THE WITCHERY BY THE CASTLE, Edinburgh – A Smart Stay in the City
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Key details
About the Hotel
Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh,
Edinburgh,
United Kingdom,
EH1 2NF,
Edinburgh
Historic Gothic Suites
The Witchery By The Castle offers nine unique suites, each with distinct Gothic decor. Features include four-poster beds with velvet drapes, antique Victorian baths, tartan-lined studies, and oak-panelled bathrooms with roll-top baths. Some suites overlook the Royal Mile or Princes Street, while others include hidden chapel bathrooms or book-filled spaces with secret doors.
Opulent Dining Venues
The hotel houses two dining rooms: the Original, with 16th-century oak panels and candlelight, and the Secret Garden, featuring a hand-painted ceiling and a private terrace. The menu highlights Scottish produce, including Edinburgh Gin-cured salmon, haggis bon bons, and freshly baked scones. The wine cellar offers rare selections like Billecart-Salmon Champagne and Château Petrus.
Central Old Town Location
The Witchery By The Castle is in Edinburgh's Old Town, a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Nearby landmarks include Gladstone's Land (300 m), St Giles' Cathedral (500 m), and Princes Street Gardens (300 m). The area is known for its narrow alleys and historic buildings dating back to the 16th century.
Afternoon Tea & Events
The Witchery serves afternoon tea with options like pulled ham hock sandwiches and Breton biscuits with chocolate ganache. Private dining is available in both the Original and Secret Garden rooms. The hotel also partners with local foragers and farmers to source ingredients like Anster cheddar and smoked trout.
Unique Gothic Ambiance
Restored from 1595 buildings, the hotel blends historic conservation with dramatic Gothic design. Common areas feature Paisley fabric walls, French gilded furniture, and ecclesiastical red-and-gold accents. The rooftop offers views of Old Town rooftops, and themed suites include hidden passages and roll-top baths for two.
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Choose the Room
From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Wi-Fi
Parking
Luggage storage
24-hour services
24-hour reception
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Housekeeping
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Special diet menus
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Dressing area
Patio
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Location
Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh,
Edinburgh,
United Kingdom,
EH1 2NF,
Edinburgh
Map view
Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh,
Edinburgh,
United Kingdom,
EH1 2NF,
Edinburgh
City landmarks
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
2600 ft
Landmark
Arthur's Seat hike
1.3
mi
Palace
Palace of Holyroodhouse
5200 ft
Landmark
Calton Hill
4000 ft
Monument
Scott Monument
2300 ft
Landmark
Nelson Monument
4300 ft
Botanical Garden
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
1.2
mi
Museum
Museum of Childhood
2200 ft
Landmark
Surgeons' Hall Museums
3000 ft
Landmark
Princes Street
2100 ft
Museum
John Knox House
2400 ft
Museum
Dynamic Earth
5000 ft
Museum
The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland
2700 ft
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One
1.4
mi
Nearby
Museum
Edinburgh Castle
700 ft
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
200 ft
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
1000 ft
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
1300 ft
Park
Princes Street Gardens
600 ft
Museum
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
200 ft
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
1700 ft
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
1700 ft
Museum
The Writers' Museum
700 ft
Museum
Gladstone's Land
600 ft
354 Castlehill
The Scotch Whisky Experience
200 ft
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
1600 ft
Square
Grassmarket
1400 ft
Church
Mercat Cross
1700 ft
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
1600 ft
Gallery
City Art Centre
1900 ft
Restaurants
The Witchery by the Castle
100 ft
The Royal Mile 352 Castlehill
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
800 ft
12 N. Bank St
Amber Restaurant at the Scotch Whisky Experience
500 ft
354 Castlehill The Royal Mile
Cannonball Restaurant & Bar
200 ft
356 Castlehill
Hanam's Middle East Restaurant
400 ft
3 Johnston Terrace Near Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill Rooftop Diner
200 ft
555 Castlehill
The Castle Arms
400 ft
6 Johnston Terrace
Guest Ratings & Reviews
Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
9.3
9.3/10 based on 128 reviews
Geoffrey
United Kingdom,
April
2024
9.4/10
I was truly amazed by the opulence and exquisite decor of the rooms on the second floor where I stayed for my wedding preparations. Each room had its unique charm that left me breathless. The service, especially Blair who found a special leather hole punch for us, was exceptionally helpful and friendly. The location, right near town on the Royal Mile and beside Edinburgh Castle, was perfect for exploring the city. The dining experience was delicious, with a full Scottish breakfast and a friendly staff, and the facilities exceeded my expectations.
