The Scotsman Hotel | Art-Deco Cinema & Castle Views * From $336

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The Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YT

Close to the Old Town

Great

8.7

9.1

/10

4.1

4.3

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

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"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

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

King from Hong Kong

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5-star luxury hotel with iconic views in Edinburgh

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

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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

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
40 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Reporter Twin or Double Room
2 persons
31 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Reporter Double Room
2 persons
31 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

September 2026 - September 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

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

No parking available.

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.

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, EH1 1YT

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
Edinburgh 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 22 min · 8.8 mi
Glasgow (GLA) 133 min · 55.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 700 ft

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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 the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 22.5 per person.

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.

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Review score

Based on 1842 verified reviews

8.7 /10

Great

87 %

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Comfort

9.2/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.6/10

Breakfast

7.9/10

Pros

Attentive staff

Comfortable rooms

Excellent service

Spotless place

Cons

Uncomfortable chairs

Firm mattress

Outside construction

based on 3714 reviews

4/5

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 meal helpful staff comfortable room

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. lifts were available to reach different floors.

0 Helpful

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Jessica from Australia

Couple

Feature Twin or Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 24, 2025

9.3/10

Charming Stay

excellent location great space helpful staff fun 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 very good too ensure a perfect stay..

0 Helpful

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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.