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The Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh Restaurant photoThe Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh Room photoThe Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh Interior photo

The Scotsman Hotel – A Favorite for Families in Edinburgh

•
8.8|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$349 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
03Nov
Check-out
04Nov
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YT
-
In Edinburgh Old Town
Great
8.8
9.1
/10
4.1
4.3
/5

4-star historic hotel with a private cinema and complimentary prosecco

Amenities & Entertainment

The Scotsman Hotel houses a 48-seat private art deco cinema for exclusive screenings. Guests who book directly receive complimentary prosecco and whisky on arrival. The property also offers a fitness suite for guest use.

Rooms & Suites

Each room at The Scotsman Hotel has individual features, including curved corner window bays with city views. Bathrooms are finished with marble tiles. The rooms provide Egyptian cotton linen and a privacy hatch for 24-hour room service.

Dining

The hotel serves afternoon tea in its grand setting. Breakfast can be taken in the property, with options including a buffet and à la carte dishes. The Grand Cafe offers lunch and dinner with a menu that includes local Scottish ingredients.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel is situated a 1-minute walk from the Royal Mile and Princes Street. A back entrance connects directly to Waverley Station via a lift from Market Street. Discounted parking is available at the Edinburgh Waverley Station car park, a 5-10 minute walk away.

Business & Events

The Scotsman Hotel provides versatile event spaces with personalized support for weddings and meetings. The property offers meeting and banquet facilities, along with fax and photocopying services. A dedicated events coordinator assists with planning and execution.

Highlights

Location: 1 minute from Royal Mile, adjoins Waverley Station

Rooms: Curved bay windows, marble-tiled bathrooms, Egyptian cotton linen

Dining: Afternoon tea, Grand Cafe restaurant, breakfast in room

Entertainment: 48-seat private art deco cinema

Perks: Complimentary prosecco and whisky on direct bookings

Parking: Discounted parking at Waverley Station car park

“The Scotsman, once a newspaper headquarters, retains a grandness that makes a visit memorable, particularly the stunning Grand Cafe; the location is ideal for city breaks, near the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. It seems some events, like weddings, can experience logistical issues despite best efforts of staff. Overall, the hotel's historic charm and attentive service are clear strengths.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
  • Feature Twin or Double Room
    2 persons
    435 sq. feet
    1 Single bed / 1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Reporter Twin or Double Room
    2 persons
    335 sq. feet
    1 Single bed / 1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Reporter Double Room
    2 persons
    335 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Golf course

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's buffet

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Dressing area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The Scotsman Hotel boasts vibrant dining experiences, featuring authentic Scottish cuisine in charming settings. From relaxed family-friendly meals to intimate romantic dinners, each venue invites guests to savor local flavors and culinary craftsmanship in a historic backdrop.
The Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh Restaurant photo
The Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh Restaurant photo
The Scotsman Hotel Edinburgh Restaurant photo

Grand Cafe

Scottish
Ambiance
A cozy and family-friendly atmosphere steeped in tradition, perfect for brunches or romantic dinners.
Key Offerings
Indulge in hearty breakfasts like Omelette Arnold Bennett or Loch Fyne kippers cooked to order, alongside a selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Experience afternoon tea and a cocktail hour that invites relaxation after a day of exploring.
Reservation
Yes
Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktail hour; hours vary.

The Scotsman Hotel Location

20 North Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YT
Map view
Nearby
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
1800 ft
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
1100 ft
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
600 ft
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
700 ft
Monument
Scott Monument
1600 ft
Museum
The Writers' Museum
1800 ft
Museum
Gladstone's Land
1800 ft
Museum
Museum of Childhood
900 ft
Nicolson Street
Surgeons' Hall Museums
1900 ft
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
600 ft
Museum
John Knox House
1100 ft
Gallery
City Art Centre
300 ft
Church
Mercat Cross
700 ft
Restaurants
Laila's Mediterranean Bistro
500 ft
63 Cockburn Street
La Locanda Italian Edinburgh
500 ft
61 Cockburn Street
Grand Cafe Edinburgh
100 ft
20 North Bridge
Prezzo
100 ft
7-9 North Bridge
Scran Bistro
400 ft
7 North Bridge Arcade
Patisserie Valerie Northbridge
400 ft
25 North Bridge
Gurkha Cafe & Restaurant
600 ft
25/27 Cockburn Street
Market Street Kitchen
400 ft
2 Market St
Explore Edinburgh
Local Experiences
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
11 minutes' walk
Historic fortress atop Castle Rock, showcasing the Stone of Destiny and panoramic city views.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
9 minutes' walk
Free admission museum featuring Scottish history and culture with interactive exhibits.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
15 minutes' walk
Official residence of the monarch in Scotland with beautiful gardens and rich history.
Scott Monument
Scott Monument
6 minutes' walk
Gothic monument honoring Sir Walter Scott, offering views from the top after climbing 287 steps.
Arthur's Seat hike
Arthur's Seat hike
35 minutes' walk
Popular hiking trail offering stunning views of the city; suitable for all skill levels.
Wellness at The Retreat Spa
15 minutes' walk
A relaxation haven with treatments, massages, and yoga classes to unwind after busy days.
Laila's Mediterranean Bistro
Laila's Mediterranean Bistro
2 minutes' walk
Charming Mediterranean cuisine with fresh ingredients; vegan options available. Reservations advised.
Grand Cafe Edinburgh
Grand Cafe Edinburgh
1 minute' walk
Elegant atmosphere with a diverse menu; must-try is their classic Scottish breakfast.
Scran Bistro
Scran Bistro
2 minutes' walk
Cozy bistro serving modern Scottish dishes; known for locally-sourced ingredients.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
The Scotch Whisky Experience
9 minutes' walk
Engaging tours on whisky production with tastings; fun for whisky enthusiasts and newbies alike.
Usher Hall
15 minutes' walk
Renowned concert hall featuring diverse performances from music to comedy, suitable for all ages.
Tips on navigating the city
  • City Centre
    Edinburgh 3 min  ·  700 ft
  • Airports
    Edinburgh (EDI) 22 min  ·  8.8 mi
    Glasgow (GLA) 133 min  ·  55.0 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 3 min  ·  700 ft
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 22.5 per person.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of floors:
10
Number of rooms:
82
Former name
The Scotsman

