The Scotsman
Grand Edwardian newspaper building turned upscale boutique city hotel. Historic bones, contemporary comfort. Think dark wood, marble, warm lighting, and a sense of occasion without stuffiness.
Book direct at scotsmanhotel.co.uk using code BOOKDIRECT for best rates and a complimentary bottle of Prosecco in your room
Why It Matters
Built in 1905 as the headquarters of The Scotsman newspaper, with 10 floors of individually styled rooms and suites. Houses the Scotsman Picturehouse — a 48-seat art deco private cinema. The 20-metre stainless steel pool in the basement health club is a genuine Edinburgh rarity. G1 Group has owned it since 2017.
The Scotsman Hotel sits inside the 1905 Edwardian headquarters of Scotland's national newspaper, right on North Bridge between the Old Town and New Town. The building's bones are all still here — Italian marble staircase, floor-to-ceiling wood panelling, stained-glass windows — but the hotel wears it all lightly, without feeling like a museum. Edinburgh Waverley is a one-minute walk. The Royal Mile is on your doorstep. And somehow it still manages to be quieter inside than you'd expect.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Director Room
A step up in space and polish. The Director Rooms have espresso machines, higher-end bedding, and the option of city views on some floors. Floor-to-ceiling wooden panelling, bathrobes, and a flatscreen with on-demand movies. City view versions are worth the small premium.
King or Twin · 34 sqm
Family Room
One of a limited number of rooms configured for families or groups. Sleeps up to four in either two doubles or a double-plus-two singles. Well stocked with the standard hotel amenities. Limited availability, so book early.
Two Doubles or Double + Two Singles · 34 sqmFeature Room
These are the most popular rooms for longer stays. A generous 40 sq m with a sofa or reading nook, wooden-panelled walls, and elegant furnishings. City view versions sit high enough to catch Edinburgh's roofline properly. Marble bathroom with walk-in shower.
Double or Twin · 40 sqmHeadline Room
560 sq ft with a separate sitting room — the key differentiator here. The wooden-panelled walls and draped windows give it a lot of texture. Deep-pile carpets, crisp linen, accents of limewash wood and tweed. The marble bathroom has a rainfall shower. Good choice if you want to actually use the living space.
Double · 52 sqmPenthouse Suite
A two-floor duplex accessed via a private staircase. The lower level has an open-plan dining room, office, and living area that opens directly onto a private balcony with uninterrupted Edinburgh Castle views. Upstairs: a master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom with personal sauna and oversized roll-top bath. The best views in the building, no contest.
Double · 80 sqmPublisher Suite
At 753 sq ft, the Publisher Suites deliver some of the building's best city views through dramatic draped windows. A generous bedroom with a lounge area, wood-panelled walls, and all the standard Scotsman touches elevated. Three guests can be accommodated with a rollaway.
Double · 70 sqmReporter Room
The entry-level room at The Scotsman, and still genuinely comfortable. High ceilings and natural light give it more breathing room than the size suggests. Floor-to-ceiling wood-panelled walls, plush bathrobes and slippers, Arran Sense of Scotland toiletries, and a minibar. Compact but well done.
Double or Twin · 27 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Champagne afternoon tea in the spectacular double-height former advertising hall of the Scotsman newspaper. Sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats with live piano accompaniment. Themed variations run seasonally — including packages tied to Picturehouse film screenings.
Cinema screening combined with a drink — a popular casual evening package at the Picturehouse. Also available as a dinner-and-movie package with the Grand Café.
A 48-seat art deco boutique cinema inside the hotel, with individual leather armchairs, small tables, and classic empire lamps. Every seat has its own power and USB point. Screens a mix of latest releases and classic anniversary screenings. Tickets available to hotel guests and the public. Fizz & Flick packages and dinner-and-movie packages with the Grand Café are available. Also available for private hire.
Fully equipped gym with cardio machines, weights, and personal training available. Located in the lower levels of the building alongside the spa and pool. Guest-only access included in stay.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Lift access throughout, level entry to reception, and accessible rooms available on request.
The original Italian marble staircase with stained-glass window, now the centrepiece of the hotel. Lit by candlelight in the evenings.
Multiple event spaces including the original Board Room, Jura Suite, Fettercairn Suite (with secret outdoor courtyard), and Glenfiddich Suite (capacity 12–230). Also includes the Picturehouse for private hire.
Art deco boutique cinema with armchair seating, individual side tables, and an in-house bar. Open to guests and the public.
Delivered through an in-room privacy hatch — a distinctive feature referencing the building's newspaper past. Available around the clock.
No on-site parking. Guests get 45% off at Q-Park Omni using code SCTMNHTL24. Also discounted parking at Edinburgh Waverley Station car park on New Street (5–10 min walk).
BUILD YOUR THE SCOTSMAN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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