Accommodations in Edinburgh for July 09

I have stayed in a number different parts of Edinburgh over the years, but my favorite is a small hotel near The Royal Botanic Gardens. The Inverleith was smoke free before the smoking ban in Scotland for pubs. It's family run, it's got a wee bar for the residents, the breakfast is good, and it's a quick bus ride up the hill to Prince's Street or the Royal Mile. I usually walk back down at the end of the day. The hosts are friendly and helpful. The rooms can be small, but fine for sleeping. I like be off the bustle of the Royal Mile and closer to neighborhood Edinburgh. For example, a couple of years ago, instead of going to Prince's street to see the end-of-festival fireworks display, I followed my hosts recommendation and went to a neighborhood park. It was like being at your hometown's Fourth of July. Pam

If you are traveling by train, I can highly recommend the Royal British. It is on Princes' Street,across the street from the station. It is a perfect location for walking up to old town and has nice views of Princes' Street park and all the monuments on Princes' Street. Reasonable price for nice (not fancy) rooms.

Are you driving, flying, busing or training? How long are you staying?

If staying about a week and driving, then look at numberfive.com We stayed there and it was really good.

Valerie, we just spent 3 nights at The Victorian Townhouse in the West End of the New Town (TheVictorianTownhouse.co.uk). It is priced about the same as Rick Steves's Dalkeith Road B&Bs, but it is within reasonable walking distance of Princes Street, the Royal Mile, etc. Owner Aileen does a wonderful job of making your stay very pleasant.

We will be in Edinburgh in May. We booked at the Chester Residences on Chester Rd. Great reviews and They have been very helpful answering questions.It is just N.W. of Castle

We have stayed twice at the Turret Guest House listed in Rick's book. It is wonderful with great owners, lovely breakfast and only a block from a bus stop.