24 January 2023
Business travel is changing. While short, intensive trips still have their place, many organisations are now opting for longer stays that allow teams to embed themselves in a city, build stronger local connections and work more effectively over time. Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the UK’s most attractive cities for foreign investment and business growth, underpinned by a highly skilled workforce and strong infrastructure.
As Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh plays a central role in technology, finance, life sciences, education and the creative industries. Its compact layout, strong transport links and high quality of life make it especially well-suited to professionals staying for weeks or even months at a time. For businesses and individuals alike, a longer business stay in Edinburgh can offer practical, professional and personal advantages that are difficult to achieve on a short visit.
Longer business stays are no longer limited to relocation projects or consultancy work. They are increasingly used for product launches, research collaborations, secondments, training programmes and hybrid working arrangements.
Extended stays allow professionals to settle into a routine, reduce travel fatigue and spend more time focusing on outcomes rather than logistics. They also create space to build meaningful relationships with clients, partners and local teams, which can be harder to achieve during short, high-pressure visits.
Edinburgh’s balance of professional opportunity and lifestyle appeal makes it particularly attractive for this type of business travel. The city offers the infrastructure of a major economic centre while remaining accessible, walkable and easy to navigate.
Edinburgh is one of the UK’s leading centres for science, technology and innovation. The city has a well-established reputation in areas such as fintech, data science, artificial intelligence and life sciences, supported by close collaboration between academia and industry.
The University of Edinburgh plays a significant role in this ecosystem, offering multiple research and innovation centres that support start-ups, SMEs and global organisations. These include Edinburgh Research and Innovation, the Edinburgh Technology Transfer Centre and Edinburgh Technopole, which provides resources and facilities for growing businesses.
For professionals staying longer, this environment offers opportunities to collaborate, recruit and innovate while benefiting from a city that actively supports business development.
One of the key benefits of an extended business stay in Edinburgh is access to its highly skilled workforce. The city is home to several world class universities, including the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University, which are closely connected to university-led innovation and industry collaboration programmes that support business growth and knowledge sharing, alongside nearby institutions such as Queen Margaret University.
Together, these universities produce a steady stream of graduates across technology, engineering, finance, creative disciplines and the sciences. For businesses spending extended periods in the city, this creates opportunities to connect with local talent, form partnerships and build long-term relationships that extend beyond the duration of a single project.
Edinburgh’s cultural profile is another factor that supports longer business stays. The city is internationally known for its festivals, arts scene and creative energy, which reach their peak during the summer months but remain present throughout the year.
Events such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe attract global audiences and professionals from a wide range of industries. For those staying longer, this cultural activity provides opportunities for networking, client engagement and downtime that feels genuinely rewarding rather than rushed.
This balance between professional life and cultural enrichment is a key reason why many business travellers choose to extend their time in the city.
Edinburgh’s compact size is a major advantage for extended stays. Much of the city centre is walkable, reducing daily travel time and making it easier to move between meetings, accommodation and social spaces.
Edinburgh Airport is located around 12 km from the city centre and offers extensive connections across the UK, Europe, North America and beyond. Within the city, reliable public transport options including buses, trams and trains make commuting straightforward, while taxis are readily available when needed.
For professionals staying longer, this ease of movement helps create a more balanced daily routine and reduces the friction often associated with working in larger, more sprawling cities.
A longer business stay creates space to experience a city beyond meeting rooms and offices. Edinburgh offers a wide range of opportunities to combine work with leisure, supporting wellbeing and work-life balance during extended trips.
Professionals staying longer can explore landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the Royal Mile at a relaxed pace, rather than trying to fit everything into a single afternoon. Neighbourhoods like Leith offer a different side of the city, with waterside dining, independent shops and a strong local character.
Edinburgh’s green spaces, historic streets and vibrant food scene make it easy to unwind after work or host informal meetings in settings that feel distinctly local.
Choosing the right accommodation is essential when staying in a city for an extended period. Fraser Suites Edinburgh is designed to support longer business stays by combining the space and flexibility of serviced apartments with the services of a hotel.
Located just off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the property occupies a striking Victorian sandstone building that places guests within easy reach of the city centre, business districts and transport links. Waverley Station is a short walk away, making regional and national travel simple.
The property offers a range of suite options, from classic deluxe and junior suites to larger one-bedroom and premium suites. Each is designed to provide a comfortable living environment, with separate sleeping and living areas, fully equipped kitchenettes and space to work or relax.
For longer stays, these features make a meaningful difference. Guests have room to establish routines, maintain privacy and separate work from downtime in a way that standard hotel rooms often cannot.
Fraser Suites Edinburgh offers facilities that are particularly valuable during longer stays. These include a fully equipped 24-hour gym, a laundrette and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.
The aparthotel offers a continental breakfast in the Lobby Lounge each morning, providing a convenient start to the day. Communal spaces and a welcoming lobby environment also support informal meetings and moments of relaxation. The property is certified Silver Green Tourism and powered by 100 percent renewable energy, supporting more sustainable travel choices.
Long stay and VIP guests benefit from additional touches, including welcome gifts and access to discounted long stay rates, adding further value over time.
A longer business stay requires accommodation that adapts to daily life rather than dictating it. Fraser Suites Edinburgh offers a balance of independence, comfort and service that suits professionals spending extended periods in the city.
With spacious suites, central location and facilities designed for longer stays, it provides a practical base from which to work, explore and settle into Edinburgh’s professional and cultural life.
Whether you are planning a project-based assignment, a temporary relocation or a hybrid working stay, Edinburgh offers clear advantages for longer business travel, and Fraser Suites Edinburgh offers a setting that supports you throughout your time in the city.
Business trips can range from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on the purpose of travel. Longer business stays are increasingly common for project-based work, training programmes, research collaborations and temporary relocations, where continuity and local presence are important.
Yes. Edinburgh is well suited to longer business stays thanks to its compact layout, strong transport links, skilled workforce and high quality of life. The city offers a balance of professional opportunity and lifestyle benefits that support extended periods of work.
A long-term hotel stay can provide flexibility, convenience and comfort for business travellers. Benefits often include more space, access to kitchen facilities, on-site amenities and services, and the ability to maintain routines during an extended stay.
Serviced apartments are often better suited to longer business stays because they offer more space, separate living and working areas, and greater independence. This can make extended stays more comfortable and productive compared to traditional hotel rooms.