Morningside/bruntsfield Upscale Neighborhood In Edinburgh
Elegant Leafy Avenues, and Independent Stores
The leafy avenues of these sister neighborhoods just south of the center are home to some of Edinburghs most elegant addresses.
Morningside has the reputation of being one of the most well-to-do neighborhoods in Scotland, and its next-door neighbour Bruntsfield isnt far behind.
This combined area located just south of the city center has leafy terraces, beautiful Victorian and Georgian mansions, quirky independent shops, churches and parks.
Quieter than the other neighborhoods in this guide, it is one of the safest in the city.
Famous Irish comedian Dylan Moran resides here and at one of his recent gigs I was at, in The Stand said he thinks the leading cause of death in Morningside is too much Earl Grey tea.
The area has inspired other famous names to locate there too including s JK Rowling, Muriel Spark, Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall Smith.
The fictitious characters of Miss Jean Brodie and Maisie the Cat from childrens stories by Aileen Paterson have made the area famous as one of Edinburghs fanciest postcodes.
If you want high class, peaceful parks, tantalizing tearooms and beautiful bistros, this is the best place to stay in Edinburgh.
Haymarket/west End For Convenience
For a stay that is still quite central but not right in the heart of the Old Town, you might want to look into Haymarket. This area located to the west of New Town also includes smaller areas like West End.
Generally speaking, this is a more residential area that is not as touristy. Lisa lived in this area for a couple of months and really enjoyed it.
A highlight of this area is connectivity. You are a short walk to historic Dean Village, New Town, Stockbridge, and the Haymarket Train Station.
This station runs right to Edinburgh Waverley but is also accessed easily by street tram and buses that run between the city centre and the airport.
Check Here For Hotels and Accommodations in Haymarket
So, Haymarket is a good area for people on the go. There are also a number of restaurants, pubs, and shops in this area which makes it a lively place to stay but in a different way than in New Town.
Also, once you get off the main road youre staying in residential areas which can be much quieter.
Featured Accommodations in Haymarket
Below are a handful of the top hotels and guesthouses in the Haymarket area. Remember that you are in the west end of the city centre but still within walking distance to New Town and to the area around Edinburgh Castle.
In general, its a more residential location but some of the accommodations that are here are really good choices.
B+B Edinburgh Check Now
The Haymarket Lairg Hotel Check Now
Best Airbnb In Grassmarket: Magical Harry Potter Inspired Flat
Located near Edinburg Castle, this Harry Potter-themed apartment comes complete with panelled walls, antique books, and even a secret cupboard. Up to four guests can stay here, making it ideal for groups. If you really want to feel like youre staying the a Harry Potter movie, consider staying in an old English cottage in Edinburgh!
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Where To Stay In Edinburgh A Guide To Auld Reekie
Edinburgh is the capital and second-most populous city in Scotland. Located in Lothian, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament and the highest courts in Scotland. As the most visited tourist destination in the country Edinburgh is especially famous for its impressive and well-preserved Old Town, castle, Georgian-era New Town, gardens, cemeteries and cultural attractions. The city is also renowned for hosting the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe, the largest annual international arts festival in the world. In this post, well walk you through the best areas to stay in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Why you should visit Edinburgh
Considered Britains most beautiful city, Edinburgh is packed with history and beautiful architecture. Its importance as a hub for education, culture and the arts earned it the nickname Athens of the North in the 19th century. Today, Edinburgh is a vibrant European capital with a rich heritage and lovely people. Its city centre is teeming with historical sights, but its small enough that you can walk almost anywhere. Find accommodation in Central Edinburgh.
Whats the best time to visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh: Getting there and around
Where to stay in Edinburgh
Other convenient districts to stay in Edinburgh for tourists include Haymarket & the West End, Leith, Newington, Broughton, Stockbridge and Edinburgh Airport.
Where To Stay In Edinburgh Scotland
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a profoundly historical city with an amazingly well preserved old center. As well as its landmark castle, the center of this city is filled with ambling historic streets the church spires and rooves of old buildings making for a decidedly picturesque skyline.
The history goes back much further, with millennia-old Bronze Age findings uncovered around the city, most notably at the craggy Arthurs Seat just to the south of the city center.
But its not all ancient history the north side of the town is home to a marvel of 18th-century urban planning, an exquisite grid system of Georgian houses where visitors will be able to find a host of museums and art galleries that speak of Scotlands cultural heritage.
