Edinburgh information
Jul 12, 2008, 2:25 am
#61
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London. Edinburgh, Cornwall
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Yeah, Edinburgh is bad for accommodation and atriocious in August.
There's an ugly but useful Marriott not far from the airport, if that helps. You might also consider hotels or B&Bs in pretty South Queensferry, which is near the Forth Rail Bridge, not far from the airport, handy for the road network to the rest of Scotland and has a train station which is about 6 minutes journey on one of the commuter lines from the main Edinburgh Waverley station. People don't think to look there so you may get away with a lower price.
Are you staying on a weeknight or over a weekend?
There's an ugly but useful Marriott not far from the airport, if that helps. You might also consider hotels or B&Bs in pretty South Queensferry, which is near the Forth Rail Bridge, not far from the airport, handy for the road network to the rest of Scotland and has a train station which is about 6 minutes journey on one of the commuter lines from the main Edinburgh Waverley station. People don't think to look there so you may get away with a lower price.
Are you staying on a weeknight or over a weekend?
Jul 12, 2008, 2:54 am
#62
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The other airport hotel is the Quality Inn - it is usually a lot more reasonable than the Hilton, but again, it's Edinburgh in August. If not there, there's a premier travel inn out at the Forth Road Bridge, although that does make it more difficult to get into Edinburgh. There are also quite a lot of B&Bs along the A8, not far from the airport.
Jul 15, 2008, 2:34 am
#63
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ayrshire/London
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I'd be surprised if you could get anything decent for under £100 in august.
The other hotel near the airport is Norton House which is quite nice, and usually comes in around the £150 mark.
The other hotel near the airport is Norton House which is quite nice, and usually comes in around the £150 mark.
Jul 18, 2008, 5:07 pm
#64
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: HNL
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For what it's worth, I'm having good luck (right now, mid-July) with the Best Western King's Manor. Total bill for 3 nights (Thursday/Friday/Saturday) is £200, split 60/60/80. The room is pretty nice, the TV is flatscreen, the wireless is free, and the furnishings (including bathroom) look completely new. There are a few quirks due to the hotel going uber-green, though. For example, you have to stick your key card in a slot by the door in order to enable the electricity for the room. I expect to lock myself out at least once, and it's hard to leave your electronics charging while you're out. I also am not a fan of low-volume toilets... 
It's a ways out from City Center, but the bus ride in takes perhaps 20 minutes, so I don't mind. Buses go by every 10 minutes (maybe less) during the day. The only really big downside is the lack of late-night takeout options. If it's 2 AM and you're hungry and jetlagged, a 15 minute hike to the local Wal-mart can be rather annoying.
It's a ways out from City Center, but the bus ride in takes perhaps 20 minutes, so I don't mind. Buses go by every 10 minutes (maybe less) during the day. The only really big downside is the lack of late-night takeout options. If it's 2 AM and you're hungry and jetlagged, a 15 minute hike to the local Wal-mart can be rather annoying.
Jul 19, 2008, 8:39 am
#65
Join Date: Apr 2005
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We had a fine 3 day weekend in Edinburgh, a bit of rain but mostly fine weather. Stayed at the Sheraton and figured out (after passing the lap dance bars 3 or 4 times) how to get to the Royal Mile without stumbling through all the construction. [Clue: go to the left out of the 2nd floor doorways, not right!]
Wedgwood the Restaurant was outstanding. Lisa Wedgwood (wife of chef Paul) was a delight, the young staff was engaging if not necessarily experienced, and the food was terrific. Haggis, neeps & tatties were delicious, as was the rare pigeon's breast that accompanied it. We enjoyed every dish, and the wine list was refreshingly affordable.
Sunday evening at Stockbridge was also a delight, quite a different style of food but also excellent. [One nice side note: on Sunday evenings you can BYOB without corkage fees]. Big flavors, nicely varied menu, and similarly enthusiastic and engaging young staff. I had a fine piece of lamb, and my wife enjoyed the grilled salmon...and we had a couple of excellent deserts as well.
