The Scotsman Hotel | City stay in Edinburgh | Book Now

75 photos

The Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh Nearby photo

The Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photo

Reserve directly with us

Up to 10% cheaper

than with Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1YT

Close to the Old Town

Great

8.8

9.1

/10

4.1

4.2

Loved by The Scotsman Hotel guests

Spacious rooms
Attentive staff
Great breakfast
Central location
Modern bathroom

"The hotel also has a cinema on a lower floor which is a magnificent small cinema."

Duncan McDonald from United Kingdom

read full review

"The wood panelled bedroom came with everything you'd need and some bonus extras you didn't know you wanted - a wee dram to send you off to sleep and tunnocks caramel wafers in place of the usual packet of budget custard creams."

Jimmy J from United Kingdom

read full review

"The Scotsman Hotel is located right next to the Waverley Train Station thus very convenient for train travellers."

King from Hong Kong

read full review

Location

The Scotsman Hotel is located on North Bridge, strategically situated between Edinburgh's historic Old Town and the bustling New Town. This advantageous position offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, and the Scott Monument. Guests can easily explore nearby attractions, including the Royal Mile and Waverley Station.

Rooms

The Scotsman Hotel houses 69 luxurious rooms and suites, including a two-floor Penthouse Suite with a private balcony. Each room showcases exquisite wood paneling, high ceilings, and tasteful furnishings, ensuring a distinct and comfortable experience. Unique layouts and designs guarantee that no two rooms are the same.

Dining

Dining options include The Grand Café, set in the former advertising hall of the Scotsman Newspaper headquarters, serving all-day dishes and live music on weekends. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients, offering seasonal specialties and signature plates. Guests can unwind in The Hide Bar with a selection of craft gins and Scottish whiskies.

Entertainment

The hotel features its own boutique Art Deco cinema, The Scotsman Picturehouse, equipped with 48 luxurious leather armchairs. This venue offers a curated movie roster, including new releases and classic films, along with options for private hire. Special events such as Fizz & Flick packages provide a unique cinema experience.

Meetings & Events

The Scotsman Hotel provides a range of event spaces including the original Board Room and multi-functional Jura and Fettercairn Suites with a secret outdoor courtyard. These versatile spaces accommodate from small meetings to large celebrations, with capacities up to 180 guests. The stunning marble staircase adds a notable touch for any occasion.

Highlights

Location: historic North Bridge, connecting the Old and New Towns

Dining: The Grand Café serves seasonal dishes

Entertainment: The Scotsman Picturehouse with 48 leather armchairs

Meetings: event spaces with capacities up to 180 guests

Weddings: sweeping marble staircase for ceremonies

Must-do experiences

Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia for a glimpse of royal life.
Savor haggis at the iconic 60 North for a true taste of Scotland.
Stroll through the hidden Dean Village for picturesque scenery.
Discover the Scottish National Gallery for world-class art exhibits.
Explore the historic Grassmarket for unique shops and eateries.

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

See hotel location on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Strange & UniqueTechy shower

“They had audio receivers in the walls with Bluetooth in the room + the shower so we could connect and listen to audio through the ceilings :)”

Connor H from United Kingdom

Safe HavenA safe space

“Suited us as at night the lovely curtains made it pitch black and it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.”

Michael C from United Kingdom

Shine on SocialsPicture perfect

“The room and views of the old city an the lounge on barr with its balconies and tall marble pillars makes the the scotsman hotel unique”

Oliver

View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Feature Twin or Double Room

2 persons

435 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Reporter Twin or Double Room

2 persons

335 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Reporter Double Room

2 persons

335 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Director Double or Twin Room

2 persons

370 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

Show all rooms

Show all roomsLess

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Great

8.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's buffet

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Dressing area
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Scotsman Hotel offers an inviting dining experience that celebrates Scottish culinary traditions. With a family-friendly atmosphere and an array of meal options, every guest can find something to savor, from leisurely breakfasts to delightful afternoon teas.

The Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh Restaurant photo

Grand Cafe

Scottish traditional with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options

Ambiance

Warm and welcoming, ideal for families or intimate gatherings, nestled within the historic charm of the hotel

Key Offerings

Indulge in dishes like Omelette Arnold Bennett or Loch Fyne kippers cooked to order, and enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea experience.

Reservation

Recommended for afternoon tea and dinner service

Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktail hour.

