Best Airbnbs in Edinburgh
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Having lived in and walked the streets of Edinburgh city centre for many years, I often looked at and admired the grandeur and history of the buildings all over the capital city of Scotland.
I spent a lot of my time wondering what these grand apartments in the Old Town must look like, what kind of person lives there and how they are decorated. Looking at the surrounding areas such as Leith and Deans Village or the New Town and trying to imagine how much money I would need to purchase property, a flat, in such sought after locations but thanks to services such as Airbnb Edinburgh, I can now book an affordable stay in many of these locations directly which is something that I never dreamed a possibility without waiting for many years and saving a big pot of money!
Hopefully, you will find something suitable as you look for holiday apartments for rent in Edinburgh. I have included some options for holiday apartments in Edinburgh Royal Mile and Edinburgh apartments for large groups where I can.
Classical Apartment on the Royal Mile
The first apartment I am going to show you is this incredible classical-inspired apartment on the Royal Mile. This is one of the busiest streets in Old Town Edinburgh and also one of the most desirable locations to stay for tourists.
The Royal Mile is called such as there is roughly a one-mile distance between the gates of Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace and this is the street that runs between them, so if history and visiting those tourist attractions are high on your list to do, this is a fantastic option for you.
This Airbnb Edinburgh Old Town accommodation is suitable for 2 guests (no children or pets) as it is a studio apartment with only one double room.
You will have full use of the apartment including WiFi, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee machine etc. and some bathroom toiletries are provided for your stay. If parking is a concern, there are paid parking options nearby but I would advise that parking in the city can be quite costly.
Now, it’s the decor or this apartment that gets me. Surrounded by modern art, family portraits and hundreds of books filling the walls along with parquet flooring, wooden window shutters and your secret bedroom is hidden behind floor to ceiling shelves, it is very cool.
The large windows seen throughout the main rooms create a lot of light while the interior gives a feeling of close comfort, with each room is as impressive as the next and again, each room is decorated and utilised to the highest standard.
This is very unique and I feel, very fitting for Airbnb Edinburgh Royal Mile accommodation or if you are looking for an Airbnb near Edinburgh Castle.
Book your stay at this Classical Apartment on the Royal Mile
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
Beautiful Studio on George Street
Another studio option but this time we are looking at an aparthotel. If you aren’t entirely sure what an aparthotel is, it takes the best of the facilities that you experience from a hotel stay such as a restaurant, bar or meeting area but instead of a bedroom with en suite bathroom, you stay in your own self-contained apartment where you will also have your own kitchen and living space.
And this time, we are looking at another coveted street, George Street. George Street is in the New Town of Edinburgh and runs almost parallel to the main shopping street in Edinburgh, Princes Street. By staying so central, you know that you are really well connected to all the transport links.
George Street is an area known for its many fashionable restaurants, stylish bars and is also known as one of Edinburgh’s more designer shopping destinations.
Despite being part of the New Town, the buildings are mostly of the Georgian and Victorian era so you can expect to see some more of that grand and captivating architecture that Edinburgh is so well known for.
Described as a boutique aparthotel it has 72 apartments each with a distinctive, powdery colour palette primarily of soft pinks and greens, with soft lighting to complement the space. Each apartment comes with WiFi, Smart TV, washing machine, fully-functioning kitchen with dishwasher, coffee maker, dishes and silverware. Again, these apartments are aimed at mainly two guests sharing.
The decor of these apartments looks so clean, inviting and tranquil but I want to mention some of those hotel experiences that you can have as I think these are something special.
Firstly, I want to mention the coffee house on the ground floor where you can meet up with friends or create a co-working space, again with that calm and easy environment.
Secondly, they offer massage and holistic services that you can order in-room. So, whether you would like massage, Reiki or a facial, someone will come to your room to provide this service where you can fully indulge in the calm and peace of your own space and guests get 20% off their first treatment.
Tempting?
Book your stay at this Beautiful Studio on George Street
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
GRAND & SPACIOUS CENTRAL APT WITH WIFI
A beautiful ground floor Georgian apartment not too far from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and a short distance from the popular Broughton area where you can expect to find pubs, restaurants, coffee shops and delicatessens. There are also a number of small independent and fashionable shops in this area. It is also a short walk to Princes Street and many of the central tourist attractions.
