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4.3-Rated Hotels Near Forward and Half Moon Battery
Tucked beneath Edinburgh Castle, the Forward and Half Moon Battery holds secrets from Britain’s military past. Once a vital fortress guarding the city, this ancient artillery post now stands in silent strength, echoing with the thunder of old battles. Walk its ramparts, feel the weight of history underfoot, and gaze out across the city—every step brings you closer to a forgotten era of courage and defence. Snap a photo at the cannon’s mouth and become part of the story.
InterContinental Edinburgh The George
Kimpton Charlotte Square
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, just steps from Princes Street and George Street, this hotel blends luxury with convenience. Rooms feature Smart TVs, premium linens, and complimentary treat boxes plus a fridge stocked with fresh milk. Dine at The Garden, an indoor courtyard serving everything from salads to Scottish cocktails, or savor Middle Eastern flavors at BABA’s mezze grill. Unwind with free access to the gym, pool, and spa (some treatments at extra cost). Perfect for business or leisure, it’s a 5-minute walk to Waverley Station and 7 miles from the airport—effortless connectivity!
The Bonham
This hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Edinburgh, just a 10-minute walk from Princes Street and George Street. Enjoy the garden views and take advantage of free WiFi and concierge services. Whether for business or leisure, its meeting rooms and wedding services cater to all needs. The on-site restaurant serves local cuisine with garden views, and the bar is ideal for evening drinks. Rooms are equipped with minibars and smart TVs, plus luxury toiletries for a comfortable stay.
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh
Nira Caledonia
Residence Inn by Marriott Edinburgh
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
2 Bed Aprtmt- Waterfront, 5 Beds, Parking
Fraser Suites Edinburgh
Malmaison Edinburgh City
Le Monde Hotel
Princes Street Suites
Britannia Penthouse
Authentic Central 3-Bedroom Apartment
Ard Na Said
Destiny Scotland - St Andrew Square Apartments
Haymarket Apartments
Drummond Apartment
The Edinburgh Address - Drumsheugh Gardens
Joivy Old Town 1-Bed Apartment with Stunning Views
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Forward and Half Moon Battery
The Balmoral Hotel is a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from Forward and Half Moon Battery. This luxury five-star hotel boasts prime location overlooking Edinburgh Castle and offers Victorian-era architecture combined with modern elegance. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and castle grounds from spacious rooms. The hotel’s exceptional service and refined ambiance make it ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and historical charm. Access to the historic battery is convenient via Prince's Street or a short bus ride.
The most convenient option is to start from Edinburgh Waverley Station, then take a short bus ride or walk approximately 15 minutes. Walking along Princes Street southward, past Edinburgh Castle, and up Castlehill offers breathtaking views of the city and fortress. This route is safe, scenic, and ideal for experiencing the harmony between history and nature in Edinburgh. Alternatively, guided tours often provide shuttle transfers directly to the battery area, perfect for travelers wanting an immersive historical experience.
Visitors can join military history tours that explore the 18th-century defense systems of Edinburgh Castle’s outer fortifications. The site features well-preserved historic gun emplacements and original defensive structures. Guides share insights into artillery deployment, signaling methods, and wartime strategies, supplemented by authentic historical artifacts and scale models. During summer months, living history reenactments bring the era to life, allowing guests to experience daily military routines of the 1700s—an unforgettable way to engage with Scotland’s defensive heritage.
The Royal Scots Hotel stands out for its rich historical character, located close to Forward and Half Moon Battery and originally built in the 19th century as officers' quarters. The hotel preserves original fireplaces, oak beams, and vintage photo walls, creating an authentic military ambiance. Each room is named after a famous Scottish general and features period furniture and antique décor. Guests can access special guided tours into the castle’s underground tunnels and archives, making it a top choice for travelers seeking deep cultural immersion.
Absolutely. The area around Edinburgh Castle offers numerous family-friendly amenities, including a children’s discovery zone within the castle, open courtyards, and safe walking paths. Hotels like The Balmoral and The Royal Scots Hotel provide family rooms and child-oriented services, with some offering playrooms and family-guided activities. The pathways from the castle to Forward and Half Moon Battery are flat and wide, ideal for strollers and child bikes. Weekend events feature interactive history workshops, allowing kids to learn about Scotland’s past through play—making it a perfect destination for family travel.
