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The setting
The hotel sits on Royal Terrace at the foot of Calton Hill, a quiet Georgian street about a kilometre from the city centre. It's a boutique townhouse with fourteen rooms, each hung with original artwork by Scottish and international artists. There's a private garden, a bar, and Towser's Lounge for whisky tastings. Princes Street and the Royal Mile are a walk away.
What to expect
Enjoy a cozy and comfortable stay in this Georgian-style building, whose walls serve as a gallery in their own right. Room options range from Superior Doubles double rooms with private bathrooms to junior suites and studio apartments with kitchens. In the afternoon, the bar serves cocktails, and a whiskey expert will guide you through a carefully curated selection of spirits.
Things to do nearby
Greenside Parish Church is just a few minutes’ walk away. Right behind the hotel rises Calton Hill, and a little further up are the Scottish National Monument and the city observatory. At the foot of the Royal Mile lies Holyrood Palace, and the shops on Princes Street are also within walking distance. It’s the perfect place to have lunch, go shopping, or take a stroll before dinner in the New Town.
Best for
Thanks to its location in New Town and its stylishly decorated rooms, this hotel is ideal for couples and small families who appreciate the opportunity to admire numerous works of art, relax in the garden, and walk to Edinburgh’s main attractions. Even young children can have fun in the playroom between outings.
How to get to the hotel
Edinburgh Airport is about 13 km west, roughly a 25-30 minute taxi or a tram ride into the centre followed by a short walk or cab. Trains arrive at Waverley Station, around 10-15 minutes on foot uphill via Leith Street. Drivers can reach Royal Terrace directly from the A1.
Choose your room
âś“ Your selectionJunior Suite
Elegant suite with premium bed linen, a spacious seating area, a TV, and tea and coffee making facilities.
View room →- Free Internet
- 24-hour reception
- Safe-deposit box
- Concierge services
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews from TripAdvisor
Beautiful hotel, even better staff!
My wife and I stayed here for the Edinburgh portion of our 25th anniversary extravaganza. We honestly booked this spot because the pictures made it look kind of funky… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Luxury gem I can't wait to book again
The location was great - right across from a nice park so it wasn't noisy and just a couple of minutes walk to to catch a bus to get around the city. It was also a short… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Shhh! This hotel/luxury B&B is a hidden gem!
Easily booked a Garden View single room. It was fantastic! So much more than expected. More true boutique full service hotel/B&B at very reasonable prices. Built so… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Your 3 days, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Calton Hill and New Town wander
After exploring the Scottish National Monument and the city observatory at the top, head down toward Princes Street and stop for a cup of coffee during a leisurely stroll. On your way back, stop by Greenside Parish Church and enjoy a whiskey at Towser's Lounge before dinner.
Royal Mile and Holyroodhouse
First, early in the morning, when the courtyard is still quiet, head to Holyroodhouse Palace and take your time exploring the building for about two hours. Take a stroll along the Walk the Royal Mile, stop by a café for lunch along the way, and be sure to explore the side streets and courtyards branching off the main street. In the late afternoon, spend some time in the hotel’s private garden with a drink from the bar in hand.
Slow morning and departure
If there's time, walk down to Leith Street for a coffee or pick up something to eat on the train. Leave your bags with the team while you fit in a final wander.
Where you'll be
Edinburgh, UK
FAQ
What is the best month to visit Edinburgh, Scotland?
May, June and September tend to be the mildest and driest, with long daylight hours. August is peak Festival and Fringe season, so the city is at its liveliest but also its busiest and priciest. For this stay across 29-31 December, you catch Edinburgh at its wintery best, with Christmas markets winding down and Hogmanay taking over the city.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
In two or three days, you’ll be able to see the main sights, including the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill, and the New Town. In 4–5 days, you’ll not only be able to visit the Water of Leith and Leith Harbour, as well as one or two museums, but also take day trips to the coast or the Highlands. A two-night stay is ideal for focusing entirely on exploring the city.
Which is prettier, Glasgow or Edinburgh?
Edinburgh generally captivates visitors with the beauty of its cityscape. On one side lies the medieval Old Town, and on the other, the Georgian New Town, built in the Georgian style, while hills such as Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat rise directly above the cityscape. Glasgow, on the other hand, boasts more impressive Victorian-style buildings and a livelier music and arts scene. If you’re looking for a striking skyline and cobblestone streets, Edinburgh is the more appealing choice.
Is Edinburgh nicer than London?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Edinburgh is a compact city—you can walk from one end to the other—and within a small area, it offers a rich historical heritage, so many travellers find it easier to explore on foot than London, and it has a more intimate atmosphere. London, on the other hand, impresses with its vast size, numerous museums, and diverse nightlife. For a two-day stay, when the sights are within walking distance of your accommodations, Edinburgh offers a more relaxed atmosphere and is easier to explore.
What are the top 5 things to do in Edinburgh?
Walk the Royal Mile from the Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Climb Calton Hill for the view and the National Monument of Scotland. Hike up Arthur's Seat for a wider panorama. Browse the National Museum of Scotland. Finish with a whisky tasting, easy to do at the hotel's Towser's Lounge without leaving the building.
