My wife and I( in our 60s) plan on visiting Edinburgh for ten days in APR 2026. We are looking for a wonderful hotel that has day trips to areas outside of the city; e.g., castles, distilleries, country side, and etc. I would truly appreciate any suggestions for lodging and day trips.
Regards,
Rich
I’m going in May and booked chain hotel (I use their CC) near a tram stop. I also booked Rabbie’s multi day tour for after my stay in Edinburgh, but they also offer several day tours. Their tours meet at the central bus station. Hopefully folks with more experience will be chiming in with more specific recommendations!
I’m not sure many, if any, hotels offer day trips in Edinburgh but as mentioned there are several reliable companies that do day trips around the area.
I stayed in 2 different hotels in Edinburgh in June/July. The 1st hotel was Ibis Styles St Andrew Square and was recommended by forum member Mardee. It’s part of the Accor chain. It had one of the best breakfast spreads I’ve ever seen including salmon and eggs! The rooms were a bit small but for me the location was great. lovely, helpful staff and Excellent restaurants on the square as well. I would stay there again. If you choose this hotel book directly on the Accor app. I got sidetracked onto a looks-official website which was charging more than 1 noghts stay as a booking fee. Fortunately I caught this and was able to cancel and rebook on the app.
Coming back from Shetland I stayed at Parliament House Hotel. The elevator was broken to my 4th floor room and from reviews on Trip Advisor it looked like this was not a new problem. I also don’t think the elevator actually went up to that floor anyway, lol. The room was giant, staff was very nice. I probably would not stay here again although the location was fine.
We spent 8 nights here at the Radisson Blu this year: https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-edinburgh
The location was awesome - right at the start of the main part of the Royal Mile. It was walking distance to everything. The breakfast was fabulous.
We did a few Rabbies tours and were happy with them. The walk from the Radisson to the pick up point at the bus terminal for Rabbies tours was a little confusing at first and took about 20 minutes. We liked the Rabbies tours very much.
During our stay, I saw that another one of the day tour companies leaves from right outside the Radisson. You might give them a look as well - they have good reviews and it sure is convenient to leave and return right back to the hotel!
https://highlandexplorertours.com/1-day-tours/loch-lomond-stirling-castle-the-kelpies?tab=2
We loved the charming Parliament House, but the odd construction does leave some rooms without elevator access. We had a room with a view, looking towards the water. The location is on Carlton Hill. I'd stay there again.
Have a great trip!
I recently stayed at the Resident Edinburgh. It's only been open a little over a year. Every room has a mini-kitchenette which may come in handy. Every evening they offer a free glass of wine or Prosecco to its guests. The service is what you would get in a five star hotel.
Join their member program--it's free--and you will save around 15%.
No hotel offers day trips but there are numerous companies that do. I can also recommend Rabbies.
I have stayed at the Market Street Hotel, in May 2023, and the Motel One Princes Street, in Sept. 2025, and really liked them both. The Motel One Princes Street has been recently renovated. I might give Motel One the edge because I really liked being steps from Princes Street Gardens.
Another vote for tours with Rabbie’s. Both of the hotels are within walking distance of the pickup and drop-off point for Rabbie’s, although Motel One is slightly closer.
https://www.rabbies.com/en-us/tours/scotland/from-edinburgh
My trip reports might give you ideas for things to do:
Join their member program--it's free--and you will save around 15%.
I will second Frank's recommendation for The Resident Edinburgh hote. I have not stayed at this particular one but I did stay at one in London and loved it. Having a kitchenette in the room is so convenient and really nice and the staff is just superb. In addition to the 15% discount as a member, you also get early check-in (starting at 1 pm).
Another vote for the Radisson Blu! My daughter and I visited Edinburgh in Oct 2024 for 4 days. We also stayed in the Radisson Blu and felt that its central location was very conducive to walking to Arthur's seat, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle , the National Museum of Scotland as well as the shops and restaurants on Victoria St and Grassmarket. We did a day trip to Loch Ness, Urquart Castle and the Highlands with Highlands Experience which was excellent ; although it made for a very long day. The meeting point for their office was 5 min. from the Radisson.
