Hotel
The Balmoral
Rocco Forte's five-star landmark at the east end of Princes Street, opened in 1902 as a railway hotel, with a spa, whisky bar and famous clock…
Kimpton Charlotte Square
A Kimpton hotel spread across seven interconnected Georgian townhouses on Charlotte Square, with a glass-roofed courtyard, a spa and BABA restaurant.
At a glance
- Type
- Upscale lifestyle hotel
- Area
- New Town, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- kimptoncharlottesquare.com
Good to know
- Spa
- Gym
- Glass-roofed courtyard
- Restaurants
- Private townhouse option
Why we recommend it
Kimpton Charlotte Square occupies seven interconnected Georgian townhouses on Charlotte Square, the elegant square at the western end of George Street designed as part of Edinburgh's New Town. The hotel sits on the edge of the square's private garden and is part of IHG's Kimpton brand, known for design-led hotels with a relaxed, sociable feel.
The townhouse setting gives the hotel a sense of history. At its heart is a glass-topped central courtyard, a light-filled space for drinks and casual dining. BABA, the hotel's restaurant, and The Garden are its main dining options, and private dining is available for groups. For a more private stay, No. 33 Charlotte Square is a separate townhouse that can be booked as a whole.
The hotel has a spa, the Spa at Charlotte Square, and a gym, which add to its appeal for longer stays. Rooms vary in size and outlook because of the historic buildings, so it is worth checking the room category carefully when booking if a view over the square or extra space matters to you. Reservations can be made directly by phone or through IHG, and IHG One Rewards members can earn and redeem points.
Kimpton Charlotte Square suits couples, groups of friends and travellers who want a stylish, characterful hotel without the formality of a traditional grand hotel. Groups travelling together may find No. 33 Charlotte Square a good option, since it offers the privacy of a townhouse with hotel services close at hand. As with most central Edinburgh hotels, rates rise during the August festivals and over Hogmanay, so booking early pays off at those times.
Charlotte Square is one of the best addresses in the New Town. George Street, with its shops, restaurants and bars, begins at the hotel's doorstep and runs east towards St Andrew Square. Princes Street and its tram stops are a couple of minutes' walk south, and the West End and Haymarket station are close by for trains to Glasgow and the west. Dean Village and the Water of Leith Walkway are a short walk downhill to the north-west, and the castle and Old Town can be reached on foot in around 15 minutes through Princes Street Gardens.
Kimpton Charlotte Square FAQs
What is Kimpton Charlotte Square?
A Kimpton hotel set across seven interconnected Georgian townhouses on Charlotte Square.
Where is the hotel?
It is at 38 Charlotte Square, EH2 4HQ, at the western end of George Street.
Does the hotel have a spa?
Yes, the Spa at Charlotte Square, plus a gym.
Where can you eat?
BABA and The Garden are the hotel's dining options, with private dining for groups.
What is No. 33 Charlotte Square?
A private townhouse option within the hotel.
Can you use IHG points?
Yes, the hotel is part of the IHG One Rewards programme.
How do you get there?
Princes Street trams and buses are a couple of minutes' walk away, and Haymarket station is close by.