4 star hotels in Edinburgh strike the perfect balance between budget and luxury. These centrally-located hotels boast first-rate amenities, great service, and all the strappings for a deluxe holiday in Scotland’s dynamic capital, without breaking the bank. Whether a business trip, a leisure city break, or a romantic getaway, a stay in Edinburgh’s Old Town, New Town, or West End promises to be a special kind of escape.
Making up part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, operating on a medieval street plan, and housing the Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh’s Old Town evokes the memory of a bygone era. A 4 star hotel on or directly off the Royal Mile, the succession of roads that connect the palace with the castle, places you directly in the beating heart of Scotland’s capital. In the looming presence of the 2nd-century castle and on cobbled roads lined with Victorian church houses and stoney spires, the ancient maze of the Old Town is sure to enchant. Victoria Street is said to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley with its pastel-colored buildings and old marketplaces. The Parliament Square is perfect for a night out in pubs with the locals. In hotel interiors that reflect that special Scottish charm, settle in for a luxurious stay just a stone’s throw from all the best destinations of Edinburgh.
The other half of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh’s New Town was developed in response to overcrowding in the Old Town in the 18th century. Today, the streets are lined with Neo-Classical architecture, a suite of a national art galleries, and a long list of monuments. A climb to the top of the Scott Monument, a Victorian Gothic needle looming over Prince Street, provides vistas over the city’s jagged skyline. Admirers of art will be pleased to find three national art galleries within close proximity on Queen Street Gardens. Also boasting a long list of trendy bars and luxury & boutique shops, you’ll find yourself surrounded with a youthful energy on every corner. A 4 star hotel sets you up for a glamorous holiday, filled with exciting outings followed by comfortable nights in lavish interiors. The New Town also flaunts some of the best dining options in town: from innovative cuisine in über-hip spots, traditional Scottish cuisine in cosy interiors, to tasty dishes in your hotel’s in-house restaurant.
Edinburgh’s West End is known and loved for its bohemian spirit, trendy eating and drinking establishments, and not-so-hidden natural oases. Take a break from your city break and discover Dean Village, tucked between the West End and New Town. Wander along the quiet Water of Leith through this bucolic village, taking in views of cobblestoned roads and old fishing houses. Just a block away, back in the thick of it, the West End boasts a romantic atmosphere and a myriad cool cafes and bars, as well as a series of interesting attractions. Tour the Rosslyn Chapel to see where the Da Vinci Code was filmed, bike through the many public parks, or visit the underground Gin Distillery. Hip 4 star hotels give you a leg up in discovering the happening nightlife, exciting culinary traditions, and fascinating destinations of Edinburgh.
Getting there: Edinburgh is quite accessible from the UK. From London, you can drive there in only 6 hours, but do know that driving within the city is not always a treat. Most 4 star hotels offer parking, making bringing your car and leaving it parked for the duration of the trip a good and feasible plan. Beyond that, you can fly into Edinburgh’s airport (EDI) or take one of the 31 weekly trains arriving in Edinburgh’s train stations from major UK cities.