The 9 Best Bed and Breakfasts in Edinburgh, Scotland

A spacious drawing room, open fire and large surrounding gardens make Claremont Guesthouse a relaxing place to rest your weary feet after a busy day in the city. Situated in the leafy Grange area, this luxurious Victorian house is only a 20-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle, with buses every 10 minutes into the city centre. If the sound of a super-king-size bed, huge bath and Scottish breakfast (featuring owner Gill’s perfectly cooked haggis) appeal to you, then this B&B is the place to stay.

Only minutes from impressive architecture and historic pubs, Southside Guest House, built in 1867, is a no-brainer for adventurers looking to soak up Edinburgh’s Old Town charm. Abstract prints and bold colours complement the house’s traditional Victorian features. In addition to a special dish every day, owner Roy provides home-made scones, Scottish cheese and honey and fresh fruit for breakfast. Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for, and there is even buck’s fizz available for added cheer. If you fancy injecting some luxury into your trip, don’t forget to request a room with a four-poster bed.

An 18th-century Georgian mansion becomes serviced apartments at Eden Locke. Located on bustling George Street, it cleverly fuses historical architecture with modern furnishings. Eden Locke’s sleek Scandinavian interiors, lush greenery and neutral furnishings make for a very stylish stay in Scotland’s capital. Popular coffee bar 127 also sits on the ground floor of the building, should you need an extra pre-sightseeing caffeine fix.

Set in an early-Victorian family home, Balmoral Guesthouse serves as much as an antique showroom as it does B&B. This Leith property boasts four bedrooms featuring restored period furniture – including unusual old radios – while the chairs guests sit on at breakfast originated from Edinburgh’s famous St Giles’ Cathedral, dating back to the 1880s. Owners Marc and Marianne put on a traditional full Scottish breakfast, as well as fruit salad, cereals and yoghurt. It’s a perfect choice for history buffs – and affordable, too.

Spend a weekend here, and you may wish Casa Hamilton was indeed tu casa. Bursting with character, Will and Ve’s restored Victorian house features uniquely designed rooms, including one with a free-standing bath, houseplants, sheepskin throws and reclaimed wood. Located in Edinburgh’s lively Tollcross area, Casa Hamilton sits smack bang between the west end of Princes Street and the Meadows, with cultural attractions like the King’s Theatre and the Cameo Cinema only a block away. Don’t miss Will’s Jamaican porridge or banana pancakes to get your Edinburgh visit off to a delicious, well-fuelled start.

Nestled in a leafy street in Balerno, 12.8km (8mi) outside Edinburgh city centre, JustB’s quiet garden, hot tub, summer house and barbecue facilities set the perfect scene for some downtime after an active day of exploring. To kick start your morning, owners Karen and Geoff cook up eggs on request, alongside their famous Flying Scotsman cooked breakfast. At JustB, you’re guaranteed to check out feeling relaxed and ready for your next adventure.

Situated 4km (2.5mi) outside the city centre in picturesque Portobello, Another Room’s spacious rooms, large windows and warming home-made pancakes make it feel like a home away from home. Fantastically positioned, the guest house sits a 15-minute walk from Portobello Beach, with the buzzing neighbourhood of Leith next door and regular buses into the city centre. Owners Lynne and Rab are also on hand with lots of friendly suggestions on what to see and do.

A five-minute walk from Portobello Beach and a 10-minute drive into the city centre, Angela and Willy’s four-star guest house is ideally placed to experience Edinburgh’s lesser-known seaside charm in addition to its more famous central landmarks. Built in 1870, this former clergy house boasts original period features, including cornices, Victorian fireplaces and wooden shutters. Outside, its private walled garden provides a beautiful backdrop for guests to enjoy a generous, cooked-to-perfection breakfast, a lunchtime glass of wine or after-dinner whisky. A stay at Abercorn Guest House won’t break the bank either.

Central location? Tasteful interiors? Reasonable price? Check, check and check. This stylishly restored Georgian townhouse gives Edinburgh’s opulent boutique hotels a run for their money in both taste and comfort; its coveted design features a neutral palette with the odd colour pop. Just five minutes from Edinburgh’s trendy Leith Walk, Two Hillside Crescent is within walking distance of some of the city’s major landmarks, including Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, the Royal Mile and Princes Street. Owner Elaine offers helpful local knowledge and impressive breakfast decadence, with a morning menu including poached pears, sourdough toast and a range of home-made preserves.