Hotel Filters
Hotels with Kitchen Near Martello Tower
RÌGH Properties - Luxury West End Artisan Apartment
Holyrood House
My Edinburgh Life
Joivy Beautiful Apartment, Private Garden, Calton Hill
Destiny Student – Murano (Campus Accommodation)
Destiny Student - Holyrood (Brae House)
Joivy Old Town 1-Bed Apartment with Stunning Views
Destiny Student – Shrubhill (Campus Accommodation)
Joivy Converted Flat in Historic Building in New Town
Castle Masion
Stay Edinburgh City Apartments - Royal Mile
Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel
Haystack Hostel
Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Martello Tower
Joivy Beautiful Apartment, Private Garden, Calton Hill
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.
Destiny Student – Murano (Campus Accommodation)
Staying at Destiny Student – Murano was a fantastic experience! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short bus ride from campus, and right outside the hostel are supermarkets and plenty of restaurants, so grocery shopping and dining out are super easy. The room is small but perfectly functional, with a comfortable bed that made for a great night's sleep. I brought my own towel and toiletries, which worked out fine, but they also offer basic bath amenities at reception if needed. Compared to other expensive hotels in Edinburgh, this place feels like a breath of fresh air—affordable, clean, and well-located. If I’m back in town for university, I’d definitely choose this again. Highly recommend it for students or budget-conscious travelers!
Destiny Student - Holyrood (Brae House)
This little gem in Holyrood is surprisingly well-equipped for a student hostel. The moment you step into your room, make sure to grab any essentials you need—like the small packets of salt and pepper provided for cooking. The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, pots, and a spacious fridge, though the oven and stovetop were a bit tricky to figure out. Still, with just a microwave and kettle, I managed to heat up pre-cooked meals and cook fresh veggies—everything looked so much better than expected on the plate, and it made the meal extra satisfying. There’s also a self-service laundry facility where you can pick up detergent from reception (I brought my own, so didn’t use it—no idea if there’s a fee). Perfect for longer stays—you don’t need to pack too many clothes. Plus, the front desk can arrange a taxi to the station, which made my journey stress-free. Overall, this place delivers great value and comfort, especially for travelers who want convenience without breaking the bank.
Destiny Student – Shrubhill (Campus Accommodation)
I stayed here for a week and was genuinely impressed with the overall experience. The place is clean, cozy, and well-maintained—exactly what you’d want from a student accommodation in Edinburgh. At first, the mattress felt a bit too soft, but I soon realized it’s a two-sided one, and flipping it made a noticeable difference. That little detail shows how thoughtful the setup is. The surrounding area is super convenient—there are plenty of shops nearby for groceries and essentials, and the kitchen is fully equipped with clean utensils and appliances, perfect for cooking your own meals. Public transport is just steps away: buses and trams run regularly, and it’s only two stops to the city center—ideal for exploring without hassle. The only minor downside is the sound insulation, which isn’t great—but honestly, that’s common across many UK hostels and guesthouses, not unique to this property. Overall, it’s a fantastic value-for-money option with a welcoming vibe and excellent location.
Kick Ass Greyfriars - Adults Only - Hostel
Kick Ass Greyfriars is absolutely spotless—hands down one of the cleanest hostels I’ve ever stayed in. From the moment I arrived, I felt completely safe and welcome. The bathrooms were immaculate, fresh, and well-maintained, which made a big difference to my overall comfort. The staff at the front desk were incredibly friendly and helpful, making check-in a breeze and going out of their way to ensure we had a great stay. The location is fantastic—right in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from major attractions and local cafes. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends and family, this place is a no-brainer. Clean, welcoming, and well-run—definitely a top choice for anyone visiting the city. I’ll be back.
Haystack Hostel
Haystack Hostel is an absolute gem in Edinburgh! The location is unbeatable—just a 3-minute walk to the train station and under 10 minutes to the castle. It’s incredibly convenient for exploring the city on foot. The only minor downside is that you need to carry your luggage up several flights of stairs via a spiral staircase to reach the upper floors—something I wasn’t expecting as my first hostel stay. But honestly, it’s worth every step. I cooked breakfast in the shared kitchen and ended up bonding with fellow travelers over coffee and stories. We even planned our sightseeing trips together—what a great way to make friends while traveling. For the price, the value here is outstanding. If you're looking for a vibrant, social, and well-located base in Edinburgh, this place is a must-stay.
Kick Ass Grassmarket (18+)
This place is absolutely fantastic! Right in the heart of Edinburgh, it's within walking distance of nearly every major attraction—Old Town, Royal Mile, and even the castle. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, going out of their way to make your stay comfortable. I was especially impressed by how well-organized and clean the hostel is, despite being a 18+ only space. It feels like a cozy, vibrant community rather than just a budget stay. The location is unbeatable—perfect for exploring on foot or hopping on the tram. If you're looking for an authentic, social, and hassle-free experience in Edinburgh, this is definitely the spot.
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.
Edinburgh Nine
I was completely surprised to find this was a guesthouse— the room was huge and incredibly well-equipped. Every detail felt thoughtfully considered, from the modern furnishings to the fully stocked amenities. It's located just minutes from the city center, making it super convenient for exploring Edinburgh on foot or by public transit. The neighborhood is lively with great cafes and shops nearby. With such a spacious, comfortable stay at this price point, it’s an unbeatable value. I’ll definitely be returning and recommending it to friends.
The Roseate Edinburgh
Staying at The Roseate Edinburgh was a truly memorable experience. While it didn’t stand out dramatically over our previous night’s accommodation, the unique charm of being housed within a historic castle made all the difference. The atmosphere is quiet and serene—perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring the city. Rooms were clean, well-appointed, and surprisingly peaceful, with excellent sound insulation. The surrounding area is pleasant too—cozy cafés, local shops, and easy access to public transport make getting around hassle-free. It’s not just a place to sleep; it feels like stepping into a story. Great value, great location, and an unforgettable stay overall.
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