Places to stay in York and Edinburgh?

Michael - Our family stayed at MingalarB&B. It's about a 15 minute walk from Waverly Station. Clive is very knowledgable about the going on in Edinburgh.

Michael , Glad to see you are heading that way ! For York , we stayed at a Premier Travel Inn ( chain hotel ) at 2 Blossom Street . Clean and very comfortable , a short walk form the station . Right across the street from Mickelgate Bar , and a short walk into the center of town . In Edinburgh , The Holiday Inn Express at 300 Cowgate , one block from the Mile . About a ten minute walk from Waverly Station . Wonderful , quiet area next to a church . Both were well priced and great locations . Also check out the National Railway Museum in York . Full of great history and if you are a train buff , like me , It's a bit of heaven on earth . Have a great trip !!

I second Steven's recommendation of the Premier Inn in Blossom Street. (It's a bit confusing booking on their website, there are two separate Premier Inns in the same block, North and South. It looks as if they tried to buy the whole block but the Working Men's Club in the middle wouldn't sell.) I know some people here are anti chain hotel, but this one really is good value.

Thanks for all the good ideas.

In York I stayed at the Abbeyfields B&B on Bootham Terrace, near St. Mary's and the Museum of Yorkshire. It was very nice, and the hosts were quite friendly and helpful. Delicious breakfasts as well. In Edinburgh, I stayed at Aonach Mor, in the Dalkeith Rd. neighborhood that Rick Steves recommends. Very nice as well, although about a 15-20 minute walk from the Royal Mile. Buses do serve the area frequently though.

I second Adrienne's suggestion of Abbeyfields Guest House for York. The owners are just lovely people who run a pleasant and conveniently located B&B just outside the city walls.

In York last year, we stayed at the Abbey Guest House. It's comfortable, close to the museums and Minster, and has the bonus of being right on the riverside, across a footbridge from the station. The host's dining recommendations were very good. In Edinburgh, we stayed at Priestville Guest House off the Dalkeith Road, a short bus ride from the center of the city. It was also comfortable and the breakfasts especially memorable. I had a sample of haggis the first morning and then a full serving the next day. There were good restaurants nearby too. If I were doing it again and prepared to spend more, I'd stay closer in, particularly if arriving by train. Both of these places were recommended in the RS guidebook, along with others.

I recently stayed at The Walton in New Town in Edinburgh. It's a short 10-15 minute walk from Waverly. Easy access to everything. Pam

There are a number of B&Bs off Dalkeith Rd in Edinburgh. Last June, I stayed at Kenvie Guest House. The Vidlers are nice and helpful. Generous, Traditional "full Scottish Breakfast" in a lovely breakfast room. Vidlers live on premise. Clean, cozy, not fancy. Good for those on a budget, yet want a clean, well-managed place. Easy and cheap bus connection to Royal Mile. -off point is at the middle of Royal Mile, but closer to St. Giles. I had a nice window view of Arthur's Seat from my room.

Michael, If you don't mind staying about 10-minutes (by Bus) from the Royal Mile, you might consider Hotel Ceidleh Donia, which is just off Dalkieth Road and easily accessible by Bus. The rooms are very comfortable, they provide a great breakfast and the owners are wonderful. There were a few times when I was really tired after walking around Edinburgh and didn't feel like waiting for the Bus, so I took a Cab from Waverley Station back to the Hotel. I felt the cost was quite reasonable. There are some restaurants and Pubs within walking distance of the Hotel, but the kitchens tend to close about 20:00 or so. I was a bit late going for dinner on the night I arrived in Edinburgh, so learned that "the hard way". Rather than go back to town, I finally just ordered a small Domino's Pizza for delivery to the Hotel, so it all worked out. Happy travels!