Edinburgh Hotels and favorite hidden gem

[edinburgher]

And as a PS as you mentioned "historic"  and "closes off the Royal Mile"  ticking both boxes, there are a number of "Underground Edinburgh" tours. No two are the same.  

 

The one which you might or might not enjoy would be The Real Mary Kings Close, entrance opposite St Giles Cathedral. Underground streets , homes and passageways where residents lived a few centuries ago, Info online.

Edited December 9, 2023 by edinburgher

[edinburgher]

On 12/7/2023 at 3:52 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

Anything historical

Closes of the Royal Mile

OOPS!

Edited December 9, 2023 by edinburgher

[highplanesdrifters]

@edinburgher & @fruitmachine along with all others, THANK YOU for the invaluable information you have provided.

I have put everything in my files and will be digging deeper in he next few weeks. 

 

I am especially grateful for the little bits you have provided.  Just wrapping up airfare.  Never easy, and always expensive.  

 

If I might indulge on your expertise - On to hotels.  Any comments on Old Town vs. New Town?  

It's always nice to have some space. We are taking my sister. 

Looking at Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, they have a nice 2 bedroom. 

We also love small boutique hotels if you have any suggestions.

[edinburgher]

On 12/9/2023 at 5:02 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

On to hotels.  Any comments on Old Town vs. New Town?  

It's always nice to have some space. We are taking my sister. 

Looking at Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, they have a nice 2 bedroom. 

We also love small boutique hotels if you have any suggestions.

Beginning with an apology as we have had a super busy few days with "all things Christmas" prep both at home and out shoping hence patchy replies.

 

On to hotels.  Any comments on Old Town vs. New Town?  

 

Depends where you think you will spend most time.

 

A geography lesson.  Edinburgh is built on seven hills and as most visitors will spend time in both, sometimes you will either have to walk uphill or use buses.

 

If you look at a map of central Edinburgh, you will see Princes St, parallel  with George St (which has the squares at each end, Charlotte Sq and St Andrew Sq). Both those streets run east/ west (or west /east!) and are on flat, even ground.  The Old Town is south of Princes St and uphill, the New Town(of which these are actually part) runs north and is downhill (which means coming back uphill to reach George St and Princes St then uphill again to the Old Town.  

 

There are pros and cons for  location as central streets and the area of the Old Town can be noisy day and night, as you would expect in any busy city. 

 

Looking at Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, they have a nice 2 bedroom. 

 

The  Cheval on St Andrew Square has a great location, but there are two tram stops almost outside the entrance, and trams run every few minutes from very early until late.  Those stops service both directions so trams will be there frequently. I think earliest are around 0600.  Although they  run quite quietly, they have an irritating and quite loud  ting-a ling-bell and that could be disturbing if you are in a room overlooking  St Andrew Square.  Should you book, if it were me, forego a view of the square and be certain to request a room to the rear. Read online reviews eg (tripadvisor)  for any mentions of tram noise.

 

We also love small boutique hotels if you have any suggestions.

 

There are certainly smaller "boutique-type" hotels, although some could be larger than you expect and more like "hotels" rather than smaller establishments.  As they are usually renovated and converted elegant Georgian-style townhouses, they will probably be found in the New Town as the architectural style of the Old Town is very different and although I do not know for certain,  I expect there will be little or nothing which matches your description to be found in that area, but you could look  just in case.

 

There are also "luxury" rated B and Bs(4 and 5 star) in the city and "luxury" self catering apartments and aparthotels should you want to include these in your research as you are looking for two bedrooms..

 

In the past I might have recommended, for location alone, either the Hilton Carlton or The Scotsman, both on N Bridge as the location is excellent straddling as it does both Old and New Towns,  but North Bridge has been undergoing major bridge and road works for a few years now (directly outside both) and I have no idea when these works will end. As I write, continuous noise and diversions are still ongoing.

 

As with any city, finding accommodation involves a huge amount of research and I do not envy you your search.I have always found that the city accommodation research takes longer than the city sightseeing research.

 

Neither fruitmachinre nor I has yet mentioned the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, which are beautiful and extensive. Free entry although the glashouses have a small charge. Public buses from the city stop a few steps from the Inverleith Row entrance, buses to return to the city from the opposite stop. When the city can be packed with visitors at certain times of the year, this is a lovely "sight" in pretty surroundings.where the madding crowd elsewhere can be avoided.They can be very colourful in spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full colour, but nature is nature and there is no knowing if they will peak in April or May.

