Edinburgh Hotels

For a remarkable UK city break, stay in an Edinburgh hotel and explore one of the most magnificent cities in the country. Edinburgh has been the centre of Scottish commerce and culture for millennia. Its role in the European Enlightenment has even won it the nickname 'the Athens of the North.' Book a Best Western hotel in Edinburgh to experience the magical Scottish capital first hand.

Edinburgh neighbourhoods

The city of Edinburgh is divided up into a delightful mixture of old and new. It is strewn with tranquil parks as well as majestic high streets. Spires and towers are dotted throughout the rooftops juxtaposed with luscious, green, leafy foliage. The historic centre of Edinburgh is sliced in two by the beautiful Princes Street Gardens, dividing the Old Town from the New. Book an Edinburgh hotel near here in the centre and you'll always be in view of the majestic Edinburgh Castle, perched on top of an ancient volcano crag. To the North of Princes Street lie the compact and regimented streets of New Town. Built mostly in the Eighteenth Century, this district demonstrates wholeheartedly the power and confidence of Georgian architecture. For one of the most breath-taking views in the country, climb to the top of Calton Hill on the Eastern side of the city, where the view of Edinburgh's rooftops will be such that it remains on your mind for months. Look out over the ancient and charming Dean Village. Overall the city has 4,500 listed buildings as well as large amount of historically protected areas. Booking a hotel in Edinburgh will take you back hundreds of years.

Shopping in Edinburgh

Any aspiring fashionistas looking for Edinburgh hotel need look no further than Bruntsfield, an area dedicated to specialist boutiques and stores. St. Andrew's Square too is a shrine to style, packed with top-end brands from Gucci to Stella McCartney. The Square is dominated by a 5-storey Harvey Nichols, the first to be built in Scotland. Swanky George Street is one other place that should not be missed for a classy day out. Jenners has been serving the inhabitants of Edinburgh for over a century, as have the style-huts and posh boutiques on Multrees Walk, a destination only for those who are feeling generous. Dominated by an impressive mix of sophisticated boutiques and stylish bars, visit the gem of Old Town if your purse strings are feeling loose. Alternatively, for a more 'indie' feel, head to Stockbridge, where a quirky mix of eccentric stores and second-hand market stalls will satisfy your vintage desires.

Eating and drinking in Edinburgh

Below the Royal Mile, The Grassmarket is the place to head for alfresco summer dining or a cozy winter pint. Behind Princes Street, there’s a boozer every few yards on Rose Street - try one of Robertsons 37’s vast whisky selection. Well-heeled drinkers sip cocktails in elegant New Town bars like Oloroso, a real room with a view! Scotland’s rehabilitated dining scene is epitomised by Michelin-starred The Kitchin in up-and-coming Leith. Families holidaying at an Edinburgh hotel should fly trainee wizards to The Elephant House where JK penned Harry Potter as a penniless Muggle.

Culture and nightlife in Edinburgh

Despite there being many guided tours round the city, the best way to truly appreciate the architecture and sights is to travel on foot. If you’re keen to see all of the striking buildings and monuments but have little time, the best choice for a hotel in Edinburgh is one that is located in the centre, from where all the main attractions are within easy reach. Edinburgh and the surrounding area are blessed with a number of museums. For aspiring historians the National Museum of Scotland is a must. It has been recently refurbished and now holds over 20,000 exhibits spread over 36 galleries. From Egyptian mummies to the colossal skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, this museum has something for everyone. For something completely different, why not head to 'The Stand' in York Place, a basement club where up-and-coming comedy stars wisecrack and improvise. 'The Edinburgh Playhouse' shows a selection of big-ticket musicals while the Festival Theatre puts on an eclectic mix of musicals and dramatics, from Rambert Ballet to the Tweenies. The Jam House is absolutely legendary for jazz, whether laid-back, retro or modern. There is something for everyone who stays at an Edinburgh hotel. Book now for a truly memorable UK city break.

View Edinburgh Attractions