Edinburgh is home to incredibly popular Christmas and Hogmanay festivals. The city has two Christmas markets: East Princes Street Gardens and the Scottish Market on George Street. In this guide, I list the best hotels near Edinburgh Christmas Market and where to stay in 2023.
Hotels Near Edinburgh Christmas Market
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.
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.
Check AvailabilityLocation of Market Street Hotel
Next Best Hotel
BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh
Address: 5 New Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Distance to the Christmas market: 12 minutes, 900 metres.
Although slightly further from the Christmas markets, what I like most about BrewDog DogHouse is its excellent sustainability rating. The hotel uses renewable energy for its electricity while also offsetting some of its carbon footprint. They limit food waste (which reduces emissions), and they avoid single-use plastics. Aside from that, this is a cool hotel with beer on tap, artisan tea and coffee in the rooms, there’s great attention to detail, and the location just off the Royal Mile is excellent.
Best Value for Money
Wilde Aparthotels
Address: 26 King’s Stables Road, Edinburgh
Distance to the Christmas market: 4 minutes, 400 metres.
The Wilde is an apartment hotel that is perfect for those looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay during the Christmas markets. Located only 400 meters from the market, at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, and within easy reach of the famous Royal Mile, the hotel is in an ideal location to explore the city’s main attractions. Each apartment is beautifully designed with natural timber flooring, bespoke joinery, crafts, artwork, and soft furnishings. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure you have a comfortable stay, and the hotel lounge is lovely, with a great drinks selection. The amenities are fantastic, and the rooms are spacious, stylish, and spotless, with a great view to wake up to.
Budget Hotel
Yotel Edinburgh
Address: 68-73 Queen Street, Edinburgh, UK
Distance to the Christmas market: 13 minutes, 1km.
Yotel Edinburgh is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay during the Christmas markets. 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. With its prime location and affordable rates, Yotel Edinburgh is the perfect choice for those looking for a budget-friendly stay in the heart of the city.
Luxury Hotel
Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Address: 38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh
Distance to the Christmas market: 11 minutes, 900 metres.
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. The hotel has several dining options, including The Garden, where breakfast is served in an indoor courtyard, and BABA, a mezze and charcoal grill restaurant that serves Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. You can also enjoy free access to leisure facilities, including the gym, swimming pool, and spa. Kimpton also prides itself on its sustainability efforts, committed to reducing food waste and subscribing to third-party sustainability certifications. You will never forget the comfort of the bed, the amenities in the room and bathroom, and the generous tuck box of goodies and amazing coffee. The Kimpton offers the peace and relaxation of a country hotel while in the city’s centre.
Read my guide to Edinburgh Christmas Market for the latest dates, opening times, locations and local Christmas specialties.
Additionally, this list of the best Christmas markets 2023 UK edition has more ideas on where to go over the holidays.
Where to Stay for Edinburgh Christmas Market
Edinburgh has a variety of neighborhoods to choose from when it comes to where to stay for Edinburgh Christmas Market and visiting the city: 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 best attractions. It’s a great area to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to the Edinburgh Christmas market.
New Town: Located just a short walk from Old Town, New Town is a stylish and sophisticated neighbourhood with plenty of independent stores, cafes, and galleries. It’s a great area to stay if you’re looking for a more upscale experience, and it’s also conveniently located near the Christmas market.
Stockbridge: This trendy district is known for its vibrant cafe culture and independent boutiques. It’s located just a short walk from the city centre, and it’s a great place to stay 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 best art galleries and museums, making it a great area to stay if you’re looking to experience Edinburgh’s cultural scene.
West End: This chic neighbourhood is known for its elegant Georgian architecture, green spaces, and upscale boutiques. It’s a great area to stay if you’re looking for a more tranquil and sophisticated experience.
Grassmarket: Located in the heart of Old Town, Grassmarket is a lively and historic neighbourhood with plenty of bars, restaurants, and independent shops. It’s a great area to stay if you’re looking for a more bohemian and eclectic experience, and it’s conveniently located near the Christmas market.
Map of Edinburgh
When it comes to finding a hotel for your visit to Edinburgh, it’s important to consider your budget, your preferred location, and the type of experience you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious boutique hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, Edinburgh has something to offer every type of traveller.
In addition to finding the perfect hotel, don’t forget to explore everything the city offers. From the historic Old Town to the vibrant nightlife of Leith, there’s something for everyone in Edinburgh. And, of course, don’t miss out on the festive atmosphere of the Edinburgh Christmas market, where you can shop, eat, and drink to your heart’s content.
No matter what you’re looking for, Edinburgh is a city that will captivate and enchant you with its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene. So go ahead and book your stay, and get ready to fall in love with one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
If you have questions or want to leave a hotel review, please do so in the comments.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels in Edinburgh, Scotland. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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