Hotel or B&B in Edinburgh

To piggyback on the above response - Dalkeith Rd. area has quite a few B&Bs. As stated, it's an easy, short, cheap bus connection to downtown. Buses run all day and into the night. So, transportation is not an issue. Ceilidh-Donia has a very good reputation. I stayed at Kenvie Guest House - just down the street from Ceilidh-donia. It's less expensive. Clean, basic rooms. Very good "full Scottish" breakfasts. The Vidlers treat their guests very well. Enjoy Edinburgh and Crabbie's Ginger Ale! New Bell Pub/restaurant is a fine place to eat.

Stella, Although it may not be "central", I'd highly recommend Ceilidh Donia in Edinburgh. It's just off Dalkeith Road, about a 10-minute Bus ride from the city centre (also easy by Taxi). The rooms are very comfortable, they serve a great breakfast and the staff are wonderful. Happy travels!

I stayed a few years ago at the George before it won some awards and the price skyrocketed. But, it's very central and there are other hotels in the area. Last time I stayed at the King James Thistle, which claims to be 980 feet from Waverly Station. A large institutional place with little charm, but it the room was fine and it worked. Bear in mind that Edinburgh's Old Town and its New Town are separated by a wide stretch of parks, railroad tracks, etc. It will be a bit of a trudge to get to New Town from Old Town and vice versa.

Hi Stella, Edinburgh isn't a very big city, so you don't have to stay on the Royal Mile and still have easy access. I've stayed in Dalkeith area, mentioned above, but I've also stayed at the Inverleith Hotel near the Royal Gardens. It's my favorite. I like getting away from the huge tourist crowd, but still close enough. It's family run and has a nice little resident's bar. I would take the bus up the hill and walk down. Most recently I stayed at The Walton, which is a B&B very close to New Town. This would be slightly more convenient. One time I stayed right behind Calton Hill and I found that to be a very convenient location. The B&B wasn't memorable. The first time I visited I stayed with my sister at Beechcroft House out near Murrayfield. It was very affordable and good for us as we were just out of college and definitely on a budget. The current TripAdvisor reviews seem to echo that with a 35 pound price. Pam

Six Brunton Place Guest House. Look no further. #1 B&B on tripadvisor and with good reason. Do not stay on Dalkeith Rd. It is WAY far from anything in Edinburgh. That is why bus times are quoted rather than walking times.

I've stayed several times at the Dene Guest House, http://www.deneguesthouse.com/. It's about 1/2 way between Pam's suggestion of The Walton and Inverleith Hotel. I walk by The Walton to get to the Dene. I've stayed at the Walton's sister B&B, the Glenora, which was very nice, but not nearly so handy as the Walton (which is more direct in line of travel to the Royal Mile). Traveling as a solo, I like that though I'd like to try the Walton, I can stay two nights at the Dene using a standard room for 1 night at the Walton with en suite. Whether you want your bathroom access en suite or standard (shared bath) is a decision you get to make when picking a B&B. The Dene also has handy bus stops for three bus numbers around it, a great breakfast, and lovely hosts. Enjoy your trip. Edinburgh is beautiful!

I agree with David. We stayed at a lovely B and B off Dalkeith Road but it is a REALLY long mostly uphill walk to the Royal Mile. It's OK if you want to use a bus, but a very bad location if you prefer to walk.

Hi, Stella, I stayed at Kirklea Guest House just off Dalry and walked everywhere, including the Royal Mile, when I was there. That day was a longish walk, but there are buses to hop if you prefer. Bus stop is close; I used it to go to the airport on departure. Kirklea was a great place to stay. http://www.kirklea-guest-house.co.uk/edinburgh.html Enjoy.
Ruth