
Edinburgh/Martello Tower Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

This luxury hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Edinburgh, just steps away from Princes Street and Calton Hill. Unwind at the spa with massages and treatments, or take a dip in the indoor pool. The sauna and fitness center are perfect for staying active. With 3 restaurants and 2 bars, plus 24-hour room service, you'll never go hungry. Rooms are equipped with minibars and smart TVs, and feature luxury toiletries for ultimate comfort. Whether for business or leisure, this hotel is the ideal choice!

Located in the prime spot of Edinburgh city center, this hotel is your perfect choice! Just a short walk to Grassmarket and University of Edinburgh, making it super convenient! Enjoy the 24-hour fitness center and free WiFi to stay active and connected. With two restaurants on-site, including the Commons Club Restaurant, you’re in for a treat! Unwind at the bar after a busy day. Rooms feature minibars and smart TVs for a cozy home-away-from-home feel. Whether for business or leisure, this hotel has everything you need!

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.

















Everything you need to know about Martello Tower
The Balmoral Hotel is a top choice, located just 1.5 km from Martello Tower in central Edinburgh. Renowned for its historic elegance and exceptional service, it offers luxury accommodations and personal concierge assistance. Easy access via foot or short bus ride makes exploring the tower and nearby attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile convenient. Guests can also enjoy traditional Scottish afternoon tea and access to an on-site golf course, blending modern comfort with authentic Scottish charm.
The most convenient options are taking a local bus or renting an electric bike, both covering the 2.5-km route in about 15 minutes. For walking enthusiasts, a scenic 2.5-km hike along Falkland Road offers gentle slopes and panoramic views of Edinburgh’s skyline and greenery. Though slightly uphill, the journey is rewarding with lush surroundings. Comfortable footwear and hydration are recommended. Nearby bike-sharing stations near the tower enhance mobility, making it easy to explore the area at your own pace.
Martello Tower, now part of the Edinburgh History Museum, offers guided tours revealing its role during the Napoleonic Wars and architectural design. Weekends feature reenactments of 19th-century military drills and living history exhibitions with period costumes and live demonstrations, providing an immersive experience. The observation deck offers panoramic views of western Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth, combining natural beauty with historical significance—ideal for photographers. Some events require advance HopeGoo; check the official website for schedules.
The Old Bakehouse is a standout near Martello Tower, specializing in traditional Scottish cuisine using local ingredients like wild salmon, Highland beef, and craft beer. Their signature dish, **
Near Martello Tower in Edinburgh, The Balmoral Hotel is a top choice, located just 500 meters away—within a 10-minute walk. This five-star hotel offers Victorian-era architecture, luxurious accommodations, and panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Highlands from its windows.
It also features an iconic Royal Afternoon Tea experience and guided tours that delve into the military history of Martello Tower. Another excellent option is The Witchery by the Castle, a boutique hotel nestled close to the tower with distinctive medieval stone walls and arched doorways, offering an immersive historical ambiance.
Both properties provide exceptional accessibility via bus or underground rail, making them ideal bases for exploring the historic site and surrounding Old Town areas.
For families visiting Martello Tower, Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre is an excellent choice, just 800 meters away—about a 12-minute walk. The hotel offers spacious family rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a dedicated kids’ play area with safe, child-friendly facilities.
A unique feature is its interactive history scavenger hunt booklet, designed to engage children in learning about Martello Tower’s defensive systems and 19th-century military significance through fun challenges.
Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden and Princes Street Gardens, perfect for relaxed strolls with kids. The hotel also provides electric vehicle charging stations, ideal for eco-conscious families traveling with sustainable transport.
Walking from Martello Tower to Edinburgh Castle takes about 25 minutes (1.3 km) along Castle Hill Path, offering a scenic route rich in history and views.
First, pass by St Giles Cathedral, a stunning Gothic church in the heart of the Old Town, renowned for its stained-glass windows and bell tower—perfect for a quick visit.
Continue down Royal Mile, the bustling historic street lined with traditional Scottish shops, pubs, and souvenir stalls, ideal for soaking up local culture.
As you ascend toward the castle, enjoy sweeping vistas of the Firth of Forth and the city skyline. The final view of Edinburgh Castle’s red-brick fortress and towering battlements is breathtaking.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water—the path combines urban charm with natural beauty, making it a favorite among tourists and photographers alike.
Martello Tower is centrally located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, offering excellent access to public transit. The most convenient options include the Edinburgh Tram, which stops at West End Station, just a 600-meter walk away.
Alternatively, multiple city bus routes such as 45, 50, and X7 serve the area, with contactless payment and Oyster card compatibility for seamless travel.
For those who prefer walking, Martello Tower is within a 15-minute stroll of major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and St Giles Cathedral—ideal for leisurely exploration.
International visitors may opt for the Edinburgh HopeGoo Bus Tour, which provides flexible sightseeing with onboard audio guides, offering detailed insights into Martello Tower’s military past and the city’s evolution.
See what other travelers say about Martello Tower

