The Seven Best Affordable Hotels in Edinburgh

If you're in town to explore Edinburgh's underbelly - where hilly streets lead to hidden bars, historic pubs serve some of Scotland's best pints and cosy restaurants sit in the castle's long shadow - book a room in one of these affordable hotels for a trip to the Scottish capital that won't break the bank.

Budget-friendly hotels in the Scottish capital

hotel

21212

Edinburgh

At the foot of Calton Hill, this hotel's sophisticated design places focus on its restaurant. 21212 is named after the structure of the restaurant's menu, offering three courses of two options and two courses of one. Dine on deconstructed dishes that challenge conventional expectations, all served underneath regal Georgian interiors of royal blues and dangling chandeliers. Waddle up to your room to soak in egg-shaped bath tubs and pass out on huge, soft beds.

Address

3 Royal Terrace EH7 5AB

hotel

Kimpton Charlotte Square

Edinburgh

After a day wandering through Edinburgh's cobbled streets, escape the city's hustle and bustle at Kimpton Charlotte Square. Kick back at the hotel's spa - we recommend the signature facial or the seaweed body wrap - before (over) indulging at The Garden, a courtyard restaurant serving Scottish fare and botanical cocktails. Head back to your room where plush fabrics and wooden panelling are offset by bursts of tartan and pops of colour. In need of a post-meal stretch? Roll out the complimentary yoga mat in your room and sprawl (read: snooze) in shavasana.

Address

38 Charlotte Square EH2 4HQ

hotel

Dunstane Houses

Edinburgh

Enter this Victorian villa to find soaring ceilings with elaborate cornicing, vast stone staircases and sleek furnishings. Located between Edinburgh's West End and Murrayfield, it's the place from which you can spend days exploring the city centre before returning to soak in a deep copper stand-alone tub with views across the hotel's grounds from your rooms bay windows. Evenings are for feasting on Scottish dishes such as Cullen skink, pan-fried Orkney salmon and cranachan (a Scottish twist on raspberries and cream) before heading straight to the dark-wood lined bar to cradle several drams of whisky.

Address

4 West Coates and 5 Hampton Terrace Haymarket EH12 5JQ

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Hotel du Vin & Bistro

Edinburgh

At the heart of the city, Hotel du Vin & Bistro is perfectly placed for those looking to get to grips with the city. It's within walking distance from Edinburgh's greatest attractions, so choose between hiking up Arthur's Seat for views of the city, visiting the castle or heading to Princes Street for a shopping spree. Back at base, touches of tartan and patches of exposed-brick walls give the hotel a rustic feel - and the restaurant is not to be missed. Enjoy a candlelit dinner as you taste-test your way through the expansive wine list, with the guidance of the hotel's helpful sommelier.

Address

11 Bristo Place EH1 1EZ

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Eden Locke

Edinburgh

Inside a listed Georgian building, the pastel hues and sleek design of this hotel make for a relaxing retreat in the Scottish capital. Make use of Eden Locke's well-stocked kitchen or step out onto George Street, where dining options range from tapas at Cafe Andaluz and Italian at Contini to Thai fare at Chaophraya (ask for a table with a view of the castle). Apartments are centred round a living area complete with a couch waiting to be napped on, while the downstairs coffee bar is ideal for catching up on emails amid pistachio-coloured walls and terracotta plant pots.

Address

127 George Street EH2 4JN

hotel

Rock House

Edinburgh

Challenging conventional stays, this 18th-century house offers guests several tempting accommodation options. Stay in the two-storey house itself, which sleeps eight and offers inviting log fires, elegant period details and cosy iron bedsteads, or opt for the Photographers Studio, an octagonal apartment complete with a sweeping staircase and views over New Town's rooftops. At the bottom of Calton Hill, Rock House is accessible only by foot, so come for nights spent cuddling up in the terraced garden or romantically peering through antique glass windows.

Address

28 Calton Hill EH7 5AA

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hotel

No. 11

Edinburgh

This boutique hotel is discreetly hidden down a cobbled side street in Edinburgh's New Town, set inside a four-storey Georgian townhouse. Commissioned by renowned Scottish architect William Playfair in 1822, its decor is subtly atmospheric with tall windows and signature plasterwork complemented by soft greys and charcoal-coloured walls. Book into a Georgian Suite for four-poster beds, freestanding baths and feature wallpaper.

Address

11 Brunswick Street EH7 5JB