Edinburgh Royal Mile Hotels

Top reasons to visit Royal Mile

• Historic Attractions: Discover iconic sites like St Giles' Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, steeped in Edinburgh's rich history.
• Charming Architecture: Stroll along cobbled streets lined with stunning medieval buildings, offering a picturesque backdrop.
• Local Culture: Experience the vibrant atmosphere, with friendly locals and quaint cafes that showcase Scotland's warm hospitality.
• Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a range of lodgings, including charming guesthouses and modern hotels, catering to all preferences.
• Engaging Tours: Join fascinating tours that delve into the area’s heritage, providing insights into Edinburgh's unique story.

Find great hotels near Royal Mile

Explore a variety of hotel accommodation options along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, where you can find everything from charming guesthouses to modern hotels. This area boasts pet-friendly options and is welcoming to LGBTQIA travellers, ensuring a comfortable stay for all. Whether you're seeking accessible rooms or convenient city-hostel experiences, Royal Mile offers a delightful blend of hospitality and local culture for every visitor.

• Apex Grassmarket Hotel: Nestled in the vibrant Grassmarket area, the Apex Grassmarket Hotel offers a contemporary 4-star experience with a unique focus on eco-friendliness. Just 1.4km from the historic Royal Mile, this hotel is ideal for business travellers seeking a sustainable vacation. Guests can enjoy modern amenities, including spacious rooms with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. The hotel's commitment to eco-certification ensures that environmentally conscious visitors feel right at home while enjoying comfortable accommodations and excellent service.
• Apex Waterloo Place Hotel: Located a mere 805m from Royal Mile, the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel seamlessly combines luxury and wellness in a sophisticated 4-star setting. This hotel is perfect for those seeking a spa-themed getaway, featuring a full spa and pool service that includes treatment rooms and couples’ treatment options. With eco-certification, the hotel caters to environmentally aware guests, offering a relaxing retreat in the heart of Edinburgh. The elegant design and attentive service create a welcoming atmosphere for both business and leisure travellers.
• ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile: Situated conveniently 805m from the Royal Mile, ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge is a 3-star hotel that prides itself on being eco-certified and welcoming to all, including pets. This property embraces inclusivity and is affiliated with LGBTQIA travel guides, ensuring a warm and friendly environment for every guest. With amenities such as pet-friendly policies and food and water bowls, it’s an excellent choice for those travelling with furry companions. The hotel's modern design and comfortable stays make it a popular choice for a range of visitors.

Where to stay near Royal Mile

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh offers a captivating blend of history and charm, with stunning medieval architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. You’ll find an array of family-friendly accommodations, quaint cafes, and friendly locals ready to share their city. Explore historic sites like St Giles' Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, while enjoying the romantic ambiance of the cobbled streets. The Royal Mile is an ideal base for discovering Edinburgh's rich heritage and warm community spirit.

• Edinburgh: As the vibrant capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a bustling metropolis that offers a rich cultural tapestry. The Royal Mile, a historic thoroughfare, lies at the heart of this enchanting city. Edinburgh welcomes visitors year-round, with peak travel seasons occurring from July to September. It’s a city where culture, family-friendly activities, and urban exploration thrive. Notable highlights include the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the charming streets lined with shops, and various entertainment venues, all of which reflect the city’s storied past and lively present.
• Old Town Edinburgh: Nestled within the heart of Edinburgh, Old Town is a captivating neighbourhood that showcases the city's medieval charm. The Royal Mile runs through this historic area, making it a focal point for visitors seeking cultural and familial experiences. Peak visitor seasons fall between April and July, drawing those eager to explore its winding streets, delightful shops, and theatres. Attractions like the St Giles' Cathedral and the Palace of Holyroodhouse offer a glimpse into Scotland's royal heritage, whilst local events create a vibrant atmosphere.
• Edinburgh City Centre: Located a mere 1.1km from the Royal Mile, Edinburgh City Centre is the bustling heart of the metropolis. A hub for culture, family activities, and urban delight, this area attracts a steady flow of visitors, especially during the summer months. The City Centre boasts a variety of shopping areas, theatres, and entertainment facilities, not to mention historic landmarks such as the National Gallery and Princes Street Gardens. It’s an ideal base for exploring the rich history and dynamic culture of Edinburgh.

Things to do near Royal Mile

Exploring the Royal Mile offers a delightful mix of activities, from shopping in charming boutiques to embarking on fascinating tours that delve into the area's rich history. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along this historic street, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and discovering its many attractions. Don't miss the chance to experience the amazing tours available, showcasing Edinburgh's unique heritage and culture.

Shopping

St James Quarter, a vibrant shopping mall, is only 805m from the Royal Mile, offering a mix of entertainment and family vibes. Also nearby is Scottish Gems, another shopping centre with a family-friendly atmosphere. Don't miss Tron Kirk, a public market with a bustling city vibe, just 805m away.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium, only 4.8km from the Royal Mile, offers an exhilarating sports atmosphere, perfect for fans. Just 3.2km away, Tynecastle Stadium provides a similar vibrant experience. For a more relaxed setting, Bruntsfield Links Golf Course, located 6.4km away, invites you to enjoy its scenic outdoor golfing vibes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Bedlam Paintball, located 1.6km from the Royal Mile, where adrenaline flows in exciting paintball battles. Alternatively, try Urban Paintball Edinburgh, also 1.6km away, for an urban twist on this exhilarating activity. For skiing, head to Midlothian Snowsports Centre, 8.0km distant, offering fantastic slopes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of the Royal Mile. Enjoy a captivating show at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, just a short stroll away. For a more relaxed evening, visit Greyfriar's Bobby or Canongate Tolbooth, both charming pubs offering a romantic atmosphere and delightful drinks.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Mile

To save money during your visit to the Royal Mile, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel around a month in advance for the best deals, and aim for a Tuesday stay, which is typically cheaper than Saturday. Use Expedia's search tool to filter options by budget and location, and take advantage of last-minute deals. Moreover, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings. Don't forget to explore the area on foot, as many attractions are easily accessible without additional transport costs.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Mile are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Royal Mile about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Mile is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Mile is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation on the Royal Mile with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Royal Mile

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh offers a plethora of attractions for every type of visitor. Rich in history, you can explore notable colleges, impressive monuments, and scenic hills. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities, the Royal Mile caters to all interests, ensuring a memorable stay in this vibrant part of Scotland.

• University of Edinburgh: As one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, the University of Edinburgh boasts stunning architecture and a vibrant academic atmosphere. Explore its historic campus and soak in the rich cultural heritage that has shaped Scotland's intellectual landscape.
• St. Andrew Square: A serene oasis in the heart of the city, St. Andrew Square is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of reflection. Surrounded by impressive Georgian architecture, this square offers a blend of urban energy and tranquillity.
• St. Giles' Cathedral: Known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, St. Giles' Cathedral features magnificent stained glass windows and a striking crown steeple. Its rich history and spiritual significance provide a captivating glimpse into Scotland's religious past.

Best time to go to Royal Mile

The best time to visit Royal Mile can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Mile falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Mile falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Royal Mile

Royal Mile in EDInburgh is conveniently accessible via two major airports. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is approximately 11.3km away, with excellent hotel options nearby, including the 5-star Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG, and Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, all within 6 to 11.3km. In addition, GLAsgow International Airport (GLA) is situated about 78.9km from Royal Mile, with notable hotels such as the 5-star Kimpton Blythswood Hotel & Spa and the 4-star Cameron House on Loch Lomond, offering various transportation services. Dundee Airport (DND) is around 56.3km away, with options like The Hideaway Experience and Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa close by, providing shuttle services.