Staying at The Balmoral Hotel was an absolutely unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, the location was perfect—just a five-minute walk to Calton Hill, and everything else in the Old Town, Rainbow Street, and Royal Mile was within easy reach. The hotel itself feels like a living piece of history, with elegant architecture and timeless charm. I couldn’t help but stop by room 552—the door painted a striking purple, which added such a unique touch. It’s said that J.K. Rowling found inspiration here while writing the final book in the Harry Potter series, and it’s easy to imagine why. The views from the windows are breathtaking, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home. If you’re looking for a blend of luxury, history, and convenience in Edinburgh, this is the place to be. Highly recommended.

Staying at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh was an absolute highlight of my trip to Edinburgh. The room, though not large, felt incredibly cozy and thoughtfully designed—clean, well-maintained, and full of little touches that made it feel like home. I loved the mini-bar with a great selection of soft drinks, and the fact that water, coffee, and tea bags were all complimentary—it’s such a nice perk for travelers. The hotel’s bold red-themed interior is stunning from top to bottom; every corner feels like a photo-worthy moment, whether you’re in the lobby or wandering the hallways. It’s perfect for those who love capturing moments on camera. Plus, being just steps away from Victoria Street makes exploring the city so convenient—perfect for a relaxed citywalk, grabbing a bite, or snapping some street photography. Everything about this stay was seamless, stylish, and genuinely enjoyable. Definitely worth returning to.

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!

Staying at Ten Hill Place Hotel in Edinburgh was hands down the most satisfying hotel experience I've had in the city—yes, it's on the pricier side, but every penny feels justified. The bed isn’t huge, but the bathroom is spacious and well-designed, with a standout feature: the towel drying rack. It made all the difference for drying out our clothes during the trip—no more damp backpacks or sweaty layers. Breakfast was excellent—plenty of variety, fresh ingredients, and great quality. When we were rushing to catch our train, the front desk kindly arranged a taxi for us, which saved us from a stressful scramble. The hotel is less than a mile from the train station, super convenient, though navigating the steep slopes and uneven cobbled streets with luggage was tiring—next time, definitely just grab a cab. There are also tons of dining options nearby, so you’re never far from a good meal. Overall, the location, service, and thoughtful touches like the drying rack make this a top-tier stay. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Edinburgh.

Staying at Market Street Hotel was such a delightful experience. The room felt warm and inviting, with a cozy atmosphere that instantly made me feel at home. What stood out the most was the complimentary mini-bar—no extra charges for drinks or snacks, which was a fantastic touch. The location is unbeatable: right across from the train station, so you don’t have to lug your luggage up any steep hills in Edinburgh’s chilly weather. Just a short walk up a charming little staircase brings you straight into Royal Mile, perfect for exploring shops, cafes, and local gems. The only small improvement I’d suggest is brighter lighting above the sink—the current light is a bit dim, making it tricky to see when brushing your teeth or washing up. But honestly, this is a tiny detail in an otherwise outstanding stay. The warmth, comfort, and convenience make this hotel a top choice for anyone visiting Edinburgh. I’ll definitely be back.

Staying at Roomzzz Edinburgh was an absolute delight—warm, welcoming, and incredibly convenient. The standout feature for me was the heated bathroom floor, which made stepping out of the shower in winter so much more comfortable and safe, all while being eco-friendly. I loved how practical it was—no need to turn on extra heating. The hotel is perfectly located near a shopping mall, so grabbing some retail therapy was just a short walk away. The room itself was spacious and well-designed, with a full kitchenette that made preparing meals easy and enjoyable. It felt like home, but with all the perks of a modern hotel. Highly recommend this gem for anyone visiting Edinburgh.

