Hello fellow travelers - Looking for suggestions for hotels in Edinburgh next August. Would like to get far ahead of things as I know that is a busy & expensive time in the city. We are looking to stay for three nights in a very central location (easy walk to the castle is very important as we will be attending the Tattoo and I don't want to worry about transportation after). We are traveling with children and some family a bit limited on mobility (would need an elevator). Budget is preferably below $500 a night, although I am not sure how realistic this is given the time of year. I am really far out to even be able to see rates for my dates but will email the hotel directly if anyone has suggestions. Many thanks!!
Posted by
Chicagoland
1114 posts
MMKBoston, I just checked online availability for Tigerlily in New Town where we stayed in 2023. Regular rooms are mostly already booked for the Tattoo dates, August 7-29. There's are suites and an odd regular room available here and there.
Premier Inns in the city will accept reservations 1 year in advance and are already booked through 15Aug.
Take a look at Booking. Com. There is availability for next August, but try to book directly with the hotel. Grab something ASAP that will work for you that is fully refundable in case you find something better later.
Posted by
OP
31 posts
Thank you, Jeanm! I appreciate you taking the time to look. Here I thought I was ahead of the game! I will book something tonight. Have you by chance been to the tattoo? wondering when they release tickets for next year.
Posted by
Chicagoland
1114 posts
MMKBoston, we attended the Tattoo so long ago, I think I had to send a letter requesting tickets.
According to
Edinburgh Tattoo ticket FAQs they go on sale August 25..
Regarding your travelers with limited mobility issues. Edinburgh has hills and a lot of stairs. What looks like a short distance might be more difficult for some due to this. We had no problems in 2023 using Uber when needed. But, we weren't there during the Tattoo.
Posted by
Lake District, England
10270 posts
The Accor Hotels group (Ibis and the like) and Travelodge are both only open up until June.
Posted by
SoCal
1985 posts
The Radisson Blu is likely double the OP's budget during the Festival dates. Ibis looks to be within budget.
Posted by
Freedonia
17766 posts
I was in Edinburgh today spending time with my cousin who was attending Fringe. It was very crowded. However, he said, Sunday was much worse and they literally couldn't move through the crowd.
They're staying at the Radisson Blu. The location is great and they enjoy the hotel.
Regarding your limited mobility.....Edinburgh is very hilly. Edinburgh Castle is up a good sized hill.
Posted by
77 posts
I was in Edinburgh to attend the Tattoo last year. I stayed at the Hotel Ibis - Hunter Square. It had an elevator and breakfast. It was just off the Mile and I believe it was a ten minute walk from the castle back to the hotel after the performance.
I booked my room in February and many hotels had limited availability by then so the earlier you book the better selection you will have.
Posted by
SoCal
1985 posts
As regards accessibility for those with mobility challenges: https://www.edintattoo.co.uk/the-show/accessibility?fbclid=IwY2xjawMQ8eRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3ZlFOTmtFUVJ5eElVSWdIAR4qgKSiP7XfmSoobS-AS3atFprnLU2bpCNAB-PKrKyGddDWPCoSx8hjVcglzw_aem_9A_wqaOKIm5h1otwgfN62w
Posted by
OP
31 posts
Thank you all for your help! Much appreciate your expertise! I am curious as to whether those that have been to the tattoo feel it is worth dealing with the crowds? Is it so crowded it is miserable to be in the city? Half of our group has been to Edinburgh before but we have thought of this as sort of a "bucket list" event to attend. I can up my budget if I need to but will look into Ibis first! Thank you again!
Posted by
London
631 posts
Edinburgh in general is extremely crowded during the festival season in August, when the population more than doubles. To be honest it feels like a completely different city than the rest of the year. However, if you are really keen on seeing the Tattoo (or any other festival related events) I wouldn't let that put you off- it's part of the experience. I would not say at all that it is miserable.
Posted by
Connecticut
750 posts
I’ve stayed in Edinburgh and attended the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on three different occasions. Each time there seemed to be more and more people along with more activities. The crowds will be part of the experience. Along with the Tattoo there are lots of events, shows, etc to enjoy. In 2019 during my last visit things (accommodations and restaurants) were reasonably priced and easily accessible. My most enjoyable stays were in accommodations away from the Royal Mile. However that required a trek uphill to attend the premiere event. I stayed at the Hilton on North Bridge Street, an apartment hotel near Princess Street, and another location north of Princess Street in a quiet neighborhood. Regarding seating for the Tattoo I found that for me the best seating was sections near mid field and half way up the stadium. At lower levels the view was limited and at higher levels things seemed too far away. Note - the Tattoo exhibition occurs whether it raining or sunshine (at least in past).