The Scotsman Hotel is an iconic landmark in Edinburgh, housed in a former newspaper building that dates back to the 1900s. This luxury hotel features beautifully appointed rooms, many of which offer stunning views of the city skyline and Edinburgh Castle. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a fine-dining restaurant that emphasizes local Scottish cuisine, a comfortable lounge bar, and a fitness center. The hotel is conveniently located on North Bridge, making it an ideal base for exploring Edinburgh's rich history and vibrant cultural scene.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.0 3,844
- Priceline 4.4 1,911
- Google 4.4 1,576
- Expedia 4.6 1,009
- Michelin 4.5 18
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
- Historic Building Character The stunning architecture of this former newspaper building provides a unique, luxurious atmosphere that makes guests feel like they are staying in a grand, character-filled Scottish castle.
- Spacious Room Comfort Rooms are widely regarded as impressively large and comfortable, often featuring elegant decor, plush bedding, and high-quality amenities like spacious rain showers that create a relaxing retreat.
- Thoughtful Extra Touches Guests appreciate the special, personal touches added to their experience, such as complimentary prosecco, local whisky, chocolate treats, and hot chocolate in the lobby, which elevate the stay.
- Unbeatable Central Location Ideally situated across from Waverley Train Station and steps from the Royal Mile, this hotel offers convenient access to Edinburgh's top historic sites, shopping, and major transportation hubs.
- Welcoming Staff Interactions Many guests praise the attentive, proactive staff who frequently go above and beyond to provide warm welcomes, helpful local recommendations, and genuine assistance throughout their entire stay.
Criticised
- Challenging Property Access Ongoing construction in the surrounding area can make arriving by car or finding the correct hotel entrance confusing and difficult, often requiring guests to navigate multiple, poorly marked entrances.
- Frustrating Elevator Issues The hotel relies on limited or small elevators that frequently suffer from long wait times, technical breakdowns, or overcrowding, making navigating the floors particularly difficult for guests with luggage.
- Hit-or-Miss Service Standards While many staff are excellent, service in the restaurant and at the front desk can be inconsistent, with reports of long delays during breakfast and difficulty reaching reception by phone.
- Inconsistent Room Maintenance Some guests report issues with visible wear, such as stained carpets, musty odors, or faulty heating and cooling systems, which can detract from the feeling of a luxury stay.
- Limited Wifi Connectivity Several guests have noted issues with spotty or unreliable wifi signals, particularly in higher-floor rooms, which can be problematic for those needing consistent internet access during their trip.
The longer read
The Scotsman Hotel offers a uniquely atmospheric experience, blending Edinburgh's rich history with opulent architecture. Its most significant asset is its location; situated directly across from Waverley Train Station and steps from the Royal Mile, it provides arguably the most convenient base for anyone arriving by rail or wishing to explore the city's Old Town. Guests frequently praise the building’s former life as a newspaper office, noting the stunning historic details, high ceilings, and grand "castle-like" ambience that sets it apart from more sterile, modern hotel chains. For many, the charm of the building, coupled with thoughtful touches like complimentary whisky, hot chocolate in the lobby, and an on-site private cinema, makes it a truly memorable destination.
The rooms themselves are consistently described as spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed, with many guests highlighting the quality of the bedding and the elegance of the bathrooms. The staff often receive high marks for warmth and proactive hospitality, particularly when celebrating special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, where personal gestures such as welcome notes and gifts significantly enhance the guest experience. While the Grand Cafe remains a popular, visually striking spot, the service there, and in the breakfast room, can be inconsistent, with some diners reporting delays during peak times.
However, prospective guests should be aware of a few practical challenges. Ongoing roadworks on the surrounding North Bridge can make arrival by vehicle difficult. It is crucial for travelers to research the "hidden" Market Street entrance, which provides lift access to the hotel, to avoid hauling heavy luggage up the famous "Scotsman Steps." Inside, the hotel’s age is evident in its slightly convoluted layout and the chronic bottleneck at the elevators; with limited lift capacity, wait times can be frustratingly long during peak periods. Additionally, while the building is majestic, some guests have pointed out inconsistent maintenance, noting issues with temperature control, spotty Wi-Fi, or worn hallway carpets.
Ultimately, The Scotsman is best suited for travelers who prioritize location, character, and historical charm over perfectly modern, flawless service. If you are looking for a hotel that feels like an immersive part of Edinburgh’s heritage rather than a standardized luxury stay, this property is an excellent choice. By arriving prepared for the access challenges and maintaining realistic expectations regarding the maintenance quirks of an older building, guests can fully enjoy the unique, grand experience that this iconic property offers.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +441315565565
- Website
- scotsmanhotel.co.uk
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 11:00
| 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
- Air Conditioning
- Baggage Storage
- Bar
- Bathrobes
- Bottled Water
- Bridal Suite
- Complimentary Instant Coffee
- Complimentary Tea
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Concierge
- Conference Room
- Electric Kettle
- Family Rooms
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.2 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?
- What types of rooms and suites are available at The Scotsman Hotel and what are the typical price ranges for each?
- What dining venues does The Scotsman Hotel offer, and what cuisines and price points can guests expect?
- How does the hotel's former newspaper building heritage influence its design and guest experience?
- What is the exact location of The Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh and which major attractions or transport links are within walking distance?
- What wellness amenities, such as spa treatments and fitness options, are available at The Scotsman Hotel and are they included in the room rate?
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.