: 43 Jeffrey Street, Old Town, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 3.8 stars
Promising Review: “The hotel is in an excellent location, close to all the tourism attractions. The room was cosy and big enough for 3 adults. Nice touches like free coffee and water from the bar as well as lovely biscuits in the room.
Premier Inn Edinburgh
Description: The Premier Inn is located near Edinburgh Waverley rail station and is almost in the middle of the Royal Mile. Enjoy a delicious breakfast, Hypnos beds, and modern room design within walking distance of all the tourist attractions!
Address: 33 E. Market Street, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.4 stars
Promising Review: “Great place to stay. Easy accessible from Waverley Station. Brew Dog is almost next door for a relaxing beer. Just below Royal Mile for Castle at one end and Parliament at the other with Festival Street entertainment along the way. Able to leave luggage in the secure room after check out and pick up on way back to station leaver in the evening.”
Rentals & Hostels near the Royal Mile
CoDE Pod – The CoURT – Edinburgh
Description: Located only 350 feet from The Real Mary King’s Close, this hostel is so convenient for budget travelers! The building was a former courthouse and jail – giving it a unique feel and rich history. With a 9.8 score from over 4,000 travelers on Booking.com, it’s a great budget option.
Address: 11 Bristo Place, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.5 stars
Promising Review: “We have stayed here twice before. We booked for 2020, but could not attend due to lockdown. Thank you Hotel Du Vin for honouring our (prepaid) booking and allowing us to return. This hotel is right in the middle of the Fringe. Most venues are within a 10-minute walk – so the location is unbeatable. In the past, the location was the best thing about the hotel.
This year everything is much, much better.
Retro Castle Retreat 2bed
Description: An apartment through ALTIDO (similar to AirBnB), it features a communal living area, full kitchen, and private bedrooms. It’s around the corner from the Scotch Whiksy Experience and the Edinburgh Castle making it’s location perfect!
Address: 16/9 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 3 stars
Promising Review: “It was clean, well furnished and easy to find. The post listed that there was no parking so we knew to find a 24 hour car park for the rental. The views from the apartment are exceptionally beautiful of bits of old town and high enough up that you can see quite a ways.”
Important to Note: The apartment is on the 5th floor. There is no elevator and the stairs are narrow.
Kick Ass Grassmarket
Description: An affordable hostel with a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and evening entertainment. This hostel is 18+ only and has great reviews for safety.
Address: 2 West Port, Old Town, Edinburgh
Review Rating: 4.3 stars
Promising Review: “Reserved the twin room for myself and a friend. The front desk staff was friendly and attentive. The room was clean and as expected. Good location in the old city. Would stay here again. Good value for the price.”
Save “Where to Stay Near the Royal Mile” for Later
Great list and will come useful to many I’m sure as Edinburgh is predicted to have a busy tourist season this year and the Royal mile in particular after it was featured in the queen’s procession in Scotland.
Great reviews for anyone needing to know first-hand experiences of these hotels on the Golden Mile in Edinburgh.
Any excuse to stay in Edinburgh and I’m there. What a beautiful city, and so many fantastic hotels in this easily walkable city. The Hotel Du Vin and the Balmoral both look really nice. I’d love to stay in either. Or both.
I can see myself staying in these accommodations, they are all quite appealing regardless of the range. Edinburgh is at the top of my list in terms of European cities to visit. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for compiling the best hotels near the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It’s been a while since I visited the city and I’m sure lots has been happening in the hospitality and hotel scene so this is a great up-to-date compilation. Will consult it and bookmark it for a future visit.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Edinburg is indeed on my travel list. This is a great resource in travel planning. I think I would like to stay at Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh- because who wanted to be treated like royalty.
Whole heartedly agree with that sentiment!
I’d have a difficult time choosing among these hotels, but I’ve always wanted to stay in a castle. Great list!
Wow, just look at all those beautiful hotels! They have so much character, both inside and out. I’d love to stay in either the Scotsman or Balmoral but Retro Castle Retreat looks amazing to stay in as well.
There are a few hotels listed here I’d be interested in staying in. Code Pod – The Court, as a former courthouse and jail, sounds really unique and cool. BrewDog DogHouse is beautiful and I love the idea of using the bikes. And I’d never be able to afford it, but the Balmoral would be a dream!