Where to Stay in Edinburgh for First-Time Visitors in 2025

Not sure where to stay in Edinburgh on a first-time visit? I’ve curated a list of my five favourite affordable hotels to help you choose with confidence. 

Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact capital, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on choice. With hundreds of hotels and guesthouses, it can be overwhelming to decide where to base yourself, especially if it’s your first visit.

It’s my favourite city, and I’ve visited many times, so I’ve got a good sense of the best neighbourhoods and places to stay on a mid-range budget. 

This list includes five affordable hotel recommendations based on my own experience and trusted reviews. Each one is located in the city centre, either in Old Town or New Town.

Short On Time? Where to Stay in Edinburgh

My top recommended hotel in Edinburgh is The Royal Scots Club. It’s boutique, with country house charm and traditional 19th-century decor. The bedrooms are spacious, and the dining room is an absolutely stunning venue for breakfast!

My Five Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh 

Here is where to stay in Edinburgh city centre for mid-range budgets. I will update this list as I continue to visit the city and try new places I like. For now, they’re curated based on my experience, value for money, location and reviews. 

All of them are in the city centre, either in the Old Town or the New Town. They’re within walking distance of Edinburgh Waverley and just minutes from airport buses. 

1. Royal Scots Club (3*) 

I absolutely loved my stay at The Royal Scots Club. It’s a regal yet affordable hotel that exudes old-world heritage and prestige. Occupying three Georgian townhouses on a quiet street in New Town, it feels more like a traditional country house than a city-centre hotel.

One of the best places to stay in Edinburgh for couples, the boutique hotel has just 25 guestrooms, including Executive Rooms, spacious King Rooms, Family Rooms, Standard and Classic Rooms, and options with luxurious four-poster beds. 

Each one features clean, modern decor, en-suite bathrooms and Nespresso machines. I stayed in an Executive Room and loved how spacious it was – so huge for two people! 

My favourite part of the hotel is the dining room. It has high ceilings and large windows, walnut wood wainscotting from the 1800s and mirrors above grand fireplaces. It’s a sophisticated place to start your day with a complimentary breakfast. My partner asked for the full English, rather than Scottish, to the waitress’s amusement.

The hotel is a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station, eight minutes from the bus station, and just four minutes from my go-to lunch restaurant, Chez Jules. 

Facilities include: Free WiFi, bar, restaurant, 24-hour reception, lifts (free cancellation and breakfast options included)

2. CoDE Pod – THE CoURT (2*)

You couldn’t ask for a better Old Town location than this hostel, just steps from the Royal Mile and opposite St. Giles’ Cathedral. I love CoDE – THE CoURT because it ticks the box for budget travellers with dorms and affordable private rooms, which is why it’s one of the top choices for where to stay in Edinburgh Old Town.

It’s not your average hostel. The building was originally a courthouse and jail, though you’d hardly guess it unless you look more closely at the rooms and dormitories. Even then, they’re far from uncomfortable.

The dorms don’t have the usual bunk beds. Each one is a sleep pod, which feels like your own personal space. They come with reading and mood lighting, USB charging sockets, a shelf and thick curtains for privacy.

The single-bed mattresses are super comfy. The only drawback is that the pods aren’t well ventilated, so it’s easy to overheat while sleeping. Each pod has an assigned locker big enough for medium-sized bags.

The private rooms are the old holding cells. Aptly named ‘sleeping cells,’ they’ve done well to transform the narrow space into modern and cosy double rooms. Some have en-suite bathrooms. The hostel also has a large kitchen and dining area, and a bar that offers a small breakfast menu for an additional fee. 

CoDE Pod also has another base in New Town called THE LoFT, which includes a private penthouse apartment ideal for groups and families, if you’re wondering where to stay in Edinburgh with kids. 

Facilities include: 24-hour reception, free WiFi, bar (free cancellation available)

3. Ardenlee Guest House (3*)

Ardenlee Guest House is a family-owned bed & breakfast in the residential Stockbridge area of New Town. It’s a 15-minute walk straight down the hill from Princes Street, or an 11-minute bus ride if you don’t fancy the climb.

