The best luxury hotels in Edinburgh include The Witchery, The Balmoral, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Fingal, and Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux, each offering a distinct take on five-star stays, from historic grandeur to spa-led city breaks and coastal seclusion.
For affluent travellers planning a premium stay in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh combines landmark architecture, Michelin-starred dining, designer shopping and festival culture in one compact, highly walkable destination.
Edinburgh, Scotland's regal capital, is an enchanting blend of ancient grandeur and modern sophistication, with Edinburgh Castle presiding over cobbled streets lined with high-end boutiques, refined restaurants and polished cocktail bars. For those seeking luxury shopping, George Street and Multrees Walk are home to names such as Louis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols, while the Royal Mile offers finely crafted pieces from local artisans.
Its gastronomy scene is equally compelling, with Michelin-starred restaurants such as The Kitchen and Restaurant Martin Wishart, plus whisky experiences that add another layer to the city’s appeal for high-end travellers. Choosing the right hotel matters here because Edinburgh’s best addresses do far more than provide a room: they shape the trip through location, heritage, dining, spa facilities, views and service.
This guide reviews Edinburgh’s standout luxury hotels in detail, covering what sets each one apart, from historic significance and design to accommodation, amenities and dining, so you can decide which stay best fits your travel style.
The First-Class.com guide to the best hotels in Edinburgh:
The Witchery
The Witchery is a luxurious and unique hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town. The hotel is housed in a stunningly restored 16th-century building that is steeped in history and character. The Witchery features nine individually designed rooms and suites, each individually designed to provide guests with a unique and unforgettable experience. The rooms are decorated in a sumptuous Gothic style, with plush fabrics, rich textures, and antique furnishings. Each room also boasts stunning views of the city's historic streets and landmarks. The most flamboyant suite at The Witchery is the stunningly opulent and spacious Vestry, a second-floor, luxurious and romantic retreat that looks out over the Royal Mile and has red and gold silken walls. The lavishly draped bed hides a TV whilst the bathroom features a large bateau bath. One of the largest suites is The Armoury which features a dining hall, a red four-poster bedroom with a separate sitting room and oak-panelled bathroom with a tub for two. In addition to its luxurious accommodation, The Witchery offers a range of facilities designed to ensure that guests have a truly memorable stay.
The hotel features a beautiful dining room that serves a range of delicious Scottish cuisine, as well as an extensive wine list and a selection of cocktails. Meals are served in a 16th-century oak-panelled and candlelit room with red leather banquettes. Alternatively head to the stunningly atmospheric Secret Garden, another candlelit venue, which is the perfect place to relax and unwind with a glass of wine or a cocktail. With a hand-painted ceiling and French doors opening out onto a courtyard, it is the perfect space in which to enjoy The Witchery’s Afternoon Tea. Amenities-wise, the hotel does not feature a spa, but guests can arrange for a range of massage and beauty treatments to be provided in their rooms.
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The Balmoral
The Balmoral is a luxurious five-star hotel located on Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. The hotel is housed in a stunning historic building that was originally built in 1902 as a railway hotel, and its 190-foot clock tower remains one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Today it features 167 beautifully appointed rooms and 20 suites, each designed to provide guests with the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Classically styled rooms with an elegant Scottish charm enjoy a curated collection of artworks and Italian marble bathrooms with custom Irene Forte amenities. The generously sized suites meanwhile combine heritage with contemporary styling in grand rooms with high ceilings and large windows looking out over the city. One of the hotel’s suites is also known as the place where the last Harry Potter book was completed. The top suite at The Balmoral is the luxurious Scone & Crombie Suite, a spacious and elegant retreat that offers guests stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. The suite features a separate living area with working fireplace, a luxurious marble bathroom, views over the historic Old Town and can be expanded to form a 198 square metre three-bedroom suite.
In addition to its luxurious accommodation, The Balmoral offers a range of facilities and amenities designed to ensure that guests have a truly memorable stay including a tranquil Balmoral Spa with a large indoor spool, a sauna, steam room and a range of massage and beauty treatments. The hotel also places a strong emphasis on personalised concierge services. For keeping trim on the go, head to the fully equipped fitness centre. The hotel is also home to two exceptional restaurants. The four AA Rosette Number One restaurant offers guests the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest Scottish cuisine, while the Brasserie Prince serves a range of delicious dishes inspired by French and Scottish cuisine. The hotel also features a number of lounges and bars, including the iconic Palm Court, which is famous for its traditional afternoon tea service.
