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VIP Luxury Guide to Edinburgh
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items Your Edinburgh guide on all things luxury and VIP. From unique experiences, boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants this list has you covered.
Edinburgh is blessed with many boutique historic hotels, these are my top picks.
Sections
6
Accommodation
Attractions
Afternoon Tea
Special Events
Restaurants
Shopping
Accommodation
Luxury boutique hotels with central locations in Edinburgh. My personal favourite would be The Witchery on Castlehill.
If traveling in summer (July & August) pre book as early as possible.
This 5 star luxury hotel in Edinburgh is arguably the most iconic. Set above the Victorian era train station, you are well positioned in town to explore Edinburgh. In fact you might get a castle view from your window. Each room now offers rooms with ...
The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh
This boutique hotel is one of my favourites in all of the city. The historic building dates back to the 1500's and is such a romantic, whimsical and unique place to stay. You are literally on Castlehill with a 2 minute walk to Edinburgh Castle. The r...
The Witchery by the Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh
The sister hotel to the famous Gleneagles in the Scottish countryside, the townhouse is stylish and oozes old money charm. The rooms are elegant and the hotel has spa facilities, a sauna, fitness centre, terrace, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi. I ado...
Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh (New Town).
Situated in the Georgian era new town, the Kimpton offers seven interconnected townhouses. The main lobby has a glass topped courtyard which is the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee. The hotel offers a fine dining restaurant and cocktail bar. T...
Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG - Edinburgh (New Town).
This hotel overlooks Edinburgh Castle, the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is located in the financial district, next to the West End business and entertainment area and a five-minute walk from Princes Street for shopping and 500 metres from Edinburgh...
The spa facilities are great, guests get use of the 19-metre swimming pool, gym and fitness studios. The highlight is the rooftop Hydropool with eye level views of the castle. The rooms are comfortable and the vibrant One Square Bar + Brasserie are great for an evening gin. I can also recommend their breakfast spread they have on offer.
The spa facilities are great, guests get use of the 19-metre swimming pool, gym and fitness studios. The highlight is the rooftop Hydropool with eye level views of the castle. The rooms are comfortable and the vibrant One Square Bar + Brasserie are great for an evening gin. I can also recommend their breakfast spread they have on offer.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa - Edinburgh (Edinburgh Castle Views)
Situated close to Edinburgh's Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat this luxurious 5-star retreat has a fine-dining restaurant and romantic bedrooms about 3 km from the Royal Mile. Prestonfield is surrounded by gardens and a golf course. Each room is fille...
Prestonfield House, Edinburgh
This modern and unique hotel is on top of the latest edition to Edinburgh's Skyline. The unique rooms and suites of this 5 star hotel in Edinburgh are anything but expected. Breathtaking dining and specialty bars bring inspired new flavours to the ci...
W Hotel, Edinburgh
This new hotel in Edinburgh is perfectly situated in the New Town area, close to Edinburgh Castle, the Johnnie Walker Whisky experience and to the beautiful Princes St Gardens. The rooms are well lit, and the georgian era architecture is on show in t...
Bonnie Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh
Attractions
Historic castles, royal residences and exclusively Scottish experiences all across Edinburgh and beyond.
As an Edinburgh tour guide who frequents the castle often, in my opinion this is the best tour to explore Edinburgh Castle. On average 8000 people every day visit the castle but on this exclusive tour you will get pre-opening entry on this guided tou...
Edinburgh Castle: VIP Early Access & Royal Mile Tour & Holyrood Palace
Permanently docked in the port of Leith, the Royal Yacht was the floating home of Queen Elizabeth 2nd. You can visit onboard and explore the ship on a self guided tour. Onboard there is also an opportunity to see below decks, the staff quarters and o... Britannia has been used by the Queen and other members of the Royal Family on 696 foreign visits and 272 visits within British waters. In 1981, Prince Charles and Princess Diana used the Britannia for their honeymoon.
The Royal Yacht Britannia - Tickets 2025
Experience the magic of Edinburgh on this exclusively private walking tour. Discover where JK Rowling found her inspiration for the famous wizard series.
Private One Hour Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh
Situated just outside of Edinburgh in South Queensferry, step into a world of unparalleled craftsmanship with a private shopping experience in Edinburgh at Araminta Campbell. Discover the artistry behind our luxurious, handwoven textiles made from th...
Private Shopping Experience with Scottish textile atelier.
This private tour travels to the amazing and mysterious 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, across the historic Scotland/England border and south to Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage Site celebrating the power – and northern limit – of the Roman Empire.
Private tour of Rosslyn chapel and Scottish Borders
Situated over in Edinburgh's New Town, the gallery is set in a beautiful red sand stone building and inside the entrance gallery you will be treated to the magical golden starred ceiling. Inside the gallery contains portraits of royal family members,...
National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait 2025
Afternoon Tea
Treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon tea in the city. I would recommend pre-booking your table, many establishments only take reservations.
