Edinburgh boasts an extraordinary range of accommodation, from 5-star landmark hotels like The Balmoral, Waldorf Astoria The Caledonian, and Sheraton Grand, to boutique New Town townhouses and Old Town serviced apartments.
Key Hotel Quarters & Access Considerations
1. Old Town & Royal Mile
Home to the Radisson Blu, Apex Grassmarket, and The Scotsman Hotel. The Old Town’s narrow streets, cobblestones, and steep wynds make public transport drop-offs challenging. A pre-booked private transfer drops you as close as legally permitted to the reception doors.
2. New Town & George Street
Features InterContinental The George, Kimpton Charlotte Square, and luxury Georgian boutique residences. Wide avenues allow easy vehicle access and rapid drop-offs.
3. West End & Haymarket
Closest to Edinburgh Airport, allowing transfers to arrive in as little as 20 minutes outside peak traffic.
4. Leith & The Shore
Home to waterfront boutique hotels and Michelin-starred dining. Located on the northern side of the city, reaching Leith directly by private transfer via Ferry Road or the bypass avoids traversing busy city-centre shopping streets.