Where to Stay
There are lots of accommodation options when planning your trip to Edinburgh. Whether it's a luxury apartment off the Royal Mile or a couch in a student's living room; a family-friendly hotel or a bed for one in a youth hostel, whatever you need, we're here to help.
The trick is to plan as far in advance as possible - particularly during the busy August festival season and Edinburgh's Hogmanay. Early planning and booking will ensure you can receive the best rates and city centre locations if you're keen to be in the heart of the action.
If you have never been to Scotland before deciding where to stay in Edinburgh may seem overwhelming at first. Here you’ll find information on different types of accommodation available in Edinburgh to help you start your search.
Hotels
Hotels across the region range from simple value accommodation to the unique grandeur of the city's range of world class options. There’s also a wealth of boutique hotels and mid-price family friendly lodgings. VisitScotland provide excellent booking services for hotels.
Bed & Breakfasts
Staying in Bed & Breakfast or Guesthouse accommodation in Edinburgh can be a wonderful opportunity to get to know and learn from Edinburgh locals as well as enjoy the experience of staying in traditional Victorian and Georgian homes. Choose from everything from grand old buildings to intimate hideaways, with VisitScotland providing excellent booking services.
Hostels
As a favourite destination for backpackers and budget travellers Edinburgh has numerous hostels to choose from. Some are privately owned and many are members of the Scottish Youth Hostels Association (SYHA) or Scottish Independent Hostels. For solo visitors travelling to Edinburgh’s Festivals, hostels are good value for money and a perfect place to meet like-minded festival-goers. As well as shared dormitory accommodation most hostels have one or two private single or double rooms.
Rent a Room or Apartment
Websites like Holiday Lettings provide a place for homeowners to rent out either their full apartment or just a section of it - from rooms to couches. Whether you're looking for a budget accommodation option or an extravagant month-long luxury rental, you're sure to be able to find it here. If you decide to use a short-term letting service, remember to protect yourself from potential scams by making sure the person you're talking to is a verified host.
Couchsurfing
Although Edinburgh is a very popular city destination, if you belong to communities such as Couchsurfing, you can make the most of this inexpensive way to experience the Festivals and meet some locals at the same time. Remember, couchsurfing is more than accommodation, it's a community, so be prepared to dedicate some time to getting to know your host, swapping the experiences and warm fuzzies that turn the wheels of the share economy.
Camping
Love the city's festivals, but want to get that outdoorsy feeling too? Then consider packing light and camping at one of a number of sites in the Edinburgh area - you can bring your own tent, or if you'd prefer, some sites are set up to offer pre-pitched tents, for super easiness. Check out the likes of VisitScotland or Pitchup.com for more information.