This apartment is suitable for 2 guests with one double bedroom. It is bright and airy with beautiful grand windows with original wooden shutters and high ceilings. You have the luxury of an indoor fire along with the use of WiFi and TV. It also boasts of castle views from the doorstep.
When it comes to the interior, I would describe it as a mix ranging from shabby chic to some more traditional styles. It is very spacious with a large and fully equipped kitchen along with a beautiful wide hallway and cosy living area.
The bathroom although large, features a bath with overhead shower which may be a tight squeeze and not allow for much movement for some people.
There is free parking towards the end of the street and paid parking available just outside the property.
Book your stay at this Grand & Spacious Central Apartment
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
Georgian Townhouse Apartment in Picturesque New Town
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This Georgian Townhouse Apartment is located in Edinburgh’s New Town and will appeal to those who like a more traditional style of decor and I will quickly say that I by no way mean that it is dated in that regard, as I know sometimes ‘traditional’ can appear as a backhanded compliment!
What I mean is that there is something more homely about this apartment, there are touches of Scotland with the tartan throws and cushions, the Chesterfield sofa, the stag head and the kilted tailors’ dummy but there are also some modern accents with the kitchen and bathroom styling.
This property is aimed at 2 guests as it has one bedroom with en suite but something worth noting is that this property is fully accessible to those that may have affected mobility. This is something that can be more challenging to find with these old Edinburgh buildings but entry and the property itself are fully accommodating to this.
You will find all of the usual amenities in the kitchen including dishwasher, coffee machine. The bathroom has a rain shower and a soaking tub, both with wide entry. WiFi, TV with Netflix and a fireplace for those colder seasons.
Book your stay at this Georgian Townhouse Apartment
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
The Four Sisters Boatel
If you are after a unique stay, how about a canal barge! The Four Sisters luxury boat which has been awarded 4 stars by the Scottish Tourist Board can be found in the Lochrin Basin in the Union Canal, part of Edinburgh Quay, Scottish Canals.
The Canal is often busy with walkers, joggers and cyclists and you can find a number of bars, restaurants and small shops nearby. Despite being on the water, you are within 10-15 minute walk to the city centre.
The Boatel description states that it can accommodate up to five adults and two children in the three bedrooms available, they are also pet friendly.
You will find all of the amenities that you would expect in self-accommodation such as a full galley kitchen with refrigerator, oven, hob along with basic condiments, oils and hot drinks and in the living area, you can find plasma TV, WiFi, and Hi-Fi system.
There is even a table and chairs on the deck along with a barbecue for use during those summer months or you can use the kitchen bar inside the boat.
In the bathroom, towels, bathrobes and toiletries are complimentary for use during your stay and there is even a heather towel rail to keep things warm and toasty. It is also one of the only accommodations to feature air conditioning, which is great for those close summer nights.
The interior of the boat is quite simple, clean and efficient with a slight nautical theme but as you can imagine, space is very limited and important so it does appear very well thought out and entirely functional in design.
Book your stay at the Four Sisters Boatel
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
Artists Mews House near City Centre
I absolutely love and adore mews houses and this apartment for 2 is just beautiful.
If you aren’t sure what a mews is, its the British name given to a row of houses which had a coach house on street level with the living quarters upstairs. They were almost like servants quarters at the time but they have become very trendy over the years. I don’t often see them in Scotland but they are very common in and around London where they are usually found in really desirable areas.
As you walk down the cobbled street to your own private entrance to cottage doors outlined by olive trees, it sounds idyllic! And it only gets better once you step inside this self-contained accommodation.
The interior of the Artists Mews is everything I had hoped to create when I bought my apartment. It’s clean, filled with white walls which reflect the natural light and it is only complemented further by the wood and stonework features throughout. You even have the luxury of private gardens nearby which provide a shortcut to another well-loved area of Edinburgh, Stockbridge.
As it is a fully self-contained apartment, you have use of the WiFi, TV, kitchen, washing machine, dishwasher, coffee machine and there are toiletries available for use in the bathroom.
It’s bright, it’s airy and it is impeccably decorated.
