Best Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh: Expertly Curated Accommodations Near the City Center

Beautiful candlelit atmosphere with professional service and extensive wine selection. Exceptional seafood board with high-quality crab, eel, and salmon. Accommodates dietary restrictions with allergen menu. Romantic setting with mystical theme. Outstanding desserts highly recommended. Located on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

Extremely dim lighting creates navigation challenges for those with vision issues. Food quality inconsistent - some dishes underwhelming for the price point. Service can feel cold despite professionalism. Multiple steps and steep slope make access difficult for mobility-impaired guests. Very warm inside from numerous candles.

Beautiful venue with stunning garden room and magical atmosphere. Food quality is excellent with generous portions that satisfy diners. Most staff members are attentive and friendly, providing good service timing. The location creates a memorable dining experience that many guests would revisit despite any issues.

Extremely expensive with poor value - £65 steaks lack flavor and come with minimal sides. Some staff are rude and inattentive, failing to check on diners. Menu is confusing for non-French speakers. Service issues include wrong orders and surprise charges for bottled water. Several guests felt unwelcome or ignored.

Guests rave about the unique Gothic atmosphere and theatrical decor that creates an unforgettable experience. The location directly on the Royal Mile receives high praise for convenience to attractions. Service quality and attention to detail consistently impress visitors.

Some guests find the dramatic decor overwhelming or too dark for their taste. A few mention that rooms can feel cramped despite the luxury appointments. Occasional complaints about noise from the busy Royal Mile location during peak tourist season.

Guests rave about the stunning historic grounds and spacious, luxurious rooms. The afternoon tea features delicious pastries and fresh ingredients with attentive service. Breakfast offers impressive variety and high-quality food. Staff consistently go above and beyond to make visitors feel welcome. The Michelin-starred restaurant delivers exceptional cuisine in a magical, quintessential setting.

Service can be inconsistent with long waits for food and staff who seem absent. Some guests experienced being completely ignored during afternoon tea service, waiting over an hour for food delivery. Staff may not apologize for service failures and still expect tips despite poor experiences. Remote location requires taxi or Uber to reach.

Prestonfield House offers excellent afternoon tea with great food and lovely presentation in pleasant drawing room surroundings. The tea and drink options impress visitors. Guests enjoy strolling the grounds afterward to see peacocks and Highland cattle. The overall experience creates wonderful memories in beautiful settings.

Seating arrangements can be uncomfortable with makeshift tables like glass-topped chests and awkward chairs near fireplaces. Service issues include delayed seating despite reservations and poor kitchen communication leading to long waits only to learn menu items are unavailable. At £120, some find better value elsewhere.

Guests praise the stunning baroque interiors and exceptional service quality. The peacocks wandering the grounds create a magical atmosphere. Many highlight the luxurious rooms with unique character and the outstanding Rhubarb restaurant. The complimentary Rolls-Royce service receives frequent mentions.

Some guests find the decor overwhelming or too theatrical for their taste. Occasional complaints about room temperature control and noise from the peacocks early in the morning. A few mention the location feels slightly removed from central Edinburgh attractions.

The Scotsman Hotel impresses with its prime location near Royal Mile and Edinburgh attractions. Guests praise spacious, clean rooms with city views and comfortable beds. Staff consistently receives high marks for friendliness and helpfulness, with standout service from breakfast and concierge teams. The on-site restaurant serves quality food, and the hotel provides easy access to pubs, galleries, and Fringe venues.

Wedding receptions create severe noise issues lasting past midnight on weekends, disrupting sleep across multiple floors. Windows don't stay open properly during hot weather. Room service offers small portions for high prices, sometimes with stale bread. Restaurant service can be slow with long waits and booking mix-ups. Staff don't proactively offer luggage assistance, and the small elevator creates delays during checkout.

Large, comfortable rooms with excellent bathrooms and spacious layouts. Prime location next to Waverley station and Royal Mile makes exploring Edinburgh easy. Friendly, helpful staff provide exceptional service. Beautiful art deco decor throughout with unique in-house cinema. Delicious breakfast and quality restaurant on-site.

