the 23 best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers

Looking for the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers? I’ve got you! I’m a seasoned solo female traveler and I’ve been making Edinburgh my home for the last five years. I understand what solo female travellers are looking for in a hotel and I’m here to be your boots on the ground to help you find the perfect hotel for solo female travellers in Edinburgh. Pack your bags and let’s go!

I’ve gathered a selection of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers. These hotels offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and queen/double beds. I have not included hotels with shared bathrooms or hostels. I’ve also marked hotels that get extra points for things such as safety, accessibility, and LGBTQIA+ inclusivity. 

how to use this guide

I’ve organized this post to share the best Hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers by neighbourhood and budget. 

pricing tip

Prices can vary greatly in Edinburgh depending on the time of year and what’s on in town. Prices also vary by neighbourhood. If you want to save money, go beyond central Edinburgh. All of the areas I feature in this guide are safe places in Edinburgh for solo female travellers and easily accessible to the city centre by public transit or walking. 

booking tip

Generally speaking, the further you book in advance the better a deal you’ll get. If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh in August for the Fringe Festival, it is not overdoing it to book your accommodation a year in advance. 

Scottish tourist seasons

Edinburgh is a popular tourist destination 365 days a year, but of course, some seasons are busier than others!

High season: July and August. Prices will be exponentially higher in August during the Fringe Festival.

Mid Season: April-June and Sept-November.

Low Season: December-March (excluding the time between Christmas and New Year’s because Edinburgh is a popular destination during the festive period and people flock here for Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s New Year’s Eve celebration). Otherwise, you may be able to get a nice deal on a hotel during this season. 

interactive map

I made you a little interactive map with all of the places listed in this guide. Click on the pins to learn more about each destination including directions, opening times, phone number, web address, contact info, reviews, and more. Enjoy!

the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers: central edinburgh

For the purpose of this guide, Central Edinburgh is defined as the area around Princes Street, Haymarket, New Town, and Old Town. In this area, most tourist attractions are walkable or a short bus or tram ride away. This will be the priciest area to stay in Edinburgh but it is also the most convenient. Some of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers are in this area.

mid budget

For central Edinburgh, the mid-budget hotels for solo female travellers I’ve collected for you are generally under $200 a night during the mid-tourist season. Prices are per private room with a queen/ double bed and ensuite bathroom. Prices will shoot up in summertime, especially in August. 

motel one

If you’ve been following me for a minute, you understand that I’m low-key obsessed with this chicly designed European mid-budget hotel chain. Motel One offers many of the room amenities you’d expect in a more expensive hotel at a nice price point. Motel One boasts city views, and a lively bar, and is pet-friendly! Key card access makes Motel One a safe choice as one of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers. 

There are two Motel One Locations in Edinburgh, Motel One Royal Mile and Motel One Princes Street. Both are safe, well-lit, lively, and bustling areas close to all of the action in Edinburgh. 

Motel One Edinburgh Royal

18-21 Market Street, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1BL

Motel One Edinburgh Princes

10-15 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AN

point a hotels

I am such a huge fan of Point A Hotels. Their rooms are small and spartan, yet perfectly designed to give you everything you need in a compact space. They also have the best breakfast I’ve ever had at a budget hotel! If you want a smart room on a budget, this is truly one of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers.

The location in Haymarket is a bustling area that is well-lit and well-connected to all of Edinburgh’s major sites. 

Gold star for safety: Point A is one of the safest hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers for the following reasons:

24-Hour Front Desk

Key card access only to the lobby in the evenings. You cannot even enter the hotel without a key card at night!

Key card access only to the living areas of the hotel 24 hours a day. You need a key card to access the stairs and elevators. 

152 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EB

cityroomz edinburgh

Cityroomz Edinburgh offers bright, clean stylish accommodation located just steps from Edinburgh’s bustling Princes’ Street. The area is well-lit and lively, boasting many options for dining and entertainment within walking distance from your hotel. A 24-hour front desk, tea and coffee in the room and free wifi make this a nice choice in hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers. 

