
Braid Hills Hotel 🏰 Edinburgh city break
Quiet southside base near the Braid Hills trails 🌄
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The setting
Braid Hills Hotel is south of Edinburgh, about 4 km from the city centre, in a quiet residential neighbourhood bordering a vast hilly landscape. The Braid Hills and Blackford Hill rising right behind the hotel, you can enjoy a green and peaceful atmosphere in the mornings, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Buses run along Comiston Road toward the city centre, and the surrounding streets are within easy walking distance. Just a few minutes’ walk to the north is the Holy Corner café district.
What to expect
This 3-star hotel features its own bar and restaurant. Guests arriving by car can take advantage of free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Rooms are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, a TV, heating, and a shower. The hotel is happy to welcome families; a playroom is available for young children. Thanks to its relaxed and cozy atmosphere, the hotel is the perfect starting point for day trips and evening strolls around the city.
Things to do nearby
Braid Hills Hotel stretches out right at the entrance, and just beyond them lie Blackford Hill and the Hermitage of Braid Local Nature Reserve—perfect spots to enjoy a long walk or take in the view of the city. Dominion Cinema in Morningside is just a few minutes’ walk away and is perfect for rainy evenings. In addition, Holy Corner is home to cafes, pubs, and bookstores, making it the ideal spot for a leisurely day out.
Best for
Recommended for hikers, families, and anyone who prefers green, residential neighbourhoods to central accommodations. Thanks to the playroom, even young children can have a great time here, and free parking is available for guests arriving by car. This hotel is an ideal base for exploring all corners of Scotland from Edinburgh.
How to get to the hotel
From Edinburgh Airport, it’s about a 25-minute drive through the city, or about 40 minutes by tram and bus through the city centre. The main train station is Waverley; from there, it’s about a 10–15-minute taxi ride, or you can take a bus that goes directly to the hotel via Newington and Morningside.
Choose your room
✓ Your selectionClassic Double room
Cosy room with tea and coffee making facilities, work desk, and a flat-screen TV.
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+£30Classic Double room with view
Room with all the amenities for a pleasant stay and a beautiful view.
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+£70Deluxe Double room
Spacious room with enhanced amenities and a large window with stunning views.
View room →- Free Internet
- 24-hour reception
- Parking
- Golf сourse
- Library
- Picnic area
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews
Braid hills reaches the summit
Excellent location on A702 road. Easy access to city and beyond. Iconic hotel mentioned in the novel the prime of miss jean brodie. Staff were pleasant and… Read full review on ZenHotels →
A Charming Hotel with Fantastic Staff and great location
The hotel is in a very convenient location and has parking, which is especially useful if you’re driving to Edinburgh. There’s also a bus stop right outside the hotel… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Great location amazing staff average facilities
Easy access across the road to the city. Lovely views quiet hotel that just needs some new furniture. Staff cannot do enough for you are all friendly and happy to… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Your 3 days, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Arrival and a walk on the Braid Hills
Leave your luggage and head straight out the back exit toward the Braid Hills Hotel. The trail is steep, but after about 30 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city of Edinburgh all the way to the Firth of Forth. You’ll walk through the Hermitage of Braid Local Nature Reserve, follow a stream winding beneath the trees, and make a short detour to Morningside to enjoy an early dinner. Back at the hotel, you can relax at the bar and enjoy a glass of wine before bed.
Old Town day in the centre
Take a stroll down Comiston Road, take the bus to the city centre, and spend the day in the Old Town. Walk along the Walk the Royal Mile from the castle to Holyrood and take a break to enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the side streets off the main thoroughfare. In the afternoon, head up Climb Calton Hill to admire the city from a different vantage point, then walk through Holy Corner back toward the south. If you’d like to end the day with a trip to the movies, consider the Dominion Cinema, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Blackford Hill and a slow last morning
How about visiting Blackford Hill and the pond at its base on your last morning? The climb up there is easier than the one up Mount Blaze, and you can get there quickly. If you have time, be sure to stop by the Royal Observatory at the summit as well.
Where you'll be
Edinburgh, UK
FAQ
Is Braid Hills Hotel suitable for families with young children?
Yes, this hotel warmly welcomes guests with children and has a playroom on the premises. This is especially convenient on rainy days in Edinburgh. Thanks to the free parking spaces, it’s easy to arrive here with car seats and strollers. In addition, the surrounding hills and parks offer plenty of space for children to run around and play to their hearts’ content between sightseeing trips.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
Early September, when the hotel took this trip, is one of the best times of the year to visit the city. Although the hustle and bustle of the Fringe Festival has died down, the weather is usually mild, the days are long, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the hilly terrain. Plus, the city is full of life but not overcrowded—that’s part of its charm. Since the weather in Edinburgh can often change suddenly regardless of the month, be sure to pack some light clothing in case it rains.
Is there parking at the hotel?
Yes, hotel guests can park for free. Since parking spaces are scarce in central Edinburgh and parking fees are high, this is a major advantage. For guests arriving by car from other parts of the UK, as well as those planning day trips to East Lothian, the Borders, or Fife, this hotel serves as a convenient base.
What is there to do around the hotel besides sightseeing in the centre?
There’s plenty to see on foot here as well: the Braid Hills Hotel stretch right behind the hotel, and since Blackford Hill and the Blade Hermitage Nature Preserve are also nearby, this area is ideal for long walks. Dominion Cinema in Morningside is just a few minutes’ walk away, and if you’d like to take a break, the hotel recommends settling into one of the cozy cafes or pubs in Holy Corner.
Does the hotel have a bar and restaurant?
Yes, there’s both a bar and a restaurant on the premises, which is very convenient if you’ve spent the whole day travelling or don’t want to make a special trip back into town for dinner. The bar is the perfect place to relax and have a drink, and if you want to plan your itinerary for the next day, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
