Finding where to stay in Edinburgh with family relies on balancing proximity to top attractions with spaces where kids can unwind. This guide highlights properties that offer spacious family rooms, handy pools and easy access to the city’s best parks and museums.
Where to stay in Edinburgh with kids
| Accomodation name | Top kid-friendly amenities | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hapimag Resort Edinburgh ★★★★ | Kitchenettes, books & DVDs, safety gates |
| 2 | The Caledonian Edinburgh ★★★★★ | Indoor pool, connecting rooms, kids’ menu |
| 3 | Norton House Hotel & Spa ★★★★ | Children’s swim times, kids’ menu, extensive grounds |
| 4 | Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa ★★★★★ | Indoor pool, family swim times, proximity to cinema |
| 5 | Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh City Centre ★★★★ | Indoor pool, family rooms, breakfast buffet |
| 6 | McCrae’s Bed and Breakfast ★★ | Free Wi-Fi, streaming services, garden access |
| 7 | The Rutland Hotel & Apartments ★★★★ | Kids’ menu, babysitting services, cots |
| 8 | Another Room ★ | Family rooms, babysitting services, packed lunches |
| 9 | The Bonham Hotel ★★★★★ | Extra beds available, packed lunches, kids’ meals |
| 10 | The Balmoral ★★★★★ | Kids’ programme, indoor pool, baby gear |
We analysed Edinburgh properties to find hotels with practical amenities like connecting rooms and kids’ menus, alongside convenient locations near key attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens.
Here are the top 10 family-friendly hotels in Edinburgh.
1. Hapimag Resort Edinburgh ★★★★
Hapimag Resort Edinburgh brilliantly bridges the gap between hotel service and apartment convenience. Families often find the in-room microwaves and fridges to be lifesavers for quick snacks or warming milk at odd hours. The property also includes thoughtful extras like socket covers and safety gates.
Hapimag feels less like a standard hotel and more like a calm, functional home base. Rooms feature spacious layouts with sofas and dining areas. You can request pushchairs directly from the hotel, saving the hassle of lugging bulky gear through the airport.
Guest review score: 9.3 / 10
Attractions nearby: The West End location offers a peaceful retreat just 15 minutes on foot from the city centre buzz. You’re a short walk from Dean Village and the Water of Leith, and Princes Street Gardens is about 10 minutes away.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Books, DVDs, music for children
Baby safety gates and child safety socket covers
Family rooms
Pushchairs
Babysitting services
What families loved about their stay:
- Nicole: The family suites were impressive, very spacious, and well-decorated. We loved having so much room to relax!
- Julie: The room size was wonderful, and our son was thrilled to get a sofa bed instead of a cot, which made for a super comfy stay.
- Leeanne: The staff were so friendly, and our room was clean, spacious, and had really comfy beds. We’d definitely stay here again.
2. The Caledonian Edinburgh ★★★★★
The Caledonian Edinburgh manages to feel luxurious without being stuffy or restrictive for younger guests. Kids can burn off energy during dedicated swim times at the indoor pool while parents plan the next day’s adventure. The hotel offers cots and connecting rooms so the whole crew can stay together comfortably.
Dining’s straightforward thanks to a dedicated kids’ menu at The Court, and the concierge’s great at suggesting family-friendly itineraries. The Caledonian gives children aged 11 and under specific morning and afternoon pool slots.
Guest review score: 8.5 / 10
Attractions nearby: Located at the west end of Princes Street, the hotel sits almost directly opposite the West Princes Street Gardens playground. This allows for quick and easy playtime breaks between sightseeing. You can walk to Edinburgh Castle in about 15 minutes, though be prepared for the uphill climb.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Indoor pool
Kids’ menus
Connecting rooms
Cots
Pushchairs
Babysitting services
What families loved about their stay:
- Samira: When my son fell ill, the staff went above and beyond, arranging hospital transport and covering the cost. Their genuine care made a lasting impression on our family.
- Lisa-anne: Our family loved the large room with a castle view, and the kids were thrilled to have the pool almost to themselves during our visit!
- Giovanni: The location was perfect, and our two little ones absolutely loved the facilities, especially the pool, which made our long weekend so enjoyable.
3. Norton House Hotel & Spa ★★★★
Norton House Hotel & Spa brings a proper country house vibe just a short drive from the airport. The indoor pool has designated splash times for kids in the morning and afternoon so they can play freely.
The Brasserie makes mealtimes easier with high chairs and a menu built for little appetites. Norton House offers complimentary bed and breakfast for kids aged four to 11, helping stretch the holiday budget.
Guest review score: 8.9 / 10
Attractions nearby: Being near the airport makes this an excellent choice for families with early flights or late arrivals. While you are further from the city centre, the hotel offers a shuttle to the Ingliston Park & Ride tram stop. From there, you can catch a tram straight into the heart of Edinburgh without worrying about parking.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Kids’ meals
Children’s afternoon tea
Packed lunches
Cots
Rollaway beds
Books, DVDs, music for children
What families loved about their stay:
- Caroline: Our family room was super comfortable, and the kids loved the special milk and cookies delivered to our room. Plus, the lovely grounds were great for walks!