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Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland, close to Haymarket Station and a city landmark since 1903. The hotel is housed in a stunning Victorian building that has been carefully restored to preserve its historic charm and elegance. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, also known as The Caledonian Edinburgh, features 241 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each designed to provide guests with the ultimate in comfort and luxury. The top suite at the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian is the stunning three-bedroom Caledonian Suite, a luxurious and spacious retreat that offers guests stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. The suite features a separate living area, high ceilings, huge windows letting the light flood through and eclectic artworks and antiques. In addition to its luxurious accommodation, the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian offers a range of facilities and amenities designed to ensure that guests have a truly memorable stay.
The hotel features a beautiful spa, which offers a range of treatments designed to help guests unwind and relax. The spa features an indoor swimming pool looking out at Edinburgh Castle with a sauna, a steam room, a whirlpool and a duplex fitness centre. The hotel is also home to two exceptional restaurants. Dean Banks at The Pompadour offers guests the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest French cuisine in Scotland with its signature seven-course tasting menu, whilst Grazing by Mark Greenaway offers award-winning dining using locally sourced ingredients and unique concept dishes. The hotel also features a number of lounges and bars, including the vibrant Peacock Alley, which offers a wide range of cocktails, wines, and other beverages and The Caley Bar with a range of the finest whiskies.
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Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk away from the city's most famous landmarks and attractions. The hotel is housed in a stunning modern building, which features contemporary design and luxurious amenities. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa features 269 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each designed to provide guests with the ultimate in comfort and luxury with all offering the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds and many offering views of Edinburgh Castle. There is a selection of Club & Spa bedrooms and suites with complimentary access to the Sheraton Club Lounge with its food and drink presentations and other privileges. The top suite at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is the contemporary styled, two-bedroom Sheraton Grand Suite, Club & Spa at 118 square metres of space, a luxurious and spacious retreat that offers guests stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline. The suite features a separate living area, a king-sized bed, a luxurious marble bathroom, and access to the exclusive Club Lounge.
In addition to its luxurious accommodation, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa offers a range of facilities and amenities designed to ensure that guests have a truly memorable stay. The hotel features the beautiful One Spa, which offers a range of treatments designed to help guests unwind and relax with facilities including an iconic rooftop indoor/outdoor hydro pool, a 19-metre swimming pool and a Thermal Suite. There is also a fully equipped Fitness Centre with TechnoGym equipment and a range of classes to suit every fitness level. The hotel is also home to an exceptional restaurant: One Square Restaurant is a modern and stylish venue that offers a range of delicious dishes inspired by Scottish and international cuisine. The vibrant One Square Bar meanwhile offers a wide range of cocktails, wines, and other beverages including over 100 types of gin.
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Fingal
Fingal is a unique and luxurious floating hotel, located in the historic port of Leith in Edinburgh. The hotel is housed in a stunningly restored ship, which has been transformed into a luxurious and elegant retreat, unlike anything else in the city. Fingal features 23 beautiful cabins and suites, each individually designed to provide guests with a unique and luxurious experience. The cabins and suites feature a range of modern amenities, including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and luxurious bedding. Each cabin also boasts stunning views of the surrounding waterways and city skyline. The top suite at Fingal is the Skerryvore Suite, a luxurious and spacious retreat that offers guests the ultimate in comfort and relaxation.
The suite features a private balcony, a dining area for entertaining and a large living room. There is also underfloor heating and a complimentary minibar packed with local treats. Fingal is also home to the Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, known for its afternoon tea and beautifully prepared menus with the Bar offering a range of fine wines, cocktails, and other beverages in a stunning and intimate setting. The hotel even features a beautiful ballroom with twin grand staircases, which is the perfect venue for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Guests may also enjoy private tours of Fingal’s sister ship, The Royal Yacht Britannia, once the former royal yacht of the British Royal Family and now docked nearby.
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Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux
Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux is an award-winning luxury country house hotel located in the beautiful East Lothian countryside, on the edge of the Firth of Forth, just a short drive away from the bustling city of Edinburgh. It is also close to the world-renowned Muirfield Golf Course and several other championship courses and is set within 2.4 hectares of manicured walled gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll. The hotel is housed in a stunning Edwardian country house designed by celebrated architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1901, which has been carefully restored to offer guests a charming and elegant retreat. The hotel features 23 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each individually designed to provide guests with a unique and luxurious experience. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Scottish style, with plush fabrics, rich textures, and antique furnishings.
Each room also boasts stunning views of the surrounding gardens and countryside. The hotel is also home to Chez Roux, overseen by Michel Roux Jr, a formal restaurant that offers guests the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest French cuisine in Scotland. The restaurant spreads out over four rooms including a Whisky Room and a Sunroom. With fine dining served all week long alongside an attractive bar menu, the Roast Lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays is not to be missed whilst Afternoon Tea is always a draw for residents and locals alike served either in the lounge area or in the Private Summer House Tea Room, seating groups of up to six people.
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