Edited December 11, 2023 by edinburgher

[highplanesdrifters]

On 12/11/2023 at 8:44 AM, edinburgher said:

As with any city, finding accommodation involves a huge amount of research and I do not envy you your search.I have always found that the city accommodation research takes longer than the city sightseeing research.

 

Hear hear!  But it has been made so much easier with your help!

 

In the throws of Christmas travel and chaos also.  I've filed all your excellent suggestions and will dig in as the merriment does down. 😁

 

In an earlier post you asked if I was a Potter. I thought what a strange question.  Then the lightbulb went off.  Yes, loved all the Potter books, but not the reason for the trip . Might be fun to see a few of the inspirations though.

[edinburgher]

53 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

In an earlier post you asked if I was a Potter. I thought what a strange question.  Then the lightbulb went off.  Yes, loved all the Potter books, but not the reason for the trip . Might be fun to see a few of the inspirations though.

There are a number of Harry Potter locations walking tours, mostly concentrated  around Greyfriars Kirk graveyard,(where JK sourced many of the names of her characters)  George IV Bridge and the City Chambers (her handprints are there in the courtyard)opposite St Giles Cathedral, (and the exterior of the Balmoral Hotel where JK wrote some of one book, I do not know which as we are not "Potters".)and very popular they appear to be given the number of folks on them.  At busy times, there are sometimes tour groups lined up outside Greyfriers waiting for other groups to exit so they can enter.You can of course do a self-guided walking tour which would be more flexible as you can go at your own pace at a time to suit, (and can enter Greyfriars graveyard as independents without having to wait at busy times)) you only need search for something like "self guided Harry Potter walking tours" Edinburgh.  the same applies to Outlander locations if you enjoyed that series.  Again, info online.  Plenty to see and do here.

Edited December 13, 2023 by edinburgher

[CatalinaUK]

Just chiming in to say that I second (third?) the suggestion of the Portrait Gallery. The murals are beautiful and the collection excellent. I also enjoy the cafe, though I have not been there since the pandemic. I prefer the Portrait Gallery to the National Gallery, actually. 

 

The National Museum of Scotland is also worth a visit (though controversially I think Glasgow's Kelvingrove is the best museum of the two - but don't tell anyone!). Right next door there's the National Library of Scotland which has a good (and free) display of historic documents by Robert Burns. 

[edinburgher]

28 minutes ago, CatalinaUK said:

Just chiming in to say that I second (third?) the suggestion of the Portrait Gallery. The murals are beautiful and the collection excellent.

Everyone welcome to chime in.😀  The freize at the Portrait Gallery really is stunning.  I only mentioned it to the OP as he didn't ask for any info on galleries or museums other than the small (but different) Bank of Scotland one focused on money matters. No need to spend unwanted  time in the P. Gallery, very easy just to step in for 5 minutes to admire the freize.

 

Kelvingrove is fabulous but so too is the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers St.  TBH I would find it difficult to say which is better than the other and they are both really popular and both have different permanent and temporary exhibits.  We also like the Museum of Edinburgh opposite Canongate Kirk.

 

Should you find yourself back in the city and still enjoying art, The National Galleries  at the foot of the Mound finally opened(Sept 30 2023) the new  series of rooms linking the two buildings after a number of years of construction  and now displays a wider selection of works  Could be somewhere new for you to explore.

[highplanesdrifters]

And the hits just keep on coming. You folks are amazing. Thanks!

[Scottishclover]

I second a visit to The National Portrait Gallery. It has a really special atmosphere. I was there last Friday ( it’s our go-to for a coffee to escape the crowds when we are in town shopping). There was a choir singing in the main foyer and I had goosebumps listening to them. I also enjoy The National Museum and the Botanic Gardens. 

 

Museum on the Mound is a nice museum but it won’t need a lot of time. I’m not sure it’s entirely worth it unless you have a real interest in the history of money. I often go with my class on school trips and the staff are very knowledgeable during workshops. I can’t imagine it ever being busy so it’s perhaps a good opportunity to avoid the crowds.
 