- Alex: This was a great spot for our family holiday. The indoor pool and gardens were fantastic for our little one, and breakfast was delicious.
- Humera: The staff were amazing and so lovely towards our children, even giving them activity packs at dinner! The suite was also a great size.
Ready to book your next family trip?
4. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa ★★★★★
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is a fantastic choice for families who prioritise pool time. The property features a dedicated children’s pool area within the main facility, a rare find in the city centre. Complimentary access to family swim sessions adds real value to the stay.
The One Square Brasserie welcomes kids with a relaxed vibe and food they’ll actually eat. Sheraton Grand offers spacious rooms that easily accommodate extra beds or cots, keeping the family together without anyone feeling cramped.
Guest review score: 8.6 / 10
Attractions nearby: You are well-positioned off Lothian Road, just a 10-minute walk from the Castle and the Royal Mile. The hotel is also very close to Fountain Park, a leisure complex with bowling, trampolining, and movies. The location offers the convenience of the city centre without the intense crowds of the Old Town.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Children’s pool
Cots
Rollaway beds
Kid-friendly dining options
Babysitting services
Connecting rooms
Kid-friendly buffet
What families loved about their stay:
- Lauren: Our son loved the surprise fruit plate with ‘happy birthday’ written on it; it was such a thoughtful touch! We also appreciated the spacious room.
- Sabina: The staff were amazing, and our daughter even got a bag of goodies when we left, which was a nice surprise. Breakfast had so much variety for everyone!
- Ashley: We couldn’t fault our stay with the kids! The staff were attentive and pleasant, even allocating adjacent rooms for us at the last minute.
5. Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh City Centre ★★★★
Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh City Centre puts you right in the thick of the action on the Royal Mile. The hotel backs up its prime location with an indoor heated pool that’s open year-round – a guaranteed win, whatever the Scottish weather decides to do.
Families can book spacious rooms that fit extra beds comfortably. The extensive breakfast buffet at Radisson Blu offers enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest eaters before a long day of walking. The staff promotes a Rad Family concept to make sure kids feel genuinely welcome.
Guest review score: 8.5 / 10
Attractions nearby: You can’t beat this location for sightseeing, as it sits directly on the Royal Mile. You are steps away from the Museum of Childhood and a short uphill walk to Edinburgh Castle. The National Museum of Scotland is just a five-minute walk away via the George IV Bridge.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Indoor heated pool
Family rooms
Family-friendly restaurant
Packed lunches
Cots
Rollaway beds
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids’ meals
What families loved about their stay:
- Fasih: We had a very pleasant experience with a spacious room that even included a play area for the kids, which was fantastic!
- Nicola: Breakfast was excellent; my five-year-old really loved the pancake machine! The spacious room and lovely pool were also highlights.
- Christy: Our kids loved the pool so much they went in every night! The breakfast buffet was diverse, and the staff, especially at the pool, were incredibly kind.
6. McCrae’s Bed and Breakfast ★★
McCrae’s Bed and Breakfast offers a quiet escape for families visiting Edinburgh. This spot focuses on a peaceful environment rather than soft play chaos. Rooms feature smart TVs with streaming services, and organic breakfast options make for a healthy start to the day. It’s got a personal, home-like feel that sets it apart from larger chain hotels.
Guest review score: 9.6 / 10
Attractions nearby: Located in the East New Town, you’re away from the noisy tourist hubs but still within walking distance of the city. The Royal Botanic Garden is about 15 minutes on foot, with beautiful glasshouses and trails. You can reach the shops on Princes Street in about 20 minutes.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Cots
Rollaway beds
Babysitting services
High chairs
What families loved about their stay:
- Sarah: This was a wonderful spot for our family of four. The host and accommodations were perfect, and they truly thought of all the little things to make us comfortable.
- Vicky: The property felt warm and homely, and we especially appreciated the cot already set up for our little boy in our extremely clean room.
- Barry: McCrae’s was the perfect place for my 14-year-old son and me. John was an attentive and perfect host, making our short trip excellent.
7. The Rutland Hotel & Apartments ★★★★
The Rutland Hotel & Apartments solves the problem of sitting in the dark while the kids sleep.
These self-catering luxury apartments offer separate living areas, and you get the flexibility of an apartment with the service of a hotel.
The Rutland provides cots free for under-threes and can arrange fold-out beds for older kids. The on-site Huxley bar features a Wee Menu to make sure the kids are well-fed.
Guest review score: 9.4 / 10
Attractions nearby: The hotel is right across from the West End of Princes Street, with immediate access to the gardens and playground. You can wake up to castle views without the noise of the Royal Mile. It’s a very short walk to the tram stop for easy airport access.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Family apartments with kitchens
Free cots for under 3s
Fold-out beds available
Kids’ menu
Babysitting services
What families loved about their stay:
- Rachael: Our apartment was spacious, super clean, and tastefully decorated, making it great even for our two very young kids. We’d definitely go back!
