Looking for the best family hotels in Edinburgh? Look no further!
A fairytale castle, a museum full of dinosaurs, and acres of parklands – all these and more make Edinburgh one of the best places to go in Scotland for a family trip. On top of it all, the hotels in Edinburgh are some of the best in the UK.
I loved visiting Edinburgh with my daughter when she was 5 months in 2020 and I hope you’ll love your visit too.
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Best Family Hotels in Edinburgh City Centre: Best Area Overall
Edinburgh city centre has two main areas, the Old Town and the New Town. The Old Town boasts historic buildings, traditional pubs, and medieval streets, including the iconic Royal Mile.
Often regarded as the more sophisticated of the two, New Town is an extension of the Old Town. It has neoclassical architecture and wide Georgian streets with high-end boutiques, chic cafés, and art galleries.
The city centre becomes even livelier with its fairy lights and Christmas markets during the holiday season making Edinburgh one of the best winter city breaks in Europe.
Don’t forget to plan ahead when visiting Edinburgh with Kids:
🛫 Book cheap flights with WayAway
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🛏️ Find the perfect place to stay with Booking.com, or discover your perfect holiday home 🏨 with VRBO
🚗 Find the best car rental deals with Discover Cars
🎫 Book amazing tours and tickets with Get Your Guide
Best Things to Do in the Edinburgh City Centre
- Stroll down Royal Mile
- Visit the Edinburgh Castle
- Explore the National Museum of Scotland
- Tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Check out Victoria Street, the real-life Diagon Alley
- See the view from Arthur’s Seat
- Window shop at Princes Street
- Hop on hop off bus Edinburgh
Best Places to Stay in Edinburgh City Centre
Our Top Choice: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh
Holiday Inn Express is one of the top family friendly hotels in Edinburgh. The property is a short distance from many of the best attractions in the city, including the Museum of Childhood, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, and the Princes Street Gardens.
The Holiday Inn Express is an excellent place to recharge after a long day of sightseeing. Its modern and spacious family rooms include a satellite TV, a tiled private bathroom, free WiFi, and cosy beds.
You can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning or relax at the lounge bar in the evening.
Best Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
From the elegant lounge to the sophisticated suites, Waldorf Astoria provides the ultimate luxurious family accommodation in Edinburgh.
Built in 1903, this iconic 5-star hotel features family rooms with double beds, a flat-screen TV, a marble bathroom with fluffy bathrobes and designer toiletries, and a well-stocked mini bar.
Many rooms have gorgeous, unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle, one of the most famous castles in Europe.
If you’re searching for Edinburgh family hotels with swimming pool, Waldorf Astoria has an indoor pool open all year round. After a long day, head to the spa and enjoy its pampering treatments or unwind in the sauna.
For something fancy, have an afternoon tea at the grand Peacock Alley.
Affordable Hotel: Eden Locke
Tucked away in a quiet section of George Street, this laid-back apartment hotel is your haven in the middle of a noisy city. The property is small and intimate, but its 72 units are cosy and stylish, with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, seating or dining area, and a fully-equipped mini kitchen.
And if you’re looking for Edinburgh hotels for a family of five, Eden Locke’s rooms are spacious enough for a cot or pull-out sofa bed.
Leith: Best for Foodies
The bustling port district of Leith brags an eclectic dining scene that ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to waterfront cafés to traditional pubs and a street lined with food stalls.
It’s also home to fascinating maritime museums, quirky shops, vintage stores, and play areas for kids.
Best Things to Do in Leith
- Board the Royal Yacht Britannia
- Sample street food at the Pitt (open Friday to Sunday)
- Shop at the Leith Farmers Market (Saturdays only)
- Explore the Trinity House Maritime Museum
- Stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway
Best Places to Stay Leith
Our Top Choice: Edinburgh Western Harbour
Fancy a waterfront hotel with a family suite in Edinburgh? The units in Edinburgh Western Harbour offer stunning sea views from its balcony. But the gorgeous panorama is just a bonus.
The property’s main draw is its fantastic apartments, furnished with a satellite flat-screen TV, a seating area, a private bathroom, and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Nearby attractions include the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Edinburgh Playhouse. The area is also known for its scenic hiking trails. If you prefer not to leave the property, there’s a gorgeous garden on the grounds where you can relax.
