The Witchery
Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
About This Property
Opulent Suites with Gothic Touches
Discover the allure of The Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh, where each lavishly furnished suite offers a unique, opulent experience. From large oak beds to velvet-lined walls, indulge in the gothic charm with flamboyant red and gold décor.
Luxurious Amenities and Views
Experience luxury beyond compare with separate seating areas, large bathrooms featuring free-standing silver baths, and captivating views of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile or the old town. The walk-in dressing rooms, love seats, and tapestries add a touch of elegance to each of the 9 distinct suites.
Indulgent Dining and Celebrity Appeal
Wake up to an indulgent breakfast hamper or savor a cooked breakfast in the restaurant at no extra cost. As featured in The Times and The Telegraph, The Witchery’s seductive glamour has attracted celebrity fans, offering a dining experience as decadent as its surroundings.
Book your unforgettable stay at The Witchery by the Castle now.
Why guests recommend it
Facilities & Services (34)
Available Rooms
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Guest reviews
Most recent
Restaurant experience.
My partner and I decided to dine here after receiving a recommendation, as we were celebrating our recent engagement and our final evening in Edinburgh before spending our last week in London. Unfortunately, this is not a restaurant we would return to. From the moment we arrived after spending the day exploring Edinburgh Castle, the experience felt unwelcoming. The host repeatedly looked down at our athletic hiking shoes, even though we were both dressed nicely in sweaters suitable for the occasion. If there is a dress code that includes footwear, that should be communicated politely before guests are seated. We would have happily returned after changing shoes if that had been the case. The appetizers were excellent, with the lobster bisque being the standout of the meal. Unfortunately, the experience declined from there. We ordered the shared beef entrée, which cost over $200, and followed the restaurant’s recommendation to have the meat cooked medium. However, it arrived more well-done than expected, despite our preference for it closer to medium-rare. This unfortunately took away from what should have been a fantastic cut of meat, leaving it tough and overcooked. Although the restaurant presents itself as offering white-tablecloth service, no one checked on our table after the food arrived. The dim lighting also made it nearly impossible to get anyone’s attention, and despite trying to flag down staff several times, they walked right past us. Whether that was due to the lighting or inattentiveness, we were left without an opportunity to address the issue promptly. When we were finally able to speak with someone about the overcooked beef, we were told we should have mentioned it sooner and that they would have prepared another one. Rather than acknowledging the lack of service that prevented us from bringing it up earlier, the responsibility was placed on us. The cocktails were also disappointing. I ordered a whisky sour, and it tasted as though it had been made with premixed sour mix rather than fresh ingredients. It was disappointing to see what should have been a quality whisky cocktail executed this way. As diners who have enjoyed many fine dining experiences, we simply cannot justify the value here. While the appetizers were memorable, they were not enough to offset the disappointing service, overcooked main course, and underwhelming drinks. At this price point, there are many better restaurants in Edinburgh offering more attentive service, better execution, and more creative menus.
👍 Liked
- • My partner and I decided to dine here after receiving a recommendation, as we were celebrating our recent engagement and our final evening in Edinburgh before spending our last week in London. Unfortunately, this is not a restaurant we would return to. From the moment we arrived after spending the day exploring Edinburgh Castle, the experience felt unwelcoming. The host repeatedly looked down at our athletic hiking shoes, even though we were both dressed nicely in sweaters suitable for the occasion. If there is a dress code that includes footwear, that should be communicated politely before guests are seated. We would have happily returned after changing shoes if that had been the case. The appetizers were excellent, with the lobster bisque being the standout of the meal. Unfortunately, the experience declined from there. We ordered the shared beef entrée, which cost over $200, and followed the restaurant’s recommendation to have the meat cooked medium. However, it arrived more well-done than expected, despite our preference for it closer to medium-rare. This unfortunately took away from what should have been a fantastic cut of meat, leaving it tough and overcooked. Although the restaurant presents itself as offering white-tablecloth service, no one checked on our table after the food arrived. The dim lighting also made it nearly impossible to get anyone’s attention, and despite trying to flag down staff several times, they walked right past us. Whether that was due to the lighting or inattentiveness, we were left without an opportunity to address the issue promptly. When we were finally able to speak with someone about the overcooked beef, we were told we should have mentioned it sooner and that they would have prepared another one. Rather than acknowledging the lack of service that prevented us from bringing it up earlier, the responsibility was placed on us. The cocktails were also disappointing. I ordered a whisky sour, and it tasted as though it had been made with premixed sour mix rather than fresh ingredients. It was disappointing to see what should have been a quality whisky cocktail executed this way. As diners who have enjoyed many fine dining experiences, we simply cannot justify the value here. While the appetizers were memorable, they were not enough to offset the disappointing service, overcooked main course, and underwhelming drinks. At this price point, there are many better restaurants in Edinburgh offering more attentive service, better execution, and more creative menus.
A perfect experience
I cannot give enough praise and love to the Witchery. Our stay was absolutely magical- the worst part was leaving! We were able to enjoy the rides to and from the airport from Paul who gave us tips and genuinely made us feel welcome. He even found us in the airport before we left because my husband left his phone in the car! The reception was warm and hospitable. Our bags were delivered to and from our rooms, the turn down service was incredible. The champagne and champagne reception in the shop were lovely. The room, the views, the music. All perfect. We were lucky enough to have an afternoon tea (which was literally the best I’ve ever had!) and dinner and both were perfect. The food, the service the atmosphere were fantastic. We came to celebrate our anniversary and they made us feel welcome and comfortable. Thank you for the best trip we’ve ever had!
