Edinburgh Escape: Top Mid-Range Hotels for Comfort and Value
Edinburgh is a city that instantly draws you in. With the commanding presence of its Castle, the winding history of the Old Town, and the elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town, it’s a place that’s always buzzing with life, whether you’re visiting during the festival season or a quieter winter month.
When you’re planning a trip to the Scottish capital, deciding where to stay is half the fun, and your choice of location is key. The city centre is compact but offers distinct flavours. The Old Town, centred around the Royal Mile, is historic, atmospheric, and puts you right next to major sights, but it can be crowded. The New Town offers grand streets, high-end shopping, and a slightly more relaxed pace. Just west, areas like Haymarket and the West End are brilliant for transport links and accessing attractions like Dean Village, while the Grassmarket offers a lively, pub-focused atmosphere right beneath the Castle rock.
If you’re a traveller who wants a balance—a comfortable, well-located place to rest your head without breaking the bank—you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of excellent mid-range hotels that offer convenience, comfort, and genuinely good value. Forget the compromises; these spots deliver on all fronts.
Central & Historic Bases: Old Town and Immediate New Town
These hotels place you right in the thick of the action, perfect for first-time visitors or those who love being steps away from major landmarks.
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Sitting where the New Town meets the Old, near Waverley Station and at the end of Princes Street, this hotel occupies a beautifully restored, historic building—Edinburgh’s first purpose-built hotel, in fact. The décor is a comfortable and sophisticated blend of modern design with traditional touches. Rooms are well-sized, contemporary, and often feature high-quality amenities. A standout feature is the on-site spa, which includes a swimming pool and sauna—a rare luxury for a mid-range city centre hotel. Pros: Excellent, quiet location for a city centre hotel; on-site spa and pool facilities; large, comfortable rooms; very close to Waverley Station. Cons: Some past guests have reported minor noise issues from plumbing or ventilation; can feel slightly corporate.
Motel One Edinburgh Royal
Located right in the Old Town, just off the Royal Mile and a short walk from Waverley, this hotel is a prime example of the brand’s chic yet affordable design concept. Rooms are compact but smartly designed, focusing on quality features like Egyptian cotton bedding and granite/mosaic bathrooms with monsoon showers. The ‘One Lounge’ is the hub, serving as a stylish lobby, breakfast area, and bar. Pros: Unbeatable location right by the Royal Mile and Waverley Station; contemporary, clean, and design-focused rooms; highly praised for service and value. Cons: Rooms are on the smaller side; no on-site restaurant for full dinner service; no parking.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Situated directly on the historic Royal Mile, this Radisson Blu offers modern, spacious rooms and excellent facilities. It balances its proximity to ancient landmarks with a contemporary interior style. Amenities include a swimming pool, fitness centre, and a relaxed dining environment. This is a solid, reliable choice for those prioritising location and guaranteed modern comfort. Pros: Prime location directly on the Royal Mile; good on-site amenities, including a pool; rooms are generally spacious. Cons: Can be more expensive than other mid-range options due to the location; some reviews mention inconsistent service during busy times.
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh
Offering a quiet retreat near the east end of Princes Street, this hotel has a lovely balance of historical features and modern comfort. The main building incorporates a converted listed Georgian terrace with a modern extension. It features the ‘Lantern Room’ restaurant and bar, often praised for its relaxed atmosphere. It’s close to the new St James Quarter shopping area and Waverley Station. Pros: Peaceful yet central location; combination of contemporary design and historic architecture; highly-rated restaurant/bar. Cons: Rooms can vary in size and style between the old and new sections; views aren’t always spectacular.
ibis Styles Edinburgh Centre St Andrew Square
This hotel offers a burst of colour and a vibrant, playful Scottish theme right in the heart of the New Town’s premium shopping and business district. The rooms are compact and brightly decorated, offering a comfortable, no-frills stay with an included basic breakfast. It’s ideally placed for tram access and the city’s financial area. Pros: Fantastic location on St Andrew Square; often includes breakfast in the rate; lively, unique décor. Cons: Basic room size and amenities; decor might be too quirky for some; breakfast is standard rather than gourmet.
Lively Hubs: Grassmarket, Southside & Haymarket
These locations offer a mix of lively culture and excellent connectivity, often appealing to travellers who enjoy a bit of buzz or need easy airport access.
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
With stunning views of Edinburgh Castle from many of its rooms, this hotel is situated in the bustling Grassmarket area, known for its historic pubs and lively atmosphere. The hotel offers an indoor pool and gym. Rooms are modern, functional, and many have that sought-after castle view—a real selling point. It’s perfect for those who want to be close to the Old Town sights but enjoy an evening buzz. Pros: Unrivalled Castle views from select rooms; great location near Old Town attractions and nightlife; features an indoor pool and leisure facilities. Cons: The Grassmarket area can be noisy at night; rooms without a Castle view can be less impressive.