Rooms
10.0
The rooms were truly exquisite and different, a perfect choice for wedding prep.
Service
9.0
The staff, especially Blair, went above and beyond to assist us and make our stay comfortable.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location is unbeatable, right on the Royal Mile near town and next to Edinburgh Castle.
Dining
9.0
The dining experience was exactly what I expected, the full Scottish breakfast was delicious and the restaurant had a lovely decor.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities, including the wooden panelled restaurant and room amenities, were top-notch and added to the luxurious feel of the hotel.
Alan
United Kingdom,
March
2024
9.0/10
The hotel is located in a stunning spot right next to Edinburgh Castle, allowing for a unique and picturesque experience. The rooms are luxurious and charming, though the full Scottish breakfast left something to be desired. The friendly staff make the stay even more enjoyable, and the dining options are varied and delightful.
Rooms
9.0
Our room was gorgeous, very luxurious and somehow special.
Service
9.0
Rebecca, the owner James, and the restaurant manager were friendly, welcoming, and efficient, making our stay thoroughly enjoyable.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location right next to Edinburgh Castle is amazing, offering a treat of seeing the Oman Cavalry and pipe bands go by the window.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience, especially in the Armoury and Secret Garden, was fantastic with a variety of options available.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel offers a range of facilities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
luxurious rooms
disappointing breakfast
Norman
United States,
March
2024
9.0/10
I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The location was incredible, right in the center of the city and just a stone's throw away from the castle. The rooms were beautifully equipped with everything I could possibly need, and the staff went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable. However, there was a slight issue with disconnectiveness in the room layout, which was a bit of a downside.
Rooms
9.0
The rooms were absolutely beautiful and equipped with everything I could possibly need. The TV and DVD player with various DVDs, the coffee machine, fridge, blow dryer, and even a hair straightener were fantastic.
Service
9.0
The service was incredibly helpful throughout my stay. The staff were friendly and went out of their way to assist with any requests, from arranging early breakfast to helping with transportation.
Location
10.0
The location is unbeatable, right in the center of everything, near the castle and with easy access to the train station. Being in the Witchery added a touch of magic to my stay.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was really lovely, especially the iconic sandwiches I had in my room. The breakfast spread was fantastic, with a variety of options to choose from.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were top-notch, making my stay even more enjoyable. Everything was well-maintained and provided for a comfortable experience.
Philip
United Kingdom,
September
2023
9.4/10
My stay at this hotel was absolutely wonderful! The rooms are stunning, spacious, and equipped with everything you could possibly need for a luxury hotel experience. Roxy, who served me, was the happiest person I've ever met. The service was top-notch, going above and beyond to ensure my dining experience was fabulous. The location is simply unbeatable, right in the heart of everything. The dining experience, although a bit pricey, was worth every penny. The facilities were excellent, making my stay truly memorable.
Rooms
10.0
The rooms are equipped with everything you could possibly need, like a TV player, DVD player, coffee machine, fridge, blow dryer, and even a hair straightener. Above the restaurant.
Service
9.0
The staff was incredibly helpful throughout my stay, from rapid replies before my arrival to little kindnesses during my visit. The full Scottish breakfast was beyond generous.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location is unmatched, a short walk from the train station and only a few buildings away from the castle. In the secret heart of Edinburgh, the team's positive attitude made my experience truly unforgettable.
Dining
9.0
The hotel's dining, including the continental breakfast, was a delightful experience. Pricey but worth it.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were top-notch, enhancing my overall stay.