25-33 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, EH2 4RG

elevated budget

These hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers sit in the slightly above mid-budget range but you may get a deal to pay much less at one of these places in the off-season.

moxy

Moxy feels lively, hip, young, fun, and a little bit Rock n’ Roll. Located in Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge neighbourhood, Moxy’s roof terrace features sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle. This is one of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers who are feeling social. Their welcoming bar/lounge area offers board games and Füsball. A coffee shop and convenience store just across the street add to the benefits of this property. 

Moxy is also considered a Travel Proud property, which means that they are committed to inclusivity. 

2 Freer Gait, Edinburgh, EH3 9FR, United Kingdom

yotel

Yotel is a sleek, modern hotel located on lively Queen Street, close to some of Edinburgh’s best bars and restaurants. This is a safe, well-lit area with easy access to top attractions. 

Gold Star: Accessibility 

Yotel also has parking and facilities for disabled guests such as visual aids, Braille signage, wheelchair access, lowered sinks, bathroom grab bars, etc. As many properties in Edinburgh are older, accessibility can really be an issue here. If you need an accessible property, Yotel could be the right choice for you. I suggest emailing in advance to confirm they’ve got what you need. In my email exchanges with Yotel, the staff was responsive and helpful. 

68-73 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4NH

the haymarket hotel

The Haymarket Hotel is a classic beauty housed in a traditional Scottish stone Victorian Townhouse. You’ll see beautiful historic details throughout, such as high ceilings, hardwood floors, and ornate crown molding. Their dining room offers all-day tea and coffee and serves up a hearty traditional Scottish breakfast. 

Located in the popular Haymarket area, the hotel is on a quiet cobbled street, yet it is accessible to all of the action in the city centre. 

1-5 Coates Gardens, Edinburgh, EH12 5LG

luxe budget

These hotels are for solo female travellers who want to spend a little extra money for some nice added touches.

apex hotels

This upscale UK hotel collection has three locations in Edinburgh. Each is in a prime location, offering their own distinct advantages.

apex hotel city of Edinburgh

Best For: Special stays. Located in Grassmarket in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, this 4-star hotel offers fantastic views. 

61 Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2HJ

apex hotel grassmarket

Best for: Leisure lovers. This location offers an indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant, and more stunning castle views!

31-35 Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS

apex waterloo place

Best For: Ladies of Luxury. This grand and stately 4-star hotel just around the corner from Calton Hill offers a pool, spa, restaurant and elegant rooms and suites, making it one of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers who want to spoil themselves.

23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BH

house of the gods

Hold onto your hats, girlies, because House of the Gods is maximalist opulence cranked up to 11! With Versailles-inspired rooms and a self-described motto of, “unapologetic extravagance” this is the place to book a hedonistic stay for one. This is simply the best hotel in Edinburgh for solo female travellers who want to unleash their inner diva!

233 Cowgate, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1JQ

hotel du vin

Tucked away in a former asylum in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Hotel du Vin is within walking distance of many historic spots. I love the old-world feel of the rooms with lots of charming details like exposed beams and claw foot bathtubs. This is a special spot for a foodie to treat herself as Hotel du Vin offers a French bistro featuring local cuisine from Edinburgh and the Lothians. 

Gold Star: The extras. They’ll even draw you a bath!

11 Bristo Place, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 1EZ

super splurge

the witchery by the castle

If you want to kick it like literal royalty, the Witchery is the place to be! Each room is an over-the-top gothic extravaganza featuring touches such as velvet walls, four poster beds, dressing rooms and free-standing tubs. This is simply the best hotel in Edinburgh for solo female travellers who want to be a queen for a day.

You deserve this. Trust me. 

Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF

the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers: stockbridge/ newtown

Let’s journey out of the stratosphere and back to earth in leafy, lively Stockbridge and New Town. These two delightful neighbourhoods are just beyond the city centre. They are well-connected but offer quieter, more affordable accommodation. If you’re looking for a laid-back stay that is walkable or a short bus or taxi from the action, Stockbridge and New Town offer some of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers. 

mid budget

elder york guest house

This small guest house steps from Princes Street offers bright, well-appointed rooms with period details. They also feature a full Scottish breakfast with vegetarian options!

