New Town Hotel

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Key details

About the Castle Hotel

8 York Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3EP

Steps from Princes Street

Great

8.7

/10

3.0

Loved by New Town Hotel guests

Spacious apartments
Comfortable king bed
Free parking
Excellent location
Good staff
Spotlessly clean

"Even better, FREE PARKING at the rear of the hotel!"

fussyflyer

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"Excellent location, fabulous rooms and delightful staff made this a wonderful stay."

Marie from Ireland

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"Great location, spotlessly clean, friendly staff, room was very comfortable, would definitely stay again."

Philip from United Kingdom

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Location

New Town Hotel is situated in Edinburgh city centre, providing access to key attractions and landmarks. Guests can explore the city's rich history right from the doorstep, including the iconic Edinburgh Castle and stunning views from Arthur's Seat. Transport options such as tram and bus stops are conveniently located outside the hotel, ensuring easy connectivity throughout the city.

Rooms

The hotel offers a variety of uniquely designed rooms, each showcasing distinctive architectural details like ornate windows and original fireplaces. Family rooms are available for those traveling with children, adding extra space and comfort. Linen and towels are provided in all rooms, enhancing the overall experience for guests.

Dining

Guests can start their day with a continental breakfast served in the breakfast room or in the comfort of their own room for an additional charge. The hotel provides complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, allowing guests to enjoy refreshments at their leisure. Nearby restaurants and cafes offer a range of dining options within walking distance.

Guest Services

The hotel provides luggage storage options for guests on their departure day, facilitating a hassle-free experience. Free superfast broadband access is available throughout the premises, keeping guests connected during their stay. The hotel is dedicated to the wellbeing of both guests and staff, ensuring a welcoming environment.

Attractions

New Town Hotel is located near Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland's largest wildlife attraction, which features over 1,000 animals. Visitors can also easily reach historic sites such as St Margaret's Chapel, built in the 1100s, or enjoy local galleries and museums nearby. The vibrant cultural scene offers a variety of shopping and dining experiences just moments from the hotel.

Highlights

Location: Edinburgh city centre

Rooms: Unique designs with original fireplaces

Dining: Continental breakfast available

Guest Services: Luggage storage options

“The hotel's Georgian architecture anchors it in Edinburgh's New Town, a neighborhood steps from Princes Street. It strikes me as a practical choice, balancing location with affordability. Though some rooms may show wear, the apartments offer a modern alternative, including that rare Edinburgh commodity: free parking.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Castle-hotel

Location: Perfect

9.5/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingFree Parking!

Free parking at the rear! A true miracle, especially given how difficult parking can be in the city.

Oliver from England

Review on

Room FeaturesSpacious Apartment

The apartment was modern, spacious and very comfortable. It included a large kitchen and a small dressing room for luggage.

Chloe from Scotland

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BedroomKing Comfort

The bedroom had a huge, comfortable king bed. Expect some street noise at night, so bring earplugs.

Isabelle from France

Review on

BathroomSmart and White

The apartment had a smart, white bathroom and an extra WC. Plenty of space for everyone!

Kenji from Japan

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Choose your room

Castle hotels provide room choices such as doubles, family chambers, and grand suites—often with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive offers

Twin Room

2 persons

1 m²

2 Single beds

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

1 m²

1 Double bed

Heating

room details

Superior Double Room

2 persons

1 m²

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

Quadruple Room

2 persons

2 m²

2 Single beds

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Each castle hotel provides features designed for both comfort and memorable moments

