Hotel in Edinburgh and tour companies

Mariane, I can't speak to the tour companies, but I can tell you about my favorite hotel. Its the Inverleith and is the Botanic Gardens. It's a family run hotel. I generally catch the bus up the hill to the Royal Mile and walk back down the hill. You can get a day pass for the bus and so if you're too tired to hoof it back down you can catch the bus. I like it because it's a bit out of the hustle and bustle. If you don't hear from anyone else you might want to look on Tripadvisor as well. They list a lot of B&B's and you look by the map. It's not a big city, but has lots of places to stay. You might want to also post there about the tour companies. They have locals who respond as well as travelers. Pam

Reasonably priced is relative. We considered it "splurging" to stay at The Victorian Townhouse which is within walking distance of the castle. It is 80 Pounds per night, but she gave us a discount since we're staying 6 nights. It's rated #7 out of 335 B&B's in Edinburgh, so I'm expecting good things... Not to mention that the emails I've exchanged with the owner have been very pleasant.