du Vin
Atmospheric, wine-forward boutique hotel with a French bistro at its heart. Historic bones — exposed beams, stone walls, warren-like corridors — meet roll-top baths and Egyptian linen. Grown-up and convivial rather than flashy. The Whisky Snug with its leather wingback chairs and tartan accents is the most obviously Scottish thing about the place.
Ask for a room in the older part of the building — sloping ceilings, exposed beams, and the most character. The newer wing rooms are fine but forgettable by comparison.
Why It Matters
One of only two Hotel du Vin properties in Scotland, this Edinburgh outpost sits on the edge of the Old Town university quarter with the Royal Mile five minutes on foot. The building's history is genuinely strange — a building that went from housing the city's destitute to housing its mad to now housing people who pay good money for roll-top baths and Nebbiolo. The Laroche wine cellar and private tasting experience are the real differentiator from other Edinburgh boutiques.
Hotel du Vin Edinburgh occupies a cluster of stone buildings on Bristo Place that date back to 1743 — originally a poorhouse, then a lunatic asylum, then science laboratories. It opened as a hotel in 2008, the 47 rooms converted carefully to keep the original beams, sloping ceilings, and general sense of institutional-turned-cosy. The wine obsession is genuine: rooms are named after wine labels, a glass chandelier made from 100 inverted wine glasses greets you in reception, and the Laroche tasting room holds around 350 bottles with a sommelier to guide you through them.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Classic Room
The entry-level rooms, each individually designed. Views face either the inner courtyard or the Old Town street. Queen-sized beds, a writing desk and seating area. Bathrooms have a combined bath/shower. Some in the newer wing can be on the smaller side — staff typically allocate larger classics to guests staying multiple nights.
Queen, King, or Twin
Deluxe Room
Larger than the Classic Rooms, with more space around the king-sized beds. Some feature original floor-to-ceiling windows. Nespresso machine added, along with an ottoman for lounging. Separate shower and bath rather than combined.
Queen, King, or TwinJunior Suite
Open-plan studio layout with city skyline views. The freestanding roll-top bath is the star here — positioned to make the most of the room. Walk-in monsoon drench shower too. Seating area can double as sleeping space with a pull-out sofa bed for a third guest or child.
KingSignature Suite
The largest room in the hotel, named Thierry Lombard. Faces the inner courtyard and has its own balcony plus a separate sitting room. Kitted out with a Dolby Surround System, roll-top bath, and a walk-in shower. This is the one to book for a special occasion — there is only one, so it books out early.
KingSuite
Three named suites, each individual. The Errazuriz has three original high windows and a cast-iron roll-top bath at the far end. Catena Zapata is on the top floor with exposed wooden ceiling beams and Salisbury Crags views — great for families thanks to a sofa bed. Cristal is quieter, facing the courtyard with its own private balcony, monsoon drench shower, and roll-top bath. All share the open-plan living feel and original architectural character.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The heated Cigar Bothy in the courtyard has a walk-in humidor with an extensive range of luxury cigars. Staff can advise on pairing with whiskies or port. A proper, grown-up end to an evening.
Private sommelier-led wine tastings in the glass-walled Laroche tasting room, which holds around 350 wines from around the globe. The sommelier takes you through different regions and styles — it's the kind of thing that sounds like a corporate team-building exercise but is actually quite enjoyable. Group and private bookings available.
A five-course tasting menu paired with wines, available both as a dining offer and as a stay package (with breakfast included). The chef and sommelier collaborate on the pairings.
The dedicated Whisky Snug offers curated Scottish dram selections. Bar staff are knowledgeable — at least one guest has noted being given a full whisky tutorial by a bartender named Roy. Casual rather than formal.
Several private dining rooms in the hotel with strong character — including the 'Bedlam' room (named with a wink at the asylum history) which seats up to 10. Good for small celebrations, business dinners, or post-ceremony wedding meals. The Burke & Hare room is another named option.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Lift available but the building is a warren — some rooms require navigating corridors and a secondary staircase after the lift. Worth flagging if mobility is a concern.
Several function and meeting rooms with character and modern AV equipment. The Burke & Hare room is a standout. Suitable for corporate retreats, private dinners, and small weddings.
Available throughout the hotel including all guest rooms.
Hotel du Vin's own membership programme offering early access to offers and exclusive experiences across all 19 UK properties.
Dogs welcome in designated guest rooms. Charge of £25 for one dog or £40 for two dogs per night, plus a £100 total-stay bond. Must notify the hotel in advance. Pet bowls and basket provided.
The hotel is entirely cashless. Credit/debit cards and digital payments (Apple Pay, etc.) only. No cash accepted for any transactions.
All 47 rooms are air conditioned. Some guests have noted rooms can run warm — opening windows is the main workaround.
Rooms have soundproofing. Central city location but guests report it is surprisingly quiet — though courtyard-facing rooms may pick up Cigar Bothy noise in the evenings.
Room service available around the clock.
Concierge service available. Staff are consistently praised for friendliness and local knowledge.
Luggage storage available for early arrivals and late departures.
No hotel parking. Nearest option is Q-Park at Quartermile/Simpson Loan — pre-book online with discount code HDVQM20 for 20% off. Enter and exit as many times as needed during pre-booked period.
No swimming pool on-site.
BUILD YOUR HOTEL DU VIN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning