Looking for an intimate stay? Discover the best small boutique hotels in Edinburgh, picked for their unique charm and highly-rated service.
Looking for an intimate stay? Discover the best small boutique hotels in Edinburgh, picked for their unique charm and highly-rated service.
A former lighthouse ship turned boutique hotel, Fingal offers a truly unique stay. Docked in Leith, its nautical-themed interiors and luxurious suites create a one-of-a-kind experience on the water....
Set in a charming Georgian townhouse, No. 11 offers an intimate, elegant boutique experience. Its classic interiors and peaceful garden create a serene retreat just minutes from the Royal Mile....
In a grand Victorian mansion, B+B Edinburgh offers a boutique stay that feels like a cozy, elegant home. Its charming library and stunning views over Dean Village make it a tranquil escape with a personal touch....
A vibrant, trendy boutique hotel in the heart of George Street, Tigerlily combines bold, colorful decor with modern luxury. Its lively bar and stylish rooms make it a fashionable choice for a chic city break....
Tucked away in an old asylum, Hotel du Vin offers a quirky, character-filled boutique experience. Its stylish, wine-themed rooms and cozy bistro create a warm, inviting stay with a touch of whimsy....
Set in a Victorian townhouse, The Bonham offers boutique elegance with a touch of old-world charm. Its stylish, contemporary interiors and tranquil location make it a refined retreat just steps from the city’s main attractions....
Explore other boutique stays in Edinburgh if the options above don't catch your eye.
Nestled in a grand Georgian townhouse, 21212 offers a blend of luxury and Michelin-starred dining. Its opulent rooms and intimate setting create a boutique stay that’s both elegant and indulgent....
A boutique retreat in the Stockbridge district, The Raeburn blends Georgian elegance with modern comforts. Its charming, intimate atmosphere and cozy bar make it a perfect escape from the city’s bustle....
Blending contemporary design with Edinburgh’s historic charm, Market Street Hotel offers sleek, modern rooms with panoramic views of the city. Its rooftop champagne lounge adds a touch of urban sophistication....
A chic, contemporary boutique hotel in the West End, The Rutland offers stylish rooms with luxurious details. Its lively restaurant and vibrant atmosphere make it a trendy choice for those looking to experience modern Edinburgh....
A peaceful escape in the heart of the city, Nira Caledonia blends period charm with modern luxury. Its Georgian architecture and lush, romantic interiors offer an intimate, stylish retreat....
With its sleek, modern design and floor-to-ceiling windows, The Glasshouse offers a luxurious, light-filled stay. Its rooftop garden and dramatic views over Calton Hill make it one of the city’s most unique boutique hotels....
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland in the United Kingdom, known for its castle, historic old town, and cultural institutions. Public transport includes buses, trams, and rail services.
Recommendation
The Old Town is the medieval heart of Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage site centered on the steeply sloping Royal Mile that connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The architecture is ancient, towering, and atmospheric, defined by its narrow closes (alleyways) and hidden vaults. Boutique hotels here lean heavily into this historic, sometimes gothic aesthetic, often featuring exposed stone and heavy tartans. This is the best area for a short city break, as you step out of your hotel right into the middle of the city's most famous landmarks.
Just north of Princes Street lies the New Town, a masterpiece of 18th-century Georgian city planning. Characterized by wide, cobbled streets, grandiose squares (like Charlotte Square), and elegant townhouses, it starkly contrasts the cramped Old Town. Boutique accommodations here often occupy these massive townhouses, offering spacious rooms with high ceilings and sophisticated, neoclassical design. It is ideal for travelers who want premium shopping, excellent upscale dining, and a refined atmosphere without the steep hills.
Located to the northwest of the New Town, moving downhill towards the Water of Leith, Stockbridge is an affluent, village-like neighborhood. It features beautiful Georgian and Victorian houses, leafy streets, and an incredibly strong independent retail scene with artisan cheesemongers, vintage shops, and excellent cafes. Boutique accommodations are more likely to be upscale guesthouses or chic B&Bs rather than large hotels. It is the perfect choice for return visitors or travelers who prefer a refined, local, residential feel over being directly next to major tourist sites.
Historically Edinburgh's gritty port district, Leith (situated a couple of miles north of the city center) has undergone significant gentrification to become a culinary hotspot. Specifically, the area known as The Shore is lined with Michelin-starred restaurants and trendy waterfront bistros. Boutique hotels here are often housed in converted warehouses or nautical buildings. Stay here if you prioritize food above all else and don’t mind taking a tram or bus to reach the Castle and the Old Town.
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All Boutique Hotels in United Kingdom