Reviews mention minimal drawbacks. Some guests chose to skip breakfast to explore early. The main entrance requires climbing steps, though there's a hidden entrance near Waverley station exit. No significant complaints about facilities, service, or location were noted.

Guests praise the unique conversion of the historic newspaper building and exceptional location between Old Town and New Town. The rooftop restaurant receives acclaim for outstanding food and spectacular Edinburgh views. Staff service consistently earns high marks for professionalism and local knowledge.

Some visitors report room size variations with certain accommodations feeling cramped. Noise from North Bridge traffic occasionally affects street-facing rooms. A few guests mention the pool area can feel cold and institutional despite its historic significance.

Hotel du Vin Edinburgh offers excellent central location near Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Staff consistently praised for friendliness and professionalism. Comfortable rooms with quality amenities including Scottish tea and biscuits. Outstanding restaurant with delicious food, excellent wine selection at reasonable prices. Impressive bar featuring amazing single malt whisky collection. Thoughtful touches like complimentary birthday desserts.

Bar service can be problematic with automatic service charges added without notice. One reviewer experienced poor service when ordering wine, including unexpected charges and unhelpful staff attitude. Service charge policy not clearly communicated, leading to customer frustration and disputes over billing.

Hotel offers prime Edinburgh location steps from Royal Mile, castle, and Fringe venues. Staff delivers exceptional service with personal touches like pre-cooled rooms and luggage assistance. Rooms feature modern amenities, comfortable beds, and some include balconies with feature baths. Restaurant serves quality French brasserie-style cuisine with efficient service options.

Hotel entrance has minimal signage making it easy to miss. Earlier visits suffered from dark rooms and slow restaurant service, though these issues have improved over time. Hair dryer cables are tightly sprung and difficult to maneuver. Building's listed status may limit exterior modifications and upgrades.

Guests praise the unique character and elegant room design with thoughtful details. The central location receives high marks for walkability to major attractions. Staff service consistently earns compliments for being attentive and knowledgeable. The bistro food quality and wine selection impress diners.

Some rooms face noise issues from nearby streets and student areas. Several guests mention rooms feel cramped compared to modern hotels. Parking availability and costs frustrate drivers. A few reviews cite inconsistent housekeeping standards and maintenance delays.

The Bonham impresses with elegant Victorian details and spacious, comfortable rooms offering beautiful views. Staff consistently receive praise for being welcoming and professional. Guests highlight excellent breakfast and afternoon tea service. The New Town location provides a peaceful alternative to busy Old Town. Many consider it exceptional value for a luxury hotel.

Rooms lack air conditioning, though fans are provided. One guest reported forced service attitudes from staff. A serious incident involved alleged theft of $1,000 from a guest room by staff, with management reportedly refusing proper investigation. The in-room safe was broken, forcing guests to store valuables in luggage.

This hotel combines historic charm with modern amenities in a prime walkable location. Guests praise the exceptional staff service, beautiful lobby and dining areas, comfortable accommodations with great views, and early-opening bar for coffee. The property offers spacious rooms and excellent meals, creating a boutique experience that makes visitors want to extend their stay.

Room sizes vary significantly, with some guests finding furniture too large for the space, making movement difficult. Certain rooms need renovation, particularly bathrooms with problematic showers. The hotel can be expensive relative to value, and when fully booked, management may not adequately address guest concerns or room issues.

Guests praise the hotel's stylish rooms, exceptional staff service, and prime location near shopping and attractions. The restaurant receives acclaim for quality Scottish cuisine and creative cocktails. Many appreciate the intimate boutique atmosphere and unique design elements throughout the property.

Some guests mention rooms can be small for the price point. Occasional complaints about noise from nearby streets and limited parking availability. A few reviews note that certain amenities feel dated despite recent renovations, and breakfast options could be more extensive.

Staff at reception and dining area were friendly and polite. Breakfast quality received mixed but some positive feedback. The lounge area provided a comfortable space for guests to relax. Shower functionality was generally acceptable in most rooms.