My suggestion for a gin distillery is a little off-piste but would make for a great afternoon out in good weather. The Secret Garden Gin Distillery specialises in gin with different botanicals. The company started off as a herb garden and then diversified when gin became trendy. It’s a little out of town at Damhead but I think it is definitely a hidden gem. And a bit different to the usual gin experience
 

Your hotel choice sounds amazing but if you decide you want to be away from the main drag, then try Abercorn Guesthouse in Portobello. I had German friends who really enjoyed a stay there and we got a tour round. It was charming. Good if you are looking for a boutique atmosphere and personal service. It’s easy to get in and out of the centre with the local buses.

 

For something a bit different, my favourite Edinburgh Restaurant is David Bann Restaurant on St Mary’s Street.  It’s a vegetarian restaurant but uses good quality seasonal produce and makes a change from the usual fare.

 

To reiterate: Edinburgh is very busy all throughout the year, in fact it’s on the verge of being overrun by tourists. But the May bank holiday weekend……just be very prepared for crowds and ensure you book any ticketed attractions in advance.

 

Have a great trip.

[CatalinaUK]

Oh! Just thought of a "hidden gem" (well, to locals it is not). The department store John Lewis has a cafe with stunning views out over Fife and the Firth. If you are just needing a coffee and a quick snack, that's a good place to get away from tourist crowds (though you'll be rubbing elbows with local ladies who lunch). Of course you have to go through a traditional British department store to get there, but that's always an interesting thing when you are abroad. And it's close to all amenities.  

[highplanesdrifters]

@edinburgher @CatalinaUK.  @Scottishclover. @fruitmachine. 

 

A very big THANK YOU to you and all who sent suggestions, invaluable.   We leave for Edinburgh in a few days and I've just put them all in my travel docs.

We booked the 2 bedroom at the Edinburgh Grand and can't wait to explore this wonderful city. So many enticing options. 

 

Warm Regards,

Highplanesdrifters

[edinburgher]

17 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

We leave for Edinburgh in a few days and I've just put them all in my travel docs.

Weather is a bit variable so prepare for that. I suggest that if it is dry, you focus on oudoors, (Calton hill and others)if wet there are plenty indoor museums, galleries and attractions to choose from.😀

 

You did your homework.  Now time to enjoy the city, which appears to already be busier than usual for the time of year..

[highplanesdrifters]

On 12/21/2023 at 3:37 AM, Scottishclover said:

My suggestion for a gin distillery is a little off-piste but would make for a great afternoon out in good weather. The Secret Garden Gin Distillery specialises in gin with different botanicals. The company started off as a herb garden and then diversified when gin became trendy. It’s a little out of town at Damhead but I think it is definitely a hidden gem. And a bit different to the usual gin experience

 

This suggestion looks like big fun.  You can even make your own specialized gin!  Getting there another issue.  Is uber a possibility? 

[Scottishclover]

Yes you could uber. Although it’s not far in distance,  the possible routes through the south of Edinburgh are quite congested so it will take around a half hour. On the plus side it will take you through some nice leafy neighbourhoods. A really nice area to explore if you have time is Morningside - lots of nice independent cafes and shops.
 

As Edinburgher mentioned, expect crowds. This weekend is a holiday weekend in the west of Scotland with children off schools Friday/Monday. Also half term holidays in England,  I think. If you are still there on Sunday watch out for the Edinburgh Marathon too ( I will be there cheering on my daughter). Edinburgh is becoming an increasingly popular city break and seems busy to me all year round now.

 

Hope you enjoy your stay and the sun keeps shining for you😎

[highplanesdrifters]

19 hours ago, Scottishclover said:

Yes you could uber. Although it’s not far in distance,  the possible routes through the south of Edinburgh are quite congested so it will take around a half hour. On the plus side it will take you through some nice leafy neighbourhoods. A really nice area to explore if you have time is Morningside - lots of nice independent cafes and shops.
 

As Edinburgher mentioned, expect crowds. This weekend is a holiday weekend in the west of Scotland with children off schools Friday/Monday. Also half term holidays in England,  I think. If you are still there on Sunday watch out for the Edinburgh Marathon too ( I will be there cheering on my daughter). Edinburgh is becoming an increasingly popular city break and seems busy to me all year round now.

 

Hope you enjoy your stay and the sun keeps shining for you😎

 

 

Thanks for the tips and heads up about the Marathon. Just checked the route map and we will be able to get to the ship without crossing the route, whew!  Good luck to your daughter.

 

We are mentally ready for the crowds.  Seems all cities are chock full of people these days.

Edited Tuesday at 12:23 PM by highplanesdrifters