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Where To Stay Near The Royal Mile
Edinburghs well-worn thoroughfare from the Castle to Holyrood Palace is central to any visitors itinerary. Subdivided into four streets Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate The Royal Mile is home to museums, churches, pubs and restaurants. Yes, its a magnet for tartan-stuffed souvenir stores but this is also Edinburgh at its most fascinating. Radiating off The Royal Mile is an atmospheric warren of narrow closes, steep lanes and hidden vaults. The architecture is a topsy-turvy blend of blackened sandstone facades, rubblestone tenements and merchant houses.
Best for a stylish second home: Old Town Chambers
Tucked down a narrow passageway just off The Royal Mile, Old Town Chambers is a collection of stylish, luxury serviced apartments set in a thoughtfully restored fifteenth-century building. Each is enlivened with modern comforts such as Nespresso machines and there’s an on-site gym.
Best for atmospheric indulgence: The Witchery by the Castle
Just moments from the castle, the nine riotously indulgent suites at The Witchery promise a memorable stay. Expect antique furniture and tapestry-draped beds, roll-top baths, complimentary champagne and the chance to dine on a full Scottish breakfast at the famously spooky restaurant.
Guesthouses/bed And Breakfasts In Edinburgh
If you are interested in a quieter accommodation in Edinburgh, youll find a number of bed and breakfasts in Edinburgh. The name doesnt matter all that much these are cozier accommodations that usually come with breakfast in the morning.
The best B and B in Edinburgh is definitely a tough title to hand out since there are so many. Eric loved his stay at the Dorstan Guest House, which is located in Prestonfield.
The host was super friendly and accommodating, the house was charming and lovely, and the breakfast was absolutely fantastic. You submitted your order each evening and it was cooked up in the morning!
There are actually a number of guesthouses in the city centre. Generally, though, they can be found in quieter, more residential areas close to Haymarket or in New Town.
These often make a good place to stay with kids since they also have parking and you can get a good nights sleep! You can check here for guesthouses in Edinburgh. Weve included a variety of great guesthouses to get you started:
- Dorstan Guest House A lovely and cozy guesthouse with incredible breakfast located in Prestonfield
- The Haymarket Lairg Hotel A cozy and charming guesthouse very close to Haymarket
- The St ValeryAn classic guesthouse with superb breakfast located in West End
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Where To Stay In New Town
Le Monde Hotel
Unique and very chic, Le Monde is just 100 yards from Princes Street and Edinburgh Waverley Station. It has luxury themed rooms, 2 restaurants, 3 bars and a lively night club. Impressive rooms are themed after cities around the world, each with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and DVD/CD player. Luxury bathrooms have Temple Spa toiletries and rainfall showers.
Tigerlily
Tigerlily is an award-winning boutique hotel with chic rooms, an elegant bar, nightclub and a restaurant. It is a 10-minute walk from the Scott Monument in Edinburghs most popular shopping area and financial district. In Edinburgh’s city centre, the hotel on George Street has beautiful rooms with a flat-screen TV and Bluetooth speaker. Guests can also enjoy White Company toiletries and free WiFi.
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is situated in Edinburgh, just metres from Princes Street and George Street. The rooms offer a flat-screen Smart TV, 300 thread count bed linen, a complimentary treat box and a fridge with complimentary fresh milk and mineral water. The en suite bathrooms have a selection of complimentary toiletries.
The Leonardo Royal Hotel Haymarket
As a chain hotel that caters for large groups and business travellers, The Leonardo Royal Hotel offers comfortable, clean and convenient accommodation a five-minute walk away and Princes Street, the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.
Bedrooms are suitably well presented, with touches of tweed that break up the ever present beige, and the hotel offers a decent restaurant, that may not be five star but does serve well cooked, high quality meals, three times a day. There is also a good size car park on-site, as well as flat screen TVs and an impressive all-you-can-eat breakfast.
- Rooms from £111
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Where To Stay In Morningside And Bruntsfield
Black Ivy
Black Ivy is just a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh city centre and features a lively bar which overlooks Bruntsfield Links park. The shopping precinct of Princes Street is only 1.3 miles from the hotel. Free WiFi and an en suite bathroom are featured in each room at Black Ivy. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is also provided.
Menzies Guest House
The Menzies Guesthouse is just a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street. It offers rooms with TVs and free Wi-Fi, an open buffet vegetarian breakfast and free parking. Rooms at the non-smoking Menzies Guesthouse all include an iron, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Best Western Plus Edinburgh City Centre Bruntsfield Hotel
Overlooking Bruntsfield Links Park, this classic yet contemporary hotel offers bright rooms with free Wi-Fi and limited free parking. Edinburgh city centre is a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride away. Each spacious bedroom at the Best Western Plus Bruntsfield is well equipped with a flat-screen TV with international satellite channels, a work desk, a seating area and a private bathroom.