Rooms extremely small with uncomfortable beds, stained carpets, and mold issues. Poor maintenance with broken fixtures and plumbing problems. Misleading website descriptions don't match reality. Breakfast service disorganized with long waits and wrong orders. Noise issues from other guests and building systems throughout the night.

The hotel offers a prime location just minutes from central Edinburgh. Guests appreciate the old building's character with creaky floors that add quaint charm. Staff are friendly and helpful. The breakfast is simple but good quality, served in a charming room reminiscent of an old hunting lodge with a unique self-serve bar setup.

Major cleanliness issues plague this hotel including bedbugs, stained carpets, dirty linens, and unsanitary mattresses. Service is inadequate with untrained staff and poor breakfast management. Rooms don't match online photos, windows don't close properly causing noise issues. Management refuses refunds despite serious problems like bedbug infestations requiring expensive luggage treatment.

Guests praise the friendly and professional staff who provide excellent personalized service. Many highlight the comfortable beds and peaceful atmosphere away from city center noise. The restaurant receives positive feedback for quality local cuisine and attentive dining service. Visitors appreciate the historic charm and unique character of the Victorian building.

Some guests mention the hotel's location requires bus or taxi rides to reach central Edinburgh attractions. Occasional complaints about room sizes being smaller than expected. A few reviews note that parking can be challenging during busy periods. Some visitors found certain rooms could benefit from updates to fixtures and furnishings.

Exceptional staff service stands out with Kyle and Stefan receiving special mention. The converted Georgian townhouses maintain original charm while offering modern amenities. Rooms are beautifully decorated with stunning features. Traditional Scottish breakfast receives high praise for quality and variety. Central Edinburgh location provides easy walking access to shops, restaurants, and attractions. WiFi performs excellently throughout the property.

No elevator available with narrow, winding stairs typical of historic buildings requiring staff assistance with luggage. Some rooms lack adequate lighting like desk lamps. Basement rooms share small garden patios with adjacent rooms. The uphill walk to Princess Street takes about 20 minutes which can be tiring for some guests.

Guests praise the warm, welcoming staff who make visitors feel at home. The location is excellent - quiet yet close to Edinburgh's attractions and Stockbridge. Rooms are super clean with comfortable beds and reliable WiFi. The big Scottish breakfast gets rave reviews. Great base for exploring Edinburgh's New Town.

Many guests receive basement rooms with poor views and worn furnishings including stained carpets, cracked walls, and peeling wallpaper. Cramped bathrooms and inadequate bedding for larger groups are common complaints. No elevators mean carrying luggage downstairs. High prices don't match room quality.

Guests praise the exceptional personalized service and knowledgeable staff who remember preferences. The whisky bar receives outstanding reviews for its extensive collection and expert recommendations. Room quality impresses with comfortable beds, beautiful decor, and attention to detail.

Some guests find rooms smaller than expected for the price point. Occasional complaints about street noise from nearby roads. A few reviews mention inconsistent restaurant service during busy periods and limited parking options in the area.

Guests praise the excellent location within walking distance of Royal Mile and major attractions. Staff consistently receive high marks for friendliness and helpfulness. Rooms are comfortable with great views of Edinburgh Castle. The hotel offers good amenities including a restaurant, bar, gym, and quality breakfast. Special touches like room upgrades make stays memorable.

Limited negative feedback mentioned. The bathtub wall height posed some difficulty for guests. Breakfast service could start earlier to accommodate morning tours. The gym facilities are described as basic, though adequate for guest needs.

Excellent location near Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat and castle with quick walk to major attractions. Outstanding customer service with friendly, helpful staff who provide local advice and assistance. Delicious breakfast buffet with Scottish specialties and cooked items. Clean rooms with great monsoon showers, tea/coffee facilities, and fridges. Cozy bar area.

Rooms have stains on duvets, carpets, and walls with poor housekeeping standards. Not truly soundproof - noise from neighboring rooms and street traffic audible. Small lifts that frequently show overload warnings. Expensive pricing at £255 per night for two people. Steep uphill walk from Waverley station makes arrival challenging with luggage.

