edinburgh center
 

During our trip to Scotland in June, we will be staying in Edinburgh for 4 nights. I've found several B&B's near the center which are all attractive and acceptable with great reviews. The only difference between them is their geographic position. Some are to the north of the center and others are to the south.

My question is which area is the one worth being nearest, the old town or the new town or perhaps somewhere else?? I think the most important thing to us is being within walking distance of an area with a lively night life - restaurants, pubs and what-have-you.

We loved the old town area and stayed on the Royal Mile in University housing, right near the castle, on our last trip, but we previously stayed in B&Bs; we found it fairly compact and were able to get around the city well from there. However, we were not particularly scoping out nightlife on that trip so I hope others will be able to guide you in that regard.

I don't think it really matters that much.There are lots of guest houses and small hotels to the south of the city center that are easily walkable or a short bus ride away,less so to the North.Edinburgh has an excellent bus service that will get to to and from your accomodation.What distance are you prepared to walk .5 10 15 20 minutes.
I live in the city,let me know where properties are and i can try and advise to which ones may be most suitable for you.

Thanks Uncle Gus,

There are two that I'm interested in at the moment. One is on Hart Street and the other is on Glengyle Terrace.

Hart Street is just off Broughton street and a short walk to the major sights,Princes street is only a 5-10 minute walk away.There are lots of nice bars and restirants in that area and it is only a few minutes walk to the huge Omni center which has a cinema and lots of chain resturants and bars, the nearby Leith walk has a huge number of resturants of every ethnic variety.
There are a few Gay bars around the Picardy place/Greenside place area,but they are well mixed in with all the other places,it is not a screaming PINK area so don't worry.The trendy bars and resturants of George street are only a few minutes walk away as well.
Glengyle terrace is up in the Bruntsfield area,a bit further from the sights but a good bit quiter.several bars and resturants in the vicinity but nowhere near the choice from Hart street.
I think either would be a good choice,hart street for the access to a wide range of nightlife,resturants etc and Glengyle for that little bit peace and quiet but reasonably close to the action.

Thank you Uncle Gus!! Sounds like Hart Street would be my best bet.

For any other visitors to Edinburgh who may be viewing this thread, I came across the link below describing the planned construction on Princes Street for a new tram line. Sounds like there will be fun and games on Princes Street for many months.

http://tinyurl.com/7yfczj

don't get me started on the tram works in Edinburgh,it is bloody crazy,major works restart tomorrow after a break in the run up to christmas and new year.Edinburgh is a place to be avoided if you plan on using a car.( has been for years)
the majority of tourist sites however are unaffected by tram road works.

Gus: I only need to drive in Edinburgh in order to return my rented car. Then we'll be 4 days on foot.

there are a few rental drop of places near Hart street.
Hertz Have a place in Picardy Place and several agencies use a drop of point in nearby Annandale street.
I gave up my car 4 years ago as having a car in Edinburgh is an almost useless expense.when I need a car these days I just rent one.

Or leave your car at the airport and get the bus in.

Glengyle Terrace is a slightly nicer area than Hart Street, but Hart Street is that bit more central & nearer more bars, restaurants & nightlife. What sort of age are you ? Since you mention a "lively night life" I'm thinking you may be youngish and so might prefer Hart Street - it's nearer more actual clubs and young trendy bars.

You don't say what your budget is but if you specifically want a B&B, there are several quite posh ones actually in the New Town - look particularly at Abercromby Place, Northumberland Street and Dundas Street. This is the nicest area but if you want lively, you'd probably prefer Hart Street.

Caroline:

We're very young sixty year olds. We are not looking for discotheques, but we love a lively area with good bars and restaurants.

I started looking into B&B's when I noticed that there are so many great ones in Scotland with such great reviews on sites like tripadvisor. The cheaper price doesn't hurt, but budget is not the reason. We just prefer a nice B&B to a big hotel any day!

Hi sssteve. In that case I think you'd prefer the New Town, which has dozens of good places to eat and a few good pubs. The top Tripadvisor B&B in the New Town is Gerald's Place (no 2 today) which is in a brilliant location.

Stay in New Town and walk everywhere. Just remember, all hills in Edinburgh go one direction -- UP.

Thanks.

Caroline: Gerald is all booked up my week. He recommended several other places in the neighborhood.

Russ: We'll bring our hiking boots.

Hiking boots are a good idea! New Town is great for a lively scenev but you could also consider a short stay self catering flat. There are some lovely ones in the Grassmarket (Old Town) although I'm unsure the extent that area has been affected by recent fire.
Self catering allows you to eat out when you choose and cook in when you don't--this gives you a great opportunity to eat what you've purchased at Valvona and Crolla.

Meg
Up the Ben and Down the Boozer
http://megrobb.typepad.com/britishtravel/

My wife barely cooks at home. On vacation, she wants to cook even less. :-) A B&B suits us just fine - a good breakfast in the morning and a good restaurant in the evening...

We're in Edinburgh for 4 nights. Self-catering doesn't appeal to us.

If the owner of Gerald's has recommended other places nearby they should be fine. Want to tell us what they are ?

I'm at work right now and Gerald's email is at home. The only one I remember at the moment is "14 Hart Street" because I'm in correspondence with them.

When I get home in a few hours I'll post the others.

Right. Hart Street isn't really in the New Town, though.

Caroline:

I know. Neither is Gerald's. 14 Hart St. is right around the corner from Gerald and only a few minutes walk from the New Town.

