VISITSCOTLAND offers a Hogmanay break via its website, at visitscotland.com/holidays this is based on a stay at an Edinburgh hotel, over one, two or three nights, full Scottish breakfast on each day, and a pass to the Royal Bank Street Party on New Year's Eve.
“We’re recommending that people book as soon as possible, as Hogmanay breaks tend to be extremely popular. The rate starts at £105 ($199) per person, depending on hotel and length of stay selected,” says a spokesperson.
Away from VisitScotland.com, hotels across the city are promoting their own packages. Edinburgh has a fantastic selection of accommodation to suit every taste and budget, from five star hotels and sleek boutique stays, to cosy guesthouses and great value-for-money hostels.
At the top of the range, The Balmoral Hotel (roccofortehotels.com) is offering a Hogmanay break. Its package includes a black-tie Hogmanay celebration, with highlights including a glittering champagne and canapés reception, followed by an exquisite four-course menu accompanied by a selection of fine wines. This is following by the magnificent fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle. The Hogmanay Experience costs from £555 per room per night (based on a minimum of two nights), attendance at the Gala Ball for two and complimentary use of The Balmoral Spa.
For a great four-star stay, the spokeswoman points travellers in the direction of the George Hotel (principal-hotels.com) In addition to its usual rate for standard and luxury rooms, it is also hosting a spectacular Hogmanay ball in its King's Hall, featuring a five-course banquet and a ceilidh (traditional Scottish music) band. “Tickets for the Hogmanay Ball cost £119 per person, plus a room rate of £199 per room per night, this is a very good rate by Edinburgh standards,” says the spokesperson.
The Townhouse group (townhousecompany.com), which owns some of the loveliest hotels in Edinburgh, including Channings and the Howard are offering New Year break packages. Channings is offering three nights' luxury accommodation, a full Scottish breakfast, a three-course dinner on 31 December and 1 January, and passes for two to the Royal Bank Street Party. The rate is £410 per person.
Edinburgh also has a great choice of cosy, often family-run, guesthouses. Many feature family rooms.
Staying in a hostel in Edinburgh certainly doesn’t mean scrimping on comfort or style: there are a number of well-appointed hostels in the city, including the new Smart City Hostel in a great location just off the Royal Mile. The hostel has 620 beds, all in rooms with en-suite facilities. There’s also a bistro restaurant, a café, Internet access, and family and female-only rooms.
On the other side of town is the Scottish Youth Hostel Association’s newest hostel in the city, the Edinburgh Central Hostel. Situated on Leith Walk, and only a few minutes from Princes Street, the hostel will offer en suite rooms, a café and restaurant, full dining, self-catering facilities and a clean modern design.
Several of the properties mentioned also offer Christmas deals.