Let's begin our journey through Edinburgh's luxury hotels with two exceptional destinations that represent different facets of an exclusive vacation.

The Balmoral is a true Edinburgh icon, located at 1 Princes St. This five-star hotel, with an impressive 4.7 rating, combines historic charm with modern amenities. Guests praise the 'magnificent interiors and tasteful decor' as well as the 'very good and knowledgeable service.' The Balmoral is famous for its afternoon tea, which is described as a 'great experience' with staff 'very courteous and pleasant.' The hotel also stands out for its attention to detail - for example, for guests who have trouble sitting on low chairs, the staff prepares a special table without asking.

In contrast, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, located on Victoria St, represents a more modern approach to luxury. With a rating of 4.6, this hotel attracts guests with its innovative design and technological amenities. Guests praise the 'spacious, modern, comfortable' rooms equipped with control panels to manage lighting and other features. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh also offers a terrace on the 7th floor with 'beautiful views of the city.' The hotel's location is described as 'excellent', being 'right in the heart of the Old Town, next to everything you need during your stay'.

Comparing the two hotels, The Balmoral offers a more traditional, elegant experience with an emphasis on personalized service and historic character. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, on the other hand, focuses on modernity, technology and trendy design. The Balmoral may be a better choice for those seeking classic luxury and exceptional dining experiences, while Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will attract guests who value innovation and a modern lifestyle.

Both hotels offer quality service, although in the case of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, some guests have reported problems with noise from the street and the club. The Balmoral seems to be more consistent in providing a quiet stay.

In terms of amenities, both hotels offer on-site restaurants, but The Balmoral is particularly famous for its afternoon tea. Virgin Hotels Edinburgh stands out with its terrace overlooking the city.

Prices at both hotels are in the higher range, reflecting their luxury status. It's worth remembering, however, that prices can fluctuate depending on season and availability, so it's always best to check the official hotel websites for current deals.

Continuing our tour of Edinburgh's luxury hotels, let's take a closer look at two more gems: InterContinental Edinburgh the George and The Roseate Edinburgh.

The InterContinental Edinburgh the George, located at 19-21 George St, is a hotel that combines historic charm with modern amenities. With a 4.5 rating, this property attracts guests with its prime location in the city center. Guests praise the hotel for 'exceptional service and great management.' One guest describes it as 'a gem in the area,' highlighting its proximity to the center. The InterContinental Edinburgh the George offers a wide range of options for breakfast, although some guests suggested that the breakfast buffet could be better.

The Roseate Edinburgh, located at 4 W Coates, is a boutique hotel that also enjoys a rating of 4.5. This hotel stands out for its unique character and attention to detail. Guests often mention 'beautiful rooms' and 'clean and very comfortable' accommodations. The Roseate Edinburgh is famous for its afternoon tea, which is described as 'marvelous' with 'thoughtful service'. The hotel is particularly praised for its atmosphere and character, with guests praising its 'old architecture' and 'charm'.

Comparing the two hotels, the InterContinental Edinburgh the George offers a more traditional, luxurious experience in the heart of the city. It is a good choice for guests who appreciate its central location and easy access to Edinburgh's main attractions. The Roseate Edinburgh, on the other hand, offers a more intimate, boutique experience. It is an ideal option for those looking for uniqueness and personalized service.

In terms of amenities, both hotels offer quality accommodations and services. The InterContinental Edinburgh the George boasts a wider selection of amenities, typical of a large hotel chain. The Roseate Edinburgh, being a smaller property, focuses on personalized attention and unique experiences, such as the aforementioned afternoon tea.

In terms of pricing, both hotels are in the higher price range, which is typical of luxury properties in Edinburgh's city center. However, it is worth noting that The Roseate Edinburgh, as a smaller, boutique hotel, can offer more personalized packages and deals.

Location-wise, the InterContinental Edinburgh the George has an advantage for guests who want to be right in the center of things. The Roseate Edinburgh, while also well located, offers a slightly quieter environment.

Both options guarantee a luxurious stay, but choosing between them depends on personal preference. If you value a central location and a wide range of amenities, the InterContinental Edinburgh the George will be an excellent choice. If, on the other hand, you're looking for a more intimate, unique experience with an emphasis on personalized service, The Roseate Edinburgh will meet your needs.

The last, but certainly not the least, item on our list of top 5 luxury accommodations in Edinburgh is The Edinburgh Grand. Located at 42 St Andrew Square, this unique property offers guests a modern take on luxury in the historic heart of the city.

With an impressive rating of 4.6, The Edinburgh Grand stands out from other hotels for its unique character. It is a place that combines elements of a traditional hotel with the concept of luxury suites, offering guests more space and independence during their stay.

Guests particularly praise the location of The Edinburgh Grand, describing it as 'great.' The hotel is located in the heart of the city center, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Edinburgh's top attractions. One guest describes the place as 'by far my favorite hotel in Edinburgh,' indicating a high level of satisfaction.

Suites at The Edinburgh Grand are described as 'beautiful rooms, clean and very comfortable.' Many guests appreciate the spaciousness and functionality of the suites offered. What sets The Edinburgh Grand apart is the ability to use a fully equipped kitchen, which is rare in traditional luxury hotels. This amenity is especially appreciated by guests planning longer stays or who prefer more independence during their stay.

However, as with any hotel, The Edinburgh Grand has its strengths and weaknesses. Some guests reported problems with the service, particularly in terms of speed and efficiency. One guest mentioned problems with the fire alarm going off at night, which caused some inconvenience. It is worth noting, however, that such incidents are rather rare and the hotel usually receives positive feedback regarding the overall level of service.

Compared to the previously discussed hotels, The Edinburgh Grand offers a unique proposition for guests looking for something between a traditional hotel and an apartment rental. It is an ideal option for those who value space, independence and the ability to cook their own meals, while not sacrificing luxury amenities and a central location.

Prices at The Edinburgh Grand are comparable to other luxury hotels in Edinburgh's city center. Given the spaciousness of the suites and the additional amenities, such as a fully equipped kitchen, many guests feel that this offering represents good value for the money.

To sum up our journey through the top 5 luxury accommodations in Edinburgh, each of the featured hotels offers a unique experience. From the classic luxury of The Balmoral, to the modern style of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the elegance of InterContinental Edinburgh the George, the boutique feel of The Roseate Edinburgh, and the suite-like luxury of The Edinburgh Grand, there is something for everyone.

When choosing a place to stay for a luxury weekend in Edinburgh, it's worth considering not only price and location, but also individual preferences in terms of style, ambience and amenities offered. Whatever your choice, each of these five hotels guarantees an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Scottish capital.