The Scotsman Hotel occupies the building that was built in the early twentieth century as the headquarters of The Scotsman newspaper, on North Bridge, a short walk from Waverley station. The building itself is the first reason to stay: a grand Edwardian structure in Baroque style, with a sweeping marble staircase, panelled public rooms and details that nod to its past as a newspaper office. It sits where the Old Town ridge meets the lower ground toward the New Town, so you can step out of the door and be on the Royal Mile in a minute or two, or walk to Princes Street and the Georgian streets beyond. For a hotel with such a central position, the building feels distinctive rather than generic. Rooms are in a classic style and vary in size, so check the room types and any view options when you book. The hotel also has bars and restaurants, and a spa, though facilities can change, so check what is available for your dates. It suits couples, anniversary trips and visitors who like a hotel with history, and it makes a good base for people who want to be in the Old Town without sleeping in a tenement. The setting is lively and sometimes busy, and traffic on North Bridge can be heard in rooms on the street side.
Why the location works
North Bridge sits between Waverley station and the Royal Mile, with the Old Town on one side and the New Town on the other, so the hotel is close to almost everything a first-time visitor wants to see. You can walk to the castle in about fifteen minutes, to Holyroodhouse down the Mile in a similar time, and to the shops and restaurants of Princes Street and George Street in even less.
Waverley station is nearby for trains to Glasgow, Stirling, North Berwick and London, and the airport tram runs on Princes Street. The city's steep streets matter here: the walk back up from the Cowgate or Grassmarket can be tiring, so choose your route with care.
What to expect
This is a traditional luxury hotel in a landmark building, with service to match, and an atmosphere that mixes the old newspaper's grandeur with modern comforts. Higher floors and rooms facing the Old Town or the skyline are usually quieter and have better views, so request one if it matters to you. Public areas suit afternoon tea and a drink before dinner, but menus and opening hours change, so check when you book. The hotel is popular for celebrations and the festivals, when rates climb and rooms sell out early.
Price and timing
This is a premium hotel, with rates that rise in August, around Hogmanay and during major events. The visitor levy applies to the first five nights of a stay at five per cent of the room rate before VAT. For best value, look at shoulder seasons such as April, May, late September and October, when the city is quieter and the weather is often good.
If you want a base that puts you within easy walking distance of both the Old and New Towns with real character, The Scotsman is one of the strongest options in this part of the city.
Why stay here
- ✓Landmark Edwardian former newspaper building
- ✓Marble staircase and grand public rooms
- ✓On North Bridge between Old and New Towns
- ✓Short walk to Waverley station
- ✓Royal Mile within a few minutes
- ✓Airport tram on Princes Street nearby
- ✓Restaurant and bars on site (check when you book)
- ✓Spa facilities (check when you book)
Good questions
What was the building before it was a hotel?+
It was built as the headquarters of The Scotsman newspaper in the early twentieth century.
Is it close to Waverley station?+
Yes. Waverley is a short walk away, and the airport tram runs on Princes Street nearby.
Are the rooms quiet?+
Rooms facing North Bridge can pick up traffic noise. Request a higher floor or a quieter side when you book.
