Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle

Hotels
8.1 (1637 reviews)
493 Lawnmarket,The Royal Mile , Edinburgh , gb

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Children allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Non-smoking throughout
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Physical distancing rules followed
Cashless payment available
Sanitized tableware & silverware
Contactless check-in/check-out
Smoke alarms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Clean and comfortable rooms
Cons:
Noise from deliveries
Stairs might be challenging for some

Categories

Cleanliness
7.99
Many reviews noted cleanliness positively, though some mentioned minor details like cobwebs.
Service
8.46
Guests appreciated the friendly and responsive staff.
Location
9
The hotel is centrally located, with most reviews praising its fantastic location.
Room Quality
7.95
Rooms were generally described as clean and comfortable, though some mentioned size issues.
Amenities
7.48
Basic amenities described, but a few guests mentioned noise and stairs.
Value for Money
7.94
Guests felt it was good value, though some pointed to high prices in relation to certain issues.
Food and Beverage
7.49
There were mentions of no breakfast options, affecting overall perception.
Overall Experience
8.46
Most guests were happy with their experience, indicating they would return.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-24 07:32

Property Description

Historic Charm and Modern Comfort
Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle offers a unique stay in a 15th-century Scottish building once inhabited by the renowned philosopher Sir David Hume. Each of the 6 rooms is elegantly decorated and equipped with king-size beds, LCD TVs, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.

Scenic Views and Private Bathrooms
Enjoy the picturesque views of Edinburgh's Old Town from some of the rooms overlooking the historic courtyard. The original private bathrooms in each room feature large showers, adding a touch of luxury to your stay.

Prime Location and Nearby Attractions
Located directly on Royal Mile, just steps away from Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Military Tattoo, our hotel is the perfect base for exploring the city's rich history and cultural attractions. Book your stay at Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Edinburgh.

Important information:

“Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle” will contact the guest directly after booking with check-in instructions by the email. On arrival it is essential to have the property self check-in instructions with you to access the safe.

The property does not have a luggage storage facility.

Please be aware that access to the rooms is through narrow spiral staircase only and may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

Limited public payable parking is available close to the property or a large car park is around 10 minutes walk away.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

    No parking available.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.1
Based on 1637 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.99
Service: 8.46
Location: 9
Room Quality: 7.95
Amenities: 7.48
Value for Money: 7.94
Food and Beverage: 7.49
Overall Experience: 8.46
I
Ida • couple • se
10
Supercentralt boende med allt du behöver i närheten.
Pros:

Bra standard för att vara UK, super centralt, flexibla och tillmötesgående med in-/utcheckning.

Cons:

Svårt att spola emellanåt då fastigheten är gammal och vi bodde högst upp. Inga problem med dusch.

2026-05-22 • via Nuitee
S
Susanne • solo_traveller • se
10
2026-05-20 • via Nuitee
C
charly • solo_traveller • fr
2
Déception
Pros:

L'emplacement

Cons:

L accès compliqué et presque dangereux (escaliers glissants et incommodes)
La taille réduite du logement
L'exéguité de la sdb
Le rapport qualité prix mauvais
Et surtout la literie calamiteuse !!!

2026-05-19 • via Nuitee
I
Ida • couple • se
10
Prisvärt, centralt, bekvämt
Pros:

Mitt i old town, nära till allt. Fräscht för att vara UK.

Cons:

Vattnet i en gammal fastighet kommer lite ojämnt, inga problem att duscha men fick ibland spola några extra gånger.

2026-05-19 • via Nuitee
M
Macready • couple • gb
9
Great little flat. Quirky. No good if you’re not up for a few steps
Pros:

Location - dog friendly

2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • couple • ie
8
Location was excellent, comfort was excellent bar the broken window blind.
Pros:

Eventhough there was no human contact (which I prefer) on check in or check out the instructions were clear and concise. Julia and the property team were on hand via text for answering all questions.