Book your stay at the Artists Mews
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
The Plywood Flat
This flat is based in Dalry which would be convenient for those travelling to or from the Haymarket Station area. but it is also within walking or tram distance to Edinburgh city centre. Travelling by tram taking 8 minutes and walking should take approximately 15 minutes.
Dalry is primarily a residential area although you will find plenty of great pubs and restaurants nearby.
With the potential to house up to 4 guests, this flat has one double room and a sofabed. The decor is fresh with lots of pops of colour which can be seen throughout and as you can imagine by the name, it comes with lots of wood features. The kitchen worktop is this brilliant punchy green colour which sits against a natural plywood backdrop and the white walls that just seem so inviting and familiar despite being so unusual in comparison to the majority of kitchen colour schemes.
I don’t know about you but I feel such a sense of calm when I am surrounded by plants and this flat has an abundance of them throughout the rooms, without feeling cluttered.
The entryway has wonderful hexagonal tiles which can be followed right through to the bathroom design where the bathroom has a large shower area.
During your stay, you will have free use of the dishwasher, washing machine, WiFi, smart TV with Netflix and there is the option of paid parking nearby.
Book your stay at the Plywood Flat
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
Walk along the Royal Mile from an Elegant Apartment
This flat is set in the Old Town and has one double bedroom making it a perfect stop for 2 guests.
At first glance of the pictures, you may see the floral wallpaper and think that it is aimed towards the more feminine but the decor throughout is simply very clean with shades of soft white and grey.
I love the look of these coloured deep velvet sofas which really compliment the living area, along with the fireplace, piano and bookcase, it adds a lot of warmth and character to the flat.
The kitchen is a little more modern with black gloss cupboards but it comes with everything you need and has a large dining table for eating your meals while the bathroom is stark white and has a soaking tub with overhead rain shower but it’s the gorgeous floor tiles that really catch my attention in this room!
And finally the bedroom, I love the mix of rich wooden floors which can be seen throughout this property with matching bedroom furniture. You have a feature wall with floral wallpaper but it is so soft and delicate that it perfectly compliments the rest of the room and makes it feel very inviting.
This flat comes with all the necessary amenities to make this self-catered property fully functional for cooking and living.
As it is located just off the Royal Mile, there is no parking nearby due to the location.
Book your stay at this Elegant Flat beside the Royal Mile
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
Regal Art-Filled Apartment with Secret Bedroom
Well, it was inevitable, I had to pick this holiday rental with the bedroom hidden behind a secret bookcase door. It’s the second in this list which features a secret bedroom, which is so unusual and such a novelty to me as I have never seen them before. I love that about staycations and travelling, finding these quirks and experiencing something a little different and it seems that bedrooms behind hidden walls appeal to me.
Much like the others, this is suitable for two guests and as it is a self-contained apartment, you do have full access to all of the kitchen and washing facilities along with the use of WiFi and TV and complimentary toiletries but it does also feature lift entry which again, I think is unusual but could be a real benefit to some visitors.
This apartment is located on Edinburgh’s North Bridge which is incredibly central. Staying in a building on the corner to the Royal Mile but also North Bridge which connects you to Princes Street, the main shopping street in the city. The position of this apartment is not only great for shopping but you find yourself in a great spot for bars and restaurants as well as train and bus routes.
The decor is clean and full of character and more spacious than it may appear in pictures. I would say that the living/dining area is your most standout room as it has full panel walls which are painted a rich blue-grey colour and filled with books alongside the artwork on the walls and the chesterfield sofa, it certainly does have a classic charm as they describe.
Book your stay at this Regal Art Filled Apartment
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
Self Contained City Escape With Private Entrance and Terrace
This beautiful apartment is another option for those who want to stay in the city centre.
Once again, this is an apartment located in the New Town which leaves you within walking distance of some of the best bars, restaurants and tourist attractions that Edinburgh has to offer.
Suitable for up to three guests, with one double bedroom and one sofabed. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for children or pets.
This apartment is self-contained and lies just below street level so you have your own private access to the property with a small terrace outside and despite its positioning just below street level, there is a surprising amount of light to be seen throughout. There is on-street paid parking available just outside.
This property is wonderfully decorated with a mix of classic and contemporary design which has been finished to a high standard. I especially love the placement of the kitchen which is clean in design with the large double doorway entry which creates a large open space and allows full interaction with those that may be in the living room without feeling as exposed as you might with an open plan kitchen and living room.
