8 of the best family-friendly hotels in Edinburgh
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Edinburgh is one of those rare cities that manages to be both old-world and high-energy. It's a dream for curious kids and culture-loving parents and a stay at one of the best family friendly hotels in Edinburgh can add to the magic. Days spent exploring castles full of folklore, the cobbled lanes of Harry Potter dreams and climbing Arthur’s Seat are made for the memory bank, and where you stay can be too. These hotels offer more than just a place to crash. Think spacious rooms with clever layouts, welcome treats for little ones, kitchens for easy snacks and staff who understand what travelling with children really looks like.
Whether you’re looking for five-star luxury with tailored kids’ programming, apartment-style stays with all the home comforts or budget-conscious options with space for the whole crew, this list has you covered. For more inspiration on where to stay, visit the best hotels in Edinburgh, or the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh.
The Balmoral
The Gold Standard in family-friendly hotels in Edinburgh, The Balmoral sets itself apart from the pack through a tailored kids’ programme and spacious, well-equipped suites. There’s round-the-clock babysitting available here, and little ones are given welcome amenities and special turn-down toys and treats according to their ages, with younger ones receiving wooden toys and a passport activity, while teens might like customised spa treatments or their own tailor-made itineraries organised by the concierge team. As one of the plushest hotels in the city, rooms are five-star in every way, with interconnecting options giving everyone plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy themselves. Mini bathrobes and slippers also come as standard, for an adorable in-room uniform the whole family can enjoy. The recently renovated pool is the icing on the cake for a base that ticks all the boxes.
Address: 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ
The Scotsman
There’s nothing worse than lugging kids and bags all over a new city when you’ve already suffered enough on the journey there. The Scotsman is forgivingly found right beside Waverley Station, with Edinburgh’s famous Old Town to one side and all the buzz of Stockbridge and the New Town on the other. Families here are catered to via fun sleepover-style rooms that each have two double beds in them. Each one is designed in a neutral, pared-back style that still manages to maintain warmth and includes the little details that make you feel immediately comfortable and catered for. There’s a brasserie restaurant on site that feels relaxed enough to bring the kids to, with staff who have that signature warm, Scottish style when interacting with mini guests to put you at ease. Sundays are a particular favourite with families, when there’s a roast with all the trimmings served (which should ensure everyone eats enough to deserve dessert). There’s even an in-house cinema here, plus 24-hour room service if you prefer enjoying eating tea in your pjs together after a long day racking up the step count.
Address: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1TR
Melody Joy Co.The Pavilion at Lamb’s House
The Pavilion at Lamb’s House is the definition of a hidden gem. Tucked away down in Leith, this beautiful self-catering property balances both style and substance with high-end finishes and plenty of room for the gang to gather. Spread out over three floors, it’s one for families with children who are pre or post the point of being anxiety inducing when on the stairs. For kids who are yet to walk or who are beyond toddler-hood, there’s a sweet twin room as well as an old-fashioned Scottish cubby bed, which is always a firm favourite with children as it feels like a magical little den. Plus, outside, there’s a sweet garden where you can enjoy yourself with your clan when the weather plays ball. The nearby tramline zips you into town and Edinburgh’s child-friendly attractions in minutes, proving this is the best of both worlds with a quiet aspect that’s equally within easy reach of the buzz. High chairs and cots are easy to arrange with the owners, and they’ll point you in the direction of additional childhood accoutrements like car seats etc, should you want to hire them from an external company.
Address: 11 Waters' Close, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RB
The Resident Edinburgh
The Resident Edinburgh is a stylish and surprisingly affordable option for families who want to be in the thick of it without sacrificing comfort. Rooms here are cleverly designed, with many offering handy extras like pull-out beds or cots at no extra charge. The in-room mini kitchens (complete with microwave, fridge and Nespresso machine) make snack time, bottle warming or picky-eater dinners a breeze, and larger rooms have plenty of space to spread out without stepping on each other’s toes. There’s no restaurant on site, but staff are excellent at pointing you toward the best family-friendly eats nearby, and you’re just a five-minute stroll from Princes Street and the gardens for an easy let-off-steam break.
Address: 15 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh EH3 7UG
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Playful and polished, the Virgin Hotels Edinburgh brings a dose of cool to family stays in the city. Tucked away in the Old Town near Victoria Street (a treat for Harry Potter fans), this hotel has the ideal location for sightseeing with kids as you’re just a hop from the Castle, the Royal Mile and Grassmarket. Rooms come in clever configurations with sliding doors to divide sleep and lounge spaces which is perfect for early bedtimes and late-night chats without waking the whole crew. There's no formal kids' programme here, but thoughtful extras like complimentary snacks in the minibar, free Wi-Fi for streaming downtime and walk-in showers big enough for the post-park clean-up make it convenient in less obvious ways. Dog-friendly rooms mean even the four-legged family member can come along.
Address: 1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2EX
Will Scott33 Castle Terrace
In easy reach of all the best things to do in Edinburgh and behind the shadow of the Castle, this apartment hotel is a convenient spot to base yourself from if you've got kids in tow. The Scandi-Scot style 75sm two-bedroom apartments sleep two adults and two kids each, with some that are pet friendly too, so that you can bring the whole gang. With comfortable furnishings plus fully equipped kitchenettes and living spaces, this is real home-from-home territory. Either enjoy dinners in and evenings on the couch or pop out to one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh in the neighbourhood – many are just a ten-minute walk away, so you can be back for bedtime.
Address: 33 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EL
Apex Waterloo Place
There’s no escaping the fact that travelling with kids can quickly add some extra zeros to the bill. The Apex Hotel in Edinburgh can help ease the pain slightly with their family offer that sees kids up to 17 stay for free, and complimentary dining for little ones under five. The set up here is double, double rooms, so prepare to share your space, but it’s a lovely way to all bundle in together for the ultimate glamping vibe. Some of the rooms have baths too, which are perfect for younger ones, and every group receives their very own bath toy on arrival to take home as a little memento post-trip. Downstairs there’s a swimming pool for rainy days or when you’re all out of funding fun in Edinburgh.
Address: 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3BG