Guests praise the hotel's unique character and historical significance. The staff receives consistent compliments for friendliness and helpfulness. Many appreciate the quiet location while remaining walkable to major attractions. The building's Victorian architecture and period details create memorable stays.

Some guests find certain rooms quite small for the price point. Occasional complaints about noise between rooms due to older building construction. A few visitors mention limited amenities compared to similar-priced hotels. Parking can be challenging in the surrounding area.

Historic Edinburgh hotel with prime location near Old Town, New Town, and train station. Staff consistently praised for exceptional service, particularly bartender Adam and front desk employee David. Complimentary breakfast buffet features American and Scottish options. Rooms are elegant, spacious with ample storage. Walking distance to major attractions and hop-on-hop-off buses.

Room service items like silverware took longer than expected to arrive. Rooms lack mini fridges, which some guests found inconvenient. One minor bathroom fan issue was reported but quickly resolved by staff.

Guests praise the exceptional location on George Street for shopping and dining access. Staff receive consistent compliments for friendly, professional service. The Georgian architecture and elegant interiors impress visitors. Rooms are comfortable with good amenities and many offer street views.

Some guests report noise from George Street traffic and nearby nightlife affecting sleep. Room sizes vary significantly, with some feeling cramped. Air conditioning issues occur during warmer months. WiFi connectivity problems noted in certain areas of the hotel.

Tigerlily Hotel offers spacious, clean rooms with excellent amenities including complimentary refreshments and full breakfast. Staff provides outstanding hospitality and service, with management going above and beyond to resolve issues. The prime location in new town provides easy access to shops and restaurants. Beautiful decor and facilities create a memorable experience.

The main complaint centers on extremely loud music in the restaurant, making conversation difficult even during afternoon tea service. Despite requests from guests to lower the volume, management reportedly increased it instead, creating an uncomfortable dining atmosphere for those seeking a quieter experience.

Tigerlily offers a prime central Edinburgh location within walking distance of the Castle, train station, and Princess Street. The stylish, vibrant decor creates a fun atmosphere. Rooms are spacious with comfortable beds, good water pressure, and quality linens. Staff provide excellent, responsive service. The hotel bar serves quick drinks in a lively setting.

Room design prioritizes style over function with poorly placed furniture causing injuries from sharp corners and awkward heights. Lighting is inadequate with temperamental switches and burnt bulbs. Breakfast quality is extremely poor with greasy, tasteless food and slow service. Some noise from downstairs music. Limited wardrobe space due to mini-bar items.

Guests praise the hotel's stunning interior design and luxurious atmosphere. The central location on George Street receives frequent compliments for walkability to attractions. Staff service quality and attention to detail earn positive mentions. The stylish bar and restaurant are highlighted as excellent.

Some guests report rooms can be small for the price point. Noise from George Street traffic and nightlife occasionally disturbs sleep. A few reviews mention inconsistent service quality during busy periods. Limited parking options create challenges for guests with vehicles.

Modern Edinburgh hotel with comfortable beds and clean rooms. Great West End location, walkable to Old Town and Royal Mile. Features kitchenette with Nespresso machine, quality toiletries, and daily fresh towels. Staff provides excellent service with thoughtful touches like honeymoon amenities. Daily happy hour offers complimentary drinks from 5-6 PM.

Rooms are smaller than expected, though not cramped for two people. No breakfast included, requiring guests to find nearby options. Hotel rates become very expensive during Edinburgh Fringe festival. Some amenities missing like full-length mirrors. Limited advance information about soft drink alternatives during happy hour.

Guests praise the spacious apartments with full kitchens and separate living areas. The central Royal Mile location receives consistent acclaim for walkability to major attractions. Staff receive high marks for professionalism and helpfulness. Historic building charm and luxurious furnishings impress visitors.

Some guests report noise from the busy Royal Mile location, especially on weekends. A few mention outdated decor in certain apartments and occasional maintenance issues. WiFi connectivity problems occur in some units. Limited parking availability frustrates some visitors.