Best Luxury: Fingal
Permanently berthed in the Albert Dock Basin, Fingal is a 5-star floating hotel known for its blend of modern luxury and old-world elegance.
The ship features 23 stylish cabins with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a comfy bed with hypo-allergenic bedding and Egyptian cotton sheets, a private bathroom, a minibar, and decks for stargazing or sunset watching.
If you’re looking for an extra luxurious Edinburgh hotel with a family room, Fingal has connecting rooms available. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
For those who want fine dining, the hotel has a bar and restaurant onsite that serves a gourmet menu, afternoon tea, and cocktails.
Affordable Hotel: Crioch Guest House
Set in a lovely 125-year-old building, Crioch Guest House mixes Victorian grace and modern comfort.
The rooms are simple but equipped with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a seating area, comfy beds, and a private bathroom with towels and a hairdryer. It serves continental, English, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free breakfasts for extra cost.
The guest house makes a good base for exploring Edinburgh. Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and Leith Links. The famous Edinburgh Zoo, one the best zoos in the UK, is about 17 minutes by car from the guest house.
Best Family Hotels in Edinburgh Southside
Home to a large student population – thanks to its nearness to the University of Edinburgh – Southside exudes a youthful and outgoing vibe. Here you’ll find speciality cafés, budget-friendly eateries, and thrift shops.
Best Things to Do in Southside
- Have a picnic at the Meadows
- Visit the National Museum of Scotland
- Explore the Surgeon’s Hall Museum and the Anatomical Museum
- Hike up to the Salisbury Crags
Best Places to Stay in Southside
Our Top Choice: The Scholar
Located on the stunning grounds of the Pollock Estate, The Scholar is a newly restored hotel owned and run by the University of Edinburgh. It is within walking distance to the Meadows, Holyrood Park, and Arthur’s seat.
Stylish and modern, The Scholar features well-appointed rooms with large beds, a flat-screen TV, complimentary tea and coffee and a private bathroom with a rainfall shower. The hotel also has a bar, a restaurant, and an outdoor garden dining area.
Best Luxury: Prestonfield House
A 5-star retreat surrounded by a 20-acre garden and parkland, Prestonfield House is undoubtedly one of the most luxurious Edinburgh family hotels.
The lavishly-restored building dates back to 1687 and features 23 opulent rooms and suites.
Each room has elegant antique décors, a well-stocked minibar, baths with an overhead shower, a flat-screen TV, and views of the gardens or the parkland.
Prestonfield House offers complimentary breakfast and 24-hour room service. There are also babysitting services, an airport shuttle, and massages for an additional charge.
Budget Hotel: Southside Guest House
Southside Guest House is an award-winning, family-run bed and breakfast known for its contemporary comforts, unique period décor, and exceptional hospitality. The guest house has eight rooms, carefully furnished for ease and relaxation.
Each unit includes a flat-screen TV, a comfy bed with a firm mattress and crisp linens, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Tucked between the Meadows and Holyrood Park, Southside Guest House is nearby many of Edinburgh’s top landmarks, theatres, restaurants, and pubs.
Stockbridge: Best for Families
About 15 minutes from the city centre, on the Water of Leith, you’ll find Stockbridge, one of Edinburgh’s most elegant neighbourhoods.
Pretty Georgian and Victorian terraced houses line its cobblestone streets, while lush green spaces dot the area.
Stockbridge is chiefly residential with a village vibe, but it also has many charming cafés, trendy shops, thrift stores, and posh delis.
Best Things to Do in Stockbridge
- Visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
- Discover the flora at the Royal Botanic Garden
- Check out the Neighbourhood Market
- Relax in Inverleith Park
- Shop at the Stockbridge Market
Best Places to Stay in Stockbridge
Our Top Choice: The Raeburn
Housed in a gorgeous Georgian building, The Raeburn provides comfort, convenience, and class.
All rooms include a flat-screen TV, a well-stocked mini-bar, a coffee and tea maker, free WiFi, a seating area, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
The property has a brasserie-style restaurant, a bar with a fireplace, and a terrace with parasols.
