The official Scottish residence of the monarch at the foot of the Royal Mile. We've hand-picked the best hotels in Edinburgh within easy reach, so you can explore the area without the commute.
The best value central hotel in Edinburgh — Motel One's formula of design-led minimal accommodation works brilliantly at this Market Street location, which sits below the Royal Mile and immediately adjacent to Waverley Station. The bar is genuinely good for the price point, the design incorporates appropriate Scottish references without being tacky, and the rooms are small but precisely engineered. The best budget sleep in central Edinburgh, consistently.
The second Motel One Edinburgh property on West Register Street takes the same formula and adds a rooftop bar with views across the New Town — a significant upgrade on the Royal property for guests who value outdoor space. The location is in the heart of the city, seconds from Princes Street and the tram. Rooms are as compact as all Motel One properties but exceptionally well-designed. For a budget property with a rooftop bar in one of Britain's most beautiful cities, this is remarkable value.
Hotel du Vin sits at the upper edge of the budget category in Edinburgh — its wine-and-whisky-focused identity, Gothic building, and Old Town location justify the slight premium over Motel One. Rooms are individually designed with the brand's characteristic bottle-lined walls; the bistro is better than most hotel restaurants at this price; and the whisky snug is one of Edinburgh's more inviting small bars. For travellers who find Motel One's minimalism austere, Hotel du Vin provides character at mid-range prices.
The Scotsman sometimes appears in budget searches due to its occasional promotional rates — a Michelin-noted restaurant, a rooftop spa, and the magnificent former Scotsman newspaper building at considerably less than Balmoral prices. It's not strictly a budget hotel, but on promotional midweek rates (£130–£180) it represents extraordinary value for a property of this architectural distinction. Worth checking for off-peak availability before settling for a less interesting option.
Eden Locke's aparthotel studios on George Street represent outstanding value for multi-night stays — the kitchen facilities eliminate restaurant costs, the ground-floor café-bar provides community without obligation, and the design quality on Edinburgh's finest street is significantly above what the rates suggest. For couples or solo travellers staying 3+ nights who want to self-cater and explore, Eden Locke is possibly Edinburgh's best value accommodation regardless of category.