This site offers stunning opportunities for capturing historic-natural fusion photography. Shoot during sunrise or golden hour using low-angle lenses to frame Edinburgh Castle silhouetted against weathered gun emplacements. Include dramatic skies and city lights in the background for cinematic lighting effects. Dressing in period attire or using military props enhances the 18th-century defensive theme. For panoramic shots, climb slightly higher to capture the depth of Castlehill and Princes Street, showcasing Edinburgh’s iconic urban silhouette—a must-photograph perspective for enthusiasts.
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Forward and Half Moon Battery
InterContinental Edinburgh The George
Honestly, just one word: amazing! From the moment I walked in, everything about this hotel exceeded my expectations. The breakfast was outstanding—plenty of variety and delicious quality, with staff who were friendly and attentive without being overbearing. I stayed in room 44, a unique loft-style layout that felt quirky and cool—definitely not your average hotel room. Despite being split-level, it was incredibly quiet, making for a peaceful night’s sleep. I loved the bathroom amenities—they used my favorite brand, Baudruche, and the scent alone made me feel pampered. Granted, the room size isn’t huge compared to some mainland hotels, but considering I was staying in a beautifully preserved historic building right in the heart of Edinburgh, it felt like a real privilege. The location is fantastic—walkable to major sights and super convenient for public transit. Everything about this stay screamed quality and charm. If I ever come back to Edinburgh, this will be my first choice again. A truly unforgettable experience.
Kimpton Charlotte Square
From the moment we arrived, the warm hospitality at Kimpton Charlotte Square made our stay in Edinburgh truly special. A huge shoutout to Brian from the concierge team—he was absolutely outstanding! Not only does he speak seven languages fluently, but his knowledge of local spots and genuine kindness made every interaction a pleasure. Whether it was recommending hidden gems or helping with last-minute travel plans, he went above and beyond with a smile. His professionalism and personal touch turned what could’ve been just another hotel stay into an unforgettable experience. The staff’s attention to detail, combined with the charming atmosphere of the hotel, made this place feel like home. I’d highly recommend this gem to any traveler looking for warmth, style, and exceptional service—truly a standout in Edinburgh.
The Bonham
Staying at The Bonham was an excellent experience overall. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from the city center and well-connected by public transit. The room was clean, spacious, and beautifully designed with modern touches. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay, and the breakfast spread was impressive with fresh options including made-to-order eggs—perfect for starting the day. One downside was the 12.5% fee applied to all purchases made through the platform, which felt a bit unexpected and not clearly communicated upfront. Still, despite that, the quality of the hotel, service, and value for money made it worth it. I’d definitely recommend and stay here again.
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh
This was our second stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh, and once again, we were thoroughly impressed. We traveled with three families this time, and even invited two other households to join us—everyone had a fantastic experience. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with everything you’d need for a comfortable stay. Even though we were on the ground floor, there was no sense of being closed in or dull—just clean, bright, and welcoming. Location-wise, it’s unbeatable: just an 8-minute walk to Calton Hill and about 15 minutes to the train station. In terms of value for money, it’s hard to beat—best location in its price range, and arguably the most affordable option in that area. We’ve considered trying other hotels this year, but after checking out alternatives, we kept coming back to this one. Edinburgh is simply magical, and staying here made every moment of our trip more memorable.
Nira Caledonia
This hotel is truly exceptional—perfectly situated in the charming Stockbridge neighborhood of Edinburgh. It’s close enough to walk to all the top attractions, yet peaceful and quiet away from the tourist crowds. The staff go above and beyond with their warm hospitality and attention to detail, making you feel right at home. Every interaction was thoughtful and genuine. I’ve stayed in many hotels across the UK, and this one stands out for its combination of location, comfort, and service. I’d absolutely stay here again if I ever return to Edinburgh—highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable, stress-free experience.
Residence Inn by Marriott Edinburgh
Staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott Edinburgh was an absolute delight. Located right within the University of Edinburgh campus, the hotel offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere—perfect for a relaxing getaway. Just a short 10-minute walk from the historic Old Town, I had easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions. The convenience of having a nearby supermarket and a Starbucks made daily errands effortless. Best of all, the rooms come with a microwave and refrigerator—ideal for preparing simple meals, which is a huge plus when traveling or staying longer. The spacious, well-designed rooms combined with the excellent location make this hotel a standout choice. Highly recommend for both business and leisure travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm.
