Confused about Edinburgh neighborhoods
 

Hi everyone,

I'm traveling alone to Edinburgh, Scotland Aug. 14-27 where I will be assisting some students performing at the American High School Theatre Festival. I've decided to cut costs and increase flexibility by making my own travel arrangements.

I'm looking for an affordable B&B or flat, but don't know my way around. What neighborhoods/streets should I look at (eg: Old Town, New Town, West End? I want something within walking distance that's also safe for a single woman walking alone.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Kristin

When I used http://www.ahstf.com/program.htm I could not find out which stage the American High School Theatre Festival uses. If you can tell us that, we can tell you of districts nearby with accommodation. But please hurry, as some places are nearly full. already. All central Edinburgh is safe for a single woman walking alone.

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walking distance to what, please?

We rented a flat in Old Town at 7 St Marys - location was great, and we walked everywhere. You can see the apartment at http://www.aboutscotland.com/edin/7stmarys.html. At the bottom of the page, you can find additional links for other hotels, B&Bs, and "rentals" for self catering flats. We always rent apartments when we travel, and I highly recommend it! 7 St Marys in particular was absolutely wonderful.

Well, it looks like I may possibly have a FREE place to stay. Apparently the drama teacher knows someone who knows someone who ... well, you know.

I'm trying to narrow down the theatre. Apparently, AHSTF has performed in the past in the Church Hill Theatre, which from the looks of a map, is some distance from everywhere else. They've also used the Sweet at the Crowne Plaza.

If the free room falls through, I want to stay near the heart of everything. So your suggestions are as good as any!

Thanks!

To clarify, your suggestions are BEST!

Oh yes: I remember it well. The address is Morningside Road Edinburgh EH10 4DR, and the theatre is indeed set in Morningside, the most respectable part of Edinburgh, with net curtains and ladies in blue rinses. If you set Google to Morningside bed breakfast Edinburgh you find several houses which may well suit you. I enjoy the area. The ladies there have their own culture, and maintain it. They will gladly show you how to take tea.

It is true you are two miles from the old town, but there are several busses.

The site http://www.aboutscotland.com/edin/albertterrace.html gives a useful map and a note on a house run by an American lady. Detail is 4 Morningside Place
Edinburgh, EH10 5ER. Bed and breakfast accommodation in a large Victorian house, located in a pleasant residential area of Edinburgh. 0 131 447 5657 0 131 447 5657 [email protected]

http://www.scotland2000.com/pringle/ gives you Pringles Ingle Bed and Breakfast Edinburgh 26 Morningside Park Edinburgh EH10 5HB Scotland

www.hotels.uk.com/edinburghlilac.htm has The Morningside Guest House 7, Hermitage Terrace Edinburgh Midlothian EH10 4RP Tel: 0131 447 4089

http://www.1st-4-rooms.co.uk/coolbre...amp;country=SC has

Meriden Guest House, 1 Hermitage Terrace, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4RP
Single 28.00-35.00 Double 40.00-60.00 Family 54.00-80.00 (per room inc. breakfast)

The Morningside Guest House, 7 Hermitage Terrace, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4RP
Single 30.00-40.00 Double 40.00-45.00 Triple 60.00-66.00 Family 80.00-88.00 (per room inc. breakfast)

Mike and Frankie Tracey, 18 Jordan Lane, Morningside, Edinburgh EH10 4RA
Single 22.50-25.00 Double from 45.00 Triple from 60.00 Family 40.00-60.00 (per room inc. breakfast)

http://www.uk.laterooms.com/en/hotel...burgh.206.html has Allison House Hotel (three star) 15/17 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh, Lothian, EH9 2AX. Warm welcome, comfortable beds good home cooked food. The hotel has its own free parking spaces within the grounds.

And that is just the first two pages of Google. As I said, please start booking now. These are normal-sized houses, and Festival demand is high. Memories pour in. I have half a mind to book myself.

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One thing we're not short of in Edinburgh is B&Bs! Morningside is a very nice area (I have to say that, the mother-in-law lives there) but can be a bit out-of-the-way if you're wanting to walk, although it is do-able. You could also try looking around Newington, and also possibly Bruntsfield which is about halfway between Princes St and Morningside.

Much of the main focus of the Fringe takes place south of the Royal Mile so I would suggest that much of the New Town could be too far. That said, it is safe enough to walk there and bear in mind that the nights even in August will be shorter than you are used to.

I was going to suggest Bruntsfield, which Keith just mentioned. I don't know what you consider walking distance, but for me it's walking distance from there to the Church Hill or to Princes Street. It's also pretty close to the concentration of big venues near the Lothian Road (Usher Hall, King's Theatre, etc.). Bruntsfield's not a particularly glamorous location, but I think it's good value for money and well-connected by bus.

There's a pretty big concentration of B&Bs there around Leamington Terrace, Gilmore Place, and Granville Terrace. I stayed at the Cluaran House http://www.cluaran-house-edinburgh.co.uk/ a few years ago and it was quite pleasant.

Hello again,

I received more information. The students are staying at Pollock Halls at the University of Edinburgh and performing at the Radisson, 80 High Street.

Rick Steves' guide book suggests a few B&Bs around Dalkeith Road, which I undestand is near the univesity.

Any suggestions for closer to High Street? Looking for a single room, shared bath is OK, cost of 40 pounds or less per night.

Thanks again,

Kristin

Kristin,

How about trying Pollock Halls themself too? If they are not full, you can book independantly. You can look at the University accommodation website at http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/commercial...cial_staff.htm
We (I work for the University) use these rooms for visiting staff, interviewees, etc., and I seem to recall a cost of £40 per night B&B.

Actually - better webpage at http://www.edinburghfirst.com/accomm...tion_rates.htm with rates!