rags7

We are close to finalizing our plans for our June/July trip to Scotland & N. England. We think that we need to start making our lodging arrangements. Does anybody have suggestions on places to stay in Edinburgh, Keswick area, west side of Loch Lomond, Isle of Skye, and Inverness area. We are four adults who prefer B&B's, guest houses, inns or small hotels. Ideally we like lodging with ensuite facilities.

rags7

I just realized that I didn't list our budgeted amounts. We would like to keep the expenses from 80 to 100 pounds per night for each couple. Thanks,

Michael

Outside large cities, the local tourist office can make last minute B&B reservations for a fee.

Gordon_R

That's a really broad question - especially for Edinburgh where there are hundreds of options. Suggest you check out the official Visit Scotland site at http://www.visitscotland.com/accommodation/

janisj

just a quick note right now - I'll post more and a couple of recommendations in the morning . . .

You may need to pay more in Edinburgh -it is a fairly expensive city. In more rural areas it will be easy to fit in under your budget, so it should average out OK.

Ackislander

In June, I have had no trouble doing as Michael suggests and having the local tourist office book a guest house ensuite room for two for the night ahead. It is just conceivable that on a busy weekend, the two couples might have to split up for a night, so you might want to remain in the same place for Friday and Saturday. It worked in Mallaig, Portree, Inverness, and Aberdeen, to be specific. In England, where it may be different, I have had tourist offices book ahead through other tourist offices or guest house owners send me on to other guest house owners they knew in other places. This has never been disappointing, but your mileage may vary.

In Edinburgh or Glasgow you will need a reservation, but depending on the amount of time you will be there, you may want to rent an apartment. We had a great apartment in the middle of the Royal Mile from Katie at www.greatbase.co.uk . She has lots of choices. The friends we shared with went on to London; their share of the week in a luxury flat in Edinburgh was less than 4 nights in a mediocre hotel in London.

Dickie_Gr

Keswick is easy.

I would book as the weather here is becoming ridiculously difficult to predict and the end result is that many Brits are not booking up simply leaving it until Friday night to see if it is worth going away for the weekend. Hence if you are there and the weather is good, finds rooms will be difficult.

There are a huge number of middle market, good value small B&Bs which cater for the huge number of middle market walkers who visit the area. The are many good choices and many are a short walk into the centre. The area around John Street is awash with them but the streets are narrow and the whole area feels quite enclosed.

The Beeches is good value and feels open.

Best bet is to simply search on TA for B&Bs, you will find around 100 places all with 4 or 5 stars for trip report reviews. Simply book one that suits your style.

What is your route ?

Where do you fly in/out?

rags7

Thanks everyone for the comments.

Janis, I did know that Edinburgh was more expensive. We had hoped to stay within walking distance to the Princess street area.

Dickie, We are flying into and out of Edinburgh. Our route is south of Edinburgh to the Lake District then driving north along the western side of Scotland stopping and staying in the listed towns as we come to them.

We have already looked on TA and the visit Scotland websites for options. There are several listed and thought having input from those of you on the forum would be helpful. Looking forward to hearing what else you may have for us.

Thanks.

sofarsogood

I stayed at he Ardmor House B&B a couple of years ago.

http://www.ardmorhouse.com/

Fantastic breakfast I remember, sort of a boutique b & b with nicely decorated rooms.

About a 25 min walk to Princes St, but there were plenty of buses which can take you there.

this shows the location http://goo.gl/maps/mL0JY

Dickie_Gr

Hi Rags

I know comment referring you to TA may seem inane but in this case it is appropriate. Some areas have a very limited supply of B&Bs and maybe one is OK whilst the other three aren't. In Keswick's case due to the volume of business, there are a huge number of good quality places and it is possible to simply plush through them to pick which suits you best.

I asked about your flight route as we cover the lower west coast every other week.

I really (and this is personal choice) don't like the corridor up from The Lakes via Glasgow and Loch Lomond to The Highlands. It can be very busy and south of Glasgow is bleak. I have never been fond of Loch Lomond, it is scenic but can be very touristy.

Possibly, try Carlisle to Dumfries over to the Ayr coast, ferry to Arran, ferry to Kintyre then up the west coast to Skye. It will take an extra night stopover but the ferries are cheap(ish) and great fun. It is always a moot point but I prefer the scenery this route.

Rastaguytoday

Several years ago, I stayed at the Link House just outside Cockermouth, a bit north of Keswick.

http://www.link-house.co.uk/photo-gallery.php

This was my favorite place from my trip. The place has changed hands, but the ambiance is still the same.

Dickie_Gr

Rasta

That's a good suggestion. Close to Keswick.

It is a short walk to Armathwaite Hall, where we were married, and The Phaesant (posh pub) where we ate yesterday.

It does suffer from road noise from the busy A66.