Edinburgh, United KingdomOld Town
Hotel du Vin Edinburgh
Converted asylum quarters
Old Town Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Renovated
2016
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Design SocialOutside the door
The house
Hotel du VinConverted asylum quarters
The 18th-century asylum now houses a wine-focused hotel where stone corridors lead to a courtyard and a busy bistro.
“Set in a former lunatic asylum, this 47-room hotel has many glass walls—some looking inward to the old building’s austerely handsome granite armature.”
What it’s good at
Notable
An 18th-century poorhouse and asylum complex restored around a central cobblestone courtyard.
Listed
Exposed stone walls, deep roll-top bathtubs, and rich dark hues across angular bedrooms.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
It may occupy a former asylum building, amidst the distinctive, weathered stone architecture of the capital city’s Old Town.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is right around the corner, and the Royal Mile is a short walk through the Old Town.
The rooms
Custom sleigh beds sit against exposed stone, and roll-top bathtubs often stand directly in the bedrooms.
Restaurant
Bistro du Vin
White-clothed tables sit beneath exposed timber beams and stone walls, serving French bistro classics with Scottish produce.
At the table
The Whisky Snug pours single malt Scotch beside leather armchairs, and the mezzanine bar mixes drinks beneath exposed brick.
How it began

The 1743 stone building served as a charity workhouse, a city asylum, and university laboratories before becoming a hotel.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.