Lead
Edinburgh’s luxury hotel scene sits in the spotlight after the Telegraph published a new guide to the city’s five-star stays on 13 October 2025. The timing lands well for travellers planning winter breaks and the festive season, with the capital’s grand hotels and design-led newcomers competing for attention. From The Balmoral’s clock tower on Princes Street to the Waldorf Astoria’s former railway grandeur and a floating ship-hotel in Leith, Edinburgh offers range and character at the top end. For visitors who want classic service, spa-led comfort, or a stay with a story, the city’s best-known five-star properties anchor a market that thrives year-round and peaks during the festivals.
Context and Timing
The Telegraph’s guide to the best five-star hotels in Edinburgh went live on Monday, 13 October 2025. It focuses on the Scottish capital, a city that welcomes global visitors for culture, business, and events. Autumn city breaks, Christmas markets, and Hogmanay celebrations now sit on the horizon, while festival bookings start to form for next summer.
Heritage on Princes Street: The Balmoral and The Caledonian
The Balmoral stands as one of Edinburgh’s most recognisable hotels. The 1902 landmark crowns the east end of Princes Street, beside Waverley Station. Its clock—famously set three minutes fast to help travellers catch trains—signals a blend of tradition and service that many luxury guests seek. As part of Rocco Forte Hotels, The Balmoral pairs grand public spaces with a prime location for the Old Town, the New Town, and the city’s major museums and galleries. Guests who want rail access and a front-row view of the skyline often shortlist it first.
Across the city centre at the west end, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian brings a different strain of heritage. Locals call it “The Caley,” a nod to its origins as a grand railway hotel. The property looks towards Edinburgh Castle and sits a short walk from the West End’s theatres, bars, and restaurants. As part of the Waldorf Astoria brand, it offers classic luxury with a city buzz outside the door. Together, these two addresses bookend Princes Street and frame the city’s central shopping and sightseeing route.
Royal Mile Access: Design-Led Luxury in the Old Town
For travellers who want the Royal Mile on their doorstep, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh offers a five-star base in the heart of the Old Town. The design-led property sits on or just off the Royal Mile