The best hotel in Edinburgh, The Balmoral offer a luxury afternoon tea that's not to be missed. £67.50 per person.
Award-Winning Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh | Palm Court
The Georgian era library offer a luxury afternoon tea (£65 per person) . They cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
The Colonnades at The Signet Library
Special Events
Edinburgh is blessed every year with the Edinburgh Festival and Miitary Tattoo in August. However, you can also experience very unique and special events throughout the year with my suggestions below.
If you are looking for an authentic Scottish music, dance and entertainment show then I would check out Spirit of Scotland. Try the famous Scottish dish, haggis, and listen to the Address to the Haggis Sing along to traditional Scottish songs and try...
Edinburgh: Spirit of Scotland Show with 4-Course Dinner
A very unique experience indeed!
The Balmoral is proud to welcome Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, one of Scotland's leading Gaelic poets as our Poet-in-Residence. Each Poem created by Marcas is based on consultation with the guest and performed as a reading by Marcas at a special event/occ...
The Balmoral is proud to welcome Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, one of Scotland's leading Gaelic poets as our Poet-in-Residence. Each Poem created by Marcas is based on consultation with the guest and performed as a reading by Marcas at a special event/occ...
Poet in Residence Experience at The Balmoral Hotel
Step back into this Art Deco style picture house set in Edinburgh's Old Town. Part of the historic Scotsman Hotel, the Scotsman Picture house is a luxury take on a big screen experience, expect 48 sumptuous leather armchair seats, nestled between ind...
Private Hire | Scotsman Picturehouse
If you are visiting Edinburgh during August, a ticket to the Military Tattoo show is a must. Make a grand entrance with The Piper. Perfect for any piping fan, this experience includes a light summer meal and Pipe performances by our talented Royal Ed...
"The Piper" hospitality package with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
A malt whisky club like no other, the Scotch Malt Whisky society offer private events and tastings.
With breath-taking views over the waters if the Firth of Forth, 28 Queen Street is an impressive four-storey Georgian building, comprising of a suite of modern and elegant rooms. Our Members’ Room takes pride of place along with 4 function rooms avai...
With breath-taking views over the waters if the Firth of Forth, 28 Queen Street is an impressive four-storey Georgian building, comprising of a suite of modern and elegant rooms. Our Members’ Room takes pride of place along with 4 function rooms avai...
Private Events with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Restaurants
A selection of Michelin Starred restaurants and outstanding foodie places.
Pull up a seat at The Chef's Table at Commons Club every Wednesday through Saturday for a unique dining experiences that will embark guests on a nostalgic journey reflecting on the milestones that have shaped Chef de Cuisine Emma Hanley's culinary jo...
Exclusive Dining Experience at Chef's Table in Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Situated down in the port neighbourhood of Leith, the Fingal ship offers an excellent afternoon tea or 5 star dining experience in their awarded 2 AA Rosette restaurant. Awarded for culinary excellence, Fingal offers a seasonal menu alongside some ex...
Food & Drink | Fingal Luxury Floating Hotel in Edinburgh
Situated in Leith, Tom Kitchin's Michelin-starred, contemporary Scottish restaurant offers exceptional seasonal dining.They celebrate the finest seasonal ingredients displaying a nature to plate experience. I have been here before and love the concep...
The Kitchin (Michelin Star)
Set in Georgian splendour, the Dome offer dining experiences from afternoon tea, to their Grill Room and more sophisticated Club Room dining. Their menus celebrate the finest local produce, thoughtfully crafted to reflect the best of each season.
The Dome, George Street.
Set in Edinburgh's New Town Cafe Royale offer a greta place to indulge in locally caught Scottish seafood. Their oyster menu is the best in town and the well stocked bar will surely tempt you.
Café Royal Edinburgh | Oyster Bar & Historic Restaurant
This relaxed restaurant in Leith offers a tasting menu, lunch and dinner. With an ever-changing seasonal menu, Heron is a Michelin-starred, serving refined menus that make use of Scotland's natural larder.
Heron (1 Michelin Star), Leith
Set in a beautiful former National Bank of Scotland’s Banking Hall, a Grade A listed building. The Hawksmoor offers the perfect steak and seafood.
Think the best quality Aberdeen Angus meat and on a Sunday treat yourself to a traditional Sunday Roas...
Steak & Seafood Restaurant | Edinburgh Steakhouse | Hawksmoor
Shopping
Luxury cashmere and woolen goods. This Scottish brand has been around since 1797 and offers great quality and craftsmanship. Their store can be found on Multrees walk. I recommend their soft lambswool scarves, perfect for a cold Edinburgh day.
Johnstons of Elgin
This luxury handbag company are based in Edinburgh Scotland and offer timeless bags and accessories. The Princess of Wales (Catherine) has been spotted in the past wearing this classic brand.
Strathberry | The Strathberry Designer Handbag Collection | Luxury ...