Old Town Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Opened
2022
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage SocialOutside the door
The house
Virgin HotelsPlayful Victorian revival
Playful scarlet accents and contemporary artwork enliven restored Victorian stone, from the glass-domed rotunda lobby to late-night gathering spots.
“Much of the 19th-century charm of the original India Buildings, as they were known, has been preserved…the overall feeling is one of carefully choreographed postmodern mischief.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Preserved Victorian cornicing and a glass-domed rotunda contrast with bold contemporary artwork, vivid red accents, and chambered bedrooms.
Notable
The hotel occupies the 1864 Category A-listed India Buildings, incorporating vaulted cellars and a restored 19th-century church.
Notable
A lively social hub spanning cocktail destination Commons Club, music venue Eve, a coffee lounge, and a rooftop terrace.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The best hotels in the rest of the UK
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
The rooms make use of a two-chamber room concept, with a dressing area and closet separated from the bedroom/lounge by sliding doors.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
The hotel steps down from Victoria Street's colorful storefront curve toward the Cowgate, moments from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
The rooms
Sliding wooden doors divide chambers into dedicated dressing areas and bedrooms featuring ergonomic lounge beds, scarlet SMEG fridges, and handmade Moroccan rugs.
The gym
Light wood floors run through the 24-hour fitness studio, equipped with cardio machines, rowers, and free weights.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Commons Club
The subterranean dining room sits under stone barrel arches, serving contemporary Scottish plates alongside an open chef counter.
At the table
An illuminated copper bar pours drinks into the evening, and a rooftop terrace looks out across the Old Town.
How it began
Five interconnected heritage buildings, including the 1864 India Buildings and a 19th-century church, were stitched together across Old Town slopes.
Good to know
Stay here
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
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Edinburgh
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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.