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Marriott Group 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.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, this luxurious spa hotel offers a prime location to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site on foot. Wake up to breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle from your castle-view room. Spend your days strolling along the Royal Mile or shopping on George Street, then unwind at the renowned One Spa urban retreat, complete with a rooftop hydro pool. The Executive Lounge provides evening drinks and snacks for an elevated stay. Whether for business or leisure, this hotel has everything you need for an unforgettable experience.
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Discover an urban oasis in Edinburgh's heart where heritage meets modern luxe! Rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows showcase stunning city views, while 50 units offer private gardens/balconies for alfresco relaxation. Sip through 200+ Scotch whiskies at Snug Lounge with expert guidance, or savor full Scottish breakfasts overlooking Calton Hill at Brasserie. Steps from shopping and tram stops, it offers laundry/BBQ/wedding services plus 50% off parking. As a 2024 award-winner, this sanctuary blends convenience with authentic Scottish hospitality—your perfect base for exploration!
The Edinburgh Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Edinburgh
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, this luxurious hotel is just a short walk from George Street and the Royal Mile. Enjoy top-notch amenities like a fitness center, free WiFi, and concierge services to make your stay seamless. After a busy day, unwind at the bar/lounge with a refreshing drink. The rooms feature kitchens with full-sized refrigerators and ovens, offering a home-like comfort. With express check-in, dry cleaning services, and more, it’s perfect for both business trips and family getaways.
W Edinburgh
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, this luxe hotel blends contemporary design with Scottish heritage. Stay in uniquely styled rooms and suites that exceed expectations! The rooftop terrace offers 360-degree views of the city, perfect for enjoying innovative dishes at SUSHISAMBA or sipping craft cocktails at the cozy Joao’s Place bar. Whether you're here for business or leisure, take advantage of the fitness center, spa, and meeting facilities. As a 2024 award-winning hotel, it’s your ideal base to explore Edinburgh’s vibrant culture. Book now for an unforgettable stay!
Old Town Chambers, Autograph Collection
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh, this luxurious hotel apartment is just steps away from the Royal Mile and a 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle. With 75 well-equipped rooms, each featuring a kitchen, you'll feel right at home. Stay active and connected with the 24-hour fitness center and free WiFi. A charged English breakfast is available each morning to kickstart your day. Whether for business or leisure, the concierge service and express check-out cater to all your needs. Newly opened facilities, along with dryers and luggage storage, ensure a hassle-free stay.
Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, this boutique hotel blends historic charm with modern luxury. Just a 15-minute walk from Waverley Station and Princes Street, its location is unbeatable! With 160 newly renovated suites, a heated indoor pool, spa facilities, and sauna, it's the perfect retreat after exploring the city. Whether you fancy a drink at the bar, a round of golf, or a workout at the fitness center, this place has it all. A dream base for history buffs—steps away from the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Holyrood Palace!
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh
Residence Inn by Marriott Edinburgh
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge
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
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
My stay at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh was absolutely outstanding. I booked a Club Level room with a view of Edinburgh Castle—waking up to that iconic skyline was breathtaking, especially during sunrise. The hotel has a side entrance just steps away from the castle gates, making access incredibly convenient. Whether you're heading to Princes Street, Calton Hill, or exploring the Old Town, everything is within easy walking distance—no need for taxis or buses. The service truly stood out. Staff were genuinely warm and attentive, going above and beyond to make me feel welcome. In all my travels across Europe, this is hands down the best hospitality experience I've had at a hotel. As a Club Level guest, I had access to the exclusive lounge, where breakfast and evening canapés were served—both well-prepared and satisfying. Coffee was available throughout the day, perfect for early risers or late-night relaxations. The spa facilities are impressive too; while some premium treatments require an extra fee, the sauna, steam rooms, and wellness areas are thoughtfully designed and create a peaceful retreat. The room itself was comfortable and clean, with a spacious bathroom. It’s not the largest room, but it’s well-proportioned and functional. One minor downside? No balcony—but honestly, that didn’t detract from the overall experience. The fitness centre is large and well-equipped, with a good selection of machines and a lovely pool area. Just wish the closing time could be extended a little later into the evening. Overall, this hotel delivers on every front—location, views, service, amenities, and atmosphere. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Edinburgh. I’ll definitely come back here next time.
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Staying at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection in Edinburgh was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and beautifully designed, offering a comfortable retreat after a day exploring the city. What truly stood out was the outdoor terrace—overlooking the heart of Edinburgh’s skyline with stunning views that made every morning and evening feel special. The service was exceptional too—staff went above and beyond with genuine warmth and attention to detail, making us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived. Every interaction felt personal and thoughtful. This hotel strikes the perfect balance between luxury and charm, and it’s clear they care about guest experience. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Edinburgh who wants a memorable, high-quality stay.