The Scotsman Hotel Location

20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1YT

Map view

20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 1YT

City landmarks

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

2800 ft

Museum

National Museum of Scotland

2200 ft

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

1.7 mi

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

3900 ft

Landmark

Royal Mile

2000 ft

Park

Princes Street Gardens

2700 ft

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

2300 ft

Landmark

Calton Hill

2200 ft

Landmark

Nelson Monument

2400 ft

Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

1.3 mi

Museum

Dynamic Earth

3700 ft

Landmark

Princes Street

2800 ft

Landmark

The Scotch Whisky Experience

2300 ft

Museum

The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland

3500 ft

Square

Grassmarket

3100 ft

Cemetery

The Robertson Mausoleum

2500 ft

Park

Holyrood Park

1.5 mi

Nearby

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

1800 ft

High Street 2 Warriston's Close

The Real Mary King's Close

1100 ft

Church

St Giles' Cathedral

600 ft

Store

Edinburgh Old Town

700 ft

Monument

Scott Monument

1600 ft

Museum

The Writers' Museum

1800 ft

Museum

Gladstone's Land

1800 ft

Museum

Museum of Childhood

900 ft

Nicolson Street

Surgeons' Hall Museums

1900 ft

2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)

Brass Rubbing Centre

600 ft

Museum

John Knox House

1100 ft

Gallery

City Art Centre

300 ft

Church

Mercat Cross

700 ft

Restaurants

Laila's Mediterranean Bistro

500 ft

63 Cockburn Street

La Locanda Italian Edinburgh

500 ft

61 Cockburn Street

Grand Cafe Edinburgh

100 ft

20 North Bridge

Prezzo

100 ft

7-9 North Bridge

Scran Bistro

400 ft

7 North Bridge Arcade

Patisserie Valerie Northbridge

400 ft

25 North Bridge

Gurkha Cafe & Restaurant

600 ft

25/27 Cockburn Street

Market Street Kitchen

400 ft

2 Market St

Explore Edinburgh

Explore Edinburgh's Vibrant Offerings

St Giles' Cathedral

3 minutes' walk

Famous for its stunning architecture, this cathedral features a grand medieval design and is an iconic symbol of Edinburgh.

National Museum of Scotland

9 minutes' walk

Showcasing Scotland's history, culture, and heritage, this museum offers free admission and engaging exhibits for all ages.

Edinburgh Castle

11 minutes' walk

Perched atop a volcanic rock, this historical fortress offers panoramic views and fascinating insights into Scotland's royal history.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

9 minutes' walk

A journey through the world of whisky, featuring tastings and interactive displays, perfect for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Arthur's Seat Hike

35 minutes walking

This scenic hike provides stunning views of the city and access to natural beauty, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Yoga Classes at The Wellbeing Studio

12 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga sessions in a serene environment, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Classes available for all levels.

Grand Cafe Edinburgh

1 minute' walk

A charming café offering a mix of classic and contemporary dishes, great for casual dining in a beautiful, cozy setting.

Laila's Mediterranean Bistro

2 minutes' walk

Delight in authentic Mediterranean flavors with fresh ingredients, known for its warm atmosphere and vegetarian options.

La Locanda Italian Edinburgh

2 minutes' walk

Traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh pasta and sauces. Family-friendly with options for various dietary needs.

The Stand Comedy Club

15 minutes' walk

A lively venue showcasing local and national comedians, promising a night of laughter with regular performances and open mic nights.

Usher Hall

20 minutes' walk

A historic concert hall offering a variety of performances from classical music to contemporary acts. A cultural staple in Edinburgh.

Getting around

City Centre

Edinburgh3 min · 700 ft

Airports

Edinburgh (EDI)22 min · 8.8 mi

Glasgow (GLA)133 min · 55.0 mi

Bus

Bus stop3 min · 700 ft

Unlock Early-Bird Deals

Grab Exclusive Rates Instantly

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP22.50 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Former name

The Scotsman

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Scotsman Hotel is often praised for its excellent location in the city center, making it easy to walk back after attending events such as the Military Tattoo. Guests frequently highlight the spacious and modern rooms, some even featuring charming cupolas with 360-degree city views, perfect for enjoying the sunrise. The Grand Cafe is mentioned as a beautiful setting to enjoy a delicious tea, although some found that the in-room refrigerators functioned more like coolers and didn't keep items very cold.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 1697 verified reviews

8.7/10

Great

88%

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Comfort

9.3/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.0/10

Value for money

8.1/10

Pros

Attentive staff

Comfortable rooms

Excellent service

Spotless place

Cons

Uncomfortable chairs

Firm mattress

Outside construction

based on 3714 reviews

4/5

Lily from United Kingdom

Single

Director Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 10, 2026

9.0/10

Wonderful Experience!

convenient locationhelpful staffdelicious breakfastmodern room

The location was convenient. The staff were helpful and nice . I enjoyed the delicious breakfast. The room was modern and comfortable (I really liked the decor!).