Set in a Victorian townhouse, the B&B has traditional features including pretty fireplaces, large windows and a magnificent staircase. There’s a mix of budget and deluxe rooms. As I was travelling alone, I stayed in a single room with a shared bathroom. It was right at the top of the house, so it’s not ideal for anyone with mobility issues, as there’s no lift.

The double and family rooms all have en-suites. They’re a little cosier than the budget singles and twins, with wallpaper and soft furnishings. All rooms come with an LCD TV, a hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities. I also received some complimentary Scottish snacks, which was a nice touch.

Breakfast is available for an additional fee and needs to be arranged at check-in, as it’s made to order. I didn’t have the opportunity, but they serve a great continental breakfast in the ground-floor dining room.

Facilities include: Baggage storage, free WiFi, breakfast lounge, metered parking, express check-in and out (free cancellation available)

4. Motel One Edinburgh Royal (3*)

Motel One Edinburgh Royal is a boutique, design-led hotel at an affordable price. Just a five-minute walk from the train station, it’s perfect for a central city base with plenty of modern style, making it one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh Old Town.

The hotel is part of the Motel One hotel chain, but it has done well to incorporate a Scottish theme, with tartan headboards and chairs, photographs of Scotland and botanical-inspired decor. Look out for the funky sheep sculptures!

The 208 rooms come in single and double sizes. For the most space and the best city views, I recommend booking a room with a view. All rooms feature hypoallergenic Egyptian cotton bedding, HD TVs, and en-suite granite bathrooms with monsoon showers.

Start your morning with breakfast in the snazzy One Lounge lobby area and return in the evening to sample the whisky menu at the bar. If you take a closer look at the light fixtures, you’ll notice they’re made up of 50 hanging whisky decanters. 

Motel One also has a Princes Street location, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s main shopping districts. Both properties are ideally situated in the city.

Facilities include: 24-hour reception, free WiFi, lift, bar (free cancellation and breakfast options included)

5. Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh, Grassmarket (4*)

Owned by Dublin-based Staycity, Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh is perfect for those wanting a private apartment and kitchen facilities. Located in Old Town’s Grassmarket neighbourhood, it sits at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, with several apartments offering castle views, so you won’t forget what city you’re in! The station is a 10-minute walk away.

The aparthotel has a distinct nature-inspired style, with natural timber flooring, bespoke joinery, and simple yet tasteful soft furnishings. The colour palette of green, cream, and black, along with playful wood motifs, runs throughout each apartment and common area.

Apartments sleep between one and six guests, and each comes with a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, including a microwave, kettle, toaster, and Nespresso machine. They also provide cooking essentials like olive oil, fresh milk and balsamic vinegar, saving you from having to buy them yourself.

The aparthotel is all about convenience. You can pick up food supplies from the self-service pantry or enjoy breakfast in the lounge. There’s also a gym, laundry room, and bar for a relaxed evening in. 

Facilities include: Fitness room, bar, laundry room, free WiFi, 24-hour reception, kitchen facilities (free cancellation available) 

Where to Stay in Edinburgh First Time: Final Thoughts 

If you’re looking for a heritage hotel with sophistication at an affordable price, The Royal Scots Club is a great choice. It’s ideally located in New Town on a quiet, regal Georgian street, close to main transport links.

For a stay full of character, Motel One Edinburgh Royal is a top pick. This modern, trendy hotel is right in the heart of the city centre, just minutes from the train station.

Ardenlee Guest House offers a budget-friendly, family-owned bed & breakfast in a peaceful area of New Town, while CoDE Pod – THE CoURT is a quirky option just off the busy Royal Mile.

For groups, families or travellers who want to cook, Wilde Aparthotels Edinburgh provides stylish apartments with views of Edinburgh Castle.

Wondering what to do while you’re there? Read my top things to do in Edinburgh or explore my favourite day trips from the city by public transport.

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