The 12 Most Romantic Hotels in Edinburgh
Searching for the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh? From luxury spa breaks to boutique escapes, you’ll find somewhere perfect for your couples getaway on this list
Edinburgh is undoubtedly one of my favourite places to visit in the UK. It’s a city filled with character and history, and it’s romantic without even trying.
There’s so much to see, and there’s plenty of incredible restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place for a couple’s getaway.
I’ve visited the city over 20 times and I still discover something new every time I go. Plus, it’s home to some of the most amazing hotels, so you don’t have to look far to find a beautiful place to stay.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere quaint and cosy, or the ultimate spa break, you’ll find the perfect place on this guide to the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh.
*Some links in this post are affiliate links. It won’t make a difference to what you pay, but I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.
Romantic hotels in Edinburgh – with a spa
Kimpton Charlotte Square
Kimpton Charlotte Square is top of my list of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh. I stayed here on my last trip to the city, and despite it being only a few moments from Princes Street, it felt like complete escapism.
It has everything you need for a couple’s getaway – the stunning exterior of this Georgian building hides a vast hotel.
There’s 199 rooms, a luxury underground spa, swimming pool and 3 restaurants.
The Garden is a beautiful oasis in the centre of the hotel perfect for grabbing a coffee, Aizle, showcasing up a six-course tasting menu, and BABA, one of my favourite restaurants in Edinburgh, serving up Middle Eastern Mezze.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
For the ultimate spa break in the centre of Edinburgh, look no further than Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa.
The rooms are basic but some offer incredible views over Edinburgh castle, and what’s more romantic than waking up overlooking a castle?
There’s a 19m indoor infinity pool, as well as a rooftop hydro pool overlooking Edinburgh’s skyline. Plus, choose from a range of treatments to choose from including a couples massage.
The hotel’s also home to One Square Bar, which serves up their very own One Square Gin made locally at a distillery in Edinburgh.
You can even book in for an immersive gin-tasting experience where you’ll get to try 4 different gins, and wax & seal your own bottle of One Square Gin to take home with you. The perfect souvenir from your couples break!
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is a 4* hotel just a short stroll from Princes Street.
The holistic spa is inspired by the Japanese practice called “Yu” which focuses on the healing power of hot water. There’s a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and hydrotherapy spa pool, as well as a long list of treatments to choose from.
This hotel’s perfect for a break with your partner – they offer a ‘Time for Two’ package which includes access to all of the spa facilities, as well as your choice of a personalised Elemis facial or a scalp massage.
Then you’ll finish up your day in the hotel bar with a selection of small plates and a mocktail.
Romantic hotels in Edinburgh – boutique hotels
Eden Locke
Locke Hotels has a number of locations across the UK, Ireland and Germany and is the ideal spot for a romantic getaway. Their Edinburgh location is found in the heart of the New Town, with 72 apartments varying from studios to one-bedroom suites.
Each one boasts a soft, pastel colour palette – think pale greens, pinks and blues. The rooms have everything to make you feel at home – a kitchen and dining area, washing machine and even a cocktail shaker if you fancy a big night in.
I opted for the ‘Locke Studio’ and it was far bigger than most hotel rooms, with separate areas for eating and lounging.
Probably the best thing about this hotel is its location. Just a few steps from the front door and you’re in the hustle and bustle of the city, with Edinburgh castle looming over you.
A two-minute stroll, and you’ll be hurrying down Princes Street, immersing yourself in the cities sights and sounds like a local.
It’s rare that a design-led hotel in the centre of the city would also be affordable, but I paid £90 a night for a room here.
Virgin Hotels
From the Virgin brand (yes, the Richard Branson one), Virgin Hotels, opened in Edinburgh’s old town this year and has managed to shake off the garish red branding in favour of somewhere chic and stylish.
There’s a restaurant, 2 bars as well as spacious bedrooms. Best of all, you’re only a short stroll from Edinburgh castle.
The Roseate
An independent, family-run hotel spread across 2 Victorian townhouses, The Roseate was the winner of the ‘Best Boutique Hotel Experience in Scotland 2020’ and is one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh.
There’s 35 neoclassically-designed bedrooms, some with incredible free-standing bathtubs.