The other places he suggested:
1. Zandra Macpherson 21 India St EH3
2. Jill Robertson, 80/1 Great King Street
3. Ingsay & Bill Balfour 11 Nelson St EH3

Gerald's is definitely in the New Town.

Gerald's Place is in the heart of the New Town, on Abercromby Place which is one of the streets I suggested you look at. Hart Street is not just round the corner, it's about a 15 minute walk, although you can just see it on Gerald's website map.

I haven't heard of any of the other places you list but they are all in the New Town, although some might argue that India Street and Nelson Street are on the fringes.

I would recommend Ingram's which is on Northumberland Street, one down from Abercromby Place. http://www.ingrams.co.uk/

Thanks again.

I'll go and check.

bookmarking

Caroline Hi,
I tried Geralds place too . This was the reply:

Greetings and Welcome to Edinburgh
thank you for your enquiry
very sadly geraldsplace is full

may I suggest an excellent alternative at
Jill Robertson MBA
80/1 Great King Street
Edinburgh EH3 6QU

superb central location
her beautiful Georgian apartment has been extensively refurbished
whilst retaining the wonderful original period features

this luxury B&B accommodation has
a double bedroom ensuite
a second double bedroom is available by agreement

outstanding accommodation
is available matching your enquiry
it is very highly recommended

best wishes Gerald

contact now

www.eh3homesearch.com

[email protected]

She had vacancies but we had already got somewhere.

I will be in touch soon, not long until our trip, need some reco's for good places to eat that won't empty the wallet too much.
Talk soon
Muck

If you're not limited to B&B, try The Knight Residence on the south side of the Castle -- just a walk UP (as always) the hill to the Royal Mile. It's a suite hotel.

sssteve, I'm sure the other places Gerald recommended will be nice anyway, and even though Hart Street isn't really New Town, it is still nice & handy for lots of restaurants & some good pubs (while being a quiet wee side street tucked away behind the main thoroughfare). The only concern I'd have about India St is it's a bit of a hike uphill to most places you'll want to go; although on the plus side, it's on the border of the New Town and Stockbridge which is also a lovely area with restaurants etc.

Hi Mucky ! New Town no good if you're bringing the car anyway (presume you still are ?). I was on Pilrig St recently & checked - it is unrestricted parking. Just reminded P about your visit this morning, coincidentally - maybe meet up for a pint Fri/Sat night ?

BigRuss, I wouldn't recommend the Knight Residence at the moment; the block opposite is a building site and when I last passed by, at night, it was very busy - huge cranes, giant lights, machinery etc. Must be behind schedule !

Mucky: Gerald sent me the exact same message.

Caroline: Learning what I have learned from this thread, I'm also convinced that the New Town is the best location for us. Unfortunately, our first choice (Gerald) is booked, and I haven't found any other places within the New Town which appeal to me more than "14 Hart St". 14 Hart St looks good, has great recommendations on Tripadvisor, and my email correspondence with the proprietress has been very pleasant. It looks to be about 500 meters or so to the edge of New Town. We are in good shape and enjoy walking. Also, everybody says the Edinburgh bus service is excellent and that the day pass is reasonably priced! What would you say are the actual boundaries of the New Town?

And, for all your help, We'd be happy to treat you to a pint if we were to meet in Edinburgh (June 23-26)

I'm sure Hart Street will be lovely and it is very central. You will be able to walk almost everywhere. It has the advantage of being less far downhill than some of the others in the New Town proper, like Great King Street and India Street. One thing city street maps don't sure you is the contours !) The buses are not bad but you shouldn't need them much anyway.

People will argue over the exact boundaries of the New Town, but in that direction I'd say it definitely stops at Broughton Street. Some may say the 'proper' New Town stops at Dublin Street, other argue that the area up to Leith Walk and even sometimes beyond it ('East New Town' in estate agent-speak) should count. Basically it's the central, planned Georgian area but there some Georgian buildings all over the place.

Meeting up for a pint will be very nice, if we are not away ourselves. I've booked 3 weeks from the 13th of June off work, but we'll probably only be able to go away for a week. There are at least 2 good pubs very near Hart Street, that I can think of offhand ! (Mather's and the Cask & Barrel, both on Broughton Street.)

Hi Caroline,
We will get to Edinburgh on the Friday evening. Not sure what state we will be in due to the long drive.

I think we are in the Craigmoss Guest House?? LOL I forgot, so is there any access problems to this area?

Is this Old or New town?

We will certainly have to get together for a beer, will be in touch to sort out where and when.


Bye for now

Muck

Caroline:

If New Town extends to Broughton St, then that puts Hart St right on the edge. That looks pretty good to me...

Mucky, are you coming for the game? We're going down too.

I'm there for the game from Fri(late) until Mon by which time we'll be celebrating!

Francis I didn't know you were Welsh too..

Sheila, yes we (the blokes) are going to the game, ladies will be yapping in the pub as usual...lol


muck

Scottish ladies made of sterner stuff. We go to the game!

No idea of more detailed plans as yet....

It will be nice if we can all meet up for a pint.

Mucky, replying to your e-mail 'offline'.

Hi sssteve, On Saturday I was walking through town, realised I'd be passing Hart Street en route to Abercromby Place and thought I'd time it, out of interest. It took me 10 minutes. Hart Street is a nice street and I'm sure you'll like it - just don't mistakenly try to visit the "sauna" at the bottom :-) (Saunas in Scotland have a rather particular meaning.)

That was very nice of you to chewck for me Caroline!! Thanks!

Now, tell us all what a "sauna" really means in Scotland!!

It's a brothel.

lol
I was just fancying a sauna too !!

Sounds even better now !!!! lol

Muck