Scotland’s capital blends historic charm with indulgent experiences. Visitors can stay in opulent hotels, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and explore iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile with private guides. Personalized whisky tastings, exclusive golf at world-renowned courses, and private access to hidden gems ensure a memorable and tailored Scottish adventure. Its top suites are this week’s feature.
1. 100 Princes Street
2. The Balmoral
3. Gleneagles Townhouse
4. The Caledonian Edinburgh
5. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
6. The Glasshouse
7. InterContinental The George
8. W Edinburgh
9. Prestonfield House Edinburgh
10. The Witchery by The Castle
1. 100 Princes Street
Conde Nast Travel writes, “The city’s latest newcomer combines the plush seclusion of a member’s club, with the personal service that Red Carnation hotels are known for. There’s no doorman, so a black 100 flag is the main giveaway. Inside, it’s a place of low-lit and low-key velveteen elegance, with 30 discreet rooms over five floors. At The Wallace, a leather-walled lounge and bar area on the second floor, there are vintage globes and oil paintings of tiger fights and steamers on storm-lashed seas. Each of the 30 rooms shares a certain cocooning tactility—many taking reddish or greenish color schemes from walls covered in one of the hotel’s bespoke tartans. All have marble bathrooms and a similar thematic fusion of the intellectual and the exotic.”
Archibald Signature Suite
At 750-sq.ft., the largest suite in the hotel is named after Scottish explorer, naval officer, surgeon and botanist, Archibald Menzies, who spent many years at sea with the Royal Navy and was the first European to reach the summit of Hawaiian volcano, Mauna Loa.
More suites at 100 Princes Street.
2. The Balmoral
Forbes Travel Guide says, “One of Edinburgh’s most instantly recognizable landmarks, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel was first conceived as a railway hotel — it sits adjacent to Edinburgh Waverley train station. Today, the Victorian-era baronial-style property remains one of the Scottish capital’s most luxurious stays. The agelessly elegant, castle-like exterior of turrets, bows and balconies draws the eye from all directions, yet this grand façade gives way to an even more impressive interior. Classic yet contemporary, it’s an environment where soaring ceilings, sweeping staircases and shimmering chandeliers meet floral-print furnishings, soft pastel shades and stunning landscape photographs. All are arranged around the central dome-topped Palm Court — Scotland’s afternoon tea mecca. Kilted doormen and tartan-trousered reception staff provides a hearty Scottish welcome. With an array of extraordinary fine-dining options, sumptuous spa facilities and an unbeatable location in the heart of Edinburgh — which also means remarkable panoramic views of the iconic castle — this luxe Rocco Forte hotel is the ideal base from which to explore the city.”
Scone & Crombie Suite
The 1,350-sq.ft. suite can be extended to three bedrooms. Floor to ceiling windows provide plenty of sunlight.
More suites at The Balmoral.
3. Gleneagles Townhouse
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Everyone knows all about the original Gleneagles in rural Perthshire, which has long been the stuff of legend. Acquired by Ennismore in 2015, it was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and an invigorating defibrillator blast—and it worked. The place has surely never looked better or felt more lively than it does today. You can perceive a family resemblance in the Townhouse, though in terms of temperament—as well as scale, tone, and emphasis—she is very much her own person. This is ostensibly—though not entirely—a members’ club, though it most respects it also functions as a normal hotel. Non-members can dine in the restaurant (spectacular), stay in the rooms (delightful), and drink in the rooftop bar (terrific). Senior staff members are notable for their presence. You see them all the time, they remember your name, they are actively solicitous of your well-being, and they will actually take time to chat—all of which is more impressive and less common than it might sound.”
Master Bedroom
The 450-sq.ft. Master Bedrooms are the largest accommodations.
More suites at Gleneagles Townhouse.
4. The Caledonian Edinburgh
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Opened in 1903 as a grand railway hotel in the heart of the city, The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton maintains its magnificent rose-tinted sandstone façade, intricately sculpted stone arches and unmistakable whiff of Victorian grandeur. Visit today and you’ll find it also incorporates a level of luxury, comfort, service and sophistication that is distinctly 21st century. Still affectionately known by locals as “The Caley,” the property boasts 235 sumptuously appointed rooms and suites, which form a “V” shape around the hotel’s beating heart, the lobby lounge. It also has a roomy gym and pool, a luxurious spa and a lavish whisky bar. But the real highlight here is the food. This Edinburgh stay is home to two of the city’s top restaurants: Newly reimagined food and drink destination The Court, and acclaimed fine-dining venue Dean Banks at The Pompadour. What’s more, The Court also serves seasonal and indulgent afternoon tea, while The Caley Bar is home to a selection of bespoke cocktails, premium spirits and some of Scotland’s finest whiskies.”
Caledonian Suite
The 1,291-sq.ft. suite offers views of Edinburgh Castle with three interconnected en-suite bedrooms (a Queen, King and Twin rooms).
More suites at The Caledonian.
5. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “A fabulous addition to Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town—itself a place of great drama, with its mysterious lanes, moody shadows, looming stony facades and suddenly expanding vistas. The hotel occupies a prime spot on curvy, hilly Victoria Street. Though much of the 19th-century charm of the original India Buildings, as they were known, has been preserved—the three-tiered domed rotunda is especially lovely—the overall feeling inside is one of carefully choreographed postmodern mischief. The 222 rooms are thoughtfully configured, pale and creamy in tone with vivid red accents (in case you forget for a nanosecond that you’re in a Virgin-branded property). Each of the eight Grand Chamber suites has something delightful and/or unexpected about it—a mezzanine decorated in the style of a Bedouin tent, for example. In a city blessed with more than its share of excellent restaurants and bars, the Commons Club Restaurant and Bar more than hold their own—they’re outstanding. Though the hotel is by no means short on the kind of whimsical, self-referential touches for which Sir Richard Branson is famous, this is offset by an appealing sense of fun mixed with seriousness of purpose.”