Ten Hill Place
A modern, independent hotel tucked away on a quiet street in the Southside, close to the University and a short walk from the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat. The hotel is run by the Royal College of Surgeons and all profits go to support surgical care worldwide, giving your stay a feel-good factor. Rooms are comfortable and contemporary, and the on-site restaurant and wine bar are well-regarded. Pros: Ethical mission (profits go to charity); quiet location but still close to major Old Town sights; excellent staff service; good on-site dining options. Cons: Slightly further walk to Waverley Station than other options; some minor reports of generic decor.
Novotel Edinburgh Centre
Situated near the busy financial district and a reasonable walk from the Grassmarket, this family-friendly option provides reliably spacious rooms. Novotel is known for its amenities, and this branch includes a leisure centre with a pool, a gym, and dedicated family rooms. It’s a good all-rounder for comfort and space, especially for those travelling with children. Pros: Great facilities, including a pool and gym; reliably spacious, modern rooms; good for families; close to Haymarket Station. Cons: Location is functional but lacks the immediate charm of the Old or New Towns; some reviews mention a slightly dated decor in public areas.
Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket
Perfectly positioned near Haymarket Station, this is an excellent choice for business travellers and tourists prioritising transport links, including the airport tram and trains. The hotel offers clean, functional, and modern rooms. While it’s slightly removed from the main tourist crowds, the West End’s restaurants and bars are nearby, and you’re only a short bus or tram ride from the centre. Pros: Excellent transport links via Haymarket Station (trains and airport tram); reliably modern and clean rooms; good value. Cons: Not in the most scenic part of the city; a longer walk to the main Old Town attractions.
Modern & Sleek Stays: Design-Led and Tech-Friendly
For those who favour cutting-edge design, modern concepts, and a tech-savvy approach to hospitality, these are the best in the mid-range bracket.
YOTEL Edinburgh
Inspired by luxury airline travel, YOTEL delivers a high-tech, contemporary stay near George Street in the New Town. Rooms (or ‘cabins’) are compact but smart, featuring adjustable SmartBeds, mood lighting, and excellent connectivity. It’s a great option for the modern traveller who values efficiency and design over sheer space. The ground floor bar and ‘Club Lounge’ offer stylish social areas. Pros: Highly modern, stylish design; excellent use of space and smart room features; great location for New Town shopping and dining; known for friendly, efficient service. Cons: Rooms are very compact; can feel impersonal due to the focus on technology and efficiency.
The Resident Edinburgh
Located in the West End/New Town area, this hotel offers a sophisticated apartment-style concept with a personalised service feel. Each room features a small but well-equipped mini-kitchen (a “Mini Kitchen”), which is a fantastic amenity for longer stays or for saving money on eating out. The rooms are elegantly designed in calm, neutral tones. Pros: Inclusion of a mini-kitchen in every room; sophisticated, comfortable décor; highly praised for its attentive staff and personalised service; good location for West End exploring. Cons: No full restaurant on-site (though many dining options are nearby); the nearest immediate attractions are a moderate walk away.
Motel One Edinburgh - Princes
This is the sister hotel to the Royal branch, located right on the iconic Princes Street, offering stunning views of the Castle and Old Town from some rooms. It shares the same sleek, modern, yet affordable design philosophy as the Royal. This location is unbeatable for shopping and transport, including the airport tram. The Castle views are the main draw here. Pros: Prime Princes Street location with incredible Castle views from some rooms; stylish design; excellent for shopping and transport links. Cons: Noise can be an issue due to the location on a busy street; similar to the Royal, rooms are compact and there’s no full dinner service.
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge
A quirky, energetic, and modern hotel that’s part of the Marriott group, located near Fountainbridge—a rapidly developing area west of the centre. It focuses on social spaces, with a lively communal lobby, bar, and co-working area. Rooms are smart, simple, and functional. It’s a bit further out but is great for those who love a modern, social hotel experience. Pros: Fun, energetic atmosphere with excellent social spaces; pet-friendly; good value for money; well-connected by local buses. Cons: A definite walk or short bus ride to the main tourist sights; minimalist ‘Moxy’ room design may feel sparse to some.
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre by IHG
Situated in the historic New Town, close to the vibrant Broughton Street area, this hotel delivers the reliably consistent experience of the Holiday Inn Express brand. It focuses on the essentials: clean rooms, efficient service, and, crucially, a complimentary breakfast. It’s a great choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking a known quantity in a good central location. Pros: Reliable, consistent quality; complimentary breakfast included; good location near the New Town and Edinburgh Playhouse. Cons: Very functional, standard-issue hotel rooms; lacks the character of some independent options.
Whether you’re in Edinburgh to climb Arthur’s Seat, walk the Royal Mile, or explore the sophisticated New Town, any of these hotels will provide you with a fantastic and comfortable base—all while keeping your travel budget happily in check. Happy travels!