Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Overview

A Victorian office building reborn as Virgin's boldest design statement. This 1864 India Building transformation pairs historic bones—grand staircases, domed rotunda—with unapologetically modern interiors in Edinburgh's most tourist-central location.

  • Rooms
  • 222
  • Periods of closure
  • Open year-round
  • Food + Drink
  • Commons Club Bar with wood-paneled warmth, basement international restaurant with outdoor seating, plus second bar.
  • Vibes
  • Historic Meets Edgy Modern

The Highs

  • Design that takes risks and delivers personality
  • Can't-beat-it central location… if you’re okay with tourist throngs
  • Commons Club Bar—wood, art, and atmosphere done right
  • Oculus Lounge's three-tiered domed rotunda steals the show

Stuff You Should Know

Ultra-central means ultra-touristy—expect throngs during peak season. The building's Victorian bones are everywhere: grand staircase, original tile floors, restored domed rotunda. Artist-in-residence program means modern art throughout, and you'll either love it or you won't—but you'll have an opinion.

No onsite spa, but Edinburgh's Old Town surrounds you with options. The eclectic design isn't trying to please everyone, which is why it works. Pro tip: The Commons Club Bar's wood paneling and lighting create the hotel's best atmosphere—settle in with a cocktail before dinner.

  • Swimming Pool
  • Gym
  • Spa
  • Bicycles Available
  • Wi-Fi
  • Family Friendly
  • Pet Friendly
  • Electric Car Charging
  • Beach Access
  • Hiking Trails
  • Accessible
  • Sustainable
  • Adults Only
  • Age Restriction
  • Rewards/Points Programs
  • None

Swank Guide Extras

Swank Guide Extras

Fancy the VIP treatment? Book with us, and we’ll make it happen. Early check-in, late check-out? Sorted. Free breakfast? Of course. F+B voucher? We’ll work on it. Room upgrade? Probably.

It’s all about who you know, and with our FORA partnership, you’re always in the inner circle. We’ll confirm what perks we’ve arranged before you ever pay.

Location

  • Edinburgh, Scotland, Old Town

Planes, Trains + TukTuks

Ultra-central Old Town location where Victorian architecture meets modern hustle. Five minutes to Edinburgh Castle, one minute to Royal Mile, surrounded by tourist throngs and dining options.

  • Nearest international airport
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
  • Distance from airport
  • 8 miles/13 km
  • Journey time
  • 25-30 minutes by taxi/Uber. Tram available to city center.

Room

Rate advice Approximate rates by room type and season

  Low Season High Season Shoulder Season
Most basic room
(Chamber King)
$175/night $380/night $300/night
Mid-priced room $220/night $450/night $330/night
Most expensive room $900/night $1500/night $1110/night

Rates are approximate and for guidance only. To get prices for your trip dates, book with us.

Amenities In our room

  • Air Conditioning
  • Coffee Machine
  • Microwave
  • Mini-Bar
  • Room Service
  • TV
  • Top-Scoring Pillows*

*Top-scoring pillows are pillows we've rated 8 (or higher) out of 10 for comfort.

Food and drink

Food + Drink On-site surprises

Virgin Attitude Meets Edinburgh Tradition

The Commons Club Bar is where you want to be—wood paneling that warms the soul, eclectic art that sparks conversation, and cocktails that justify lingering. The lighting's just right, the music's on point, and the service knows what they're doing. Downstairs, the main restaurant serves international fare in a basement setting with an attached second bar and outdoor seating (ideal for summer, less so in Scottish winter). It's not trying to be Edinburgh's hottest dining destination, but it covers the bases competently. The bar, though? That's where Virgin's personality really shines through.

 

Photos

Photos Resort images

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