The Edinburgh Grand, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Grand truly exceeded my expectations—my room was surprisingly spacious, easily one of the largest I've seen in the UK. It featured a generous private balcony with great city views, a fully equipped kitchenette, a separate living area, and a comfortable bedroom. The layout felt more like a home than a hotel, perfect for families or groups. In the UK, dining out can be extremely expensive, so having the ability to cook our own meals was a game-changer—both cost-effective and convenient. We enjoyed breakfast in bed and even prepared a few dinners, which made the trip much more relaxed. The location is excellent too—just a short walk from the city center and close to public transit. This hotel delivers luxury, comfort, and practicality all in one. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
W Edinburgh
Our honeymoon stay at W Edinburgh was absolutely perfect—just two nights, but every moment felt special. The room was modern, spacious, and packed with all the amenities we could want. What made it extra memorable? The room number matched our wedding anniversary—such a thoughtful touch! Located right next to a shopping mall, everything we needed was within walking distance. Plus, being so close to all the main attractions made exploring the city effortless. We loved how convenient the location was—just a short walk or quick subway ride to anywhere we wanted to go. The staff were friendly, attentive, and made us feel truly welcomed. Even though we only stayed overnight, we already know we’d book again in a heartbeat. If you're planning a romantic getaway to Edinburgh, this hotel is an absolute must-try.
Old Town Chambers, Autograph Collection
Staying at Old Town Chambers was an absolute delight. Right in the heart of Royal Mile, the hotel offers unbeatable location—your window faces the church, and you’re just a short walk from everything. From the train station, avoid the stairs; take the longer route up—it’s worth it. It takes about 8 minutes to reach the property, but the journey is pleasant. The apartment itself is well-equipped with a full kitchen and a washing machine, perfect for preparing light meals or doing laundry. The bedding was incredibly comfortable—great sleep quality throughout. The only minor downside? The shower pressure could be stronger, but considering it’s a historic building, that’s understandable. Overall, this is a fantastic choice if you want a stylish, central stay with charm and convenience. Highly recommended!
Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood
Staying at the Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood was a fantastic experience. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from the city center and near public transit, making it easy to explore Edinburgh on foot or by train. The area is quiet and peaceful, offering a nice escape from the busier parts of town. There's a local grocery store nearby for essentials, and even better, there’s a small Chinese convenience store right next door that accepts Alipay—super helpful for travelers like me who prefer digital payments. The room itself was spotless, with no unpleasant odors and excellent cleanliness throughout. Daily complimentary bottled water (two bottles per day) is a nice touch. One thing to note: the hotel doesn’t provide slippers or toiletries, but since I brought my own, it wasn’t an issue. Overall, this is a well-maintained, thoughtfully designed hotel with great value for money. I’d definitely stay here again when visiting Edinburgh.
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.
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.
Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge
This hotel exceeded all my expectations! The room was immaculately clean, with a sparkling bathroom that felt fresh and well-maintained. What stood out the most was the excellent soundproofing—no noise from the hallway or neighboring rooms, even late at night. I appreciated the small on-site lounge area with drinks available; grabbing a drink in the evening and enjoying it back in my room was such a nice little treat. The location is fantastic—just a short walk to the city center and close to public transit. It’s not just convenient, but also offers great value for money. I’ve stayed at many hotels across Europe, and this one truly stands out. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I visit Edinburgh—and I’d happily recommend it to anyone looking for a modern, comfortable stay.
City Retreat Edinburgh ApartHotels
Our stay at City Retreat Edinburgh ApartHotels was truly disappointing. The only redeeming feature was the shower, but everything else fell short. The room had a strong musty smell, and it felt visibly unclean—dust on surfaces, grime on the floor, and even the bedding seemed worn. It's located in a basement unit with steep, narrow stairs that felt eerie at night, especially since the outdoor light wasn’t working. Despite notices about noise and respecting guests above, we were repeatedly woken up by loud noises from the floor above. The wallpaper was peeling off in several spots—something I’ve photographed for proof. Overall, this place failed to meet basic standards of cleanliness and comfort. The housekeeping team needs urgent improvement, and the building clearly needs renovation. This experience ruined our trip to Edinburgh. If you're looking for a decent stay, avoid this property.
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre
Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre was an absolute delight. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of the city, just steps away from major attractions and public transport hubs. I found it incredibly convenient to explore Edinburgh on foot or by train. The staff were warm, professional, and always ready to help. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh, well-prepared, and varied, with both classic English options and international choices. Everything was delicious and served with a smile. From the comfortable rooms to the thoughtful touches, this stay exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket
Staying at the Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket was a fantastic experience overall. The room was larger than expected, featuring a comfortable sofa that made it feel more like a home away from home. Cleanliness was excellent—everything looked fresh and well-maintained. The in-room amenities were thoughtful: a capsule coffee machine and a fridge made mornings easy and convenient, especially for that quick caffeine fix. Location-wise, it couldn’t be better—just a short walk to the train station and within easy reach of major attractions. There are plenty of restaurants and cozy bars nearby, so dinner and drinks are never an issue. The only downside is the cabinet above the tea station—it has a sharp corner that could easily cause injury if you’re not careful. It’s definitely a safety concern, especially when moving around with luggage or in low light. A simple fix like adding a soft edge cover would go a long way. Otherwise, this hotel offers great value and a welcoming atmosphere.
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