Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is a luxurious hotel nestled in the heart of Edinburgh. Housed in a collection of Georgian townhouses, the hotel showcases a blend of classic charm and modern amenities. Its elegantly designed rooms and suites offer comfort and sophistication, with features like high-speed internet and upscale furnishings. The hotel's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Edinburgh's historic sites, including the nearby Edinburgh Castle and the vibrant city center. Guests can unwind at the hotel's stylish bar and enjoy a range of dining options that showcase local flavors.
What each source says
- Google 4.6 1,745
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,187
- Priceline 4.5 1,135
- Expedia 4.6 1,005
- Michelin 4.7 4
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Charming Boutique Design The hotel features stunning interiors that blend historical Georgian townhouse character with modern amenities, creating a unique, stylish, and highly photogenic environment that feels much more intimate than standard hotels.
- Enjoyable Daily Social Hour Guests highly appreciate the complimentary social hour held each evening in the bar, offering a relaxed opportunity to enjoy free wine or beer and connect with other travelers.
- Exceptional Customer Service Guests consistently praise the warm, attentive, and knowledgeable staff who frequently go out of their way to provide personalized touches, making visitors feel truly welcome and valued throughout their stay.
- High-Quality Leisure Amenities The on-site leisure facilities are a standout, boasting a well-equipped gym and a relaxing spa with a pool, steam room, and sauna, providing perfect respites after a day of sightseeing.
- Prime Central Location Situated in the heart of New Town, the hotel is perfectly positioned within walking distance of major shops, transit, and attractions, yet remains tucked away from the chaotic city crowds.
Criticised
- Confusing Hotel Layout The layout—spread across multiple connected townhouses—is frequently described as a maze, with guests noting the awkward experience of walking through restaurant dining areas to reach the spa facilities.
- Inconsistent Breakfast Experience Multiple reviews mention lackluster breakfast experiences, ranging from cold buffet food and long waits to disorganized service, which often falls short of what is expected for the price.
- Potential Maintenance and Noise Some visitors encountered disruptive street noise, thin walls, or maintenance frustrations like plumbing issues and spotty Wi-Fi, which can periodically detract from an otherwise premium, relaxing hotel experience.
- Premium Pricing Concerns A recurring theme is that the hotel is overpriced; visitors specifically cite the high cost of breakfast and limited included services as factors that challenge the hotel's overall five-star value.
- Variable Room Quality Many guests report being assigned small, dark, or noisy rooms with poor views, which can be quite disappointing given the high price point and premium luxury expectations of the property.
The longer read
The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is widely celebrated for its exceptional, boutique service, which is frequently cited as the primary highlight of the guest experience. Travelers consistently praise the staff—often identifying specific team members like Gavin, Zoe, and Kieran—for their genuine warmth, professionalism, and willingness to go above and beyond to personalize stays, whether through surprise anniversary amenities, early check-ins, or expert local recommendations. The hotel’s aesthetic is a significant draw; housed in a series of interconnected Georgian townhouses, the interiors are stylish, cozy, and atmospheric, providing a unique personality that distinguishes it from generic large chain properties. A beloved standout feature is the daily 'social hour' from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, which provides complimentary drinks and serves as a popular, convivial setting for guests to relax and socialize.
Accommodations offer a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, though guests advise careful consideration during the booking process. While many travelers find the rooms beautifully decorated and comfortable, some report that entry-level rooms can be surprisingly small, dim, or occasionally noisy if positioned near service lifts, stairwells, or busy street-side locations. The historic nature of the townhouses means the floor plan can feel maze-like, and guests sometimes note audible noise from external street activity or internal building plumbing. For the best experience, frequent visitors recommend specifically requesting quieter room locations or upgrading to suites in the older sections of the hotel, which are praised for their distinct character and generous space. The spa, gym, and swimming pool facilities are frequent highlights, offering a serene, well-maintained retreat that is highly valued after a long day of exploring Edinburgh.
The hotel’s location in the New Town is ideal, offering a perfect balance between central convenience and tranquil surroundings. It is within comfortable walking distance of major attractions, high-end shopping, and train connections, yet remains tucked away from the chaotic, noise-prone tourist hubs found in the Old Town. On-site dining is highly regarded, particularly the Middle Eastern restaurant, Baba, which receives stellar feedback for its creative menu; guests strongly advise booking tables well in advance due to its local popularity. Breakfast also earns high praise for its quality and variety, served in a bright, inviting garden-style space, though some guests have noted that service can occasionally feel rushed during peak times. Overall, the Kimpton Charlotte Square is an excellent premium choice for those who prioritize highly attentive service, a refined boutique atmosphere, and a location that provides both access and calm.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +441312405500
- Website
- ihg.com/redirect?path=hd&localeCode=en&hotelCode=EDICS
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 12:00
| Mon | 24 Hours |
|---|---|
| Tue | 24 Hours |
| Wed | 24 Hours |
| Thu | 24 Hours |
| Fri | 24 Hours |
| Sat | 24 Hours |
| Sun | 24 Hours |
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Activities
- Air Conditioning
- Baggage Storage
- Banquet Room
- Bar
- Bathrobes
- Bicycle
- Bridal Suite
- Cafe
- Complimentary Instant Coffee
- Complimentary Tea
- Concierge
- Conference Room
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.4 across the 93 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh.
Booking
Still deciding?
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What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.