Edinburgh, United KingdomOld Town
The Scotsman Hotel
Edwardian newspaper headquarters
Old Town Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Design LocalOutside the door
The house
Scotsman CollectionEdwardian newspaper headquarters
Scotland's national broadsheet worked here for a century, leaving behind an Italian marble staircase and an intimate newsroom cinema.
“none quite attain the quirkiness of this one, located centrally in the baroque buildings that once housed the national newspaper of the same name.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A 1905 Category A listed Edwardian press headquarters with an Italian marble staircase.
Notable
Restored wood panelling and corridor service hatches join an intimate Art Deco cinema.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Inside, the sense of history is still evident in such touches but the design... is anything but stuffy.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
North Bridge links the Old and New Towns, putting the Royal Mile and Princes Street a short walk away.
The rooms
Bedside decanters hold malt whisky, and private corridor hatches deliver breakfast without opening your bedroom door.
The gym
Oak panelling and herringbone floors surround wooden NOHrD rowing machines and exercise bikes in the resident fitness suite.
The Hide Bar
Crystal chandeliers hang above caramel leather banquettes and candlelit marble tables for evening cocktails or a quiet nightcap.
At the table
The Grand Café fills the former advertising hall beneath marble pillars and mahogany panelling. Weekends bring live piano music.
How it began

Basement printing presses once connected directly to Edinburgh Waverley's tracks, loading morning editions straight onto outgoing trains.
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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.