Best Hotels in Edinburgh for Families

Where to Stay in Edinburgh with Kids: Quick Area Guide

Edinburgh is compact, scenic, and surprisingly easy to navigate as a family—especially if you choose a hotel in the right neighborhood. The city’s top attractions (Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens, and the museums) sit close together, but the steep closes, cobbles, and hills can make the wrong base feel tiring with strollers or little legs. This guide focuses on family-friendly hotels that balance space, comfort, and location, with practical perks like on-site dining, larger rooms, and easy transport connections.

• Old Town (Royal Mile & Grassmarket): Best for first-timers and sightseeing; expect historic buildings, cobblestones, and lively evenings.
• New Town (Princes Street & George Street): Great for shopping and flatter streets; elegant, central, and walkable to parks.
• Haymarket & West End: Ideal for families who want calmer nights and quick trains/trams; often better value for space.
• Leith (Shore): Waterfront dining and more residential vibes; good if you’ll use the tram and enjoy a local feel.

Best Hotels in Edinburgh for Families

Below are standout family-friendly hotels across Edinburgh’s most convenient areas. Each one is a strong choice, but the “best” for your trip depends on whether you prioritize being steps from the Castle, having a pool, or getting a suite with room for everyone to spread out.

1) Apex Grassmarket Hotel

If your family wants to wake up in the heart of the Old Town, Apex Grassmarket Hotel is hard to beat. You’re right by the Grassmarket’s cafés and shops, with an easy walk to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Families appreciate the practical room layouts, modern comfort in a central location, and the bonus of an on-site pool—rare in the Old Town.

• Best for: Families who want central sightseeing plus a pool.
• Nearby: Castle viewpoints, Victoria Street, National Museum of Scotland (walkable).
• Family note: Request larger rooms early—popular dates book out fast.

2) The Balmoral

For a splurge-worthy family stay with a classic Edinburgh feel, The Balmoral delivers. Set by Waverley Station and Princes Street, it’s a strategic base: you can pop into the Old Town or New Town without long walks, and you’ll be close to gardens and shopping for easy downtime. The service is polished and family-friendly, and the central location helps keep transit and logistics simple.

• Best for: Special occasions, multi-generation trips, and families who value seamless service.
• Nearby: Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument, easy access to trains.
• Family note: Ask about connecting rooms or larger category rooms for extra space.

Compare hotels on TravelStayMaps to find the best rates.

3) Novotel Edinburgh Centre

Novotel Edinburgh Centre is a dependable family favorite: comfortable rooms, practical amenities, and an indoor pool that can turn a rainy Edinburgh day into a win. It’s close to the Grassmarket and Old Town sights without being right in the busiest stretch, which many families find ideal for quieter nights.

• Best for: Families who want a pool and a straightforward, reliable hotel experience.
• Nearby: Grassmarket, Castle (walkable), and easy routes to museums.
• Family note: Check room types carefully if you need a sofa bed or extra sleeping capacity.

4) Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

When your priority is comfort, space, and a resort-like reset after walking the city, the Sheraton Grand is a standout. Located near the West End, it’s an easy taxi or tram hop to major attractions, and it typically feels calmer than the Old Town. Families like the larger-room options and the amenities that make staying in (even briefly) feel like part of the trip.

• Best for: Families who want upscale comfort and a quieter base.
• Nearby: Princes Street (walkable), Dean Village (pleasant stroll), tram links.
• Family note: Review spa/pool access policies and family hours before booking.

5) The Scotsman Hotel

Set in an iconic building near the Royal Mile and Waverley Station, The Scotsman pairs a dramatic, historic setting with a central location that simplifies family sightseeing. You’ll be close to the action without needing constant transport, which helps if you’re traveling with children who nap or need frequent breaks. It’s a strong pick for families who want character, not just convenience.

• Best for: Families who want a memorable “Edinburgh” atmosphere in a central spot.
• Nearby: Royal Mile, Princes Street, easy station access.
• Family note: Some room categories feel more spacious than others—choose carefully.

6) Malmaison Edinburgh (Leith)

If you’d like a more local, waterfront stay with excellent dining nearby, Malmaison Edinburgh in Leith is a smart family base—especially for longer trips. Leith’s Shore area has a relaxed pace, and the tram makes getting into the city center straightforward. Families who prefer a calmer neighborhood (and better value for room size) often love this option.

• Best for: Families staying 3+ nights and those who enjoy dining variety.
• Nearby: The Shore restaurants, Royal Yacht Britannia (short ride away).
• Family note: Plan for tram rides or short taxis to central Old Town attractions.

7) InterContinental Edinburgh The George

In the heart of the New Town, InterContinental Edinburgh The George offers an elegant, central base with flatter streets than the Old Town—often a relief with strollers. You’ll be near Princes Street and George Street shopping, plus easy access to parks where kids can burn off energy. It’s a strong “do-it-all” choice for families who want walkability without constant hills.

• Best for: Families who want a refined, central New Town location.
• Nearby: Princes Street, gardens, great transit links.
• Family note: Consider room categories that prioritize space if traveling with older kids.

