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The setting
Old Town Chambers is in Edinburgh’s medieval centre, right on the Royal Mile. With St. St. Giles' Cathedral right at the entrance and the Old Tolbooth just a minute’s walk away, evening strolls through the cobblestone streets are a daily delight. Thanks to the numerous pubs and small galleries in the neighbourhood, the area has a lively atmosphere, while the apartments themselves offer peace and quiet. Train stops for the train to Waverley and city bus stops are just a few minutes’ walk down the hill.
What to expect
Apartment-style rooms at a 5-star hotel in the Autograph Collection chain. A fitness centre is available for guests who wish to work out between visits to art museums. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and there is ample parking—a rarity in this part of the Old Town. A shuttle service can be arranged at the time of booking. The hotel offers spacious rooms where you can relax even after a long day spent exploring the cobblestone streets, making it ideal for a family holiday.
Things to do nearby
St. St. Giles' Cathedral is practically next door, and the Collective Gallery is about a minute’s walk from there. The Old Tolbooth and the Edinburgh Dungeon are also nearby, this is convenient if the kids want a more exciting experience. The Museum is just a few minutes’ walk toward Bank Street and is the perfect place to spend about an hour on a rainy day learning how Scottish banknotes were designed.
Best for
It’s perfect for families who want to fully enjoy the history of the Old Town while avoiding a long walk back to their accommodations. The apartment is ideal for group trips involving members of several generations. Since St. Giles Church, the dungeons, and the small galleries are just a few minutes’ walk from the building’s entrance, you won’t have to bother with long walks.
How to get to the hotel
Edinburgh Airport is about 13 km west of the Old Town. The trip by tram to St. St Andrew Square takes about 35 minutes, and by taxi, about 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Since Waverley Station is right at the foot of the hill where the hotel is situated, guests arriving on LNER or ScotRail trains can walk to the hotel with their luggage.
Choose your room
âś“ Your selection2 Bedrooms Suite
Spacious suite with 2 bedrooms, a cosy living room, and an equipped kitchen.
View room →- Free Internet
- 24-hour reception
- Luggage storage
- Concierge services
- Gym
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews from TripAdvisor
Modern Hotel in a Historic Building
Beautiful hotel in the center of old town. The rooms were more spacious and well appointed than the pictures online led us to believe. Very high ceilings, clean and… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Perfect location and wonderful stay in Edinburgh
Old Town Chambers was one of our favorite stays during our trip through England, Scotland and Ireland. You simply cannot beat the location. You are right in the heart of… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Great place for families
Absolutely loves our stay at the Old Town Chambers. We had room 406 which was a 2-bedroom suite with two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (both with toilets and showers) and a nice… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Your 3 days, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Royal Mile arrival and Old Town wander
Once you’ve checked your luggage, head straight to the Royal Mile. Since St. St. Giles' Cathedral is just a 40-second walk away, you should stop by there first to admire the stained-glass windows and the Thistle Chapel. Walk past the Old Tolbooth and stop by the Collective gallery to admire works of contemporary Scottish art. When it starts to get dark during Hogmanay week, take a stroll to Princes Street Gardens to admire the illuminated palace, and then find a cozy pub on Cockburn Street to have dinner there.
Museums, Mound and Hogmanay evening
Spend the morning at the “Museum on the Mound,” where you’ll learn more about the history of coin minting and currency in Scotland, and then stop by the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street to spend a few hours there in a relaxed atmosphere. After lunch, you can visit the Edinburgh Dungeon, where “surprises that will blow their minds” await the kids. Then you’ll head back to the hotel to change. After all, on the evening of December 30, the “Torchlight Procession” will take place, and its route passes right by the hotel.
Castle morning and slow farewell
To avoid the crowds on New Year's Eve, consider booking early admission to Edinburgh Castle in advance, and then walking back along “The Mile,” stopping along the way to take a few photos on Cadies’s and Witchery Close. Have lunch at one of the cafes on Victoria Street. If your hotel checkout time allows, you’ll find plenty of wonderful shops at the Grassmarket that are perfect for last-minute gift shopping. If you want to join the street party, pick up your wristband in advance and dress warmly.
Where you'll be
Edinburgh, UK
FAQ
What is the best month to visit Edinburgh, Scotland?
May, June, and September are the driest and sunniest months, as there aren’t yet as many tourists here as there are during the festival in August. A visit in late December, on the other hand, has its own special charm. On Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), there are events such as torchlight parades, street parties, and the Loony Dook, and the Old Town, decked out in Christmas lights, looks especially beautiful. Don’t forget to pack some warm underwear. The high is around 6 °C.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
In three or four days, you’ll be able to take your time exploring the main attractions. Spend one day at Edinburgh Dungeon and the Royal Mile, another at the museums and the New Town, and spend the afternoon of your third day at Arthur's Seat or Leith. If you’re staying for two nights, as you’ve booked, the hotel recommends focusing on the sights of the Old Town, which are within walking distance of St. St. Giles' Cathedral and Mound.
Which is prettier, Glasgow or Edinburgh?
At first glance, Edinburgh strikes many tourists as a charming city—thanks to its skyline featuring the towering castle, the Georgian New Town built in the Georgian style, and the medieval streets along the Royal Mile. Glasgow, for its part, attracts visitors with its distinctive Victorian architecture, vibrant live music scene, and the chance to admire Mackintosh’s designs; if you get to know the city better, however, it clearly outshines Edinburgh in character. For a first trip to Scotland, during which you want to fully enjoy the atmosphere of an old city, Edinburgh generally has a slight edge.
Is Edinburgh nicer than London?
Edinburgh is a small city you can walk end to end, and its historic centre feels far more compact than London. London, on the other hand, leads the way in size, number of museums, and culinary diversity. If you like cobblestone streets and hills and want to be able to walk from your hotel to a real castle, Edinburgh is the best choice. And if you stay at the Old Town Chambers hotel, you’ll be right in the heart of the city.
What are the top 5 things to do in Edinburgh?
Take a stroll along the Walk the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse, visit St. St. Giles' Cathedral, climb Arthur's Seat, to enjoy panoramic views of the city, spend a day at the National Museum of Scotland, and then stroll through Dean Village and the area around the Water of Leith. If you’re travelling with children, the hotel recommends stopping by the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is just a minute’s walk from the hotel.
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