My husband and I are trying to go to Edinburgh in 3 days(my mom has been sick and our 25th wedding anniversary trip to Sicily has been put on hold).We are desperately trying to find a decent hotel that is: available/closer into the main part of the city/inexpensive for 4 nights(hopefully,less than $200USD a night). I have been trying various search sights and most of them are ridiculously expensive or the properties are so out of town that it would be impossible to get around without a car. Anyone have any thoughts? I even tried the University of Edinburgh housing and some apartment hostels but everything is booked with the college students returning this next week. "Better half" loves bookstores,pubs,out of doors and the ocean.One of his favorite shows on US television has been "Monarch of the Glen" so I know that he is looking forward to going to Scotland. The town of Leith looked interesting but I don't think that I want to be that far out of the mainstream of Edinburgh and always have to rely on public transportation to get us everywhere.Anyone familar with: The George Hotel,Leaumouth Hotel,Thistle Court,Hollyrood or Novotel Edinburgh Centre? I am in desperation mode here so any help would be appreciated.thanks!

Do not fret. We have found a wonderful B&B run by very nice, welcoming people. it is The Addison B&B on 48 Esslemont in Edinburgh. Take a look and email Mrs. Wilma Hogg at: [email protected]

Beautiful location, on the busline right into town. Our daugher rides her bike right by it each day on her way to the Darwin Library in the Kings Science & Engineering Building at the University. So many things to do and see in Edinburgh - and remember most of the museums are free. Also look on the 'Undiscovered Scotland' website.
Happy Anniversary - have a brae time. gk

Have you tried the Apex in Grassmarket? Usually moderately inexpensive and right in the middle of Old Town

Or of you want really cheap there is the Ibis on (I think) Hunter Square. Also in Old Town.

Or the Jury's Inn which is usually really good value for money and is just off the Royal Mile.

Even though the bus service is very good - I would much rather stay in one of these rather than a B&B on the outskirts.

Take a look at http://www.ratestogo.com . There seem to be several well-located possibilities in your price range:
Stillhouse Apartments Edinburgh
Tytler Court Apartments
The Tron Apartments

If I understand your dates correctly, it looks like the final night of your stay, which starts the next weekend, is likely the one causing trouble with availability. Consider looking for one hotel for the first three nights, and then another for the last.

Take a look here for small hotels and guesthouses:
http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/


Personally I'd like to be within one or two blocks of the Royal Mile or Princes Street, if at all possible.

Thanks for the replies all! My husband is so desperate to be in Scotland that he now wants to book the Holiday Inn Express in Leith as it is around $150USD a night and has the bus running by to Princess street.(Anyone have thoughts on it?) I will check on those that have been suggested by you. I went with my parents on a "Evans and Evans tour" of England,Scotland and Wales 30 years ago and remember staying right on Princess street so am hoping to find something more in the thick of things.I appreciate your efforts!

I never did get to Leith, but according to the guidebooks, it is a lovely area in and of itself. I think you could walk into the center from there, if you were so disposed (maybe 30 minutes?). Good luck and I hope you get a perfect solution. One more place to check, although I don't know if it will help:
http://www.edinburgh.org

Leith is a straight shot into the city center. Buses are frequent. Leith has become a destination in itself.

We were in Eburgh recently. I know another couple who stayed at Holiday Inn Leith and did not seem to find transportation a problem. It sure is not within walking distance of Princes St but as an alternate choice I would consider it.
We stayed once at the Parliament House Hotel at foot of Calton Hill, not far from Waverly train station. It is in a good location. Not sure if it is your price range or if there would be availability on short notice.

There's a perfectly good Holiday Inn Express at the top of Leith Walk which you would like better for location. Not that there's anything wrong with Leith.

The Hollyrood is lovely. as Janis says, try the Apex in the Grassmarket. The George is a bit worn, the Learmount is off centre.

The best suggestions have all been made already

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