The 11 Best Family Hotels in Edinburgh To Book for Your Next Trip
If you are looking for the best family hotels in Edinburgh, you’ve come to the right place. When you arrive at Edinburgh airport, you’re greeted with a quote that says “Edinburgh makes you question what it means to be a city.”.When you see step out into the busy, yet quirky streets and see the rolling green hills in the distance, you will know what they mean.
Edinburgh a small, friendly city with plenty of hotels to choose from. The beautiful Scottish hotels welcome families with large rooms, cribs, and child amenities. Its size makes it convenient for large families or those with small children. If you are staying centrally, even airport transfers are easy, as there is a tram that runs from the airport to the Edinburgh city centre.
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Table of Contents
Family Friendly Hotels in Edinburgh
1. The Balmoral Hotel
This hotel is not only a luxurious palace, but it’s also on the bucket list of every Harry Potter fan who visits the city. The Balmoral houses a Michelin-starred restaurant, a beautifully presented afternoon tea, and a spa.
There are many rooms to choose from, but the most popular is the JK Rowling room. This is the very room that JK Rowling stayed in when she finished the final book of the Harry Potter series. This room is in high demand, so make sure you book it early.
The Balmoral is especially family-friendly. The concierge is prepared with baby food, cots, and bath products, so if you’ve forgotten something, they have you covered. Older children can enjoy milk and cookies at turndown, books films, and games. They even provide linen, slippers, and robes.
2. Kimpton Charlotte Square
Located in New Town, Kimpton Charlotte Square is the perfect blend of glamor and modernity. The property consists of seven interconnected Georgian townhouses with stunning interior decor. There are spacious rooms and suites that are sure to please parents.
Amenities include a fitness center, full-service spa, nightly hosted happy hour, and indoor pool. The Kimpton Kids program treats your children like royalty during their stay, offering a welcome gift, family-friendly dining, and accredited babysitting.
With a stay at Charlotte Square, you’ll only be a nine-minute short walk to the Princes Street Gardens.
3. ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square
The best part about staying at ibis Styles is that you’re only a three-minute walk from all the fun on Princes Street! Enjoy sightseeing, dining out, and shopping within an arms reach with your stay here.
This hotel works for both those traveling for business or for pleasure as it’s one of the few economy hotels on the list. There’s a family room for 3, or you can choose two rooms with either doubles, a queen, or twins. Mix and match to find the right fit for your family if you need to!
Amenities include complimentary breakfast in the hotel restaurant, reserved parking, and laundry facilities.
4. InterContinental Edinburgh, The George
Located on George Street, just around the corner from the tram and Princes Street, this luxury hotel has an ideal central location to base yourself for your trip. The decor at the InterContinental Edinburgh, The George is the perfect mix of modern and history, dark oak and cream wallpaper.
The service is impeccable, a well-equipped concierge desk has everything you need, and may have forgotten. The snacks in the minibar are complimentary, so you can warm up with a hot chocolate and biscuit after a brisk walk in the hills.
Families can enjoy connecting rooms and cribs, and with a babysitting service on offer, you can sneak downstairs to the cocktail bar. At The Printing Press, you can enjoy show cocktails that come in treasure chests and change color. Be sure to enjoy the traditional Scottish breakfast each morning.
5. Eden Locke Aparthotel
Eden Locke has 72 different apartments to choose from, making it a natural choice for families. Located on George Street, it has the perfect location in the centre of Edinburgh.
The apartments have fully equipped kitchens, a washer/dryer, a dining table, and air conditioning. One-bedroom suites have a sofa bed to accommodate a family of 3.
Amenities include a co-working space, a coffee shop, and easy access to many of the city attractions.
6. Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
With neighbors like Louis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols, The Edinburgh Grand is located in the shopping district of the city among restaurants such as Dishroom and The Ivy on the Square (they have a fabulous afternoon tea by the way).
The American Art Deco lobby will make you feel like you’ve walked in from Fifth Avenue rather than the streets of Scotland. The mesmerizing circular staircase and beautiful fireplaces all add to the elegant atmosphere.
