Lodging advice-- 3 days in Edinburgh
 

I'm tacking a 3-day trip to Edinburgh onto the end of some business travel in London in early April. Because my time is so limited, I'm having trouble figuring out a central, affordable but nice place to stay.

I've had my eye on the Edinburgh Thistle Hotel and B+B Edinburgh (on Manor Pl. and Rothesay Ter., respectively), but I'm wondering if this is going to be too far from the city center. It looks like they're going to be a 20-25 min. walk into town. I don't mind a good walk, but I don't want to be too far away from the major attractions, either.

I'm assuming I'll take a train from the airport into the city, and then have to get a cab to wherever I'm staying. Are cabs plentiful in Edinburgh? Also, on one day of the three, I'm renting a car to drive south and see an old family home. Looks like the car rental places are out near the Haymarket train station. So, I'll need a cab there as well.

Does anyone have thoughts on whether the two places I was considering would be convenient to town, or whether I should look for something more central? All input appreciated!

I should also mention that I'd like to stay under $125/night for accommodations, if possible. Love the charm of B&Bs but am fine with hotels, so not picky in that regard.

I stayed at 14 Hart Street B & B in October, and absolutely loved it. Very centrally located, but on a quiet street, near bus lines. There are several excellent cafes and restaurants nearby. Beautifully decorated room, delicious breakfast, helpful hosts. I highly recommend it

There are car rental places other than Haymarket. At Waverly station, etc plus at EDI.

You won't be taking a train from EDI to the city center - there isn't one :) You can either take a cab in, or what most do is the airport bus right into the center of the city.

Where is the family home? Makes a huge difference whether a car is needed or not.

If it was me, I'd stay in the Old Town. The Apex International, the Ibis, HI Express, or even the Travelodge - all of these are probably w/i your price range.

enwell-- Thanks! That place looks lovely.

janisj- Ah, yes-- bus not train. My mistake. I'm planning to take the bus that runs frequently between EDI and Waverly Station. So, there are car hires near Waverly? Thanks for the info. I will investigate. The family home is down near Jedburgh, so a bit of a drive. I thought I'd make a day of it and go see Melrose Abbey on the way back. Thanks for all the hotel tips, too.

For the Borders - yes a car would be best. Jedburgh plus Melrose/Dryburgh is an easy 'three-fer'.

Melrose is very nice, but don't miss Dryburgh. It is in a lovely setting and is on the route from Jedburgh to Melrose. Sir Walter Scott is buried there. You could have afternoon tea at the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.u...dryburghabbey/

We stayed at http://www.53frederickstreet.com/index.html
It is just north of Princes St. When we walked down to where it meets Princes St, I was able to get some great night shots of the castle from here.

We were able to walk to High Street without a problem within 10 minutes. We walked to the B&B from the train station.

It is very nice and the owners are terrific. Breakfast is included but you eat it at the restaurant next door. It was a very good breakfast.

The only drawback was that our room faced onto the street and we were there Friday and Saturday nights in early May. The noise from the pubs went on for a while. I think a room in the back would be much quieter. But I would definitely stay here again. It was £80 per night for a double.

Note: it is on the 3rd and 4th floor on a townhouse.

Try

The Thistle at the King James centre, the Ibis, the Bank, the Grassmarket, the Apex City, the Apex International.

They are all hotels (which I pefer) are all within half a mile of Prices Street, and all within your budget, according to Late Rooms. My pick would be the two Apexes.