Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most captivating cities and an excellent starting or finishing point for a luxury golf tour of Scotland. Its historic streets, celebrated restaurants, excellent shopping and magnificent architecture provide the perfect complement to days spent playing Scotland’s famous links. Offers a range of 5 star hotels in Edinburgh
The capital is also conveniently located for the outstanding courses of East Lothian, including Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane and The Renaissance Club. St Andrews is also accessible by road, making Edinburgh a natural addition to many Scottish golf itineraries.
From landmark grand hotels and secluded country houses to fashionable boutique properties, Edinburgh offers a superb selection of luxury accommodation. Here are some of the finest hotels to consider for your visit.
1. The Balmoral
Standing proudly at No. 1 Princes Street, The Balmoral is perhaps Edinburgh’s most recognisable hotel. Its landmark clock tower has welcomed visitors since the hotel first opened as a grand railway hotel in 1902.
The location beside Waverley Station is ideal for exploring both the Old Town and New Town. Guests can enjoy elegant rooms, excellent dining, afternoon tea, an urban spa and a whisky bar containing more than 500 varieties. Some rooms and suites offer memorable views towards Edinburgh Castle.
Best for: Traditional Scottish luxury, first-time visitors and special occasions.
2. Gleneagles Townhouse
Occupying a beautiful former bank on St Andrew Square, Gleneagles Townhouse brings the style and hospitality of the famous Gleneagles estate into central Edinburgh.
With just 33 bedrooms, it feels more intimate than the city’s larger luxury hotels. Guests can enjoy The Spence restaurant, a rooftop bar and impressive wellness facilities in the former bank vault. Its private-club atmosphere makes it especially attractive to couples, executives and smaller groups seeking something fashionable and exclusive.
Best for: Contemporary luxury, couples and corporate golf groups.
3. 100 Princes Street
100 Princes Street is an intimate boutique hotel with only 29 individually designed rooms and suites. Its position directly facing Edinburgh Castle provides some of the most impressive views in the city.
The hotel combines Scottish-inspired interiors with highly personal service. Its smaller scale makes it particularly suitable for VIP travellers, anniversaries and guests who prefer an individual experience over a large hotel.
Best for: Castle views, personal service and special celebrations.
4. The Caledonian Edinburgh
Located at the western end of Princes Street, The Caledonian is another of Edinburgh’s great railway hotels. Its imposing red sandstone exterior and castle-facing position give it a distinctive place on the city’s skyline.
Guests benefit from spacious public areas, excellent dining and spa facilities, while the location offers easy access to Princes Street Gardens, George Street and the West End. It is a convenient luxury base for both sightseeing and travelling to golf courses outside the city.
Best for: Grand-hotel character, spa breaks and a central location.
5. 5 star hotels in Edinburgh: The W Edinburgh
Situated in the modern St James Quarter, W Edinburgh provides a more energetic and contemporary style of luxury.
The hotel is known for its bold architecture, modern interiors and panoramic city views. Its rooftop restaurant and bars make it particularly appealing to guests who enjoy lively surroundings, while the shops and restaurants of St James Quarter are immediately accessible.
Best for: Modern design, nightlife, shopping and panoramic views.
6. The Witchery by the Castle
Few Edinburgh hotels offer as much atmosphere as The Witchery by the Castle. Located immediately beside Edinburgh Castle, this extraordinary property contains nine individually designed suites filled with antiques, rich fabrics and dramatic Gothic details.
The Witchery is less like a conventional hotel and more like stepping into another world. Its theatrical interiors and romantic setting make it particularly memorable for a short stay.
Best for: Romance, historic atmosphere and an unforgettable experience.
7. Prestonfield House
Set within private grounds yet only a short drive from central Edinburgh, Prestonfield House offers the atmosphere of a secluded country estate.
The 17th-century house contains 23 opulent rooms and suites, alongside richly decorated public spaces and highly regarded dining. Its privacy and peaceful surroundings make it especially attractive after a busy golf itinerary or several days exploring the city.
Best for: Privacy, tranquillity and country-house character.
8. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Located across a collection of historic buildings in the Old Town, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh combines original architectural features with colourful contemporary design.
The hotel is ideally positioned for Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and many of the city’s principal attractions. Its informal personality will appeal to guests seeking luxury without the formality associated with a traditional grand hotel.
Best for: Old Town sightseeing, contemporary style and a relaxed atmosphere.
9. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is particularly well suited to golfers and companions who value wellness facilities.
Its extensive spa, rooftop hydropool and leisure amenities provide an excellent opportunity to relax after a round of golf. The hotel is also conveniently located for Edinburgh Castle, the West End and the city’s main entertainment venues.
Best for: Spa facilities, 5 star hotels in Edinburgh golf-trip recovery and leisure breaks.
10. The Glasshouse
Behind the historic façade of a former church, The Glasshouse offers contemporary boutique accommodation and one of Edinburgh’s most attractive rooftop gardens.
The hotel is close to the Edinburgh Playhouse, St James Quarter and Waverley Station. Its garden provides an unexpected feeling of peace despite the central location.
Best for: Boutique character, a rooftop garden and convenient city access.
11. InterContinental Edinburgh The George
Set among elegant Georgian townhouses on George Street, the InterContinental Edinburgh The George occupies one of the city’s most prestigious addresses.
Guests are surrounded by excellent restaurants, stylish bars and some of Edinburgh’s best shopping. Its central New Town position makes it suitable for leisure travellers, executive groups and guests who want to explore the city on foot.
Best for: Shopping, dining and Georgian Edinburgh.
12. Kimpton Charlotte Square
Kimpton Charlotte Square combines a collection of Georgian townhouses overlooking one of Edinburgh’s most attractive squares.
The hotel offers stylish interiors, spa facilities and an inviting courtyard restaurant. Its location feels slightly quieter than Princes Street while remaining within easy walking distance of the city’s leading shops, restaurants and attractions.
Best for: Stylish surroundings, spa facilities and New Town charm.
13. Fingal
Permanently berthed in Leith, Fingal is a luxury floating hotel created from a former Northern Lighthouse Board vessel.
Its maritime heritage, Art Deco-inspired interiors and waterfront setting provide an experience unlike any conventional city hotel. Fingal is also well located for the Royal Yacht Britannia and Leith’s excellent restaurant scene.
Best for: Maritime character, privacy and something genuinely different.
14. The Bonham
The Bonham is an intimate boutique hotel in Edinburgh’s West End. Occupying a series of Victorian townhouses, it offers attractive period interiors and a quieter, more residential atmosphere.
It is a strong choice for guests who value personal service and character but still want to remain close to Princes Street and central Edinburgh.
Best for: A peaceful stay, boutique service and understated luxury.
Choosing the Right Edinburgh Hotel
The best 5 star hotels in Edinburgh will depend on the experience you want. The Balmoral delivers landmark Scottish luxury, while Gleneagles Townhouse and W Edinburgh offer a more contemporary atmosphere. Prestonfield House is ideal for privacy, the Sheraton Grand excels for spa facilities, and 100 Princes Street is difficult to beat for personal service and castle views.
At Concierge Golf Scotland, we look beyond the hotel’s star rating. We consider your preferred style, room requirements, dining plans, golf itinerary and transport arrangements before recommending the right property.
Whether Edinburgh marks the beginning or conclusion of your Scottish golf journey, we can arrange every detail—from luxury accommodation and championship tee times to private chauffeur transportation, restaurant reservations and carefully planned sightseeing.
Contact Concierge Golf Scotland to begin planning a personalised luxury golf tour of Edinburgh, East Lothian, St Andrews and beyond. 5 star hotels in Edinburgh.