This Edinburgh hotel offers exceptional service with friendly, helpful staff who go above and beyond for guests. Clean, spacious rooms feature nice bathrooms with great showers. The prime Old Town location puts you on the main shopping street near Waverley Station. Excellent amenities include a pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness center.

Some rooms have mold issues in showers that management acknowledges but doesn't address with compensation. Street noise can be disruptive since windows open to busy city sounds. Blankets are smaller than expected, which may affect comfort during your stay.

Staff consistently delivers exceptional service, with personnel like Irene and Alice going above and beyond for guests. The hotel features a prime location near attractions, excellent breakfast, clean facilities, and a pool. Rooms are well-appointed with a pleasant bar area. Staff shows genuine care and empathy.

Some rooms need updates with outdated carpets and color schemes. Beds can be uncomfortable and certain rooms lack proper views with frosted windows that don't open. Check-in process may be slow, and guests must carry bags up steps to reach the elevator.

Guests praise the stunning panoramic views from rooms, especially those facing the castle. The central location receives high marks for walkability to attractions and train station. Staff service consistently earns compliments for professionalism and helpfulness. Room quality impresses with modern amenities and comfortable beds.

Some guests report noise issues from nearby streets and construction. Limited parking availability creates inconvenience for drivers. A few reviews mention inconsistent room temperature control and occasional maintenance issues. Restaurant service can be slow during peak periods.

Spacious, clean apartments with full kitchens and washing machines. Central Old Town location within walking distance of major attractions. Friendly, helpful staff provide excellent service. Rooms well-equipped with quality amenities like slippers, toiletries, and welcome baskets. Safe area despite nearby strip clubs.

No air conditioning makes rooms uncomfortably warm during summer months. Old elevator can feel rickety. Heating system issues caused overheating problems initially. Dated furnishings throughout apartments, though everything still functions properly.

Perfect central Edinburgh location within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat, and Holyrood Park. Clean, well-equipped apartments with comfortable beds and excellent facilities. Staff consistently praised as helpful, friendly, and responsive. Great value for families with easy access to quality cafes and restaurants.

Furniture appears somewhat dated, though this seems to be a minor concern given the otherwise excellent location and amenities. No other significant negative aspects were mentioned across the reviews.

Guests praise the spacious apartments with full kitchens and separate living areas. Many appreciate the historic building's character and modern amenities. Staff receives consistent compliments for helpfulness and professionalism. Location gets high marks for walkability to attractions.

Some guests report maintenance issues with older fixtures and appliances. Noise from neighboring rooms and street traffic concerns certain visitors. A few mention that housekeeping frequency could be improved. Limited parking availability frustrates some guests.

Fraser Suites offers an excellent central location within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and main train station. Staff are helpful and friendly, providing great local recommendations. Rooms are spacious with high ceilings, good water pressure, and well-equipped kitchens. The hotel stays surprisingly quiet despite the busy location.

Some rooms show wear with issues like broken AC, moldy bathrooms, leaky shower doors, and missing amenities. Housekeeping standards can be inconsistent with dirty items returned to rooms. Morning staff need better hospitality training. Expensive drinks and steep stairs from train station with heavy luggage.

Prime location steps from city center with easy walking access to attractions and train station. Spacious rooms feature apartment-style amenities including mini fridge, wet bar, and quality coffee supplies. Generous bathrooms with excellent hairdryers. Continental breakfast offers great variety and choices. Professional, friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere in the classy lobby.

Property shows signs of decline with poor cleanliness standards throughout. Bathrooms have mold on silicone, cracked tiles, and missing grout. One review noted a loose bathroom floor tile. Reception staff often distracted by phones and ignore guests. Breakfast quality described as poor despite location advantages.

Guests praise the spacious suites with full kitchens and separate living areas. The central location near Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile receives consistent acclaim. Staff friendliness and helpful service earn frequent mentions. Modern amenities and comfortable furnishings impress visitors.

Some guests report noise issues from street traffic and nearby construction. Limited parking availability frustrates drivers. A few reviews mention inconsistent housekeeping standards. Occasional maintenance issues with appliances noted by extended-stay guests.