Hotel inspected by the Tourist Board (Visit Scotland) for level of service and facilities. (Reflected in the number of stars awarded)Hotels that are inspected by the AA for their level of service and facilities are reflected in the number of stars awarded.Best Western star rating

Shopping

There are 4 main undercover shopping centres in Edinburgh.

St James Shopping is located in the heart of Edinburgh’s cosmopolitan city centre and offers shoppers a fabulous range of stores … from John Lewis and Next, to Republic, River Island and Wallis. Shoppers can relax and catch up with friends over a coffee in Costa, or have a bite to eat in Food on 1 or The Place to Eat restaurant in John Lewis. www.stjamesshopping.com/

Ocean Terminal

With over 70 shops and free undercover parking, Ocean Terminal is a relaxing shopping experience at Edinburgh's waterfront. Offering everyday essentials plus special treats including spa and beauty care, there are bars, restaurants, and a multi-screen cinema too. www.oceanterminal.com/home.asp


The Gyle Shopping Centre
The Gyle is situated to the west of, and on the periphery of Edinburgh. There is easy access by car and public transport. The two main stores are Marks & Spencer and Morrison's, alonng with many smaller 'brand name' shops. www.gyleshopping.co.uk/index.shtml


Princes Mall
With bags of choice from shoes to skateboards, make-up to must-have accessories and a stunning array of up-to-the-minute fashion fixes and investment buys – Princes Mall has it covered! With a location that’s hard to beat – Princes Mall has a world of fashion and food right in the heart of Edinburgh. www.princesmall-edinburgh.co.uk/

Christmas Shopping

Edinburgh also has some very interesting areas of small shops - some brand chain but many are independantly owned. The Grassmarket sits beneath the towering volcanic rock with Edinburgh Castle and in 2008 was transformed by a redevelopment of its street with greatly enhanceed pedestrian areas. With an eclectic mix of shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels it should be a 'must visit' whilst you are in Edinburgh. www.grassmarket.net . The Royal Mile which runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood and the Scottish Parliament is just the place for Scottish souveniers.

Some parts of Edinburgh are so different and quirky they are practically 'villages' in their own right. The West End, Stockbridge and Bruntsfield are all within walking distance or a short bus ride from the city centre and provide an ideal hunting ground for the more unique items.

The centre of Edinburgh is seriously stylish. Here you'll find Harvey Nichols, a shrine to style. Packed with designer names, Stella McCartney, Prada and Gucci to name but a few - this is a must for every fashionista! Just around the corner is Multrees Walk, home to some serious designer labels, including Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani and Mulberry. Just a short walk across St Andrew Square takes you to Jenners, Edinburgh's original department - a magnet for fashion lovers since 1838.

Princes Street offers a shopping experience with a difference - the perfect mix of shopping and sightseeing, with High Street favourites, such as Zara, Gap, H&M and Frasers on one side and the spectacular Edinburgh Castle on the other. A block away from Princes Street is George Street. With it's divine mix of sophisticated shops and hip bars, this is one stylish street not to be missed! Visit Lime Blue for sparkling diamonds, The White Company for exclusive home accessories, Space NK for a spot of pampering and LK Bennett for a fantastic selection of shoes!