Fraser Suites Edinburgh
Staying at Fraser Suites Edinburgh was an absolute delight! The room exceeded all my expectations—spacious, clean, and beautifully designed with modern amenities. The bed was incredibly comfortable, making for a restful night's sleep. What stood out most was the convenient location; it’s just a short metro ride to the city center, and everything I needed—from cafes to shops—was within walking distance. The staff were warm and attentive, even offering a little welcome gift upon check-in, which added a nice personal touch. It’s rare to find such a well-balanced mix of comfort, convenience, and value. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Malmaison Edinburgh City
I was completely spontaneous with my trip to Edinburgh and ended up booking this hotel on a whim—what a great surprise! Located just a 500-meter walk from the train station, it’s incredibly convenient for travelers arriving by rail. What truly impressed me, though, was how peaceful and quiet the rooms were at night—despite being right in the heart of the city, I had a deep, restful sleep without any noise disturbance. The overall atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with friendly staff and a well-designed interior that feels both modern and cozy. It’s hands-down one of the best value stays I’ve had in Edinburgh. If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and tranquility all in one place, this hotel is a must-try. I’ll definitely be returning.
Le Monde Hotel
Staying at Le Monde Hotel was such a delightful experience from start to finish. Each room is named after a different city, giving it a unique and personal touch—warm, cozy, and full of character. The location couldn’t be better: just steps away from St. Andrew Square, with easy access to buses and trams heading straight to the airport. Right across the square is Edinburgh’s main bus station, where tours to the Highlands depart daily—perfect for spontaneous adventures. A short stroll takes you to Rose Street, a vibrant hub packed with diverse restaurants and cafes. I even stumbled upon Happy Lamb Hotpot right near the Scott Monument—had a steaming bowl of lamb hotpot on a rainy day, and it was absolutely unforgettable. Comfortable rooms, unbeatable location, and great food nearby make this hotel a real gem. Highly recommend!
Princes Street Suites
Staying at Princes Street Suites was an absolute delight from the moment I arrived. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from Edinburgh’s main attractions, including the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat, with easy access to public transit. What truly amazed me was the building’s unique design: stepping into the basement via the elevator revealed a striking view of towering structures outside the window, almost like being in a modern urban landscape. Inside, the room was immaculate, well-equipped, and comfortable, with a cozy bed and a spacious bathroom. Everything matched my expectations—and then some. The overall experience was exceptional, and I’m already planning my next visit. If you’re looking for a convenient, stylish, and thoughtfully designed stay in Edinburgh, this is the place to be.
Ard Na Said
Our late August stay at Ard-Na-Said was absolutely delightful. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and at home—everything we needed was thoughtfully provided. Check-in was smooth and hassle-free, and the quiet, safe neighborhood added to the peaceful vibe. We especially loved the afternoon tea at Prestonfield, just a short, pleasant stroll away—perfect for relaxing after exploring. The area is packed with great dining options; we had a fantastic time at Wee Greek and Papaya Thai, both offering delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere. The lounge setup with coffee, tea, and snacks is a real plus—ideal for unwinding. Getting into town by bus is super easy, and it’s only a quick walk to the base of Arthur’s Seat (though the hike up is definitely no joke!). We’d happily return to this charming guesthouse without hesitation. A wonderful balance of comfort, convenience, and character—highly recommended!
Destiny Scotland - St Andrew Square Apartments
Stayed two nights at Destiny Scotland - St Andrew Square Apartments, and had a fantastic experience overall. The first night was in room 1B—clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. On the second night, I upgraded to the 3rd-floor premium room (unit 8), which had a great location right next to the elevator for easy access. The kitchenette is fully equipped with a dishwasher and fridge—perfect for self-catering. The window faces the street, giving nice views during the day, though it’s worth noting that noise from the road might be noticeable if you’re sensitive to sound. One small suggestion: repositioning the living area and bedroom could improve the flow and privacy. The bathroom in this unit is slightly smaller than the one in 1B, which I personally preferred. Despite that, the location is unbeatable—everything is within walking distance, from historic landmarks to shopping spots. Public transport is just steps away too. For convenience, cleanliness, and value, this place truly earns a full five-star rating.
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