There’s plenty to love about Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital dates back to medieval times, its famous 12th-century castle a constant reminder of the stunning history of the city. Here, the old-world charm of the cobblestone streets and historic buildings mixes majestically with the colourful cocktail bars, outstanding restaurants and superlative hotels of a thriving modern city.
Below, we look at four of the latter: those hotels deemed the very best in Edinburgh by The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors. Each of these spots holds at least One Michelin Key, the hotel equivalent of the Michelin Star; each is bursting with a unique interpretation of their sites’ long histories; and each has a distinctly Scottish design sensibility.
In other words, the hotels below are tailor-made for sipping a glass of Scotch on a dreary day.
100 Princes Street – One Michelin Key
Style: Modern ClassicAtmosphere: Intimate
Great for: Unlimited Budgets
A luxury hotel where you’re treated like royalty, 100 Princes Street boasts two staff members for every guest, and each new arrival triggers a mini-celebration at the former headquarters of what was once a private members’ club for Scottish explorers. Much newer in its life as a hotel, it keeps a robust travel theme: the art collection features works from around the world, mixed with plenty of globes and the occasional model ship. Outside of this, the décor is unabashedly Scottish. Tartan is everywhere, whether you look at wallpaper, headboards, chairs or bedspreads. Comprising just 30 rooms spanning five floors, the bedrooms are big, cosy and furnished with mini-bars and marble bathrooms. Hit the hip hotel bar, the Wallace, for a dram or two while experiencing a wonderful view of Edinburgh Castle.
Special Amenities: Distill your own gin or design your own kelt for a uniquely Scottish experience.
Find out more and book 100 Princes Street with The MICHELIN Guide →
Gleneagles Townhouse – One Michelin Key
Style: ModernAtmosphere: Chic
Great for: On-the-Go Creatives
Gleneagles Townhouse is something of a Wes Anderson take on a quintessential Scottish vibe. This 200-year-old building was once the home of the company that became the Bank of Scotland. Today, it’s a upmarket townhouse hotel and members’ club, not so different in feel from a Soho House, infused with Victorian style and pastel colouring. Overnight guests gain access to the members’ club, in addition to an all-day restaurant, The Spence, perfect for boozy lunches or long, leisurely dinners that inevitably end at the rooftop bar, Lamplighters, with its stunning view of the city.
Special Amenities: A wellness centre (in the former bank vault) with over 40 classes a and state-of-the-art gym.
Find out more and book Gleneagles Townhouse with The MICHELIN Guide →
Prestonfield – One Michelin Key
Style: Eccentric MaximalismAtmosphere: Historic
Great for: Countryside Escapes
Set outside the city and with a humble 23 bedrooms, Prestonfield dates back to an estate used by medieval monks, which by 1677 had ended up in the hands of the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. Set in his ambitious mansion, today the hotel feels like the lavish, eccentrically preserved countryside home of a wealthy auntie with great taste and a penchant for period furniture, rich fabrics and fancy antique artwork. Indulge in afternoon tea on the terrace or a wee dram in The Whisky Room, then explore the 20-acres of gardens and parkland with a walk around the grounds; you’re working up an appetite for the in-house restaurant, with its seasonal Scottish offerings from small artisan suppliers.
Special Amenities: Lounge in the Tapestry Room, a gorgeously-appointed drawing room built by the same craftsmen who built Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse in 1687.
Find out more and book Prestonfield with The MICHELIN Guide →
The Balmoral – Two Michelin Keys
Style: TimelessAtmosphere: Opulent
Great for: Losing Yourself Completely
The only hotel in Edinburgh to gain a Two-Key distinction from our Inspectors, The Balmoral is as beloved as it is iconic. Opulent to a tee, the 187-room hotel boasts a scenic view across the city from what feels much like a Gothic castle, but is more technically in the Scottish Baronial style. In any case, the carvings, turrets and ornate columns are what give the hotel its timeless grandeur, while multiple restaurants and bars make it a modern culinary hub for guests and locals alike.
Special Amenities: The Whisky Experience at the SCOTCH bar features tweed armchairs and kilted connoisseurs.
Find out more and book The Balmoral with The MICHELIN Guide →
Hero Image: The Archibald Room at the Scottish-themed 100 Princes Street Hotel in Edinburgh. One of Scotland's Best Hotels, it holds One Michelin Key (© 100 Princes Street)
