Edinburgh : book your hotel

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? The Scottish capital is one of the most spectacular destinations in the UK for overnight stays, weekend breaks and extended visits. There's plenty to see and do, which means proper planning is essential to make the most of your time.

Every visit is different. Maybe you only have a couple of days to whizz through your agenda. Or perhaps you're enjoying a more extended stay in Edinburgh. Whether you're heading here on business or for pleasure, finding your perfect hotel can help elevate your visit. Professionals might look for remote workspaces and locations close to the city's financial district. While holidaymakers may prefer family-friendly accommodation or romantic hotels with a pool and spa. Whatever you're searching for, you can find the ideal hotel for your next stay right here. Ready for some handy tips to make visiting Edinburgh easy? We'll share some of our exceptional hotels here too, to help take the stress out of planning your trip.

Travelling from elsewhere in the UK? Perhaps you're arriving from overseas? You have a few options for a smooth journey. If you're coming from England, arriving by train is probably your most convenient option. London is just over four hours away by train, while Manchester is three hours and Newcastle is around two hours ride. Trains from major cities travel to Edinburgh regularly, so you're sure to find a service on the day you want to arrive. There are two main train stations here: Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket. If you're coming from overseas, you can fly to Edinburgh Airport - the busiest in Scotland - and get to the city centre by taxi in less than 30 minutes. There are also airport-to-city shuttle services available for less than £5. Bargain!

Considering what to do in Edinburgh? There's no shortage of exciting attractions and landmarks dotted around the city. Not to mention plenty of restaurants and bars, venues, shops and green spaces to explore. Many landmarks are hard to miss, like Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Sear, which overlook the city below.

Edinburgh Castle is a must-see if it's your first time visiting. The city's historic castle sits atop Castle Rock, a settlement occupied since the Iron Age. It's one of the oldest fortified buildings in Europe and boasts breathtaking panoramas of the modern city below. Climb up through Old Town and admire the castle in all its glory. You can go inside the walls and take a tour around its rooms to make the most of your historical experience.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is another essential historical landmark to add to your schedule. This 16th-century royal palace hosts tours for visitors to learn more. If you don't have time to go inside, enjoy looking at the beautiful building from the street before moving on to whatever's next.

Suppose you want to visit some museums and galleries while you're here. The National Museum of Scotland is one of the best in the city, with thousands of objects to discover among several galleries. Explore art, design and fashion, natural history, science and technology and Scotish history and archaeology. At the same time, the Scottish National Gallery is home to centuries-old Scottish masterpieces and one of the best fine art collections in the world.

If you're travelling with the family, why not head to Edinburgh Zoo? This 82-acre non-profit park is home to the only koalas and giant pandas in Britain. When you spend a day here, you help contribute to the many research and conservation programs the organisation is involved in.

The city is awash with great food and drink. There's something for everyone here, from traditional Scottish dishes to innovative street food and Michelin star restaurants. If you want to sample some local food, try Borough on Henderson Street, The Gardener's Cottage on London Road or Edinburgh Food Studio on Dalkeith Road. To discover some of the city's award-winning options, visit Michelin-starred Number One or Condita. For a couple of drinks in the city, why not head to a world-class whiskey bar? Or visit the Scotch Whiskey Experience on the Royal Mile to learn about the city's most famous tipple. There are plenty of pubs and rooftop bars around too. Go for a stroll and see what you can find.

The best hotel will depend on your unique requirements, like visiting for business or pleasure, where you want to be in the city. And the budget you have for accommodation. We have plenty of choices. From cheap hotels to romantic hotels in the centre of Edinburgh, hotels with a view and handy on-site parking. Find your base here and enjoy a comfortable stay from the moment you arrive. Plan your visit without breaking the bank when you choose one of our budget hotels in Edinburgh. Like the ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge with its proximity to Edinburgh Castle or ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square, tucked away in a pretty part of the city. You never need to compromise on cleanliness, comfort or convenience. For an elevated stay, choose one of our beautiful four-star hotels. The Novotel Edinburgh Park is perfect for city breaks. At the same time, the Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket offers a fitness centre and excellent restaurant. Many of our luxury hotels boast parking, panoramic views and peaceful spas. So you can relax and unwind from the moment you arrive.