Ben Cruachan Guesthouse in Edinburgh

Are the reviews that you've read any different to what you may receive from members of this forum? I write reviews on Tripadvisor but would you give more credence to my opinion if I provided it here over my review on Tripadvisor?

Your concerns about location, proximity to an automobile service shop, long walk uphill to town and confirmation about some rooms without bathrooms have been established and cannot be altered so if you feel that these would be an issue for you then you may want to reconsider. No amount of glowing reviews about staff, room cleanliness etc will change the fact that you have concerns about stuff that the hotel management have no control over.

Yes, actually, I think I would give more credit to a reply about my specific concerns from those on this site who have stayed there. I do read TripAdvisor reviews and take them into consideration. That being said, it would ease my mind if someone who had stayed there said "Sure, it's a 20 minute walk but the bus comes by every 5 minutes." or "The business across the street closes at 5pm and it doesn't disturb your sleep.".
So, yes, TripAdvisor reviews are extremely helpful but I'm totally female so I tend to ask a lot of questions. You'd be surprised how much I learn by doing that.

Paula, we haven't stayed there but I took a run through 32 or so pages of TA reviews out of curiosity. Given what I read, I'm puzzled that you have any misgivings about this property? Practically all of the reviews rate this guesthouse highly, look to be from "legitimate" guests, and it wasn't until I hit page 18 that I ran into a negative rant. That one was clearly from someone with an attitude problem and unrealistic expectations so could be discarded.

It was another 7 pages before seeing a comment about the room with an adjoining - but not in-suite - bathroom but it was still a positive review, and that guest had been informed in advance of the situation. Didn't feel the need to look back further than page 32.

It's very nearly impossible to find an accommodation anywhere at all with perfect review scores - there's always something complainers can find to complain about! - but I wouldn't personally advise cancelling your booking based on those extremely few negative comments.

I agree. I wouldn't cancel a reservation based on a couple of bad reviews. Everyone has opinion and our opinions can be tainted by outside factors such as being a weary traveller.
With it being our last night before heading back to the US, we probably will only be concerned about the bed anyway!

Truthfully, my main concern was if it was close enough to walk to the main part of town since we return our car that afternoon and if public transportation is readliy available.

Thanks for your reply and for taking time to check into it.

Maybe you could email the B&B and ask them about public transportation, etc. It is only for one night so I can't understand why being across from an auto service shop is a concern.

I didn't see any complaints about noise at all but staying anywhere in the middle of a busy city can bother people with sensitive ears. A fair number of city travelers on the Europe forums mention traveling with earplugs for that reason.

As far as walkability, that's up to individual factors such as weather and fitness levels. Looking at where this property is located, I'd consider it walkable to most central attractions - and read multiple comments from guests who'd done so - but we're pretty hearty hoofers. If walking 4-5 miles or so in a day is a problem for you, then you might need public transport. Looks like there's a tram stop just up the street at York Place.

https://edinburghtrams.com

We are hikers and runners so the walk won't be a physical issue. I do have some concerns about walking that far after dark in an unfamiliar place though.

I'm glad you mentioned the earplugs! I will make sure I have some.