38 Elder Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3DX

the royal scotts club

This charming small hotel features traditionally furnished rooms and offers rooftop views of Fife! A 24-hour front desk, elevator, rooftop terrace and restaurant make this one of the best hotels for solo female travellers in Edinburgh who want to be someplace both lively and rustic!

29-30 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6QE

thistle hotel

This budget-friendly Georgian hotel in Stockbridge offers bright, well-appointed rooms that are within walking distance to all the action!

59 Manor Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7EG

elevated budget

B&B edinburgh

Dark academia vibes abound in this Stockbridge gem. Take a photo on the ornately carved stairway. Enjoy a full Scottish breakfast in the dining room, chill and read a book in the Library! This is one of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers of a bookish persuasion!

Gold Star: Best hotel to take incredible Instagram photos!

3 Rothesay Terrace, Edinburgh, EH3 7RY

the raeburn

This stylish and modern boutique hotel is lushly decorated and features a cosy restaurant and bar with exposed stone walls. I absolutely love this area of Stockbridge. It’s cute and friendly, removed from the bustle of central Edinburgh yet close enough to town. This is one of the best hotels for solo female travellers in Edinburgh who want to get a little taste of the local lifestyle. 

112 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HG

the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers: leith/ newhaven

You can’t go wrong with a stay in lively Leith! This vibrant neighbourhood feels distinctly different than the rest of Edinburgh, with lots of independent shops, cafes, and pubs. It’s also very well connected to the rest of the city via multiple bus and tram lines. This is where you’ll find the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers who want to live like a local. Leith will also tend to have more affordable accommodation than areas closer to the centre which makes it a good travel hack if you want to save money but still stay somewhere with a great vibe.

mid budget

holiday inn express leith waterfront

This hotel is located near Newhaven Harbor, right on Edinburgh’s gorgeous waterfront. Onsite parking, elevators, and facilities for disabled guests make this a great choice for folks who require a fully accessible property. Newhaven offers a beautiful lighthouse, lots of waterfront dining in restaurants and pubs, and is accessible to the lively Port of Leith area and greater Edinburgh by bus and tram. 

Gold star for versatility: This is one of the best hotels for solo female travellers in Edinburgh who want the best of both worlds: access to the city and access to the motorways for maximum day-tripping potential!

Britannia Way, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ

premiere inn

This comfortable budget chain hotel has locations throughout Edinburgh on the Leith Waterfront, in the city centre, and more. Why not check them out? This is one of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers who are looking for solid, predictable quality at a reasonable price. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with that!

elevated budget

Malmaison Leith

This is a stunning boutique hotel in the heart of the Port of Leith. It offers a fitness centre, facilities for disabled guests and a restaurant and cocktail bar. This is one of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers who are looking for a classy, low-key hideaway.

One Tower Place, Edinburgh, EH6 7BZ

ocean mist leith

This is a bed and breakfast on a boat located in the lovely Port of Leith neighbourhood. This charming cobbled port area is full of some of Edinburgh’s best pubs and restaurants. You’ll also be right around the corner from the Royal Yacht Britania. There’s so much to see and do in this area you may be tempted to blow off the city centre and hang out here!

Ocean Mist Leith The Shore Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6QN

No. 11 Boutique hotel & BraSsiere

I just love this elegant and distinctive small hotel. Tucked on a quiet side street just off of bustling Leith Walk, you’ll be staying in luxury while around the corner from all the action! This is one of the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers who are looking for a little bit of everything, class, location and incredible gourmet food!

11 Brunswick St, Edinburgh, EH7 5JB

I hope you found the perfect hotel for your solo female travel to Edinburgh. If you’ve found a place you absolutely love, let us know what YOU think the best hotels in Edinburgh for solo female travellers are in the comments!

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