Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6
WHERE TO
STAY IN
EDINBURGH
Edinburgh offers all kinds of accommodation, from
the super posh and fabulously pricey five-star hotels
to youth hostels. It's a city that anticipates bundles
of tourists and travelers, whether seasonal backpackers,
school groups, and families—or professional types in the
Scottish capital on commercial and governmental matters.
During the Edinburgh Festival (p. 103)—from late July to early Septem-
ber—the hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and B&Bs fill up. If you're plan-
ning a visit at that time, be sure to reserve your room as far in advance as
possible. Otherwise you may end up in a town or village as many as 40km
(55 miles) from the city center. And don't be surprised if the standard
room rates in Edinburgh are higher—in isolated cases twice as high—
during August, particularly at smaller hotels.
The tourist board's
Edinburgh Information Centre
is near Waverley
Station, atop the Princes Mall shopping center, 3 Princes St. (
&
0845/
225-5121
or 0131/473-3800, or 44-150/683-2121 from overseas; www.
edinburgh.org or www.visitscotland.com; Bus: 3, 8, 22, 25, or 31). The
local information center, in conjunction with the Scottish tourist board,
compiles a lengthy list of small hotels, guesthouses, and private homes
providing a bed and breakfast for as little as £30 per person. A booking fee
is charged for reservations made using the Booking Hotline, and a 10%
deposit is expected. It's open year-round; typically the hours are Monday
to Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday from 10am to 7pm, though it's
open later during the Festival and closes earlier in the winter months.
The Scottish Tourist Board is also a source of star ratings, which tra-
ditionally have been based largely on a tick-list of amenities, such as TVs,
telephones, kettles, ironing boards, and so forth. Thus, the stars can be
limited for smaller operations that may not offer all the modern conve-
niences but are still perfectly good places to stay.
The Internet can be a trove of discounted rates if you have the time
and inclination to surf the net. In some cases, the bargains are only avail-
able through web-based booking services. Some of these special prices
and promotions are noted below. Often, there are onerous cancelation