Compare hotels on TravelStayMaps to find the best rates.

How to Choose the Right Family Hotel in Edinburgh

Edinburgh rewards a little planning. Use these practical filters to narrow down the best match for your family’s travel style.

Pick your neighborhood based on your “daily rhythm”

• Early starts and heavy sightseeing: Stay in the Old Town or near Waverley Station to reduce commute time.
• Afternoon breaks and naps: A quieter base like the West End/Haymarket can make returning to the room easier.
• Longer stays: Consider Leith for a calmer pace and more of a local neighborhood feel.

Prioritize room space and bedding setup

Many Edinburgh hotels are in historic buildings where room shapes vary widely. Before booking, check whether your room includes a sofa bed, rollaway, or connecting options. If you’re traveling with two kids, a slightly higher room category can be worth it for storage, extra floor space, and a less stressful bedtime routine.

Look for kid-friendly downtime options

Edinburgh weather can shift quickly. Hotels with pools (or at least a comfortable lounge and on-site dining) help keep morale high if you need a low-key afternoon. A pool is also a helpful reward after a day of climbing and walking.

Consider transit access for day trips

If you’re planning a day trip (or arriving by train), being near Waverley Station, Haymarket Station, or a tram stop can save time and reduce hassle. This is especially helpful with luggage, car seats, or a stroller.

Family Travel Tips for Edinburgh

Strollers and hills

The Old Town is beautiful but uneven. If you’ll use a stroller, choose a hotel with easier access (New Town can be friendlier), or plan routes that avoid the steepest closes. A lightweight travel stroller can make a noticeable difference.

Plan one “park break” per day

Princes Street Gardens is a natural reset button between attractions, and it’s conveniently placed between Old Town and New Town. If your kids need bigger open space, Holyrood Park offers memorable views, but the terrain can be more demanding.

Meal strategy: book one anchor meal

For families, securing one reliable daily meal—breakfast in the hotel, or a pre-booked dinner—helps everything else feel flexible. Hotels with on-site dining can be a genuine advantage when kids are tired or the weather turns.

Compare hotels on TravelStayMaps to find the best rates.

Best Booking Windows (and how to get better value)

Edinburgh demand spikes during summer and festival periods. If you’re traveling in peak season, prioritize booking early—especially for family rooms and suites, which are limited. For better value, consider shoulder-season dates (spring and autumn) when availability improves and you can often upgrade room categories for less.

• Peak periods: Summer school holidays, major festival weeks, and holiday markets.
• Better value: Midweek stays, shoulder seasons, and areas just outside the Old Town core.
• Pro tip: If you see a great flexible rate, lock it in early and re-check prices closer to arrival.

Summary: Which Edinburgh Hotel Is Best for Your Family?

• Best central Old Town base with a pool: Apex Grassmarket Hotel
• Best luxury landmark stay: The Balmoral
• Best dependable family all-rounder with pool: Novotel Edinburgh Centre
• Best for upscale comfort and a calmer base: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
• Best for historic atmosphere near Waverley: The Scotsman Hotel
• Best for longer stays and a local vibe: Malmaison Edinburgh (Leith)
• Best New Town walkability on flatter streets: InterContinental Edinburgh The George

With the right base, Edinburgh becomes an easy family city: you can sightsee in bite-sized chunks, return for breaks, and still have energy left for a sunset stroll and a cozy dinner. Choose the neighborhood that matches your family’s rhythm, then book the room type that gives everyone a little breathing room.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What area of Edinburgh is best for families?

For first-time family trips, the New Town is often easiest thanks to flatter streets, parks, and walkable access to attractions. The Old Town is great for sightseeing but can be steep and cobbled. Haymarket/West End suits families who want quieter nights and good transport links.

Which Edinburgh hotels are best for families who want a pool?

Family favorites with pool access commonly include Apex Grassmarket Hotel and Novotel Edinburgh Centre. Always confirm current pool hours and any age restrictions before booking.

Is it better to stay near the Royal Mile or Princes Street with kids?

The Royal Mile (Old Town) puts you closest to major historic sights, but it’s busier and hillier. Princes Street/New Town is flatter and convenient for parks and shopping, while still being walkable to the Old Town—often a smoother fit for strollers.

Do Edinburgh hotels have family rooms and sofa beds?

Many do, but availability can be limited—especially in peak season. Check the exact bedding configuration (sofa bed vs. two doubles vs. connecting rooms) before you book, since room shapes in historic buildings vary.

How far in advance should families book hotels in Edinburgh?

For summer and festival dates, booking several months ahead is wise, particularly for family rooms and suites. Shoulder-season trips can have more flexibility, but popular central hotels still sell out early on weekends.

Is Leith a good place to stay with children?

Yes—Leith can be excellent for families who want a calmer neighborhood and good dining, especially for longer stays. You’ll typically use the tram or short taxis to reach Old Town attractions, so it’s best if you’re comfortable with a bit of transit.