The rooms are cleverly designed apartments, making them ideal for families. Rooms come with a small kitchenette and a coffee table that turns into a dining table. Grand apartments come with better views, however, it’s the penthouse that comes with wraparound views and a terrace.
There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens and a living area. Why not make it a complete family affair and bring your dog, who will have its own bed, blanket, toys, and treats?
7. The Scotsman Hotel
The Scotsman Hotel is ideally located next to Waverley train station, just a 10-minute walk from the Castle, Princes St shopping, and the National Galleries. The former newspaper building is steeped in history – offices have become bedrooms and the old pigeon loft is now the penthouse.
The history of the building comes with its quirks. Order room service and you will be served your breakfast or dinner discreetly through a service hatch. You will find a Scottish Monopoly board in your room, and the dishes have a newspaper design.
The child-friendly facilities include roll-out beds, cots, and cute kids’ cutlery. Coloring pens and books can occupy them in the Grand Cafe during meal times.
8. Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian
With stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, a prime location on the tram line, and a location at the end of Princes Street, The Waldorf is a great choice for your trip to Edinburgh.
Like The George, the property effortlessly combines its history as a railway hotel with modern touches. Instead of kilts, doormen don tartan trousers and the lobby gleams with marble.
There’s a variety of rooms to choose from. Book a castle view room for a stunning view of the city or a carriage room for warm cozy decor.
The old ticket office, now called Peacock Alley, serves Afternoon Tea with a twist. Iron Bru scones are a feature you don’t find on many menus, however, they still manage to maintain the elegance and class of a traditional afternoon tea.
9. Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Despite its historical-looking exterior, the interior of the Radisson Blu Hotel is contemporary and it’s one of the best family hotels in Edinburgh. With an indoor swimming pool, spa, gym, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s perfectly located at the bottom of the Royal Mile.
A prime location means all attractions, including Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Park are within easy walking distance. It also has easy access to the Arthur’s Seat hike. Considering the location, it’s surprisingly quiet, offering a much-needed respite from the busy streets outside.
The hotel offers all of the much-needed facilities. As well as the spa, pool, and gym, the city hotel offers parking, a concierge service, room service, and a three-hour laundry service.
The suites are perfect for those with children. They offer a free minibar, a sitting area, and bathrobes and slippers.
Amenities include a fitness center, sauna, steam room, and indoor heated swimming pool. The onsite restaurant, Itchycoo Bar and Kitchen is perfect for dinner or a quick drink.
10. Cheval Old Town Chambers
It’s hard to say no to apartment stays in a city like Edinburgh since they offer the comforts of a home in the very heart of Edinburgh. Cheval Old Town Chambers offers apartments in the middle of the action. They are just a few minutes walk from Edinburgh Castle, the historic fortress that towers above the city.
There are a variety of room sizes from simple studios to the more luxurious penthouses complete with their own front door. Some even have stunning views of places like Princes Street Gardens and St. Gile’s Cathedral.
On the ground floor, you’ll find Luckenbooths, a multi-level bar and restaurant. It offers all-day dining and has a gorgeous terrace overlooking some of the most famous landmarks in the city.
11. Hapimag Resort Edinburgh
For a different experience, why not stay at these townhouses and focus on comfort and leisure? The suites at Hapimag Resort are elegant with large in-room dining facilities and spacious seating areas. Add that to the large windows and you’ll be hard-pressed not to curl right up and relax!
It is located in a quiet area, not far from Dean Village. This is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the traditional attractions but is looking for a calmer lodging location.
Final Thoughts on Family-Friendly Edinburgh Hotels
If you are planning a trip to Edinburgh, there are plenty of traditional, luxurious hotels to choose from. Whether you are on a child-free trip, or you’re exploring with your young family, these hotels offer high-end services and anticipate your every need.
Want to plan your trip to Edinburgh and find out more about what there is to do? Take a look at these posts Best Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids, A Kid-Friendly Outlander Tour, and An Ancestry Tour in Scotland.
