We are planning a trip to Scotland in May 2001. Have seen lots of great postings from a search but are still trying to decide where to stay in Edinburgh. Is there one part of the city that's more convenient for getting around? Any suggestions as far as Old Town, New Town,West End? We'll be there for 2 nights and are hoping to turn in our rental car at that point. Thanks.

Edinburgh is a small town, if you miss out the residential suburbs and very easy to get about in by bus or on foot.<BR><BR>There is so much accommodation in the town it would help to have an idea of what sort of place you'd like. Posh hotel? Homely B&amp;B?

I was there about 4 yrs ago. We stayed in a B&B called the Greenside - nothing fancy , but nice enough - up the hill from princes street. It was right next to a couple of embassies (sp?) - kind of cool. <BR> <BR>We did not have a car at all - took a cab from the train station, and then either walked everywhere , or when we got caught in the rain, took a cab. <BR>We were also just up the hill (other side) from the Palace. <BR> <BR>They should still have a web site ( let me know if you can't find it) that was how I booked them.

Take a look at the Castle View Guest House - they have a web site. I stayed there this summer and it was very comfortable. They serve a big breakfast, too. Proprietors are very nice. It's on the 3rd floor of a townhouse and there's no elevator, so if stairs are a problem, this is not the place for you. It's on Castle St., number 30, I think. Just steps away from Princes St. (Near TGI Friday's - you just can't get away from those American chains!)

Pam, mail me and I can give you the lowdown.

I'm visiting relatives over the holidays, so I am not at home now. If you e-mail me back, I can find the specific name at home... we stayed at a B&B up on the water's edge - really neat place - very nice place, excellent touches, clean rooms, nice size baths - great service. le Maison, or something... anyway, we had no problems catching the bus to take us to downtown areas. It was in an out of the way place, but we liked the quiet location. <BR>Old town with royal walk area is fabulous, but right down town new town area was fun too. The balmoral hotel is an expensive, but good place to eat/stay at. Have a great one -we'd liketo return!!!

May I recommend a great pub: The Merry Judge (or something very similar) in Advocates' Close, that's a narrow alley off the Royal Mile on the way down on your left, but very close to the Royal Castle (the top part). It's run by two young lasses and the atmosphere is so lively and friendly. <BR>I recommend you stay as close to the Royal Castle / Royal Mile as you can ... otherwise you will have to hike half an hour each time you go out. Great for losing weight (I lost 3 kilos there) but not so good if it's raining ! <BR>The poshier areas are a bit away from this area, though the tranquil atmosphere of them may be worth it for some ! It really depends on your taste. But if I went back, I would try to stay close to the Castle.

Last Sept we stayed at a B&B called ELMVIEW. It was fabulous. The rooms were spacious and within 15 - 20 min walk of the Royal Mile. The owner (Marny Hill) is a gourmet cook and prepare a wonderful breakfast. We loved Edinburgh and wished we had a few more days.

The Howard! Class B and B close to the downtown area. You will not be disappointed. My info is from a stay there in 1992, so check it out for 2001.

Just down from the Elmview is Stuarts B&B. Beautiful rooms, great breakfast, quiet location and a nice walk from the Royal Mile.

Hi Pam, We are going to Edinburgh during Festival(right? Sheila, Tony?) and are staying at Tailors Hall Hotel. It looks like a great place, relatively newly opened. It is under the Festival Inns group with a few other Edinburgh Hotels(Bank hotel, Rothesay Hotel etc.) <BR>FYI, Judy ;-) ps. festivalinns.com

SORRY about the web site(my mistake) it is festival-inns.co.uk