My husband and I will be traveling to Edinburgh next year (in May) after our trip to Ireland & Liverpool and I wanted to rent an apartment there near the Royal Mile. I've searched AIRBNB and VRBO so far, contacted two people (who didn't have availability for various reasons) and was wondering if anyone has ever rented a short term rental in Edinburgh and if so, what was your experience, can you recommend one or just your thoughts on doing this please? The main reason I'd like to rent an apartment is to have more space than a hotel room (living room, kitchen, bedroom & bath) and also because the first portion of our trip is all hotel room stays so I think it would be a nice change. Thanks!
Posted by
Redding, California
244 posts
We stayed in an apartment in Edinburgh last May. Knights Residence, we booked through Booking.com. Our apartment was close to the Royal Mile, a short walking distance. We enjoyed our stay. The apartment was clean and comfortable. We reserved the two bedroom, but I think they also have one bedroom. Good location, short walk to restaurants and pubs as well as the Royal Mile.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10597 posts
In September 2014 we rented a 3 bedroom apartment in Edinburgh. While too large for you, I just wanted to relate our experience. I found it on VRBO. I've used VRBO, Home Away and Airbnb with mostly good experiences. Out of over a dozen rentals I've only had two that didn't live up to the reviews. Even those weren't deal breakers, I just wouldn't recommend them. Our Edinburgh apartment was fantastic and a great bargain for sharing with another couple. Check the Home Away website. You might find something there.
Posted by
824 posts
Try TripAdvisor or its UK sister site holidaylettings. There are hundreds of apartments in all price-ranges and one or more are bound to be available.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2681 posts
I would avoid anything to do with booking through Trip Advisor and Holiday lettings ,I am a regular poster on Trip Advisor Support forums and these are getting inundated with problems arising from booking through these companies, there seems to be little or no support for when problems occur both for renters and owners.
Personally I would use Booking.com to look for places in Edinburgh.
Posted by
Seattle
287 posts
I also stayed at the Knight's Residence in Edinburgh last year. I had the one bedroom apartment which was huge, particularly since I was traveling solo. Large comfy bed, nice living room area, small dining table, nice-size kitchen with a washer dryer and a nice bathroom. Really, everything you could want. There was a Sainsbury within half a block for buying food supplies. The desk personnel were friendly and courteous and it is a very easy walk to the Royal Mile and lots of pubs & eateries in the Grassmarket area.
Posted by
OP
Michigan, United States
703 posts
I ended up going with an apartment on VRBO/Home Away. Great communication from the owner, great location a couple of blocks off the Royal Mile but close enough to be very convenient and great reviews. Looks like it has everything we need. I can't wait.
Posted by
Edinburgh
2681 posts
good location and the old school was only converted to apartments a few years ago.
You are in the heart of the Old University area and some interesting buildings a courtyard you can visit.
http://www.ed.ac.uk/files/atoms/files/edinburgh-self-guided-tour.pdf
I work for the University but in the medical school to the south of the city but worth having a wander round some of the outstanding buildings of the area.
Loads of cafes, bars and restaurants in easy reach too.