Market Street Hotel
Market Street Hotel opened its doors in 2019, just a few minutes walk from The Royal Mile, and is now firmly on the map as one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh.
There’s 98 rooms and suites, and a rooftop champagne bar, with stunning views over Edinburgh. The design is simple but contemporary and it’s perfectly located for your first visit to the city.
House of Gods
House of Gods is unlike any hotel I’ve seen, it’s a whole different world. There’s nothing understated about this place – expect clashing prints, bold colours and opulent design.
Each room has a theme – everything from the Cabin inspired by the Orient Express to the Suite – complete with a freestanding tub and four-poster bed.
There’s 2 cocktails bar in the hotel, both the perfect spot for date night. It’s a completely unique experience and definitely one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh.
Romantic hotels in Edinburgh – apartments
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand is a series of luxury serviced apartments in the heart of Edinburgh. This place is the best of both worlds – you get the service you’d expect from a hotel but with the extra space that comes with staying in an apartment.
There’s a gym, a cocktail bar and even a Hawksmoor (the steak restaurant) on the ground floor. Plus, it’s pet friendly if you want to bring your dog with you on your romantic escape!
Romantic hotels in Edinburgh – luxury stays
Gleneagles Townhouse
Gleneagles Townhouse is the newest opening on this list, and in my opinion, the most beautiful. It’s the sister location to the iconic Gleneagles luxury hotel in the Scottish countryside, and it’s adopted the same stunning interiors, brilliant food, and impeccable service.
It’s undoubtedly one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh, with luxuriously designed bedrooms, a wellness space, a rooftop bar and a restaurant.
The Witchery
The Witchery by The Castle is, as the name suggests, located next door to Edinburgh Castle. It takes its name from the women and men burned at the stake on Castlehill during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Slightly creepy? Yes. This place won’t be to everyone’s taste – the decor is indulgent and gothic. But it’s charming, and the rooms have a really romantic feel to them.
Described as one of the seven wonders of the hotel world by Cosmopolitan magazine, staying here is an adventure within itself.
How to save money when booking romantic hotels in Edinburgh
Be flexible on when you can stay
It’s no secret that hotels charge a premium for weekend stays, and a lot of the best hotels in the UK also have 2-night minimum stays Friday-Sunday (I hate it too).
Your best chance of staying in the best romantic hotels in Edinburgh on a budget is going mid-week during their off-peak periods, when they’re not as busy and more likely to drop their prices.
Look for last-minute deals
If you’re really flexible on when you stay, keep an eye out for last-minute deals on same-day travel. We booked to stay at a hotel in The Cotswolds last year on the same day and got £50 off the room price.
The hotel knows they’re unlikely to fill the room so late in the day and they’d rather have the room full at a cheaper rate than not at all.
Use Booking.com on your mobile
Did you know Booking.com offers mobile-only prices? You can usually save at least 10% on hotel bookings just by switching devices.
Earn cashback on your stays with affiliate sites
Affiliate marketing in its most basic form is when a company pays other people (such as bloggers and influencers) to promote its product or service.
Each time a sale is generated from the promotional activity, the blogger makes a commission.
There’s also affiliate websites – TopCashback and Quidco are my favourites. They work in exactly the same way, except as well as the website making money, you’ll also earn commission on any purchases you make through the site.
Once you found the romantic hotel in Edinburgh you like, check these sites first to see if the hotel features.
You won’t usually find boutique hotels on affiliate websites, but bigger companies like Booking.com and Hotels.com are always there.
All you have to do is search the affiliate site for the website you’re intending on purchasing from, and follow their link through to book your hotel.
The amount of money you make depends on the time of year and any offers running at the time, and is always paid out after your stay. If you’re thinking, what’s the catch? There isn’t one.
It genuinely is free money just for booking through these websites. The incentive for companies to use affiliate marketing is to capitalise on users they might not otherwise reach, and you can reap the rewards!
Book during sales periods like the start of the year or Black Friday
If you’re a planner and know exactly when you want to take your romantic getaway, your best chance of getting a deal is whenever hotels have sales.
The biggest sales will usually be around Black Friday and the beginning of the year and you’ll either get a % discount off the price, or another night added to your stay at no extra cost.