We absolutely loved our stay at 24 Royal Terrace! The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, the breakfast was outstanding—fresh, delicious, and well-prepared. The location couldn’t be better—just steps away from Calton Hill, making it super easy to explore the city on foot. Our room (number 2) was spacious and beautifully appointed, with a huge bathtub that made soaking after a long day of sightseeing pure bliss. Every detail felt thoughtfully designed, and the overall experience was top-notch. If you're looking for comfort, convenience, and a great vibe in Edinburgh, this is the place to stay. Highly recommended!

Staying at Linton Collection - Blackfriars Lofts in Edinburgh was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and impeccably clean, with high ceilings that made the space feel airy and luxurious. For the price, it’s an incredible value—far better than expected. What really stood out was the location: right behind the hotel is the lively bar street, so going out for drinks or dinner in the evening was super convenient. I didn’t need to go far for a good night out—just step outside and you’re surrounded by great options. The neighborhood is quiet yet walkable to everything central, making it perfect for both relaxation and exploration. Everything about this stay felt thoughtfully designed, from the layout to the attention to detail. I’d absolutely book again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh.

This apartment is absolutely fantastic—perfect for travelers looking for a quiet retreat with great charm. The private garden at the back is a real highlight: peaceful, well-maintained, and ideal for morning coffee or an evening unwind. Inside, the space is spotless, beautifully furnished, and thoughtfully designed with modern touches. Communication with the host was quick and friendly—any request was handled promptly, which made the whole experience seamless. It's located just steps away from Waterloo Place, where most tourist buses depart, so getting around Edinburgh is super convenient. While the direct route up from Leith Street is quite steep, the walk via Waterloo Place is much gentler and more pleasant. Overall, this is a top-tier stay with excellent value. Highly recommended for anyone wanting comfort, convenience, and a touch of local character.

Stayed here for a week and was thoroughly impressed by the cleanliness and comfort of the apartment. The 1.8-meter bed was incredibly cozy, making it perfect for a restful night's sleep. The kitchen is spacious and fully equipped—perfect for whipping up several Western meals during our stay. Even made a quick ramen dinner with everything we needed on hand. All essentials were available, so we just grabbed groceries from the local market and had a great time cooking in. Located close to the city center, it’s super convenient to explore Edinburgh by public transport. Highly recommend this place for travelers who value space, convenience, and a home-like atmosphere.

Staying at this apartment was an absolute delight—far better in person than the photos even suggested. The moment I walked in, I was impressed by how spacious and well-designed the one-bedroom unit felt. Having two full bathrooms in a single bedroom is such a game-changer, especially for travelers with companions or extra luggage—it’s rare to find such thoughtful space planning. I truly wished I could’ve extended my stay beyond just one night; it made for a perfect little retreat from the city bustle. The only minor issue was the kitchen sink base, which had some visible grime despite otherwise spotless surfaces. It wasn’t enough to detract from the overall experience, but a quick deep clean would make it flawless. Also, units 15/1 and 15/2 are accessed via a steep staircase, which made carrying a 50-pound suitcase up and down a bit challenging. Clearer signage and accessibility warnings would be helpful for guests with mobility concerns. The adjacent faux grass room near the bedroom was a unique feature—really cool in concept—but unfortunately, the smell from cleaning products lingered, which somewhat undermined its charm. A bit more attention to maintenance and air quality there would go a long way. All things considered, this is a standout property. Modern, stylish, super well-located in New Town, and offers excellent value. If you’re looking for a comfortable, hassle-free urban escape, this apartment delivers on every front.

The apartment was incredibly clean and comfortable, exactly what I was looking for during my stay in Edinburgh. The beds and pillows were very cozy, making it easy to get a restful night’s sleep. Check-in was quick and hassle-free, which was a big plus after a long journey. Despite being located in a central area, the unit remained quiet and peaceful—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The location is ideal: close to everything but still feels like a private retreat. I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Edinburgh—great value, excellent comfort, and a truly relaxing experience.
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