Cons:

There were a few things broken in the property e.g. window blind - which we could not use for the duration of the stay and a broken hairdryer. However, we found a replacement loose hairdryer later on. There was evidence of a leak over the window which was unsightly. Fit people should stay here as there were 69 steps up a spiral staircase to our apartment.

2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • ie
10
Pros:

The location was great and rooms very comfortable and instruction on getting there and gaining entry all very well explained and made simple

2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
M
Martyn • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
R
Renato • couple • br
8
Perfect for lonely traveler or couple
Pros:

Everything was exactly as announced. Great place for a lonely traveler or a couple. A lot of stairs, but have a awesome location, near of everything.

Cons:

Nothing about the place. The only thing that bother us was the piggies in the window making a lot of noise in early morning, but we can't blame the owner here, hahahaha.

2026-05-16 • via Nuitee
B
Bas • couple • nl
8
We hebben genoten van de perfecte locatie
Pros:

Mooie kamer in het oude centrum van Edinburg. Perfect om te overnachten

Cons:

Steile trap is vervelend als je last hebt van je benen. De ruimte is niet geschikt om er echt te verblijven (kleine kamer)

2026-05-14 • via Nuitee
K
Keri • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Amazing location on the royal mile, very clean, and lovely place

Cons:

Stairs may be hard if you have a suitcase

2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
O
Odijk • couple • nl
8
We hebben echt een fijne tijd gehad.
Pros:

De locatie was fantastisch, weinig ruis ondanks de bruisende omgeving

Cons:

Het bed was niet heel comfortabel en er was zeer weinig toiletpapier.

2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
I
Ian • couple • gb
8
2026-05-11 • via Nuitee
A
Andres Felipe • couple • co
9
2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
B
Beverley • family_with_children • gb
1
I’d weather not reply until I have had further contact with owners of property
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Cleanliness well below standard. I have photos and videos to prove time stamped . I’ve tried to reach out to owners but now won’t respond and messages are not delivering . I am a professional and in the sector of hospitality management , I’ve tried to resolve issues before I took this any further . No reply .

2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
A
Andrea • solo_traveller • de
5
Treppen zum Zimmer
Pros:

Sehr gute Lage an der Royal Mile

Cons:

Sehr schmales, steiles, altes Treppenhaus mit 64 Stufen. Mit einem Koffer ist das eine Herausforderung. Das Zimmer ist nicht geeignet für Ältere oder körperlich nicht so fitte Leute

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
C
carlos emilio • couple • mx
10
Excelente
Pros:

Excelente alojamiento en el Royal Mile, hay mucho ruido fuera pero dentro del alojamiento está muy tranquilo, muy agradable sin embargo las escaleras es algo que te hace dudar ya que son antiguas, de caracol y de madera.
Difícil acceso para personas mayores.

2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
K
Kimberley • couple • gb
9
Peaceful, comfy, rustic
Pros:

Nice secluded area off from the busy royal mile, very rustic and beautiful. Tea, coffee, biscuits, water was provided. Along with towels and cleaning products for showering.
Comfy bed, instructions were explained well. Lovely little pub called the jolly judge underneath the apartments. Great beer and whiskey! Lovely staff that recommended where to go for breakfast. A lovely stay for one or two nights ❤️

2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
A
Aino • couple • se
6
Pros:

Perfekt läge nästan direkt på Royal Mile. Mycket bra kommunikation med ägaren. Rummet är väldigt litet och det blir rätt kvavt under natten. Välstädat och bra säng.

Cons:

Information om den trånga trappan upp till rummet och att rummet var litet skickades ut i förväg så det var vi medvetna om.

2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
W
Wesley • couple • nl
8
Uniek verblijf op een toplocatie
Pros:

De locatie was echt top. Je zat midden op de Royal Mile, dus op een loopafstand van alle bezienswaardigheden. De accommodatie was uniek de wenteltrap en het gevoel dat je in een historische torentje verbleef was erg leuk.

Cons:

Het rolluik was defect en er waren vochtplekken bij het plafond bij de raam

2026-05-03 • via Nuitee