Airbnb may have a controversial reputation in Edinburgh but there’s no denying its enduring popularity. No wonder when the top listings combine the comfort of a five-star guesthouse with the conveniences of a private home. Our pick of the bunch range from stylish studios to three-bedroom flats carved out of historic landmarks, all with prime locations in the most happening corners of the city. From them you can soak up all that the world’s first Unesco city of literature has to offer, whether you’re coming for the Fringe or a foodie weekend. Here’s our pick of the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh and other luxury rentals.
Main photo: an apartment at Well Court Hall, Dean Village (Airbnb)
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1. Dovecot Cottage, Morningside
There’s plenty to coo over in this former dovecote dating from the 16th century. The bars and bustle of Morningside are just a few streets away but you’d never know from within its thick stone walls (and those of its private grounds). Inside is a tableau of natural textures, from original stone nesting boxes in the bed nook to the raw cedar headboard made from a felled garden tree. It’s dinky, but every square inch has been maximised, especially evident in the Scandi-style bathroom squeezed in above the double-height living area.
Price £
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2. The Black Studio, Kirkliston
If you can wrench yourself away from central Edinburgh then bookmark this ultra-sleek cabin. The Black Studio lies in farmland about eight miles from the heart of the city; come May, views of pale-eared barley are framed by picture windows. It’s a design lover’s dream with its monochrome aesthetic, mini library of hipster magazines and sheepskin strewn-armchairs. The focus is on nature rather than screens (there’s no TV) so pray for good weather to drink up the sound of birdsong from the decking.
Price £
3. Observatory Apartment, Calton Hill
There are views, and then there are the views from Observatory House, the Edinburgh landmark atop its second most famous hill. A £400,000 makeover of its lower ground-floor flat has created what might be the capital of Scotland’s best-situated holiday let, with picture-perfect outlooks over Arthur’s Seat. Tear yourself from the windows to check out the refurb by contemporary art charity Collective, which added site-specific artworks such as the living room’s hand-drawn wallpaper by artist Rabiya Choudhry. When hunger strikes, head to the Lookout restaurant, another hilltop star a few minutes from the front door.
Price £
4. The Cave, Stockbridge
Sick of milquetoast interiors? You’ll be pleased to find more than a splash of colour at the Cave, a chichi basement studio with a previous life as a gunpowder storeroom. Restored 200-year-old stonework allows the modern additions to pop — in particular the copper bathtub from London Encaustic, the orange Loaf sofa and the wine fridge. LED lighting tucked around original timber beams can be controlled from the super-king bed, while underfloor heating and a log burner with a 26m flue keep things cosy. Directly upstairs, Di Giorgio’s does a cracking brunch.
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Price £
5. Classical apartment, Old Town
Maybe it’s the secret box bed inspired by traditional Highland woodworking practices. Or maybe it’s the idea that Edinburgh Castle is within touching distance. Whatever the reason, Airbnb users have voted this Royal Mile studio the site’s best-loved Scottish bolt hole. There’s a sense of magic in the antique portraits, custom-built library and elegant focal fireplace. If the interiors don’t leave you breathless the stairs will — the floorplan is carved out from the top floor of a Georgian townhouse.
Price £
6. Well Court Hall apartment, Dean Village
There’s space for six at the ultra-luxe Well Court Hall, built in the 1880s by newspaper owner and philanthropist Sir John Findlay as an alternative to the shabby tenements of the time. Three double bedrooms have bougie extras including an egg-shaped bath in the tower en suite. Kids will appreciate the TV that rises from the bed; adults the cocktail-making equipment. When the gizmos lose their novelty, the Modern Two art gallery is a short stroll away.
Price £££
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7. 29 Queen Street, New Town
The flagship fashion stores of the St James Quarter are a ten-minute walk from this elegant studio, formed from a huge sitting room in a quintessential Georgian townhouse. The digs themselves are equally stylish: a hotel-style mini kitchen with custom carpentry breaks up the space while the 3m-tall windows capture Queen Street Gardens. Tasteful shades of dusky pink and navy, a rubber tree and toiletries by East Lothian brand Laura Thomas up the design credentials.
Price £
8. The Studio, Stockbridge
Minimalists look no further: this old coach house has been given an all-white reboot. A pair of olive trees sets the scene outside the oversized front door, which leads to the open-plan kitchen and living room with its handmade cabinets, flagstone flooring and tongue-and-groove walls. Upstairs, the bedroom has been decked out with reclaimed furniture. Calming details continue outside: guests receive a key to 13 acres of leafy private gardens that act as a pathway to Stockbridge’s shops and Sunday market. Need more Zen? A river walk starts a few steps away.
Price £
9. Luxury apartment, West End
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It’s easy to see the influence of US hotel design on this upmarket one-bedroom apartment. Supersized furnishings in 50 shades of grey are found all around. The star is the futuristic bathroom with its spa tub, TV, double basins and marble feature wall. After a soak, head up Princes Street to the Johnnie Walker 1820 rooftop bar (about five minutes east on foot) for cocktails with a castle view.
Price ££
10. Porteous’ Studio, Grassmarket
It’s a wonder this spot has space on its shelves for anything other than the myriad architecture awards it’s been scooping. Since opening in 2017, Porteous’ Studio has become an Instagram cult classic thanks to its touch-me clay plaster walls, Japanese-influenced timber screening and minimalist works of art. Included in the price is a deluxe breakfast hamper of bread, organic eggs, freshly squeezed juice, jam and honey, plus Aesop toiletries. A short stroll will land you at the Grassmarket for vintage shopping and artisan ice cream.
Price ££
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11. Duncan’s Land, Stockbridge
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Chintzy, yes, but just the right amount. Duncan’s Land — said to be the oldest building in Stockbridge — brings the outside in with clashing wallpaper and fabrics inspired by flora and fauna. There are local touches galore, such as the bottle of Edinburgh Gin left for guests, and framed illustrations of Edinburgh’s landmarks in the second bedroom. Head down the spiral staircase for sundowners in the fragrant walled garden.
Price ££
12. Photographer’s Studio, Rock House, Calton Hill
Built in the 1750s, the octagonal Photographer’s Studio was once the home of David Octavius Hill, one of the snappers responsible for elevating photography to an art form. He’d surely approve of the bohemian touches given to his old digs, not least the William Morris wallpaper in the bedroom. The location is well-hidden — up flights of stone steps with only a sign for Calton Hill to guide the way — but sleeping in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle more than makes up for it.
Price £
13. Kell’s Place, Newington
Right next to the Meadows? Check. Within striking distance of the city’s best coffee shops? Check. Industrial vibe complete with reclaimed wooden shelving, factory doors and stainless steel fixtures? Check, check and check. Kell’s Place balances style and functionality with the added bonus of an excellent price. Sleeping options are flexible, with a double bed plus a Chesterfield that folds out in the living room. Two bus stops each less than a minute away connect you to the rest of Edinburgh.
Price £
14. Eden Locke, New Town
Yes, it’s an aparthotel, but don’t be fooled into thinking Eden Locke is corporate. Its studios feature pastel-coloured kitchens, squidgy couches and quirky floor lamps, and the coffee and pastries in the hipster-friendly ground-floor café are as good as any artisan bakery’s. Just a ten-minute walk from Waverley Station, it’s a shoo-in for business travellers, who can pick up the tram to the airport from either Princes Street or the West End.
Price £
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