Caroline,

Thanks. I love cities and walking around - but it's always good to know areas to avoid.

We are looking at the either the Balmoral or the Glass House ( my husband likes the look ). Then we'll be ready to book the rest of the trip !

Regards,
Carolyn

The Glasshouse looks very groovy but I don't like the location. It has Calton Hill on one side which is nice, but the other side overlooks a roundabout on a fairly major, & not very attractive, route into the city. The rooms are also, bizarrely, on top of a leisure centre - multiscreen cinema, nightclub, various chain restaurants...

As Sheila said, if you can afford the Balmoral, just stay there. The location couldn't be more convenient & it is the grande dame of Edinburgh hotels. The pool is quite nice (if small) too.

Caroline,

Wow - this is exactly why this site is so great.

I am booking the Balmoral as I type this - well almost.

Thanks for the heads up.

Carolyn

Just back from Edinburgh. I went back and forth between a great many hotels, including the Scotsman and the Balmoral. I ended up at the Howard Hotel. An upscale boutique hotel--English style with large four poster beds, fireplaces, private butler service, etc. Short walk to Princes Street but quiet in the evenings. I'd highly recommend it.

LoriS - thanks for your feedback. Well as you can tell from all my emails we went back and forth a lot. I appreciate your help.

Carolyn

I'm sure you will not be disappointed in the Balmoral.

Yes- now that Edinburgh is all set the fun part is putting together the other days. The more I think about it - I am not sure Isle of Skye is doable in our amount of time. Only nine days of travel which includes our travel days.

BTW the International Festival programe came out today - I'm already booked up ! www.eif.co.uk

Caroline,

Thank you ! wow - this is an awesome program and just the type of events we love. Makes me wish we had even more time in Edinburgh.

Have a good day.

Carolyn

You're very welcome, Carolyn.

In case I didn't mention it before, the Fringe programme comes out June 8 (www.edfringe.com), the book festival programme on 16 June (ww.edbookfest.co.uk) & the film festival programme on 14 July(www.edfilmfest.org.uk). Too much stuff or what !!

Caroline,

No kidding - there's so much - almost too much to pick from !

Thanks again.