We are sure you will love the city, once you decided where to stay in Edinburgh. If this is your first visit, make sure to take a long walk through the street of Edinburgh.
You can also spend half a day visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens Of Edinburgh featuring one of the most well-kept palm houses in the UK.
Hotels In West Edinburgh
West Edinburgh is fairly quiet and residential, so there are a number of bed and breakfast style accommodations here.
As well, the Holiday Inn on Corstorphine Road is served by the 12, 26 and 31 buses and the Leonardo Edinburgh Murrayfield hotel on Clermiston Road is served by the 26 bus.
Staying in West Edinburgh? Check out Corstorphine Hill for a forest walk.
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Best Airbnb In Stockbridge: Converted Factory With Parking
Enjoy a unique stay in this converted factory in Stockbridge. The flat maintains its industrial style and benefits from spacious rooms and large windows letting in plenty of natural light. Sleeping up to four guests, this is the perfect place for couples or groups spending a couple of nights in Edinburgh.
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Where To Stay In Edinburgh Near Stockbridge
The Raeburn The Georgian building, slick décor, many amenities, including its own library. The central location makes this an ideal Stockbridge base.
Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Nira Caledonia Centrally located, gorgeous décor in this Georgian Townhouse. Period features with all modern amenities and gardens make this a peaceful hideaway.
Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Inverleith Hotel Elegant rooms in this Victorian House, breakfast included, and location near the Botanic Gardens make this a good choice in the area.
Check out Availability & Prices Trip Advisor / Booking.com
Best Areas To Stay In Edinburgh: Our Picks For The 9 Best Neighborhoods To Stay In Edinburgh Scotland
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New Town Best Place To Stay In Edinburgh With Families
Up the hill from Old Town, New Town is new in the sense of only going back to 18th century, as opposed to the 12th century as some other areas of Edinburgh. But, no worries, youll still see a lot of historic buildings and sites of interest in New Town. The center of New Town is Princes Street, another main shopping thoroughfare of Edinburgh.
Princes Street is the busiest street in Edinburgh and has a beautiful public garden with fun events in the summer. This is the best neighborhood to stay in Edinburgh for families who want to be close to the center, with easy access to green space for kids to run around.
Morningside And Bruntsfield Accommodation
Bed and Breakfast $
If you are looking for cheap places to stay in Edinburgh, Albyn Townhouse offers affordable prices for excellent accommodation.
Clean rooms, comfortable beds, breakfasts to sort out even the fussiest in your party. Read reviews and compare rates at TripAdvisor.
Best Seller $$
Overlooking Bruntsfield Links, the Best Western Plus, is a popular choice.
Near The Kings Theatre, it has free parking and public transport is easily accessible. Compare prices at TripAdvisor.
Boutique $$
The Black Ivy is a wee hidden gem in Bruntsfield. Super modern, Instagram-friendly, and a popular bar underneath which is open until 1 am at weekends.
With the Edinburgh Conference Center, The Usher Hall and Filmhouse Cinema all within a 15-minute walk, this offers you a luxurious stay in a quieter area but with everything close by. Compare rates at TripAdvisor.
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Sure, Buckingham Palace is gorgeous, but dont overlook the Holyrood Palace! It features the same extravagant artwork and architecture as Buckingham Palace, but with a small percentage of the crowds. Being located in Holyrood Park offers the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in history and nature at the same time.
A Note About Our Hotel Recommendations In This Edinburgh Neighbourhood Guide
Our hope with this Where to Stay in Edinburgh Guide is to make trip planning a little easier, by helping you find the best area to stay in Edinburgh for your particular budget, goals, travel style and more.
To do this, we mostly hire locals to write the guides, because we want to be sure were giving the best info about each neighborhood, and we feel locals are in the best position to do so. But, of course, locals live in their own homes, not hotels. And so we have to rely on research to fill in the hotel info in this post. Weve researched each neighborhood, and chosen some of the highest rated hotels in each. When it comes down to it, our sniff test is whether wed personally want to stay in that hotel or apartment, and also whether wed feel confident recommending it to a friend or family member, no matter how much they wanted to spend.
Our goal with this post is for you to have a fantastic vacation to Edinburgh, whether its a grand, Scotland-wide trip or a short Edinburgh city break. And, we want you to be able to do so without having to spend hours on the internet, reading reviews and cross-checking locations on a map. Hopefully weve done a good jobbut please dont blame us if we havent at the end of the day, we expect you to check the most recent reviews and specific conditions in the city, using our recommendations as a starting point and framework, and then selecting the best hotel and area to stay in Edinburgh for your own trip!
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