Hotel Filters
Hotels with Picnic Area Near Thistle Chapel
Tucked inside St Giles' Cathedral, the Thistle Chapel is one of Edinburgh's hidden gems. This exquisite Gothic chapel, built in 1911, serves as the spiritual home of Scotland's Order of the Thistle. Marvel at the intricate woodcarvings - each stall bears a unique knight's crest, while sunlight filters through vibrant stained glass. Don't miss the mischievous elf sculpture hidden beneath the seats, said to be the craftsman's playful signature. Join a guided tour to uncover its ties with the Scottish monarchy, where whispers of history echo under the vaulted ceiling.
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!
Hapimag Resort Edinburgh
Crescent House
No11 Boutique Hotel & Brasserie
Edinburgh - Houseboats
The Pavilion at Lamb's House
Holyrood House
Stylish Apartment
Murrayfield Hotel
Stylish Penthouse Suite
Lasswade Road House
Abercromby Place Apartment
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Thistle Chapel
The Witchery by the Castle offers lavish Gothic suites just 5 minutes walk away, famous for its antique four-poster beds. For luxury, The Balmoral Hotel features a Michelin-starred restaurant and Rocco Forte spa. Budget options include Ibis Styles Edinburgh Centre with quirky designs.
Yes! St Giles' Cathedral (where the chapel is located) offers 45-minute guided tours (£8/person) covering the chapel's heraldic carvings and secret drawer mechanisms. Private tours can be booked for knightly history enthusiasts, including access to rare archives.
The chapel boasts a stellar-vaulted ceiling adorned with 68 carved angels playing medieval instruments. Each rib converges at a central golden thistle, symbolizing Scotland's highest chivalric order. Photography is allowed but no flash to preserve the gilded details.
While no strict dress code, smart casual is recommended (no beachwear). During Order of the Thistle ceremonies (June/July), public access may be restricted. Check the St Giles' Cathedral website for special event notices.
Regular Sunday services at 11:00 AM are open to all. The chapel also hosts Evensong on Thursdays with its famous acoustics. Note: Photography is prohibited during services. The annual Thistle Service (July) requires advance ticket registration.
Within 5 minutes' walk: Edinburgh Castle (iconic views), The Real Mary King's Close (underground history), and National Museum of Scotland. Don't miss the Heart of Midlothian mosaic outside St Giles' – locals spit on it for luck!
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Thistle Chapel
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.
Hapimag Resort Edinburgh
This Hapimag Resort in Edinburgh was an absolute delight—far beyond what I expected from a city known for pricey accommodations. Located just west of Princes Street, it’s incredibly walkable to shops and attractions, and there’s a fantastic Vietnamese pho spot right nearby that I ended up visiting twice. The room was a spacious suite with a generous seating area, a dedicated wardrobe, and an impressive bathroom—large, immaculate, and beautifully designed, complete with a relaxing whirlpool tub. Despite being on the second basement level, the room had a lovely view of a small hillside and even caught stunning sunset views through the window. It felt bright and airy, not at all damp or gloomy like some other hotels I’ve stayed in. The bed was plush and comfortable, the vanity was practical, and every detail felt thoughtfully curated. The hotel’s interior is wonderfully vintage with artwork from various countries and elegant porcelain displays—truly unique and full of character. Staff were courteous and flexible, always ready to assist. Breakfast isn’t included, but you can pre-order pastries delivered to your room—a nice convenience. Entry requires a key card, which adds a great sense of security. Only note: front desk isn’t staffed 24/7, so try to check in earlier if possible—though they’ll leave a contact number if you’re arriving late. With only 30 suites, this place fills up fast—book ahead! Overall, it’s a hidden gem with exceptional style, comfort, and value. A truly memorable stay.
No11 Boutique Hotel & Brasserie
The stay at No11 Boutique Hotel & Brasserie was absolutely fantastic. From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. The room was beautifully designed—elegant, clean, and full of thoughtful touches that made it feel like home. We especially loved the cozy ambiance and the attention to detail in the decor. Located just a short walk from the city center, it’s perfect for exploring Edinburgh on foot. The breakfast at the brasserie was a highlight—fresh, delicious, and served with a smile. This place truly delivers on comfort, style, and hospitality. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Edinburgh!
Edinburgh - Houseboats
This was our first visit to Edinburgh, and we absolutely fell in love with the city—and especially with the Boatel, 'Wee Sisters'! From the moment we arrived, everything impressed us: the prime location just steps from the heart of town, the spotless cleanliness, the warm and inviting atmosphere, and the fully equipped kitchen that made cooking a breeze. The TVs were clear, the beds comfy, and the little touches—like fresh flowers and thoughtful amenities—made the stay feel extra special. It was so convenient, relaxing, and truly unique. Huge thanks to Natalie and her team for creating such a memorable experience. We’ll definitely be back!
The Pavilion at Lamb's House
Absolutely fantastic stay at The Pavilion at Lamb's House! The three-floor layout was perfect for our family, giving us plenty of space to spread out and relax without feeling cramped. The house itself is beautifully designed with a lovely blend of modern comfort and traditional charm. Every detail felt thoughtfully curated—from the cozy living area to the well-equipped kitchen. Location-wise, it’s ideal: quiet yet close to everything we wanted to explore in Edinburgh. We walked to the city center in just 15 minutes and found public transport super convenient. The host was friendly and responsive, making check-in and check-out smooth. This place truly exceeded our expectations—comfortable, stylish, and peaceful all at once. I’d highly recommend it to any family or group looking for a memorable getaway in Edinburgh.
Stylish Apartment
The communication was excellent from start to finish—everything was exactly as shown on the listing, which made me feel confident and relaxed. The apartment is clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough for a family getaway. It’s located in a quiet area but still within easy reach of Edinburgh’s main attractions via public transport. I loved how thoughtfully it was designed with comfort and convenience in mind. If you're looking for a cozy, reliable place to stay with your family, this is absolutely a top choice. Highly recommend it!
Murrayfield Hotel
Staying at Murrayfield Hotel was an absolute delight! The location is fantastic—just a three-stop subway ride from Princes Street, and there's a bus stop right outside the hotel for easy access. If you're driving, free parking is a huge plus. I especially enjoyed taking the tram from Princes Street to the stadium stop, then walking just a few minutes to the hotel—perfect way to explore the city. Plus, the Chinese consulate is right across the street, which added a nice touch of pride. Everything about this stay felt convenient, comfortable, and well-located. Highly recommend it for anyone visiting Edinburgh!
Stylish Penthouse Suite
The penthouse suite was incredibly spacious and beautifully modern, offering a truly luxurious stay. The room was spotless and well-maintained, with excellent attention to detail. Being located in the heart of Edinburgh made exploring the city effortless—walking distance to major attractions and great dining spots. The only minor suggestion would be upgrading the pillows on the beds for even greater comfort. Overall, this was an outstanding experience. The location, cleanliness, and contemporary design make it a top choice for any traveler visiting Edinburgh. I’d definitely return and recommend it without hesitation.
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.
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.
Other Destinations You Might Like
Explore more amazing destinations