Where to Stay in West End and Haymarket, Edinburgh
Known for its elegant Georgian architecture, leafy streets, and vibrant atmosphere, this part of the city offers visitors a more sophisticated and local experience while still being close to all the major attractions.
West End - a perfect blend of style and accessibility
Haymarket - a bustling hub with a local charm, is strategically positioned for easy access to the city's main attractions and excellent transport links.
Location:
The West End of Edinburgh is one of the city's most stylish and desirable neighbourhoods. Situated just a short walk from the city centre, it offers visitors a mix of Georgian townhouses, boutique hotels, and charming guesthouses. This makes it a fantastic choice for those looking for a more peaceful stay with easy access to the hustle and bustle of central Edinburgh.
The West End is bordered by the Haymarket, which is an ideal area for those who want to enjoy a more residential vibe while still being close to the main attractions of Edinburgh. Haymarket generally offers more budget-friendly options than the West End, especially for hotels and apartments.
Excellent public transport makes exploring the rest of Edinburgh easy and stress-free. The night bus is a nice perk for those who want to explore the city's nightlife, too!
Pros:
Charming and Sophisticated Atmosphere: the West End and Haymarket area offer a perfect mix of elegance and modern cool. You'll find everything from grand Georgian townhouses to boutique hotels, cosy cafés, and stylish shops.
Close to Major Attractions: though more peaceful than the city centre, the West End is just a short walk from Edinburgh's top landmarks, including Princes Street Gardens, the National Gallery, and Edinburgh Castle. It's an ideal location for those wanting to explore the city without the hustle and bustle of the more tourist-heavy areas.
Fantastic Food and Drink Scene: there are trendy cafés for a casual breakfast or brunch and high-end restaurants offering delicious Scottish cuisine and international flavours - something for everyone.
Excellent Public Transport Links: Haymarket Station is a central hub for trains and trams, making the area an ideal base for exploring the rest of Edinburgh and beyond. You'll easily access the city's airport, train stations, and bus routes.
Characterful accommodation: The area offers a range of charming places to stay, from boutique hotels to cosy guesthouses and stylish self-catering apartments.
Unlike parts of Old Town or New Town, the West End and Haymarket offer a more authentic and less tourist-heavy experience. This means you can explore Edinburgh's main attractions from a unique perspective, interact more with the locals, and enjoy a more relaxed sightseeing pace.
Cons:
However, it's important to note that this also means fewer tourist-oriented facilities and services in the area. Limited nightlife While the West End has a selection of bars and pubs, the nightlife is more subdued than the city centre or the Grassmarket area. This might not be ideal if you're looking for a lively clubbing scene.
Busy During Peak Hours: Haymarket Station and the surrounding streets can get quite busy, particularly during rush hour. While this adds to the area's vibrancy, it may be a downside for those seeking a quieter stay.
Area: While the West End is known for its elegant architecture, some streets around Haymarket Station are more utilitarian and less visually appealing. However, this is a minor issue compared to the area's charm. These streets are primarily commercial and may not have the same architectural beauty as the residential areas, but they offer a unique glimpse into the local life and business scene.
Distance from the Old Town, with its iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, is a bit further away, so expect a 15–20-minute walk to get to the heart of Edinburgh's historic district.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Here are a few accommodation recommendations in West End and Haymarket, based on different preferences and budgets:Are you looking for something a little different from the typical hotel experience? Here are some recommendations for staying in unique, stylish boutique hotels 🏰:
Hapimag Resort Edinburgh ($$$) - the quiet, elegant suites are a great guest accommodation alternative. Each spacious suite has a large bathroom and in-room dining facilities, including a microwave, a small fridge, crockery, and cutlery.
Black Ivy ($$$) is a stylish and contemporary boutique hotel in a Victorian building in Edinburgh. It's conveniently located near the West End and the city centre.
The Roseate Edinburgh ($$$) is a sophisticated and elegant boutique hotel in a beautiful Victorian townhouse, part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. This hotel is perfect for those seeking a more upscale, luxurious stay in Edinburgh, with attention to detail and excellent service.
for a more intimate, relaxed stay, you can opt for one of the charming guesthouses or B&Bs.
🌟Top Picks:
22 Chester Street ($$) - a charming and welcoming guesthouse located in the West End situated in a beautiful, traditional Georgian townhouse.
Duthus Lodge Guest House ($$$) is a place with soul. It offers traditional and experiential accommodation in a Victorian building. There is also rooms suitable for families.
Self-Catering Apartments - Home Away from Home:
🌟Top Picks:
Staycity Aparthotels Edinburgh ($$) is a stylish and contemporary serviced apartment hotel ideal for those who want to stay more independently in Edinburgh without compromising comfort.
Premier Suites Edinburgh Fountain Court ($$$) is a fabulous boutique hotel with a historic facade and a charming old staircase. It is located on the West End and Dean Village border and is suitable for family accommodation.
Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street ($$) - stylish aparthotel, it offers the convenience of self-catering accommodation with the comfort and amenities of a hotel.
The Bonham Hotel ($$$) - if you're looking for luxury with a personal touch, The Bonham is the place to stay. This five-star boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful Victorian townhouse.
🌟Top Picks:
Haymarket Hotel ($$) is located in a traditional Victorian building. The rooms' interior design is also stylishly period-inspired. It offers an accommodation experience that is also very suitable for families.
Cityroomz Edinburgh ($$) is a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Edinburgh. It offers comfortable and simple accommodations for those exploring the city without breaking the bank.
West End Hostel ($) is a budget-friendly accommodation option ideal for travellers looking for a more affordable yet comfortable place to stay.