Edinburgh Hotels

Rod, It's not really "within walking distance of the Castle", but you might have a look at This Hotel located off Dalkeith Road. There's easy access to Waverly station by Bus, so it's not really too far out of the way. The rooms are very comfortable and the owners are wonderful. Which area to choose will depend to some extent on when you'll be in Edinburgh. Accommodation prices increase sharply during the Festival and Tattoo, so staying a bit further from the centre will provide better rates. Happy travels!

Rod, last fall my husband and I stayed at Fraser Suites which is 1/2 a block off the Royal Mile and almost directly across from St. Giles Cathedral. Our room was very comfortable, breakfast was good, and you can't beat the location! Mary

Rod,
You didn't say anything about inexpensive, so I am recommending the Caledonian Hilton directly across from the castle. I had my honeymoon there with a room that had a view of the castle. An elegant hotel. It was like something out of another era. But we used Hilton hotel points to pay for our 3-night stay. It does not come cheap!

Walking distance, well yes, I would walk back to the hotel, but I usually would ride a bus up to the sites in the AM. Edinburgh is on a hill and if you stay down toward Leith it's all up hill to Prince's Street. The hotel I like is near the Royal Botanic Gardens and is an early Victorian Townhouse. http://www.inverleithhotel.co.uk/ Pam

We've always enjoyed staying at the Royal British Hotel. It is across Princes St. from Waverly Train Station. Not a bad walk up to the Royal Mile and the Castle. Their breakfast is excellent, too.

There is also the Sheraton Grand which is practically at the base of the castle (across the street from Usher Hall). Very modern, the hotel was completely redone last year. $$$

I second the Fraser Suites. Probably one of the closest hotels to the Castle and TONS of charm. One of our favorite hotels on our entire trip. We got a pretty good price for June as well. I would suggest if you'll have a car as the parking is far, far away.

Try The Scotsman Hotel which use to be the Scotsman Newspaper head office and is just round the corner from the castle! Wonderful!!

we stayed at the Travelodge on St. Mary's St. just off the Royal Mile a couple of years ago- see remarks in Rick's Great Britain Guide. It was clean, convenient, and affordable. There was no breakfast, but has a small restaurant and there are many cafes nearby. No atmosphere, but quite adequate I thought.

If you want to go high end, think about The Witchery. It's right by the castle and has suites. ; ) It looks wonderful. Someday I will stay there. I think I need a "true love" first though. ; ) Pam