Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Virgin Hotels Edinburgh feels like stepping into something completely different from your typical Scottish hotel experience. The building itself — those gorgeous India Buildings on Victoria Street — has this incredible historic character that Virgin has somehow managed to blend with their signature edgy, modern style. You know what really struck me? They’ve kept all the architectural details that make Old Town special while creating spaces that feel genuinely contemporary, not like they’re trying too hard to be cool.

Location & Neighborhood

Honestly, the location is pretty much perfect if you want to be in the thick of things in Edinburgh. Victoria Street is that famously winding cobblestone street that supposedly inspired Diagon Alley — and you’re literally staying right on it. The Royal Mile is maybe a two-minute walk, Edinburgh Castle looms right above you, and Grassmarket is just down the hill. I mean, couples rate the location 9.8 out of 10, and I totally get why — you can walk to everything that matters in the Old Town without breaking a sweat.

The Room Experience

The room design is where Virgin’s personality really shines through. They’ve got this whole rock-and-roll meets Scottish heritage thing going on that somehow works beautifully. The beds are seriously comfortable (which matters when you’ve been walking those cobblestones all day), and the bathrooms feel properly luxurious without being stuffy. What I really appreciated was how they’ve managed to soundproof things well — Old Town can get pretty lively, especially during festival season, but you’ll actually get some sleep.

Dining & Social Spaces

The restaurant and bar areas are where this five-star hotel really comes alive. Virgin knows how to create spaces where locals actually want to hang out, not just hotel guests passing through. The breakfast spread is genuinely impressive — they’ve got everything from proper Full English to continental options and really good vegetarian choices. The evening scene has this energy that feels more like a trendy Edinburgh hotspot than a hotel bar, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to get a feel for the city.

Why Guests Love It

What sets this place apart is how it manages to feel both distinctly Virgin and authentically Edinburgh at the same time. The staff actually seem to enjoy working here, which makes a huge difference in how your stay feels. You’re getting genuine luxury and style in one of the most atmospheric parts of the city, but without any of that stuffiness that can make five-star hotels feel intimidating. Plus, being right in the heart of Old Town means you’re living like a local rather than feeling like a tourist stuck in some generic hotel district.

Facilities