- Lee: The apartment was immaculately clean and well-stocked, perfect for our family of four. They even arranged for twin beds in the second bedroom, which was great.
- Jo: We found the apartment very spacious and comfortable, and the kitchen was a lifesaver for all our needs. Plus, we could walk to everything!
8. Another Room ★
Another Room swaps castle views for the seaside charm of Portobello. This B&B is near the promenade and provides easy access to the beach. It offers a distinct change of pace from the city centre crowds.
The property has family rooms and a garden where children can play safely. Another Room includes handy extras like packed lunches and board games to help you plan low-key days out. Rooms come with kettles and fridges for storing essential snacks and drinks.
Guest review score: 9.4 / 10
Attractions nearby: Portobello Beach is a fantastic spot for families looking for sand, sea and a classic promenade. You’re close to Tumbles, a large soft play and gymnastics centre that’s great for rainy days. Bus links into the city centre are frequent and take about 20 minutes, making it easy to mix beach time with city sightseeing.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Family rooms
Books, DVDs, music for children
Board games and puzzles
Packed lunches
Babysitting services
What families loved about their stay:
- Katrina: The owners were super friendly, and our kids absolutely loved the little touches like having toys and board games available. We had a great stay!
- Sabina: Our kids loved that there were toys in the room, and we all enjoyed being so close to the beach. The hosts were incredibly helpful with all our requests.
- Jan: The room was super cosy, and the bunk bed plus a queen bed was perfect for our child. The hosts were very friendly and welcoming.
9. The Bonham Hotel ★★★★★
The Bonham Hotel proves you don’t have to sacrifice style when travelling with the brood. Tucked away in the West End, this spot offers connecting rooms that give everyone space to breathe. Staff can arrange extra beds for children aged three to 16 without fuss.
Families can request cots free of charge for babies, and the concierge at The Bonham is ready to help plan kid-friendly itineraries. While there isn’t a dedicated kids’ menu year-round, the kitchen’s happy to cater to younger guests.
Guest review score: 9.2 / 10
Attractions nearby: Set on a quiet residential street, The Bonham guarantees a peaceful night’s sleep. You’re just minutes from the Water of Leith and the Modern Art Galleries, which have great grounds for kids to run around. It’s a 10-minute walk to the West End of Princes Street, and the location’s nicely removed from the late-night noise of the city centre.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Connecting rooms
Cots available free (0-2 years)
Extra beds available
Concierge family planning
Packed lunches
Kids’ meals
What families loved about their stay:
- Sophie: The staff were so nice, they even gave us a free room upgrade which gave us more space with our toddler. The location is fantastic, too!
- Elliot: The staff were brilliant throughout our stay. Everyone, from the front desk to breakfast, made us feel so welcome, even with our two-year-old.
- Ballantyne: The friendly and helpful staff truly made the stay special for my family, especially with my daughter’s wedding. We loved the quiet location and clean rooms.
10. The Balmoral ★★★★★
The Balmoral rolls out the red carpet for little ones through its Rocco Forte Kids programme.
Children receive their own passport at check-in and a special owl teddy at turndown that feels properly magical. Families can also request baby gear like bottle warmers to pack light.
The attention to detail here is impressive, with age-specific amenities for babies, kids and teens.
The Balmoral features a lovely indoor pool, and its connecting rooms and suites provide plenty of space for larger groups to stay comfortably.
Guest review score: 9.2 / 10
Attractions nearby: Located at No. 1 Princes Street, you’re right above Waverley Station, making arrival by train incredibly easy. You can walk to the Old Town, New Town and Calton Hill in minutes. The St James Quarter sits just behind the hotel, offering modern dining and entertainment options like bowling. It’s the most central spot in the city for accessing all the major attractions.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Rocco Forte Kids programme
Indoor pool
Kids’ menus (50% off for certain ages)
Owl teddy turndown service
Baby gear (bottle warmers, sterilizers)
Connecting rooms
Babysitting services
Cribs
Rollaway beds
What families loved about their stay:
- Heather: Our four-year-old son loved the complementary milk and cookies, and especially the cuddly owl toy! The swimming facilities were also lovely.
- Jennifer: The staff were fantastic and even upgraded us to an executive room with an interconnecting door, which was amazing for our 15 and 12-year-olds, giving them independence.
- Claire: My teenage children absolutely loved the pool area and were so excited to be at the hotel. The staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly, too!
Tips from KAYAK’s hotel guide
- With Edinburgh’s famously unpredictable weather, booking a hotel with an indoor pool is a great way to guarantee a fun activity for the kids.
- If you’re booking a room with a castle view to surprise the kids, give the hotel a ring to check the details. A quick chat can help make sure you get the magical, unobstructed view you’re after.
- If your family trip lines up with Edinburgh’s famous summer festivals, be sure to book your hotel months ahead, as family-friendly rooms with good amenities sell out fast.