The living room is ever so slightly more traditional with beautiful tables, large fireplace and classic art but brings it back to modern styling with some lovely green plants, Scandi influenced sofa and Berber rug. The bathroom is newly fitted so you can expect a high spec of quality with a soaking tub and overhead rain shower while the bedroom is very minimal in furniture and designed with soft hues of whites and greys. There is a King size bed and plenty of storage in this room.
Some of the top amenities in this property are the washer, dryer, dishwasher, fireplace, WiFi, TV, coffee machine and bathroom toiletries.
Book your stay at this Self-Contained City Escape
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
Rustic Urban Retreat in City View Flat
If you are looking for holiday lettings in Edinburgh that feels like a home from home, this is it.
This one bedroom apartment is available for two guests and is located in the cities Leith area.
Leith is a short distance from the city centre but easily accessible by transport or walking if you prefer although it may take up to 40 minutes to do so. It’s a great location for those wanting to see a different side of Edinburgh as it’s surrounded by greenery, it has wonderful outdoor markets, plenty of restaurants, bakeries and drinking establishments around the port of the waters of Leith and is only a short distance from Portobello beach.
From the time that I lived in Edinburgh, Leith has had a somewhat of a revival and it is definitely an up and coming area to stay and I would highly recommend visiting.
The host themselves describe the property as ‘features exposed stone masonry walls, a contemporary wood and white aesthetic, scattered plants to add touches of green, contrasting motifs, and pops of colour.’ and I think that’s a perfect description. It is an eclectic taste but I love that.
When you see the picture of the building from the outside it appears very unassuming but I love the interior and they have done such a great job of making the best use of the space and filling it with interesting pieces.
There is free on-street parking, WiFi, TV, toiletries and all of the usual household facilities including darkening blinds for the bedroom.
Book your stay at this Rustic Urban Retreat
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
Chester Street Designer Apartment
This Chester Street apartment located in the New Town can comfortably accommodate up to 4 guests in its one double room with King size bed and a second bedroom with twin beds.
It’s a perfect central location for tourists, near many of the bars and restaurants, a good mix of high street and luxury shops while being on a quiet enough street to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life and noises.
It is also comfortably within walking distance to many of the most popular attractions and transport links if you are looking to travel further.
With floor to ceiling windows, high ceilings, wooden floors and an eclectic selection of decorative items throughout its certainly a stylish place to stay and offers fantastic views over many of the other period properties on the street.
There is a fully equipped kitchen available for use, WiFi, TV and it is very spacious throughout. The only downside is that parking may be more difficult to come by or be quite expensive but Edinburgh has really great transport links so do not worry about leaving your car behind!
This property also uses professional cleaning services between visits along with hotel quality linen and towels.
Book your stay at this Chester Street apartment
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
Curl Up in an Armchair at an Original Victorian Mews House
And we have another beautiful Victorian Mews House to share.
This mews is larger than the last – With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, it can accommodate up to four people with suitability for both pets and children.
There is free parking on the premises, in the garage just under your living quarters and you have full access to the facilities within the property. In addition, you do have a working fireplace in this house and if you are taking children, stair gates and fire guards are provided for safety.
This mews is located by Dean Village and the Water of Leith which is very quiet and picturesque, somewhere you can feel as though you are visiting somewhere entirely different yet only be minutes from the city centre.
I love the mix of old and new when it comes to the decor theme and this is something that runs throughout the property. There are a lot of mid-century touches which is right up my street but all while having some eclectic pieces, it retains that clean, understated and homely feel.
Visiting this mews is like taking a step back in time but not uncomfortably so, it is still very modern despite some of the room aesthetics. Both bedrooms have king-size beds which is great but it’s the en suite in bedroom 2 which really caught my eye!
We’re talking a new Narnia experience here, I thought I had it with the secret bedrooms but now we have a secret bathroom to discuss. Behind the mirrored door of the wardrobe lies a beautiful subway tiled bathroom with a stainless steel bath and traditional toilet with pull chain while the second (or main) bathroom features a rain shower.
This is a truly brilliant, loved and well-considered apartment that would be a joy to stay in.
Book your stay at this Original Victorian Mews House
Start your Edinburgh adventure by booking this airbnb.