👍 Liked
- • I cannot give enough praise and love to the Witchery. Our stay was absolutely magical- the worst part was leaving! We were able to enjoy the rides to and from the airport from Paul who gave us tips and genuinely made us feel welcome. He even found us in the airport before we left because my husband left his phone in the car! The reception was warm and hospitable. Our bags were delivered to and from our rooms, the turn down service was incredible. The champagne and champagne reception in the shop were lovely. The room, the views, the music. All perfect. We were lucky enough to have an afternoon tea (which was literally the best I’ve ever had!) and dinner and both were perfect. The food, the service the atmosphere were fantastic. We came to celebrate our anniversary and they made us feel welcome and comfortable. Thank you for the best trip we’ve ever had!
Terrible never going back ever again. Was way overhyped
I felt the waiter treated me differently because of my race. He explained the menu thoroughly to the customer next to me but didn’t offer me the same service, and my food took 45 minutes to arrive.
👍 Liked
- • I felt the waiter treated me differently because of my race. He explained the menu thoroughly to the customer next to me but didn’t offer me the same service, and my food took 45 minutes to arrive.
Highly, highly recommend!
Everything! It was the most incredible room I’ve ever stayed in. The staff was amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better location!
👍 Liked
- • Everything! It was the most incredible room I’ve ever stayed in. The staff was amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better location!
👎 Disliked
- • Absolutely nothing!
Excellent old world experience steps from the castle
The historic feel , the superb staffing service
👍 Liked
- • The historic feel , the superb staffing service
👎 Disliked
- • I liked everything about it
Iconic hotel so close to the Castle, amazing service. Once in a lifetime experience.
Wonderful location, iconic hotel, fascinating decor it's just such an experience - without a doubt different (in a good way) from anywhere you'll ever stay. Service is magnificent. The rooms are huge, I think 'suites' is a better word. It's an historic building, so be prepared 'no AC', and the beds are Queen sized.
👍 Liked
- • Wonderful location, iconic hotel, fascinating decor it's just such an experience - without a doubt different (in a good way) from anywhere you'll ever stay. Service is magnificent. The rooms are huge, I think 'suites' is a better word. It's an historic building, so be prepared 'no AC', and the beds are Queen sized.
A pleasant surprise🙂
We walked by The Witchery after leaving Edinburgh Castle around lunchtime. I’d honestly written it off as a “tourist trap” because of some harsh reviews online, but the close looked so inviting that we asked about a table. No reservation, and they seated us right away in the main dining room next to the Secret Garden. The experience: Daytime light made the room feel grand without being dark or stuffy. It wasn’t packed, but there was a nice buzz. We were never rushed — we bought a bottle of wine and lingered. Service: Excellent. Staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely nice. Zero attitude or awkward formality. Food: We split the lamb Wellington for two at €50 and it was excellent. Rich, perfectly cooked, and honestly good value for the setting and portion. Everything we had was delicious. Vibe: This is what The Witchery does best. Candlelit, oak beams, red leather booths, 16th-century atmosphere right by the Castle. It’s historic and romantic without being pretentious. What it’s NOT: If you’re expecting Michelin-star innovation or white-glove fine dining service, this isn’t that. It’s classic Scottish food, done well, in an unforgettable setting. You’re paying for atmosphere + history as much as the plate. Tips: Lunch is the way to do it. More relaxed, better value, easier to walk in. Dinner prices are much higher and expectations seem to be what trips people up. We went in expecting to be disappointed and left planning to come back. Highly recommend if you go for the experience, not for a culinary pilgrimage. Although food was delicious.
👍 Liked
- • We walked by The Witchery after leaving Edinburgh Castle around lunchtime. I’d honestly written it off as a “tourist trap” because of some harsh reviews online, but the close looked so inviting that we asked about a table. No reservation, and they seated us right away in the main dining room next to the Secret Garden. The experience: Daytime light made the room feel grand without being dark or stuffy. It wasn’t packed, but there was a nice buzz. We were never rushed — we bought a bottle of wine and lingered. Service: Excellent. Staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely nice. Zero attitude or awkward formality. Food: We split the lamb Wellington for two at €50 and it was excellent. Rich, perfectly cooked, and honestly good value for the setting and portion. Everything we had was delicious. Vibe: This is what The Witchery does best. Candlelit, oak beams, red leather booths, 16th-century atmosphere right by the Castle. It’s historic and romantic without being pretentious. What it’s NOT: If you’re expecting Michelin-star innovation or white-glove fine dining service, this isn’t that. It’s classic Scottish food, done well, in an unforgettable setting. You’re paying for atmosphere + history as much as the plate. Tips: Lunch is the way to do it. More relaxed, better value, easier to walk in. Dinner prices are much higher and expectations seem to be what trips people up. We went in expecting to be disappointed and left planning to come back. Highly recommend if you go for the experience, not for a culinary pilgrimage. Although food was delicious.
Save your money.
Horrible service and horrible food. Save your money and do not go here, it was incredibly dirty.
👍 Liked
- • Horrible service and horrible food. Save your money and do not go here, it was incredibly dirty.
Magnificent stay expensive but once a lifetime must
Magnificent experience with special rooms with all details taken care of, very friendly personnel for who nothing is too much, good food and great breakfast and quiet despite being on the Royal Mile
👍 Liked
- • Magnificent experience with special rooms with all details taken care of, very friendly personnel for who nothing is too much, good food and great breakfast and quiet despite being on the Royal Mile
Just gorgeous. A once-in-a-lifetime stay.
The front desk staff were amazingly helpful and accommodating. Blair in the restaurant was also superb - fun and friendly and informative about the history and the area. This place is just incredible.
👍 Liked
- • The front desk staff were amazingly helpful and accommodating. Blair in the restaurant was also superb - fun and friendly and informative about the history and the area. This place is just incredible.
👎 Disliked
- • Only hard part was parking, but desk staff and managers were VERY helpful and had great recommendations and solutions.
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