Edinburgh

Boutique hotels in Edinburgh for a stylish weekend city break

Staying at a boutique hotel is a wonderful way to experience the Scottish capital on a more intimate level

Edinburgh’s blend of old-world romance and contemporary cool makes it one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. In the Scottish capital, arts festivals light up the streets, lush parks freshen up the city, and two extinct volcanoes tower over everything. Medieval buildings line the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the New Town is a vibrant grid of shops and restaurants, and the countryside is never far away. But no matter which part of Edinburgh you explore, you’ll probably find yourself falling for the city’s mischievous charm.

From five-star luxury to gothic romance, Edinburgh’s small hotels offer a huge variety of distinctive experiences. So to help you plan an unforgettable trip, we’ve picked a selection of Edinburgh’s best boutique hotels for a perfect weekend city break. 

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Find refined elegance at a pair of historic boutique hotels

The Dustane Houses and Hampton House exude romance and after spending a weekend there, you might find it hard to leave. Each bedroom is a unique blend of traditional elegance and contemporary chic.

In Dunstane House, splash out on the Dunstane Suite for a truly special weekend. Snuggle up in your luxurious Vispring bed, handcrafted by the renowned British bed company. Or spend the evening lounging on your Chesterfield sofa, nibbling homemade biscuits. If your budget doesn’t stretch to a suite, the Luxury Wee Double room is perfect for a cosy, romantic stay.

In Hampton House, book a luxury King Double for a supremely comfy stay. Spacious and serene, the rooms are styled with chic rugs, Scottish woollen throws, and local artwork. But it’s the addition of a Nespresso machine, fluffy robes, and homemade biscuits that really makes the place feel like home. There’s also small but perfectly formed Luxury Wee Single room. The room is perfect for solo travellers but luxurious enough to feel like an indulgent treat.

The Dunstane Houses

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.2 Excellent (1409 reviews)

Stay in a hip boutique hotel with Edinburgh castle views

Set in the heart of the city, The Rutland is a hip blend of old and new Edinburgh. So if you want to dive into the city’s heritage, while experiencing its contemporary side, The Rutland is an ideal place to stay. Inside, The Rutland Hotel is a combination of baroque and trendy. Vibrant colours, patterned wallpaper, and retro chairs make this hotel a design-lover’s dream.

Each of the 12 guest rooms is individually designed, but to make the most of the views, treat yourself to a luxurious Castle View room. You can lounge on your super king-sized bed under an elegant chandelier and pretend to be Scottish royalty. Or if you’d prefer to save some cash for shopping, book a comfy Standard Room. With signature white headboards, goose down duvets, and Egyptian linen, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a cloud.

Edinburgh is packed with trendy bars and traditional pubs. But you might be reluctant to venture out of The Rutland once you order a drink in the Heads and Tales Gin Emporium. A laid-back gin and cocktail bar, the Emporium is all about high quality spirits and Scottish hospitality. The team have installed two stils, known as Flora and Caledonia, so you’ll get the chance to watch gin distilling in action while you sip your drink. To accompany the G&Ts and innovative cocktails, there’s a delicious selection of dim sum dishes.

The Rutland Hotel & Apartments

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.6 Excellent (694 reviews)

Enjoy sumptuous suites and personalized 5-star service

If you’re looking for five-star luxury, Prestonfield House should be top of your list. With just 18 ensuite rooms, you can expect personalized service on an exceptional level here. Prepare to be pampered because the incredible staff go to impressive lengths to make guests comfortable here. They’ll order you a helicopter, walk your dog, or even bring a selection of clothes to you, if you’re too tired to hit the shops.

No two rooms are alike, but each one is an opulent blend of antique furnishings and modern comforts. You could probably spend your entire weekend snoozing in the silver-leaf sleigh bed, relaxing in the decadent sitting room, or taking in the view of the gardens.

Surrounded by 20 tranquil acres, Prestonfield House is right next to Holyrood Park. So staying here is a perfect opportunity to get some fresh air and hike up to the iconic Arthur’s Seat. Then hurry back to get a spot next to the crackling log fire in Prestonfield’s baroque-style Tapestry Room, or enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the glamorous Yellow Room.

Hotel Prestonfield House

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.7 Excellent (624 reviews)

Discover a romantic hideaway in Edinburgh’s Old Town

One of Edinburgh’s best-known boutique hotels, The Witchery is a true romantic hideaway. Tucked away in a huddle of historic buildings near the gates of Edinburgh Castle, The Witchery is known for its atmospheric interior. So if you enjoy opulence, you’ll love staying here.

There are nine theatrical suites and each suite is uniquely furnished. The theme is gothic romance, so expect ornate furniture, roll top baths for two, and velvet draping. For the ultimate romantic stay, book the flamboyant, antique-filled Vestry suite. Hidden in the privacy of Sempill’s Close, at the top of a stone turret staircase, The Vestry is a whirlwind of red velvet and silk.

The Heriot, another sumptuous suite, looks out over Edinburgh’s Old Town. Take in the romance of it all while you cuddle up in the four-poster bed, chill out in the ornate chapel-style bathroom, or relax in the lavish sitting room.

The Witchery By The Castle

Edinburgh

Experience a five-star boutique hotel with a stunning roof garden

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of Edinburgh, treat yourself to a weekend at The Glasshouse. With its Gothic church facade and contemporary interior, The Glasshouse is a dreamy place to stay. The roof garden is a definite highlight, so order a drink and make your way upstairs as soon as possible. Stretching for two acres, the roof garden overlooks the city and the historic Carlton Hill.

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the rooms at The Glasshouse also make the most of the hotel’s location. If you want to keep things simple, opt for a Signature Room. After a busy day of sightseeing, you can relax in comfort, enjoying the evening light from your floor-to-ceiling windows. Or for particularly sweeping views, upgrade to the impressive New Town Terrace Suite. You’ll have a spacious terrace all to yourself, so when the sun comes out, you can enjoy breakfast al fresco.

In true Scottish style, you’ll also get a complimentary dram of whisky relating to your suite’s name. Each of the hotel’s 17 suites is named after a local whisky distillery or region. So whether you stay in Macallan, Dalwhinnie, or Glenfiddich, you’ll get a drink to match. The Glasshouse even has its own Whisky Ambassador, Ken Hanley, who’s available to guide guests through the hotel’s impressive collection of Scotch.

The Glasshouse Autograph Collection

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.0 Excellent (2098 reviews)

Stay in a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh

Whether you’re planning a romantic city break or a girly getaway, Tigerlily is a fun base for exploring Edinburgh. A sparkly hotel in the city centre, Tigerlily mixes glittering chandeliers, bold wallpaper, and mirrored walls with the building’s original Georgian features. There are 33 rooms, so although there’s a lively atmosphere, you’ll still get a boutique experience.

If you want a room that makes an impression, book the Black Room. The black walls are full drama, while the real fireplace and hanging wicker chair add a sense of bold romance. Meanwhile, the Georgian Suite is Tigerlily’s most sought-after room and for good reason.

With its huge four-poster bed, fireplace, and chic lounge area, this suite is ideal for a loved-up weekend. But don’t worry if your budget doesn’t stretch to a suite – the Classic Double offers a similar level of comfort on a cosier scale. As someone who loves packing light, I also appreciate Tigerlily’s thoughtful touches. Each room is stocked with GHD straighteners and Bluetooth speakers, so you won’t need to lug your own to Edinburgh.

Tigerlily

Top rated
Edinburgh
9.4 Excellent (1701 reviews)