Sir Richard’s Flat
The 1,050-sq.ft. suite is named for Virgin brand founder Sir Richard Branson
More suites at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
6. The Glasshouse
Forbes Travel Guide says, “There is nowhere quite like The Glasshouse Hotel in the Scottish capital. A swath of sleek glass architecture weaves around a more than 170-year-old stone church in a breathtaking fashion guaranteed to excite design enthusiasts. Lady Glenorchy Church had seen better days before it was resurrected in 2003 as a boutique hotel. Push beyond the grand Gothic façade of this central bolthole to find a modern marvel. The 77 bedrooms and suites have a fresh vibe, and the windows make the most of the light and help conjure up a feeling of airiness. That sense of space is echoed throughout, not least on the expansive rooftop garden, which is a major draw. Other reasons to linger at The Glasshouse: it offers superb room service and a welcoming whisky lounge.”
New Town Terrace Suite
Not the hotel’s largest at 850-sq.ft., but with an oversize terrace and views of the city, a favorite.
More suites at The Glasshouse.
7. InterContinental The George
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “A recent multimillion-dollar refurbishment brought InterContinental Edinburgh The George, a dramatic historic Scottish grande dame, back to her striking best. Sprawled across a quintet of Georgian townhouses (dating back as far as 1775), this luxury hotel is the place for those who appreciate Old World style, grandeur and a touch of glamour. The refresh has replenished and enhanced the solid oak, marble and leather interior with a classic color palette inspired by Scotland’s 19th-century landscape painters. The Printing Press Restaurant — once the abode of celebrated novelist Susan Ferrier — has been reborn into a steakhouse with a speakeasy vibe that doubles as a sophisticated breakfast venue. The popular Printing Press Bar and welcoming Burr & Co café complete the impressive ground-floor mix. But what hasn’t changed is the property’s prime location on stately George Street, which hosts some of Edinburgh’s finest boutique shopping, and a stylish string of cafés, bars and restaurants.”
Somerville Suite
The 850-sq.ft. Sommerville Suite is the biggest in the hotel.
More suites at InterContinental The George.
8. W Edinburgh
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Standing out from the crowd can be a challenge in a historic city, but W Edinburgh is up to the challenge. Occupying a striking egg-shaped structure that appears to be enveloped in a bronze ribbon, W Edinburgh certainly makes a statement. While the unique exterior has been the cause for much of the attention, the November 2023-debuted luxury hotel’s wraparound terraces with their spectacular skyline views are proving to be quite the crowd-pleasers as well. Marking the brand’s first foray into Scotland, W Edinburgh combines its daring design with elements of local heritage to create a modern and mindful retreat. A minimalist lobby features Old World touches like a tartan tapestry and wood paneling. Works by contemporary Scottish photographers line the walls of buzzy restaurants and bars. And while most of the accommodations occupy the striking Ribbon Building, a handful of the 244 rooms sit within a classic Georgian townhouse for those craving something more classic.”
Penthouse
The 2,200-sq.ft. Penthouse offers a large outdoor terrace for entertaining.
More suites at W Edinburgh.
9. Prestonfield House Edinburgh
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Tuck into the Prestonfield House Edinburgh, a boutique property that looks as if it could have served as a setting in a Jane Austen novel. Each room boosts beautiful antiques, rich brocade fabrics, textured wall paper, soft lighting and bespoke furniture. Even the 20 acres of surrounding land offer surprises at every turn, be it with a beautiful statue, an 18-hole golf course or the elegant topiary. The grand house was built in 1687, designed for Sir James Dick by the king’s personal architect, Sir William Bruce. That’s when the property garnered the name Prestonfield, a take on the original moniker, Priestfield. A lot of the original furnishings deck the hotel’s historic public areas, including the Leather Room, Yellow Room, Tapestry Room and Whisky Room, an aptly named space where you can indeed indulge in a fine glass of scotch. From these unique rooms and the exquisite suites to the well-stocked dining room to the luscious gardens, you could wander the luxury hotel and natural spaces for days, taking it all in without ever leaving the grounds.”
Owners Suite
The Owners Suite with separate living room and bedroom features antiques from the 17th century to take you into the mood.
More suites at Prestonfield House.
10. The Witchery by The Castle
The Telegraph writes, “If Pugin or Poe designed Gothic revival love nests they would probably look like this. An outrageous riposte to modern minimalism realized in nine luxurious historic fantasy suites by the gates of Edinburgh Castle. Essentially a characterful restaurant with rooms, the upstairs serves as an enchanting hideaway for incurable romantics. These sumptuous suites are situated either above the famously atmospheric Witchery by the Castle restaurant or secreted away in Jollie’s Close on the opposite side of the Royal Mile. Either way, you’re only a few paces from the castle gates in the heart of medieval Edinburgh. You have the Scotch Whisky Experience on one side and the Camera Obscura on the other, so be prepared to feel like a salmon working your way upstream against the crowds. Happily, you’ll be unaware of them once indoors thanks to some very good double glazing – but also because you’ll not be spending much time looking out of the windows when there is so much to distract inside.”
The Heriot Suite
The second-floor suite overlooks Edinburgh’s Old Town.
More suites at The Witchery by the Castle.