Where to stay
There are numerous Hotels to choose from both on and around the Royal mile, ranging from unique boutique hotels to the familiar chains and budget options.
The Witchery by the Castle (Expensive)
Castlehill
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh
EH1 2NF
Phone; 0131 225 5613
www.thewitchery.com
The Witchery by the Castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile, on the left as you approach Edinburgh Castle. Hidden in a collection of ancient buildings in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, the Witchery’s entrance is though an ancient “close” below a gilded heraldic sign. The Witchery is primarily a restaurant but has eight sumptuous suites.
Radisson Blu Edinburgh (Mid-price)
80 High Street,
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 1TH
Phone: 0131 557 9797
Radisson Blu
The Radisson sits right in the centre of the Royal mile and boasts 238 rooms ranging from standard rooms to suites and family rooms. Guests get complimentary use of the Pace health club. Externally the hotel was designed to look like some of the more historic blocks on the mile, which it doesn’t do particularly well. Inside however it is distinctly crisp and modern.
Hotel Missoni Edinburgh (Expensive)
1 George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1AD
Phone; 0131 220 6666
www.hotelmissoni.com
The Missoni is the newest luxury hotel in the Old Town and one of only two hotels operated by this Italian fashion house. It has probably the most stylish yet useless website I’ve come across.
The Scotsman Hotel (Expensive)
20 North Bridge,
Edinburgh, EH1 1TR
Phone: 0131 556 5565
www.thescotsmanhotel.co.uk
Built in 1905 and located on North Bridge, The Scotsman 5-star hotel resides in the former offices of the Scotsman Newspaper. In 2001 the building was transformed into a luxury boutique hotel. It is the only hotel in Edinburgh that can boast views over Edinburgh Castle, The Firth of Forth, Leith, Princes Street and Carlton Hill.
Barceló Edinburgh Carlton Hotel (Mid-price)
North Bridge,
Edinburgh EH1 1SD
Phone 0131 472 300
Barcelo Hotels & Resorts
4 Star hotel situated just off the Royal Mile. 189 bedrooms with restaurant, Beauty rooms, health club and pool.
Jurys Inn Edinburgh Hotel (Mid-price)
43 Jeffrey Street,
Edinburgh, EH1 1DH
Tel:+44 131 200 3300
http://edinburghhotels.jurysinns.com/
Located on Jeffrey Street, the hotel can be accessed through one of the Closes on the High Street. 186 bedrooms with bar/restaurant and coffee shop.
Bank Hotel (Mid-price)
1 South Bridge,
Edinburgh, EH1 1LL
Phone: 0131 622 6800
www.bankhoteledinburgh.co.uk
Small hotel on the corner of South Bridge and the Royal Mile. 9 individually designed rooms with décor inspired by famous Scots.
Hotel Ibis Edinburgh Centre (Budget)
6 Hunter Square
Edinburgh EH1 1QW
Phone: 0131 240 7000
Ibis Hotel
Budget hotel on Hunter Square which is one of the main Street performance areas during the Festival. Small bar area which also serves basic snacks.
Travelodge Edinburgh Central Hotel (Budget)
33 St. Mary’s Street
Edinburgh EH1 1TA
Tel: 0871 984 6137
www.travelodge.co.uk/Edinburgh
Budget hotel just off the Royal Mile. Basic, but with small bar. Limited parking available nearby at discounted cost.
Holiday Inn Express (Budget)
300 Cowgate
Edinburgh EH1 1NA
Phone: 0131 524 8400
www.hiexpressedinburgh.co.uk/
Relatively new hotel situated on Cowgate a few hundred yards from the Royal Mile. Small lobby bar/coffee area.Backpacking Hostels
If cost is a major consideration, there are a number of backpacker hostels located in and around the Mile, which should cover even the tightest budget.