Edinburgh Hotels - A Brief Guide To Hotel Locations

• By: MFoley
• On: 09/Mar/2010
• In: Edinburgh Travel Tips

The Old Town

The Old Town district is the medieval heart of Edinburgh and the core of this very historic city. So important are its attractions and architecture that it is listed as a World Heritage Site. Some of the city's most impressive historical sights can be found here including the magnificent royal fortress – Edinburgh Castle, which proudly overlooks the city.

Also to be found in the Old Town is the Royal Mile. One of the world's most captivating streets – the Royal Mile, runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Holyrood Palace. It is the main thoroughfare in the city's Old Town. As well as the historical attractions the street is also home to an eclectic mix of bars, cafes, shops and restaurants.

Other attractions in the Old Town include St. Giles Cathedral, Gladstone's Land, the Scotch Whiskey Heritage Museum, Camera Obsura, the Museum of Scotland and Royal Museum of Scotland.

If you want to be in the heart of it all with the top sights literally steps from your doorstep then choose Edinburgh hotels in the Old Town. By and large, the closer you stay to the Royal Mile, the more expensive your hotel.

The New Town

The other half of the city centre is called the New Town. It's located just a short walk from the Old Town and is the city's commercial and shopping district. Even though it's called the New Town, it's actually not that new, and was built during the late 18th century so you can see some really impressive Georgian architecture here.

The New Town has a sprinkling of attractions most notably the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, the Scott Monument and the Old Calton Burial Ground.

The New Town is recognised for its shopping, so if retail therapy is at the top of your itinerary then choose Edinburgh hotels in this part of the city. Princes Street is the city's main shopping street as well as the upmarket and fashionable George Street.

Leith

This is the charming and vibrant port area of the city. It is connected to Princes Street in the New Town by the 'Leith Walk'. The Royal Yacht Britannia is located here and definitely worth exploring. Leith is also popular for walking, cycling and fishing. Ocean Terminal is the name of the huge shopping centre located here. Leith is noted for its eateries and you can find everything here from curry houses, to fish and chip shops to seafood restaurants.

When it comes to hotels here, you can choose from boutique waterfront hotels or reasonably priced hotel apartments.

Edinburgh Airport

Edinburgh International Airport is located about 12km west of the city centre. The airport receives domestic flights, European flights and flights from North American destinations like New York and Atlanta. Many visitors to the city come via a connecting flight from London.

If you're on a flying visit to Edinburgh or if you want to be located close to the airport for an early departure or a late arrival then you can stay at Edinburgh Airport hotels.

Edinburgh hotels outside the city

There's an extensive range of hotels to be had outside the city centre, whether you're looking for a relaxing rural retreat or an exclusive castle hotel. The peaceful surroundings of the Edinburgh countryside make it the perfect choice if you want to take in a spot of fishing, golf or spa treatments. If you would prefer this, then look out for Edinburgh hotels in Midlothian, East Lothian or West Lothian.

When booking your Edinburgh hotel, bear in mind, like most European capitals, hotels in the city centre (especially around Prices Street and the Royal Mile) tend to be more expensive. If you don't mind a 15/20 minute walk to the city centre you can find a wider range of hotels which are guaranteed to be cheaper.

Also remember that accommodation is almost at full capacity and accommodation prices are higher during busy periods of the year especially in August to early September (festival time!), Christmas and Hogmany (1st January) and when a 6 Nations rugby game is taking place. If you are coming for one of these be sure to book your accommodation well in advance.

Hotels in Edinburgh range from 1 star to 5 star. If you're looking for cheap hotels in Edinburgh then choose 1 or 2 star hotels. In general, the higher the star rating the higher the price. You can also book a specific hotel such as an apartment hotel, a boutique hotel, a golf hotel, a historic hotel, a family hotel, a pet friendly hotel, a self catering hotel or a spa hotel.

We hope this guide give you a better understanding of where Edinburgh hotels are located. View our Edinburgh hotels page now to browse and book a hotel for your stay in Edinburgh.

As always, we welcome any question, queries, advice or tips that you may have – just leave a comment in the box below!