One of Britain’s most attractive cities, Edinburgh is a fabulous destination for both domestic and international visitors all year round. Its popularity explodes, however, for the Hogmanay celebrations – as the sun sets on another year – and during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, when comedy and theatre fans around the globe descend on the city throughout August. Whether you’re visiting for one of these occasions or simply to enjoy the historical, cultural and culinary delights Edinburgh has to offer, The MICHELIN Guide has got you covered with a selection of some of the finest hotels in the city.
Gleneagles Townhouse
Transplanting the trappings of a legendary Perthshire country house to the centre of Edinburgh may not seem like a natural fit, but the results at Gleneagles Townhouse speak for themselves. Located in St Andrew Square, just a stone’s throw from the bustle of Princes Street, the hotel boasts spectacular interior design that is both ultra-chic and ultra-Victorian. There is a suitable amount of luxury across the bedrooms, which even extends into the cosy top-floor 'Nook' rooms. Guests can also benefit from a spa and fitness centre built inside what was once a bank vault.
© Gleneagles Townhouse
House of Gods Royal Mile
Take one look at House of Gods and you’d think the word ‘maximalist’ was coined specifically for its louche interiors and hedonistic vibe. An abundance of red velvet furnishings and dimmed lighting make it an eminently seductive place, and one with devilishly good style too. The bedrooms themselves may be modest in size, but what they lack in space they make up for in glamour. The hotel's party atmosphere is unlike most other Edinburgh hotels, and is typified by its three different bars, making it the perfect place to both begin and end a night on the town.
© House of Gods Royal Mile
InterContinental Hotels Edinburgh The George
It might be the oldest hotel in Edinburgh, but The George is looking remarkably fresh these days thanks to becoming part of the InterContinental Hotels stable and undergoing a subsequent renovation. It is a suitably lavish place, located right in the heart of the city’s New Town and set across five townhouses and a modern extension. The décor pays tribute to the hotel’s architectural heritage, while subtly updating the atmosphere for the travellers of today. All the comforts you would expect from a top-flight luxury hotel are present and correct.
© InterContinental Hotels Edinburgh The George
Kimpton Charlotte Square
This outpost of the Kimpton boutique hotel brand is housed inside seven classic Georgian townhouses in the New Town and looks out onto the eponymous garden square. If that sounds a bit formal, fear not, as Kimpton are all about offering a warm, unpretentious welcome. Whilst impeccably stylish, the hotel is far from aloof, and the interiors have an eclectic retro feel with plenty of playful artwork on display. The bedrooms are seriously comfortable and the public spaces lively, with a dose of luxury coming from a spa, a well-equipped fitness centre and a Tesla chauffeur service.
© Kimpton Charlotte Square
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Nira Caledonia
Just outside the suburb of Stockbridge are a pair of well-preserved Georgian townhouses. They are home to Nira Caledonia, a boutique hotel that ticks all the right boxes, from historical character to luxurious comforts. The bedrooms are swanky and contemporary in style, studiously avoiding clichéd Scottish kitsch. They give a nod to the past but without bowing down to it and are elegant but never precious. Small luxuries like coffee machines are universal; large ones like hot tubs are present at the top end. Behind the hotel bar you’ll find 25 varieties of Scottish whisky, including one of their own.
© Nira Caledonia
The Balmoral
There are few hotels in Britain, let alone Edinburgh, more iconic than The Balmoral. How many others can claim to feature on half their city’s postcards? From that much-photographed clocktower by Waverley Station to every inch of its grand Edwardian fabric, this is a building that was born to be a luxury hotel. Today, it has embraced modernity while retaining the elegance that made it famous. There are 20 different suites available, with the ultra spacious Scone & Crombie suite sprawling over 140 square metres. Should you need further relaxation, just head to the spa downstairs.
© The Balmoral
Virgin Hotel Edinburgh
This Virgin Hotel delivers the bright colours, space-age furniture and irreverently fun atmosphere that have become synonymous with the brand. The twist is that here it’s all contained within a 19th-century building just off the Royal Mile. From wood panels and ceiling coffers to vaults and arches, the building’s history has been allowed to shine through alongside the more modern design. The rooms adopt a two-chamber concept – with a dressing area separated from the bedroom by sliding doors – and they’re as swanky as they are inventive, with a tasteful restraint in the décor.
© Virgin Hotel Edinburgh
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Hero Image: The Spence restaurant at Gleneagles Townhouse