As first-time Edinburgh visitors, we walked up and down quite a few hills that in hindsight could have been avoided. Nonetheless, an entertaining city and we'll be back. We even enjoyed a pint at the World's End on Monday afternoon, making up for a disappointing walk through Mary King's Close. Thanks to all of you who contributed advice - we'll look forward to a return visit.
Wedgwood the Restaurant was outstanding. Lisa Wedgwood (wife of chef Paul) was a delight, the young staff was engaging if not necessarily experienced, and the food was terrific. Haggis, neeps & tatties were delicious, as was the rare pigeon's breast that accompanied it. We enjoyed every dish, and the wine list was refreshingly affordable.
Sunday evening at Stockbridge was also a delight, quite a different style of food but also excellent. [One nice side note: on Sunday evenings you can BYOB without corkage fees]. Big flavors, nicely varied menu, and similarly enthusiastic and engaging young staff. I had a fine piece of lamb, and my wife enjoyed the grilled salmon...and we had a couple of excellent deserts as well.
As first-time Edinburgh visitors, we walked up and down quite a few hills that in hindsight could have been avoided. Nonetheless, an entertaining city and we'll be back. We even enjoyed a pint at the World's End on Monday afternoon, making up for a disappointing walk through Mary King's Close. Thanks to all of you who contributed advice - we'll look forward to a return visit.
Jul 21, 2008, 5:34 am
#66
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Glad you enjoyed it 
(But could people please stop saying how good Wedgwood is? I'd like to be able to get a table without booking 3 weeks in advance
)
(But could people please stop saying how good Wedgwood is? I'd like to be able to get a table without booking 3 weeks in advance
)
Feb 16, 2010, 8:28 pm
#69
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GETTING AROUND
The cheapest and easiest way into the city centre from EDI is on Lothian Buses' Airport 100 shuttle which runs between the terminal and Waverley Bridge every 10 minutes or so all day and takes around 25 minutes, costing £3 single, £5 return. The bus additionally picks up and drops off on Princes Street and Haymarket Terrace and drivers will usually help with directions if required. A taxi journey from EDI to the city centre usually costs £15-£20.
The cheapest and easiest way into the city centre from EDI is on Lothian Buses' Airport 100 shuttle which runs between the terminal and Waverley Bridge every 10 minutes or so all day and takes around 25 minutes, costing £3 single, £5 return. The bus additionally picks up and drops off on Princes Street and Haymarket Terrace and drivers will usually help with directions if required. A taxi journey from EDI to the city centre usually costs £15-£20.
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Feb 17, 2010, 12:26 am
#70
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,605
The 35 bus is a slower and much cheaper alternative if you are staying in the Old Town, Grassmarket or Royal Mile
If you aren't staying near the 100 route then after you get off you still might have a substantial walk or taxi ride to your accommodation.
In the past I've bought a £3 day ticket on the 35, got off at the Ingleston Park & Ride, taken the express into town then another bus to my final destination - and I can use the ticket for even more bus rides.
Have a look at the route map on www.lothianbuses.com and work out the best way to your accommodation - if it's down at Leith for example take the 35 to The Gyle, then 22 to Leith
If you aren't staying near the 100 route then after you get off you still might have a substantial walk or taxi ride to your accommodation.
In the past I've bought a £3 day ticket on the 35, got off at the Ingleston Park & Ride, taken the express into town then another bus to my final destination - and I can use the ticket for even more bus rides.
Have a look at the route map on www.lothianbuses.com and work out the best way to your accommodation - if it's down at Leith for example take the 35 to The Gyle, then 22 to Leith
Feb 17, 2010, 2:29 am
#71
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I love the 35 - but the 100 takes 30-40 mins into the city centre, while getting to Leith on the 35 takes close to 2 hours (but does mean no faffing with bags once you are on, so great if you are jet-lagged).
Feb 17, 2010, 6:08 am
#72
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,605
Didn't suggest goign to Leith on the 35 - only as far as the Gyle
Jul 14, 2011, 1:13 am
#73
Join Date: Sep 2010
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best transportation option to the Caledonian Hilton
family and i will be in EDI in late Sept, will be staying at the Caledonian Hilton. Is the Airlink bus (outside of a cab) the best option to get to our hotel from the airport?