Edinburgh
Irreverent luxury. Victorian architecture fused with playful contemporary design. Confident and fun without trying too hard. The kind of place that takes quality seriously but doesn't take itself too seriously.
Book the Chef's Table at Commons Club well ahead — it runs Wednesday to Saturday and seats are limited
Why It Matters
First Virgin Hotels property in Europe, set inside the landmark India Buildings with a converted 19th-century church on site (Greyfriars Hall). The suite collection named after the Branson family is genuinely one-of-a-kind: the Eve Branson Suite sits inside an octagonal medieval bell tower, the Kasbah Tamadot Suite has a secret Moroccan attic lounge. Rooftop terrace on Level 7 has unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh occupies three interconnected historic buildings — including a restored 19th-century medieval church — in the heart of Old Town, steps from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. It is the brand's first European property, opened in June 2022, and it manages to pull off something tricky: Virgin's bold personality lands with genuine elegance rather than loud branding. Think red SMEG fridges and a scarlet front door, not neon and noise. The building's Victorian bones do a lot of the work, and the design team has leaned into them smartly. Voted #4 Best Hotel in the United Kingdom in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025.
Where You'll Stay
13 room types available
Chamber Castle View
Roomy chamber with a direct view of Edinburgh Castle from the window. The castle is spectacular lit up at night and if you're going to be in Edinburgh, this is the view to wake up to.
KingChamber King
The entry-level room and the template for the whole Virgin Hotels chamber concept. The layout is the thing: a curtained dressing room with vanity, open wardrobe and makeup desk separates from the sleeping area, giving you actual distinct zones rather than one big rectangular box. Walk-in shower, separate WC, Arran of Scotland toiletries, red SMEG fridge stocked at street value, yoga mat, Lucy® in-room concierge app, and Smart TV. Blackout curtains and hypoallergenic bedding as standard.
KingChamber King with Balcony
Standard chamber king layout, elevated by a standing balcony with city views. Smaller than the terrace option but still gets you outside with Edinburgh below you.
KingChamber King with Terrace
Grand chamber design with a private outdoor terrace with seating — a genuine al fresco space, not just a Juliet balcony. Worth considering in summer months if you want somewhere to have morning coffee outside without fighting for rooftop space.
KingChamber Twin
The original two-zone chamber layout redesigned with twin beds — good for two people who want their own sleeping space. Same dressing room partition, same SMEG fridge, same Virgin kit throughout.
TwinEve Branson Suite
Named after Sir Richard's late mother, this suite sits inside the octagonal bell tower of the medieval Greyfriars Hall. The dramatic vaulted architecture is softened with rich textures and a muted palette — it doesn't shout, it impresses quietly. Honeymoon favourite. Genuinely unlike any other hotel room in Edinburgh.
KingFamily King Suite
The family-oriented suite with a king bed in the main room and a separate children's room with bunk beds, plus a sofa bed for up to three children under 17. Good option for families who don't want adjoining-room logistics.
KingGrand Chamber King
Classic two-part chamber design with roughly double the floorspace of the standard king. Same layout with the separate dressing room, but everything is simply bigger and there's more room to actually move around. Good pick for longer stays or if you just can't face a compact city hotel room.
KingGrand Chamber Queen Suite
A regal suite with two seating areas, a private dressing area and a queen bed. Good balance of space and comfort without going full Branson-family suite.
QueenKasbah Tamadot Suite
Inspired by the Virgin Limited Edition Kasbah Tamadot resort in Morocco's Atlas Mountains, this suite has a secret second-floor lounge draped in traditional Moroccan fabrics, festive lanterns and plush furnishings. If you want something genuinely different from the usual Scottish luxury offering, this is it.
KingRichard's Flat
The signature suite, and it's exactly what it sounds like — Sir Richard Branson's personal Edinburgh home when he's in town. When he's not, it's yours. Hardwood floors, a personal in-room bar, a large bathroom and dressing area, and furnishings that balance restored architectural detail with contemporary pieces. Pure class is the official description; hard to argue with it.
KingTed Branson Suite
A three-tiered suite inside medieval Greyfriars Hall, named after Sir Richard's father Ted Branson. Vaulted ceilings and oak panelling set the tone. Three levels of space — genuinely surprising for a city hotel suite — with views over the Cowgate below.
KingTwo-Bedroom Suite
Connects Richard's Flat to a Grand Chamber King — the biggest footprint available at the hotel. Ideal for families or groups who want a shared social space with separate bedroom privacy.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Daily afternoon tea experience in the stunning domed Oculus Lounge or Commons Club Bar. Finely brewed teas, pastries, savoury bites, with an optional Veuve Clicquot Champagne upgrade.
A masterclass in cocktail-making led by Head Bartender Leon Back at the Commons Club bar. Covers creative cocktail techniques and the inspiration behind the bar programme.
Immersive dining experience with Chef de Cuisine Emma Hanley in the Commons Club kitchen. A nostalgic, seasonal Scottish menu reflecting Hanley's culinary journey — from source to plate. Available Wed–Sat, limited seats.
Interactive pasta-making and Italian cooking classes held at Eve Restaurant. Ideal for groups of friends or couples looking for something hands-on. Led by the Eve kitchen team.
The hotel is positioned on the doorstep of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (August) and hosts shows itself each year. Guests, visitors and Edinburgh locals all welcome for the events.
Level 7 rooftop terrace with unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle and across the Old Town rooftops. Open to guests. Particularly atmospheric at dusk when the castle lights up.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary wired and wireless internet access throughout the hotel. Rated at 100+ Mbps, suitable for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices.
Breakfast room service 6am–10:30am. All-day room service 12pm–9:30pm. Night menu available 9:30pm–5am (accessible via in-room TV screen).
A restored 19th-century Gothic Revival church (c.1861) converted into a spectacular event space. Seats up to 150 guests, 2,131 sq ft (198 sqm). Features a bioplastic 3D-printed chandelier by Arthur Mamou-Mani — one of the first of its scale in the world. Available for weddings, private events and corporate gatherings.
Every chamber comes with a fully stocked red SMEG fridge, priced at street value — not the inflated minibar markup typical of luxury hotels.
Level 7 rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views. Open to hotel guests. Best at dusk.
A comfortable lounge area with shelves full of Scottish books and titles. Good for quiet reading, informal meetings or a relaxed pause between activities.
Free membership programme offering exclusive rates, room upgrades, access to the Scarlet Lounge Spirit Hour (4:30–5:30pm daily), late checkout, and Virgin Points.
Dog-friendly hotel with pet amenities. Pets stay free. Baby crib or dog bed can be added to any chamber or suite at no additional cost.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available.
Reception staffed around the clock. Concierge and bell team available at the main entrance. Luggage storage available.
In-room technology that connects guests' personal devices to chamber controls and hotel staff. Order room service, adjust temperature, control lighting and TV, or access your chamber from your phone.
Discounted self-parking at NCP Castle Terrace, a 10–15 minute walk from the hotel. Bell team available to take bags on arrival before you park.
Available at £45 per night. Advance reservation required (email reservations.edinburgh@virginhotels.com). Not available for left-hand drive or oversized vehicles (people carriers, large MPVs). Note Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone applies.
Bicycle parking available at the hotel.
Gym and fitness suite on Level 3, open around the clock. Because there's never a bad time to look after your wellness, per the hotel's own copy.
Yoga mat provided in every chamber — and the rooms are actually large enough to use one without hitting the furniture.
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