Edinburgh Hotels

Edinburgh's dramatic setting and skyline set the tone for this wonderful city and prepare the visitor to explore is traditions. Scotland's capital city is beautiful in its own right, but its residents and ambience will leave you long remembering all that you discover here. Whether you reserve an Edinburgh hotel right on the Royal Mile in the shadow of the Castle or prefer something a bit more out of the way, your hotel in Edinburgh will provide you with all the warmth and charm that we have come to expect from those who call this beautiful city home.

Everything begins at the Edinburgh Castle. Built at the peak of an ancient volcano, its setting is both imposing and strangely comforting. The city of Edinburgh evolved along the ramp that gently leads from the peak to the levels below. Glaciers have carved nearly vertical walls on three sides of the peak that the Castle dominates, giving it a nearly impenetrable appearance. Visitors enter from the Esplanade, a parade ground where the changing of the guard occurs on the hour. Sites within the castle include Mills Mount Battery, with weekday gun salutes; St Margaret's Chapel, built between the 15th and 16th centuries; and the Scottish United Services Museum, a tribute to the history of Scottish regiments.

The Royal Mile extends downward from the castle. Today it is lined with shops and curiosities aimed primarily at the large number of tourists who daily explore the Mile. Although the careful shopper will be able to find some worthwhile establishments that extend beyond the normal tourist fare. Those who enjoy the shopping experience should plan to spend some time on Princes St., the chief retail area in Old Town. Old Town itself hearkens back to the days of the Castle, and still retains a strong medieval flavor in contrast to the order and discipline of New Town.

Edinburgh is nearly obsessed with conservation. As a result large gardens and greenways are prevalent throughout the city. One of the most conspicuous and beautiful spots is Arthur's Seat, a small mountain beautifully adorned with nature's best, providing a welcome escape in the middle of the city.

Before retiring to your Edinburgh hotel, make some time to visit Grassmarket, the most popular nightlife center in the city. While Edinburgh may be steeped in tradition, its youth have ways to bring the newest wave of music and entertainment into those centuries-old buildings. But that is to be expected, isn't it? This is a city that will leave you feeling warm for a long time after you have left.