Is it still possible to stay in one of the surrounding converted castles just outside Edinburgh? A few years ago while researching for accommodations, I saw in a British Airways brochure that some restored-turned-hotel-castles are fully functioning Bed & Breakfasts. True?<BR><BR>Would love to know, am planning a getaway weekend w/the hubby late March from NY.

yes check out Dalhousie, Venlaw, and others. Search for Edinburgh Country Hotels and they should pop up. I was just looking at them the other day and found at least three just outside the city that operate as hotels....some not so cheap and some reasonable.

Go to this link for details on the castle hotels im Scotland and Ireland lots of good info here.....<BR><BR>http://www.celticcastles.com/

Wow! That's great -- so it is possible to play "king/queen" for a day or two. I'll check these two recommendations -- Thanks bunch!

Dalhousie Castle is a beautiful castle dating from 13th century, now a hotel with 20+ rooms. It is in Bonnyrigg, outside of Edinburgh (I think about a 20 minute drive). My husband and I were married there last summer....we stayed in Edinburgh for a few days, then stayed at Dalhousie the night of the wedding. We stayed in the "Robert the Bruce" themed room/suite, which was over 200 pounds per night; but they do have some non-themed rooms that are more reasonable. Their website is www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk.

I spent quite a bit of time looking at having a wedding in the Edinburgh area. I would suggest Dundas Castle versus Dalhousie. Dalhousie is a hotel with a beautiful brochure, but I was disappointed when I actually saw it. Dundas is privately owned but you can stay there. Nice people, very quaint and only 8-10 minutes just outside of town. Blackness Castle is more authentic (medieval) where there is no Tv's and telephone's. Out of Edinburgh (north about 30-60 min by train)is Mayer's Castle which is more exclusive, but where movie stars and executives stay. Just an opinion...

what is the name of the castle that Madonna got married in? It can be used to stay in as well, but I think it is WAY HIGH.

That was Skibo Castle and is as about as far away from Edinburgh as is possible w/o leaving the mainland.<BR><BR>(It is near Dornoch)

Check out Borthwick Castle built in 1430. We spent a night there last May and enjoyed it. I discovered it at http://www.celticcastles.com as suggested by above post.

Old employers booked us into Dalhousie for a teambuiding day (as it was 1/2 mile from office and they got it on the cheap). So very, very draughty.

Thanks for all the replies!<BR><BR>I now know that we'll be staying at the Balmoral Hotel 12-15 April but don't know much else about the hotel other than a few posts here online.<BR><BR>How different are the locations, rooms, service and views for a first timer (my husband's 3rd visit -- who insists on staying @ the Balmoral) compared to those in the outlying or nearby castles, which is where I'd prefer?<BR><BR>Shall I stay w/hubby in Balmoral or shall we try some place new altogether?<BR><BR>Any insight will be most helpful. Thanks again!

Thanks for all the replies!<BR><BR>I now know that we'll be staying at the Balmoral Hotel 12-15 April but don't know much else about the hotel other than a few posts here online.<BR><BR>How different are the locations, rooms, service and views for a first timer (my husband's 3rd visit -- who insists on staying @ the Balmoral) compared to those in the outlying or nearby castles, which is where I'd prefer?<BR><BR>Shall I stay w/hubby in Balmoral or shall we try some place new altogether?<BR><BR>Any insight will be most helpful. Thanks again!