Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle

Hotels
8.1 (1680 reviews)
493 Lawnmarket,The Royal Mile , Edinburgh , gb

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Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Non-smoking rooms
Heating
Pets allowed
Non-smoking throughout
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 1680 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
J
Jónas Ellert • couple • is
6
2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
D
du Castillon • couple • be
10
Parfait emplacement
Pros:

Emplacement

2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • couple • gb
10
Ideal location and comfortable
Pros:

Good location, comfortable bed, good amenities

2026-07-25 • via Nuitee
L
Lana • couple • gb
9
We loved it
Pros:

It’s location and feel were great

Cons:

A razor case had been left behind the bathroom door so not sure if that had been cleaned after the prior guest. It was a really hot week, and it was hard to sleep at night without a fan or aircon

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
W
William • couple • au
5
Pros:

Location was good

Cons:

The room was right at the top of a 5 floor building accessed by an old spiral staircase with 60 steps and no hand rail.
So be aware it is very difficult for anyone with health issues.

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
D
Dylan • couple • it
10
2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
D
Dominique • couple • ch
9
2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
A
Adam • couple • gb
9
A brilliant weekend in the heart of Edinburgh City, staying at the quirky Royal Mile Balconies. This accommodation is as
Pros:

The location of this property is amazing. Right in the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile.

Cons:

There was nothing really to dislike about this property. It is quite compact, but we knew that before we stayed. When we arrived the fridge had not been cleaned out from the guests before us, which had left a bit of a smell in the room. But this was easily fixed.

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
E
Elif • solo_traveller • sa
6
2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
N
Natalie • couple • gb
9
Excellent location in a fun courtyard right by the castle
Pros:

fabulous location

Cons:

pigeons on the outside stairwell

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
G
Gillian • couple • es
10
Excellent apartment in perfect location!
Pros:

Location was perfect!

Cons:

Nothing!!

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
M
M. Ali • solo_traveller • pk
4
Cons:

Stairs

2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
M
Marta • solo_traveller • it
1
Worst esperience in my life
Pros:

No one attending or supporting you

Cons:

No lift

2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
N
Nick • couple • se
9
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
J
Jacobus • couple • nl
9
2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
L
Lynne • couple • gb
9
Good for a one night stay - great central location, very clean and good communication.
Pros:

Lovely old brickwork. Great location

Cons:

Great central room but pricey

2026-07-12 • via Nuitee
S
Sadık • couple • tr
9
Güzel bir odaydı herkese gönül rahatlığıyla tavsiye ederim.
Pros:

Tesisin konumu harika zaten Royal Mile’nin hemen üstünde, ulaşımı çok kolay tren istasyonuna 5 dakika, bize sundukları ikramlar da harikaydı, ince düşünülmüş teşekkür ederiz.

Cons:

3.katta konakladık bina 16.yy dan kalma olduğu için asansör yoktu bavul taşırken epey zorlandık.

2026-07-10 • via Nuitee
A
antonio • couple • es
8
2026-07-09 • via Nuitee
G
Giorgia • couple • it
8
Una struttura in pieno centro
Pros:

In pieno centro struttura silenziosa e con tutto a disposizione

Cons:

La doccia migliorabile

2026-07-09 • via Nuitee
A
Abdullah M. Alanazy • solo_traveller • sa
1
Fake photos and bad reviews on google map
Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Bad customer support, and fake reviews on booking and denied the request to cancel booking and get refund for the fraud photos and reviews. Never gonna trust booking's reviews ever again

2026-07-08 • via Nuitee