katbou

Hi, we are going to spend a fortnight in Edinburgh (family of 4).
I have found a 3 bedrooms apt in Salamander street for 450 pounds.I have seen pics and it seems OK.
Is it too good to be true? Is it a safe area?
Also, I've read that kids up to 15 go free on trains.Does it apply to tourists or do we have to buy a family railcard?
Thanks

janisj

Salamander St is north of the city near the Leith docks. That does seem awfully cheap for a 3 bdrm -- why not give us the link so we can look for red flags.

There are a couple of Fodorites who live in Edinburgh and hopefully they will know what that specific block is like.

alanRow

<<< Also, I've read that kids up to 15 go free on trains. >>>

No they can't - and I'd be very wary about any other advice that source gives

http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/off-pe...ild-fares.aspx

katbou

thanks a lot! I found it on gumtree.Here's the link:
http://edinburgh.gumtree.com/edinburgh/70/26165770.html

katbou

Alan it's on the scotrail web page.
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_...e/details.html

janisj

Gumtree is sort of like Craig's list. Not an agency but individual owners.

I note it was first listed just 3 days ago - so there is nothing to check in the way of testimonials. I'd want to be VERY sure the place is legit since an Edinburgh broom closet would bring &pound;240 a week during August/Festival time. Only a <i>slight</i> exaggeration . . . . .

janisj

the National Rail site lists several restrictions including this one &quot;<i>In July and August not valid on National Express East Coast services between Inverness and Edinburgh nor between Edinburgh and Aberdeen in both directions. It is however, valid on intermediate journeys entirely north of Edinburgh, for example Inverness to Pitlochry.</i>&quot;

That would seem to say it isn't valid for trains heading north from Edinburgh in Jul/Aug

caroline_edinburgh

Noooo !!!!!

Salamander Street is in the *very* ungentrified part of Leith and is in fact the main street prostitution drag. I am happy to walk almost anywhere but wouldn't really fancy walking along Salamander Street after dark - and I certainly wouldn't go in any of the pubs.

The flat will be either in a rundown old tenement facing straight on to the street, or in one of the the rabbit hutch like new Barratt blocks of flats.

It's not on a good bus route either.

caroline_edinburgh

P.S. Just realised after seeing the title again that I should have said &quot;yes !!!&quot;

katbou

thanks a lot! so what do you think is the decent price to pay for a fortnight in edinburgh for sth not very luxurious?

caroline_edinburgh

What time of year ?

amelie

Do you need a three bedroom? Depending on time of year, I'd recommend the Knight's Residence. They have one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom apartments. It was recently voted number one hotel in all of Europe on the huge Expedia survey. http://www.theknightresidence.co.uk/
Gets great reviews on TripAdvisor also (where my review is). We stayed last June and for two couples (two bedroom) it was 200 pounds a night total (we split it, so it was great). Not sure what it is now or depending on time of year.

amelie

Maybe you'll find something better that doesn't just have nightly rates though.

Although, looking at the site it says you save 20% for staying more than 3 nights:

Two bedroom apartments from only &pound;125 per night based on 2 adults and up to 2 children. Additional adults &pound;25 per night.

GreenDragon

We had a great time at 87a West Bow in Edinburgh last month. While it's more pricy, for a fortnight they might give a discount. There are two different apartments if you need three bedrooms. However, depending on your configuration, the lower apartment might fit the bill - one twin, one double, and then a day bed in a room off the double (you have to go through that room to get to the bathroom). There are three couches as well as the beds, kitchen, dining, two bathrooms in total, and living room. Up a couple flights of stairs, but literally two flights of stairs from the Royal Mile. Nice mostly quiet area, good food nearby. Spacious place.


They have a new website since I rented, but the pics are great

http://www.edinburgh-accommodation-e...ust-house.html

katbou

thank you all for your input but we cannot afford sth so pricey.
I've found an apt in South Gray Street, Edinburgh.Is it a safe area?

caroline_edinburgh

South Gray Street is in a very nice area. I actually lived there at one time ! (Not that there is any connection between those 2 statements ) Most of it comprises lovely Georgian houses but I'd imagine this flat will be in the new development on the corner, which is also perfectly nice. It's a very quiet area, not too far out and on a good bus route to the centre. I'd say snap it up !

katbou

Thanks alot !The address of the apartment is 22/6 South Gray Street, Edinburgh, EH9 1TE. Is there a good bus connection with Holyrood road?

caroline_edinburgh

Yep, that's the modern debelopment - http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=EH9...01TE|EH9%201TE

There are plenty of buses from the main road Minto Street, just 2 minuts' walk away, which go into the city centre in about 10-15 minutes (outwith the rush hour). You can get off the bus on the South Bridge, before the city centre, and walk to Holyrood Road in about 5-15 minutes (depending on walking speed &amp; which end of Holyrood Road you want). I don't think any buses actually go down Holyrood Road. Or you could walk the whole way in about 25-30 minutes. Do you have a particular reason for wanting to go there frequently - friends staying at the Holyrood Aparthotel or something ?

caroline_edinburgh

Or you could get the 35 bus from the South Bridge down the High Street then walk through one of the closes between the High St and Holyrood Rd.

Ah - that link doesn't seem to work. I went into www.multimap.com &amp; entered the postcode EH9 1TE.

Since you'll be here 2 weeks I suggest you buy an A-Z of Edinburgh when you arrive.

katbou

Dear Caroline thanks for the valuable feedback.
I need to commute to Holyrood because I'll be attending a course there.
What interests me the most is to stay in a safe area because I'll be travelling with my children.
If you would like to contact me my email address is:
[email protected]
I'll be happy to get to know someone from Edinburgh!