As the Edinburgh Festival Fringe kicks off its 2026 run, The Witchery, a five-star hotel on the historic Royal Mile, emerges as the most expensive accommodation option, with one-night stays priced between £743 and £1,800 during peak times until August 31.
Luxury and History
Dubbed "the most romantic" and "famous" place to stay in Edinburgh, The Witchery began as a restaurant in 1979. Its name references the witch burnings that occurred nearby at Castlehill during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The hotel offers nine individually styled, gothic-inspired suites, each featuring velvet-draped beds, antique standing baths, and a complimentary bottle of champagne. The largest, "The Old Rectory," boasts seven windows overlooking the Royal Mile with views extending to the Kingdom of Fife.
Unique Suites and Dining
Other notable suites include "The Inner Sanctum," the first created, with an antique Victorian bath and tartan-lined study; "The Turret," recommended for a romantic experience; and "The Heriot," said to have inspired Hogwarts in Harry Potter.
Guests can dine at two restaurants—the candlelit Original Dining Room and the Secret Garden Dining Room—both open from noon to 10:30pm. Children under 10 and groups over six are not permitted to maintain ambience.
The Witchery has hosted celebrities like Ralph Fiennes, Jack Nicholson, and Christopher Lloyd, while Margot Robbie compared it to Hogwarts. Its reputation as "Edinburgh's most famous hotel and restaurant" makes it a prime choice for Fringe visitors.
