Accommodation in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket

Once you’ve explored all the ancient nooks and crannies of the Grassmarket you need somewhere comfortable to rest your head. From family-friendly to budget-friendly, there’s a variety of choice in this part of the city.

Hotels

The 3-star Grassmarket Hotel offers a variety of comfortable and well-designed rooms. Incorporating traditional Scottish designs with a modern twist, all the rooms benefit from a number of useful items, such as self-lockable safes, Bluetooth speakers and USB charging ports, not to mention a giant sudoku puzzle and magnetic wall maps – perfect for planning the day’s adventures.

With several of the Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel’s bedrooms boasting spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle, a stay here really does place you at the heart of the action. Choose from a spacious master suite, a comfortable family room, a stylish city room plus or a flexible city room. Serving up Scottish classics with a contemporary twist, their stylish restaurant, Agua is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat. Guests also have use of the gym and pool in the neighbouring sister hotel, Apex Grassmarket Hotel.

For a hotel that is within easy reach of the Grassmarket and Edinburgh’s Old Town, the historic Double Tree by Hilton on Bread Street or Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Mile both fit the bill. 

If you’re seeking a hotel that is as passionate about fine dining and wine as it is for deluxe accommodation, Hotel Du Vin on nearby Bristo Place is an ideal choice. Or for something a bit different, Stay Central describe themselves as a little bit boutique hotel, a little bit trendy European hostel. Choose from compact rooms for couples, to dorm-style accommodation.

The Grassmarket’s newest hotel on the block is Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. Housed within the mid 19^th century India Buildings, whilst the building retains many of its original features, guests can expect sumptuous surroundings that are both distinctive and contemporary in design.

Serviced apartments and aparthotels

Serviced apartments and aparthotels are an ideal choice is you need a bit more space and flexibility.

With an ethos of ‘because life is too short for ordinary’, all of the one and two bedroom apartments at Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity – Grassmarket are design-led, with high-quality finishes. Natural timber flooring, bespoke joinery, artwork and soft furnishings sit alongside 43-inch smart TVs, Smeg and Nespresso appliances, luxuriant Hypnos mattresses and Grohe rainfall showers. Whether you’re staying in the city for business or a much-longed-for family holiday, you’ll find all the luxurious touches of a hotel, combined with a modern kitchen and separate living area at No.1 Apartments.

Hostels

Affordable, clean and comfortable, hostels have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and are perfect for budget savvy travellers.

As the name suggests, Castle Rock Hostel is very close to Edinburgh Castle, right beneath it to be exact. Built in 1846 and turned into a backpackers hostel in 1997, this is a beautiful building full of charm and character. The bright, spacious rooms are filled with plenty of amenities for a comfortable stay, including free wifi, a movie room, free book exchange and a patio where you can enjoy the elusive Scottish sun.

With both private double/twin rooms and shared dorms, Kick Ass Hostels have two locations to choose from. Kick Ass Grassmarket have a café and bar where you can meet your fellow travellers, or choose to chill-out in the common room, with its stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Over at Kick Ass Greyfriars, on a warm summer’s day their beer garden is the place to be as it boasts one of the best views of the castle in the city.

For a full range of hotels, B&B, guest houses and self-catering apartments in the Grassmarket see VisitScotland’s website