Service

9/10

The breakfast staff were attentive and readily available to assist guests. The team responded quickly and efficiently to requests, showcasing their dedication to customer satisfaction.

Rooms

9/10

The room featured comfortable bedding and soft pillows, promoting restful sleep. Modern amenities such as a coffee machine and complimentary toiletries were also present.

0 Helpful

Show less

Logan from United States

Family with children

Director Double or Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 04, 2026

8.8/10

charming experience

superb mealhelpful staffcomfortable roominefficient setup

the grand cafe meals were superb the staff was very helpful too it provided a pleasant atmosphere. the location was excellent especially for train access. my upgraded room was comfortable offering a prosecco bottle whiskey nips and snacks.

the breakfast setup lacked efficiency i noticed plates were not readily available near the pastries this resulted in unnecessary trips across the room this minor adjustment could greatly improve breakfast service.

Location

9/10

this hotel is located near the royal mile the train station and bus stops this placement simplifies transport and exploration options it ensures convenient access to key areas and services.

Service

9/10

the staff provided assistance and attentiveness to my needs. they were friendly and knowledgeable especially in the grand cafe. specific employees like charlie and steve showed dedication to guest satisfaction.

Dining

9/10

the grand cafe featured beautiful interiors. the fish and chips were delicious. the staff was attentive and provided great recommendations. the afternoon tea offered a great selection of sweet and savory items.

Facilities

8/10

the hotel had spacious and clean rooms. i noted the building has excellent architecture.

0 Helpful

Jessica from Australia

Couple

Feature Twin or Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 24, 2025

9.3/10

Charming Stay

excellent locationgreat spacehelpful stafffun atmosphere

The location was indeed excellent. My room offered great space and cleanliness. The staff members proved friendly and helpful throughout my stay. I particularly enjoyed the dram of whisky provided in the room upon arrival, a good touch. Oscar, working in the Press Room, was friendly and created a fun atmosphere during the evening. I also appreciated the convenient access to nearby facilities..

The food in the restaurant met expectations, yet it did not exceed them. It would have been good to have the dram of whisky available every day.

Dining

9/10

The breakfast featured an excellent selection of items and set a positive tone for the day. The Grand Cafe provided a perfect setting for cocktails and an amazing evening meal. I appreciated the attentive service in the dining areas.

Rooms

9/10

The room included a massive rainfall shower, it was a fantastic way to unwind. Hair straighteners were thoughtfully provided in the room. The room decor featured a grand style. It created an inviting atmosphere to relax.

Service

10/10

The reception team. They were attentive, friendly, and professional during the visit. Sudan, the Deputy General Manager, were great too ensure a perfect stay..

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About The Scotsman Hotel

What parking discounts are available for guests?

10 November 2024

Guests can enjoy a 25% discount at the nearby APCOA Car Park located at Waverley Station. Just bring your parking ticket to the reception for validation upon checkout.

Is there parking available near the hotel?

15 October 2024

While there are no on-site parking facilities, The Scotsman Hotel collaborates with the APCOA Car Park at Waverley Station, which is just a short walk away, offering a 25% discount when validated at the hotel.

Is there a convenient route from the railway station to the hotel?

22 October 2024

Yes, there is an elevator on Market Street that leads directly from the station to the hotel reception, making the journey easy for guests.

What time can guests check in to the hotel?

30 July 2024

Check-in is available from 2 PM. Guests arriving earlier are welcome to leave their luggage at the reception until their room is ready.

How close is the hotel to the city center and dining options?

5 September 2024

The Scotsman Hotel is centrally located, within a few minutes' walk to numerous popular restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in the city center.

Can guests expect views of Princes Street Gardens from their rooms?

12 November 2024

Some of the Feature Rooms offer views in the direction of the Scott Monument and city. Guests can request specific preferences during booking for the best views.

Are there options for accommodating children at the hotel?

29 December 2024

Yes, children aged 4 and older are welcome. Guests can request additional beds or a sofa bed during the booking process to ensure comfort for families.

What dining options are recommended nearby?

17 January 2025

Highly recommended dining spots close to the hotel include Dishoom for Indian cuisine, Tattu and Chaophraya for Asian flavors, and Chop House for steak lovers.

Does the hotel provide a shuttle service from the airport?

4 March 2025

There is no shuttle service. However, guests can take the Airport 100 bus, the tram, or a taxi to reach the hotel easily from the airport.

What is the cancellation policy for pre-paid bookings?

19 April 2025

Pre-paid bookings are non-flexible and do not allow cancellations. Guests are urged to consider their plans carefully before finalizing these bookings.