Facilities: Great

8.7/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Luggage storage

Dining

Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Cots

Room features

Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV

New Town Hotel Location

8 York Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3EP

Map view

8 York Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3EP

City landmarks

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

1.4 km

Museum

National Museum of Scotland

1.4 km

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

2.3 km

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

1.7 km

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

990 m

Landmark

Royal Mile

1.2 km

Landmark

The Real Mary King's Close

970 m

Park

Princes Street Gardens

1.4 km

Landmark

Calton Hill

990 m

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

1.2 km

Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

1.5 km

Church

St Giles' Cathedral

1.0 km

Monument

Scott Monument

640 m

Landmark

Nelson Monument

1.0 km

Store

Edinburgh Old Town

900 m

Museum

The Writers' Museum

1.1 km

Museum

Gladstone's Land

1.1 km

Museum

Museum of Childhood

1.1 km

Landmark

Surgeons' Hall Museums

1.4 km

Landmark

Princes Street

930 m

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One

2.1 km

Museum

Dynamic Earth

1.7 km

Landmark

Brass Rubbing Centre

990 m

Museum

John Knox House

1.2 km

Museum

The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland

1.1 km

Landmark

Royal Yacht Britannia

3.0 km

Church

Mercat Cross

830 m

Gallery

City Art Centre

880 m

Landmark

The Scotch Whisky Experience

1.3 km

Nearby

Picardy Place

Sherlock Holmes Statue

520 m

Restaurants

The Place to Eat

430 m

John Lewis Department Store

Flutes and Tails

430 m

Edinburgh Airport

Mezcal Mole

430 m

Unit 8 Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre

Karen's Unicorn

140 m

8B Abercromby Place New Town

Holy Cow

340 m

34 Elder Street

Little White Pig

150 m

26B Dublin Street

The Dome

550 m

14 George St

Cafe Portrait

230 m

1 Queen Street

Chocolate Lounge

290 m

30-34 St. Andrew Square

The Place

290 m

36 York Place

Explore Edinburgh

Local Highlights

Edinburgh Castle

18 minutes' walk

Historic fortress on Castle Rock with panoramic views of the city and guided tours narrating its rich history.

National Museum of Scotland

17 minutes' walk

Explore diverse exhibitions ranging from Scottish history to world cultures, featuring fascinating artifacts and free admission.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

20 minutes' walk

The official residence of the monarch in Scotland, with beautiful gardens and historical significance - guided tours available.

Arthur's Seat Hike

25 minutes' walk

An exhilarating hike to an extinct volcano offering stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape, perfect for thrill-seekers.

The Meadows Park

18 minutes' walk

Spacious park ideal for relaxation, jogging, or picnicking; often hosts local events and has tennis courts available for use.

Karen's Unicorn

2 minutes' walk

Casual dining with a cozy atmosphere, serving traditional Scottish fare like haggis and fresh seafood. Reservations recommended.

Flutes and Tails

6 minutes' walk

A stylish bar and restaurant known for its creative cocktails and seasonal menu, perfect for a relaxed evening out.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

16 minutes' walk

Interactive attraction with fun illusions, a rooftop view, and engaging exhibits. Great for families and all age groups.

The Stand Comedy Club

15 minutes' walk

Notable venue for live comedy, hosting emerging and established comedians. Offers a lively atmosphere for an entertaining night out.

Local transport options

City Centre

Edinburgh10 min · 800 m

Airports

Edinburgh (EDI)20 min · 13.3 km

Glasgow (GLA)134 min · 89.1 km

Train

Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station6 min · 500 m

Bus

Bus stop2 min · 100 m

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP16.95 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

Former name

ballantrae hotel

Guest reviews & ratings

Guest impressions & feedback from past stays

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The New Town Hotel enjoys a fantastic location in the heart of New Town, putting guests within easy walking distance of the city center and attractions like the Stand Comedy Club. Many guests find the rooms spacious, some even featuring separate seating areas, and appreciate the modern design following recent refurbishment. While some have noted that the breakfast quality could be improved, the hotel's proximity to Waverley train station and the convenience of the nearby tram to the airport are widely considered major advantages.

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Review score

Based on 211 verified reviews

8.7/10

Great

89%

Recommend

Location

9.5/10

Free Wi-Fi

9.4/10

Breakfast

7.0/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.5/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Clean rooms

Central location

Modern hotel

Cons

Limited breakfast

No elevator

Aaron from United Kingdom

Single

Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 25, 2026

7/10

A Decent Stay

convenient locationcomfortable roompoor pressurehot room

The hotel had a convenient location. It was a short walk to the airport tram stop at St Andrew Square. I had a room on the top floor with a view to the River Forth. The room was fresh and comfortable.

The water pressure in the shower was poor. It was merely a drizzle. The room got uncomfortably hot at night because there was no A/C. The window opened slightly, but there was no mechanical ventilation.

0 Helpful

Naomi from United Kingdom

Single

Superior Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 09, 2025

9.0/10

Excellent Stay with Attentive Service

comfortable bedgood locationparking nearby

My room had a large bathroom and a comfortable bed. Breakfast offered many good choices including cooked, cereal, and continental options, really good value. The staff were attentive and helpful. The hotel location was excellent, providing easy access to the station and major attractions.

It also cost £24 for those four hours, inconvenient.

Dining

9/10

The cooked breakfast was freshly prepared (I especially enjoyed the pastries). It was nicely presented. There were cereals and juices available as well.

Service

9/10

The staff members I encountered were cute. They were also helpful. Their friendly attitude really enhanced my stay. Everyone seemed genuinely committed to providing excellent service.

0 Helpful

Luke from United Kingdom

Family with children

Twin Room

4 nights in October 2025

Reviewed:November 22, 2025

7/10