Edinburgh is home to some of the most popular Christmas and Hogmanay festivals. The city has two main Christmas markets: East Princes Street Gardens and the Scottish Fair on George Street.
In this guide, I list the best hotels near the Edinburgh Christmas Market and where to stay this year.
Hotels Near Edinburgh Christmas Market
Christmas Market Location: East Princes Street Gardens
Top Pick
Market Street Hotel
Address: 6 Market Street, Old Town, Edinburgh
Distance to the Christmas market: 6 minutes (450 metres) to both East Princes Street Gardens and George Street.
A great hotel in a great location with friendly and helpful staff. An ideal location with easy access to George Street, the Christmas market, the Royals Mile, Edinburgh Castle and many other sights. The hotel has an excellent rating in all areas.
Features:
- Design features that are cool yet welcoming.
- Exceptional breakfast with the option of complimentary champagne.
- Close to the bustle of the Royal Mile but without the noise.
- Dyson hairdryer and GHD hair straightener in the room.
Sustainability:
- A portion of the hotel’s emissions are offset.
- Most food served in the bar and restaurant is locally sourced.
- Bike rental is available and is a great way to get around when the weather permits.
- Efforts are made to reduce food waste.
Pros: An exceptional hotel that focuses on quality and experiences while being incredibly well-located. The rooftop bar is ideal for an evening drink and this is also the breakfast location.
Cons: This hotel is definitely on the expensive side so the free mini bar isn’t quite as appealing as it might seem. Most people would consider this a special treat hotel. I’ve listed a budget hotel below if you prefer to stay somewhere more reasonable.
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Hotel Location
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Read my Edinburgh Christmas Market Guide for the latest dates, opening times, locations and local Christmas specialties.
Additionally, this UK Christmas Markets List has more ideas on where to go over the holidays.
Or stay local by attending one of these Christmas Markets in Scotland.
Each hotel has been selected based on strict criteria for location, quality, modernity and comfort, reflecting places I would personally choose for my stay.
Descriptions provide an idea of what to expect, compiled from the latest visitor insights.
This guide is regularly updated to reflect current guest opinions and reviews.
Budget Accommodation
Yotel Edinburgh
Address: 68-73 Queen Street, Edinburgh, UK
Distance to the Christmas market: 13-minute walk (1km)
Neighbourhood: New Town
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Yotel Edinburgh is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay.
This modern hotel is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, offering easy access to the city’s main attractions and festive activities.
The hotel is well-designed, clean, and quiet, providing a relaxing and peaceful retreat after a day of exploring the markets.
Boutique Design
BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh
Address: 5 New Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Distance to the Christmas market: 12-minute walk (900 metres).
Neighbourhood: Old Town
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Although slightly further from the Christmas markets, what I like most about BrewDog DogHouse is its unique design and excellent sustainability rating.
This hotel is interesting, with beer on tap and artisan tea and coffee in the rooms. There is great attention to detail, and the location just off the Royal Mile is excellent.
The hotel utilises renewable energy for its electricity and offsets a portion of its carbon footprint. It reduces food waste (which in turn reduces emissions) and avoids the use of single-use plastics.
Best Value for Money
Wilde Aparthotels
Address: 26 King’s Stables Road, Edinburgh
Distance to the Christmas market: 4 minutes, 400 metres.
Neighbourhood: Old Town
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The Wilde is an apartment hotel, perfect for those seeking a spacious and convenient place to stay during the holidays.
The apartment-style makes it an excellent option for families needing more space and for extended stays.
Located only 400 meters from the markets, at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, and within easy reach of the famous Royal Mile, the hotel is ideal for exploring the city’s main attractions.
Each apartment is beautifully designed with natural timber flooring, bespoke joinery, crafts, artwork, and soft furnishings.
The staff are known to go above and beyond to ensure you have a comfortable stay, and the hotel lounge is lovely, offering a great selection of drinks.
Luxury Hotel
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Address: 38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
Distance to the Christmas market: 11-minute walk (900 metres).
Neighbourhood: New Town
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Staying at The Kimpton is an incredible experience. The luxury boutique hotel is just meters away from Princes Street and George Street, making it an ideal location to explore the city’s Christmas markets.
You can also enjoy complimentary access to wellness facilities, including the gym, swimming pool, and spa.
The hotel offers several dining options, including The Garden, where breakfast is served in an indoor courtyard, and BABA, a mezze and charcoal grill restaurant that serves a variety of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Kimpton is also recognised for its sustainability efforts, which include a commitment to reducing food waste and adherence to third-party sustainability certifications.
You will notice the comfort of the bed, the amenities in the room and bathroom, and the generous box of goodies and fantastic coffee.
Where to Stay
Edinburgh Castle overlooks both the Old Town and the New Town and the area where the Mound Precinct intersects.
This central area is where you’ll most likely want to stay to be near the Christmas markets and the city’s main sights and attractions.
Best Areas
Here are some examples of the best areas to stay:
- Old Town: This historic district is where you’ll find Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and many of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s a great area to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action.
- New Town: Situated just a short walk from Old Town, New Town is a stylish and sophisticated neighbourhood with numerous independent stores, cafes, and galleries. It’s a great area to stay if you’re looking for a more upscale experience.
- Stockbridge: This trendy district is known for its vibrant cafe culture and independent boutiques. It’s just a short walk from the city centre, meaning it’s ideal if you want to be close to the action but away from the crowds.
- Leith: This up-and-coming area is known for its cool bars, trendy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also home to many of the city’s top art galleries and museums, making it an excellent area for experiencing Edinburgh’s cultural scene.
- West End: This chic neighbourhood is known for its elegant Georgian architecture, green spaces, and upscale boutiques. It’s a good option for a more tranquil experience.
- Grassmarket: Situated in the heart of Old Town, Grassmarket is a lively and historic neighbourhood with numerous bars, restaurants, and independent shops. This is where you’ll find the Wilde Aparthotels.
If you have questions or would like to leave a hotel review, please do so in the comments section.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research, ensuring high quality and relevance. Descriptions are generated through a comprehensive analysis of guest reviews, offering diverse perspectives and detailed information.
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