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Scotsman Hotel is frequently praised for its unbeatable location, directly next to the train station and central to Edinburgh's attractions. Guests often enjoy the spacious rooms with tasteful decor, some featuring cool extras like Bluetooth speakers and private window seat bar areas, plus quality toiletries. While a few guests have mentioned issues with cleanliness in some areas, many appreciate the fabulous Grand Cafe and find the Illy espresso machine in the room an excellent touch, making for a generally comfortable and convenient stay.
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Review score
Based on 7 verified reviews
8.1 /10
Great
100%
Recommend
Location
9.7/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Pros
Attentive staff
Comfortable rooms
Excellent service
Clean place
Cons
Uncomfortable chairs
Firm mattress
Outside construction
Guest reviews
based on 7 reviews
8.1/10
based on 3714 reviews
4/5
based on 2500 reviews
8.8/10
Jackson from United States
Single
Reporter Twin or Double Room
4 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: October 09, 2025
6/10

a mixed experience

great location friendly staff comfortable room poor machine small tables overcooked bacon
the location were excellent. i found the staff very friendly and accomodating. my room was nice and neat. breakfast offered a wide variety of options, i thought.
the self service coffee machine was comical i find. it seems to always require maintenance.
0 Helpful
Kathryn from United Kingdom
Couple
reporter twin or double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 16, 2026
9/10
grand decor friendly staff
the room had a grand décor and felt spacious. it was very clean!!! i enjoyed the friendly staff and their warm welcome.
i noticed the food in the restaurant was fine but not amazing.
0 Helpful
Jackson from United States
Couple
Reporter Twin or Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 20, 2025
9/10

charmed by the details

extensive breakfast nice staff
my room were clean and spacious. it includes a comfy bed. breakfast was nice with extensive selection. at least three staff members did was awesome. room included nice view.
0 Helpful
Ella from United Kingdom
Couple
Headline Suite
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 03, 2025
6/10

mixed feelings about my stay

stained carpet unpleasant smell
the room i booked turned out quite disappointing the carpet had several noticeable stains it detracted from the overall feel. additionally the air conditioning unit seemed outdated it emitted an unpleasant smell when running. these issues certainly affected my experience and expectations for a hotel in this category were not fully met
0 Helpful
Kathryn from United Kingdom
Couple
Director Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 13, 2025
9/10
grand decor friendly staff
the room decor was grand. i stayed in a director double or twin room and it was well equipped. the staff offered warm greetings..
the hotel had only two elevators. both seemed quite old..
0 Helpful
Penelope from Greece
Couple
Feature Twin or Double Room
4 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: October 26, 2025
9/10
luxurious facilities hot breakfast
The room had luxurious facilities. The breakfast was also good. It was a traditional hot breakfast!
The entrance on the ground floor seemed deserted.
0 Helpful
Logan from United States
Single
Publisher Suite
3 nights in August 2026
|
Reviewed: October 08, 2025
9/10
central location great service whiskey nips
the location was central near the train station i stayed in a publisher suite the room was large. the staff provided great service throughout my stay the breakfast had many options. the included whiskey nips were a nice touch
the sash windows made some noise at night disturbing sleep slightly
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Scotsman Hotel
How far is The Scotsman Hotel from Edinburgh Waverley Station?
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Scotsman Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Is parking available at The Scotsman Hotel?
Discounted parking is available at the Edinburgh Waverley Station car park, located 5-10 minutes' walk away.
What dining options are available at The Scotsman Hotel?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and a lounge bar serving a variety of drinks, as well as nearby restaurants like Southern Cross Cafe and Pret A Manger within 0.3 mi.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at The Scotsman Hotel?
Rooms offer free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, luxury Egyptian cotton linen, and a mini bar fridge.
Does The Scotsman Hotel have fitness facilities?
The hotel features a fitness centre.
What nearby attractions are accessible from The Scotsman Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Scott Monument, all within 0.5 mi.
Does The Scotsman Hotel offer breakfast, and is there a charge?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 22 GBP.
Is there a cinema facility at The Scotsman Hotel?
The hotel features a private 48-seat cinema for exclusive screenings.

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