Nearby are the Royal Botanic Garden, the Jubilee Gardens, and the Newfield Recreation Ground.
Best Luxury: Nira Caledonia
Bustling cobblestone streets surround the Nira Caledonia, a stately Georgian townhouse. Though it’s in a busy area, it makes a peaceful and restful retreat with its quiet and cosy rooms. It could easily be the best family hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland.
All units have a 42” plasma TV with DVD player, slate bathroom, and plushy goose feather beds with goose-down pillows. Some rooms feature a private garden, a spa bath, or floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the inner courtyard or the streets. You can enjoy breakfast in your room.
Affordable Hotel: Native Edinburgh
Native Edinburgh is not precisely in Stockbridge, but it’s conveniently nearby.
This homey aparthotel has 82 newly-restored units that range from studios to one-bedroom suites with a sofa bed and interconnecting apartments on request.
All rooms include a flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a private bathroom.
Dean Village: Best for Scenery
With its picturesque cobbled streets, quaint stone bridges over the Water of Leith and centuries-old water mills – Dean Village seems straight out of a storybook.
A former grain-milling village, this idyllic neighbourhood is one of the hidden gems in Europe.
Best Things to Do in Dean Village
- Check out St Bernard’s Well
- Visit Well Court
- Walk around Dean Cemetery
Best Places to Stay in Dean Village
Our Top Choice: B+B Edinburgh
A boutique bed and breakfast in a historic-listed building, B+B Edinburgh offers modern rooms with a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee maker, and a tiled bathroom.
It serves a complimentary breakfast with special diet menus upon request.
There are board games and puzzles for families, bicycle rental if you want to explore the city on two wheels, and a library for guests looking for a quiet retreat.
Best Luxury: The Bonham Hotel
The Bonham is, without a doubt, one of the most child-friendly Edinburgh family hotels. This 5-star Victorian townhouse offers a kid-friendly buffet with kids’ meals, high chairs, children’s television networks, and interconnected rooms.
Designed with comfort and relaxation, the hotel has units that include a satellite TV, free WiFi, a minibar, a plush bed, and an ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries and bathrobes. Additionally, every room has a garden or city view.
Budget Hotel: 22 Chester Street
This charming guest house overlooks St Mary’s Cathedral, Scotland’s largest cathedral. Chic but homey, it boasts Georgian architecture and furnishings, a lovely garden, and an expansive drawing where guests can unwind after touring the city.
All rooms at Chester Street have a flatscreen TV, an iPhone docking station, a tea and coffee maker, and a private bathroom.
FAQs
The city centre, either New Town or Old Town, is the best part of Edinburgh to stay. Concentrated in this area are museums, parks, eateries, shops, and some of the city’s most famous landmarks, as well as many of the best Edinburgh family hotels. Additionally, the city centre is easily accessible from almost all parts of Edinburgh.
Prestonfield House, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, The Raeburn and Fingal are some of the most romantic family hotels in Edinburgh.
The city centre, either New Town or Old Town, is the best part of Edinburgh to stay. Concentrated in this area are museums, parks, eateries, shops, and some of the city’s most famous landmarks, as well as many of the best Edinburgh family hotels. Additionally, the city centre is easily accessible from almost all parts of Edinburgh.
Final Thoughts: Edinburgh Family Hotels
Edinburgh is one of the most child-friendly and beautiful places in the UK. If you have not decided on your next city break destination, consider putting the Scottish capital on your bucket list.
Don’t worry about missing the comforts of home. Many Edinburgh family hotels will provide all the conveniences you need to make your family holiday a truly fantastic experience.
Thinking of exploring more of Scotland? Read our article on the best places to visit in Scotland.
Plan Your Trip to Edinburgh with Kids
Don’t forget to plan ahead when visiting Europe for Easter.
🛫 Book cheap flights with WayAway
Get up to 10% cashback on flights with WayAway Plus! Use the code EuropeanCitieswithKids2023 for 10% off a plus membership.
🛏️ Find the perfect place to stay with Booking.com,
…or discover your perfect holiday home 🏨 with VRBO
🚗 Find the best car rental deals with Discover Cars
🎫 Book amazing tours and tickets with Get Your Guide
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Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.