Whether you're looking for a chintzy Bed and Breakfast or the sleek minimalist lines of a modish design hotel there's something in Edinburgh to suit all needs and budgets. In fact, because Edinburgh has marginally fewer hotel rooms than London , it can be difficult knowing where to start.
Luxury Hotels :
Caledonian Hilton: Princes Street (Tel: +44 (0) 131 222 8888 - caledonianhiltonedinburgh.co.uk). Built at the turn of the century this handsome Edwardian pile has recently been given an £8 million makeover by the Hilton group. The Caley's impeccable reputation has attracted the likes of Grace Kelly, Sean Connery and Nelson Mandela.
The Scotsman Hotel, 20 North Bridge (Tel: +44 (0) 131 556 5565 www.thescotsmanhotel.co.uk). Formerly home to the eponymous newspaper, The Scotsman is a welcome addition to Edinburgh's portfolio of luxury hotels. The interior is smart yet distinctly contemporary and the hotel has so much to offer that there's no real reason to leave (including two restaurants, a spa and a 60m swimming pool).
The Howard: 34 Great King Street (Tel: +44 (0) 131 557 3500 www.thehoward.com). With just 15 rooms you'll have to book well in advance, but it's worth it. Expect the smartest trappings of Georgian Edinburgh combined with 21st century creature comforts.
The Balmoral Hotel, Princes Street (Tel: +44 (0) 131 556 2414 www.thebalmoralhotel.com). A sumptuous tribute to Edinburgh's Edwardian heyday and the city's most famous address. Rooms with a castle view are the most coveted - otherwise you can keep yourself busy with a choice of restaurants, a health club and an indoor pool.
Mid-Range Hotels :
The Glasshouse, 2 Greenside Place (Tel: +44 (0) 131 525 8200 luxuryscotland.co.uk/glasshouse). Edinburgh's most talked about boutique hotel opened in 2003 and has already become something of a city institution. Built around a 19th century church The Glasshouse is a minimalist homage to light, space and texture and there's lovely rooftop garden for a bird's eye view of city life.
The Classic House: 50 Mayfield Road (Tel: +44 (0) 131 667 5847 www.classichouse.demon.co.uk). Located ten minutes from the city centre The Classic House is a seasoned favourite with guidebook writers. Set in a Victorian terraced house the hotel's three stars are unquestionably good value for money.
The Carlton, North Bridge (Tel: +44 (0) 131 472 3000 www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk/carlton-hotel). The Carlton is another of Edinburgh's recent makeover success stories and it's got some of the best views anywhere in the city.
Cheap Hotels :
Hotel Ibis, 6 Hunter Square (Tel: +44 (0) 131 240 7000 www.ibishotel.com/edinburgh). What the Hotel Ibis lacks in aesthetic finesse it more than makes up for in terms of value. The hotel is a facsimile of all the other Ibises around the world (so you can expect cleanliness, service and comfort), but it enjoys a better-than-usual city centre location.
Jurys Inn, 43 Jeffrey Street (Tel: +44 (0) 131 200 3300 www.stay.com/edinburgh/jurys-inn-edinburgh/). Another triumph of location over style, Jurys Inn is a former office block adjacent to the Royal Mile. Inside the 186 rooms have been unremarkably decorated in neutral tones, but it's a small price to pay for such kindness to your wallet.
Grosvenor Gardens Hotel, 1 Grosvenor Gardens (Tel: +44 (0) 131 313 3415 www.stayinedinburgh.com/ggh). A haven of peace and quiet set in an attractive Victorian building that's within walking distance of the city centre attractions.
Ailsa Craig Hotel, 24 Royal Terrace (Tel: +44 (0) 131 556 1022 ailsacraighotel.co.uk). Surprisingly spacious rooms considering the low price tag and ideally located for anyone visiting the nearby Playhouse Theatre (www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk).
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