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Luxury hospitality doesn’t always need a rooftop pool, a dozen restaurants or an army of butlers to make an impression. Sometimes, it’s the simple things done exceptionally well, and that is exactly what you’ll find at The Resident Edinburgh, one of Edinburgh’s best hotels.
A beautiful room with a view you’ll struggle to tear yourself away from. A bed so comfortable you accidentally sleep through your alarm. A team that remembers your name and shares the kind of local recommendations you’d normally only get from a friend who lives in the city.
That’s exactly what you’ll find at The Resident Edinburgh.
Tucked away on the elegant Drumsheugh Gardens between the West End and New Town, this quietly stylish retreat strips away the unnecessary and focuses on what really matters: thoughtful design, heartfelt hospitality and an unbeatable location. The result is a hotel that feels effortlessly comfortable from the moment you arrive.
For travellers searching for one of Edinburgh’s best hotels, The Resident Edinburgh offers a refreshingly understated alternative to the city’s grander addresses. And after a stay here, it’s easy to understand why it’s quickly becoming one of Edinburgh’s best hotels for those who value substance as much as style.
First Impressions:
Drumsheugh Gardens feels wonderfully removed from the bustle of Princes Street, yet you’re only a few minutes’ walk from some of Edinburgh’s biggest attractions. It’s the kind of address that instantly makes you feel like you’ve discovered the city properly rather than simply visiting it.
The building itself tells an interesting story. Originally an office block dating from the late 1950s, it has been thoughtfully transformed into a hotel while retaining much of its original structure. The project was even recognised during COP26 as an example of sustainable urban redevelopment — a welcome reminder that luxury and sustainability can happily coexist.
Inside, Scottish heritage is interpreted with a contemporary eye. Think rich textures, warm earth tones inspired by the surrounding landscape and carefully sourced furnishings from local makers. It feels distinctly Edinburgh without relying on clichéd tartan overload.
The Rooms:
The Resident’s rooms are some of the most intelligently designed I’ve encountered in a city hotel.
Every inch feels purposeful. There’s an entrance area with space for coats and bags, a cleverly concealed mini-kitchen complete with fridge, microwave, coffee machine and sink, and a dedicated workspace positioned beside floor-to-ceiling windows.
Many rooms enjoy spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle or panoramic vistas stretching across the Firth of Forth towards Fife.
The bed deserves special mention.
The Resident’s bespoke handcrafted mattresses are made in Liverpool and genuinely rival some of the finest luxury hotel beds I’ve slept in. Plush enough for lie-ins, supportive enough for proper rest, and dressed in crisp linens that make it dangerously tempting to cancel your sightseeing plans altogether.
Bathrooms are equally impressive, featuring generous walk-in showers, Molton Brown amenities and plenty of space to spread out your skincare collection.
For anyone planning a longer stay, the mini-kitchen is a game changer. It’s one of those thoughtful details that elevates The Resident above many of the best Edinburgh hotels in the city centre.
The vibe:
What truly sets The Resident apart isn’t the design or the location. It’s the people.
The hotel’s philosophy centres around what it calls ‘heartfelt hospitality’, and unlike many hospitality buzzwords, this one actually feels authentic.
The Resident Insiders are more than just concierge staff. They’re local experts who genuinely want guests to experience Edinburgh beyond the obvious tourist checklist. Whether it’s securing a table at a neighbourhood favourite, recommending a hidden cocktail bar or pointing you towards a quieter walking route through the city, their advice feels like it comes from a local friend.
Every evening from 5pm to 6pm, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary drinks and local snacks. Some guests use it as an opportunity to chat with fellow travellers. Others retreat to a quiet corner with a glass of wine and a book. Both approaches are equally welcomed.
It’s these thoughtful touches that explain why The Resident consistently earns such devoted fans and deserves its place among Edinburgh’s best hotels.
The Neighbourhood:
The hotel’s location puts some of Edinburgh’s most charming corners right on your doorstep.
Dean Village is a short wander away, as is the picturesque Water of Leith Walkway. The boutiques, galleries and independent cafés of the West End provide plenty of opportunities for leisurely afternoons, while the city’s major attractions remain comfortably within walking distance.
The Resident has also partnered with a collection of local favourites including Cairngorm Coffee, Kyloe, Dulse, Lind & Lime and Port of Leith Distillery, offering guests exclusive perks and discounts that encourage exploration beyond the tourist trail. This is especially important as The Resident doesn’t have an on-site restaurant and instead encourages guests to explore what the local neighbourhood has to offer for breakfast. It also offers some nifty discounts across a wide range of establishments too.
The Verdict: Edinburgh’s best hotels
Stylish yet approachable, luxurious yet practical, The Resident delivers the sort of thoughtful hospitality that travellers remember long after they’ve checked out.
For city breaks, longer stays, romantic weekends and dog-friendly escapes alike, it earns its place among Edinburgh’s best hotels with ease.
And if you’re looking for a hotel that feels less like a place to stay and more like your own beautifully designed Edinburgh apartment, you’ve just found your new favourite address.
To book a stay or for information visit www.residenthotels.com. Guests can also sign up to become a member of The Resident Club and then they automatically receive a substantial discount on their stays booked directly with The Resident.
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All images from The Resident Edinburgh via Rooster PR
