jill_h

Just found out we're going to Scotland in August 2010!! We'll be in a small town outside of Glasgow for part of the trip for a wedding, and on our own in Edinburgh for about 4 days. I know the Tattoo is happening while we're there (and I'm working on getting tickets now) and that rooms will be difficult to come by. Does anyone have suggestions on city locations (new town vs. old town) in which to stay? The Tattoo, the castle, the Royal Mile, and other basic tourist sightseeing will be our main agenda.
Any hotel or B&B recommendations would be appreciated. Our budget would be no more than ~200 USD per night.

alihutch

The Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe Festival and the Book Festival will all also be taking place

jill_h

My husband was in Edinburgh about 26 years ago at Festival time and he really enjoyed the Fringe Festival. He did not know about any of the festivals before arriving (it was a last minute business trip), so he was very lucky and was able to get tickets to the Tattoo and love roaming around the city finding the different venues. However, I'm not willing to stay in the hostel he found, so we will be needing a hotel for this trip.

janisj

"<i>My husband was in Edinburgh about 26 years ago at Festival time</i>"

A <B>WORLD</B> of difference between 26 years ago and now. The festivals were large then, they are huge now.

Have you considered maybe staying somewhere outside of Edinburgh -- in Fife, near Striling, somewhere else -- and just taking the train into the city for one or two day trips. You could use the other two days to see other bits (St Andrews, the Trossachs, Stirling, etc) and accommodation would be much easier to book and much cheaper.

jill_h

I'll look into the outlying areas, but was hoping to find a spot IN Edinburgh so we wouldn't have to deal with transportation. Our time there is so short (~4 full days) that I wanted to maximize my time in the city. This trip has come up so fast that I haven't had a chance to thoroughly research anything. I'm just hoping to glean some ideas from Fodors and work from there. Thanks for your input!

CarolJean

Just a tip! Even though it is August, it can be quite cool in the evening. I WAS FORCED (ha) to buy a beautiful tartan stole to keep warm at the Tatoo. Have a great time. CJ

alihutch

Even though it;s August it can be quite cool in daytime too!

jill_h

Thanks for the tip on the temps. I'll be coming from ~100 degree temps, so it will be a welcome relief - I'll go prepared!

Nikki

My family was in Edinburgh in August a couple years ago and loved the festival. We went to anywhere from two to four performances a day. I would go back in a heartbeat. Staying in Edinburgh makes it easier to enjoy the full festival experience.

If you enjoy theater, the performances at the Traverse Theater were outstanding, and during the festival they put on several productions every day of new writing from Scotland and around the world. http://www.traverse.co.uk/traverse.htm

For information about all the festivals see: http://www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk/

Programs won't be set until later, and the catalogue of events is the size of a phone book.

michele_d

Hi jill_h,
I hope you are able to attend the Tattoo Festival. It was one of the highlights of our trip. You will absolutely never forget it. We bought the DVD so we can enjoy it over and over again. Edinburgh is very busy during the festivals but that just adds to the interest. So many interesting performers lining the Royal Mile. You can spend the entire day just watching them all.

If you have problems finding lodging in the city, Dalkeith Road B&Bs are a great alternative. They are just a short, 10-15 minute bus ride from downtown Edinburgh. Dalkeith Rd is located just southeast of Edinburgh.

A few of the things we really enjoyed were the Ghost and Ghouls tour http://www.mercattours.com/home.asp and the Mary's King Close Tour http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/.

Greyfriar's kirk (cemetery) was a beautiful old cemetery to stroll through also. Beautiful old headstones, if you like that sort of thing, and I do. We also enjoyed a free walking tour of the city by the city volunteers. They are located on the left as you face the castle, where the tour busses unload.

Hope you have a great trip,
Michele

unclegus

http://www.scottishaccommodationindex.com/edinburgh.php
have a look at this list,lots of small hotels,guest houses and B&B's in there.
Minto Street/Mayfieled Road/Dalkeith road area (EH9 and EH16 post codes) has lots and lots of them and this area is about a 10-15 minute bus ride from the city centre ,it is also walkable in 20-30 minutes.Edinburgh has a very good bus service that runs day and night.
other areas would be St Johns Road,Bruntsfield and Pilrig street (off leith walk) these all have quite a few places to stay and are all on bus routes into the city centre.
Travelodge are building a new place on Craigmillar Park near the Cameron Toll shopping center,don't know when it is due to open but should be sometime this summer,worth having a look at that ,again it is on bus routes to the city centre and will take about 15 minutes or so from there.

jill_h

Thanks everyone. Yes, Michele we are going to see the Tattoo - was able to get tickets yesterday!

Thanks for the link to the festivals, I'll have to check that out.

Thanks too for the link to accommodations. I'll definitely check that out. I really want to stay IN Edinburgh if possible so we have the option of heading back to the hotel if necessary without too much hassle.

I really appreciate all the input.

suspire

I loved Castle View Guest House, but it books up quickly. I wouldn't be surprised if they're full. Note it's also five million stairs to the B&B - but worth it for the location!

http://www.castleviewgh.co.uk/

Judyrem

We stayed at the Tailor's Hall Hotel and loved it. It was so historic and wonderful.
Edinburgh is SO fabulous in August, I envy you.

alanRow

<<< Even though it;s August it can be quite cool in daytime too! >>>

From last year's Fringe - "Edinburgh is the only place I've been where you can get trenchfoot and sunstroke in the same day".

BTW for the Tattoo - NO UMBRELLAS. If you put one up you will be "asked" rather rapidly to put it down as not only will be your blocking other people's views, they'll be getting your rain in their lap

jill_h

We ended up getting accommodations in a B&B about 1.5 miles outside of Edinburgh City Center - Hotel Ceilidh-Donia. Loved it! It was about 1/2 mile from the Commonwealth Pool (which was under re-construction), and within 1 mile from the Arthur's Seat park. My husband would run to the mountain, around and back while I was getting ready in the morning, so it worked out well. The bus into the City was just around the corner and across the street from the hotel, so that worked out well.

michele_d

Hi Jill,
Glad you had a good trip. We also stayed in that area at a B&B. Very easy taking the bus in every day. Fun riding with the locals too.
Michele