About this property
An affordable aparthotel featuring private rooms and en-suite bathrooms.
The location
The address at 31 Abbeyhill puts the property in one of Edinburgh's oldest neighborhoods, just steps from Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. In the morning, you can head straight out on foot for the climb up Arthur's Seat without needing transit.
Heading toward the center, plan on about a ten-minute walk to reach the Royal Mile, and twenty minutes for Edinburgh Castle, Cowgate, and Grassmarket. The neighborhood itself is residential and quiet, away from the bustle of the historic center, which makes for a much calmer scene at night.
For parking, an arrangement exists with the nearby Q-Park Omni Centre, with a discount code available upon request at the front desk.
Friendly tip: Edinburgh has a low emission zone active in the city center. If you are driving, check whether your vehicle meets the requirements before you book.
Rooms and comfort
The Brae House building offers four distinct room types. The chambre double ensuite and chambre twin ensuite give you access to a shared kitchen and living area within the apartment. The double bed measures 120 cm de large, while the twin setup features a lower bed measuring 120 cm and an upper bed of 90 cm. Every room comes equipped with a private bathroom featuring a shower, along with a desk and Wi-Fi.
If you prefer more independence, the studio includes a private kitchen and living area, plus a television. The appartements privatifs with 4, 5, or 6 bedrooms work well for groups or families, offering a private bathroom for each room alongside a shared fully equipped kitchen with a dining table and a living room with a TV.
Food and drink
There is no on-site restaurant or breakfast service. The setup relies entirely on equipped kitchens, which are shared for double and twin rooms and private in studios and apartments. You handle your meals at your own pace, which works well for a multi-night stay. Complimentary instant coffee pods are available at the front desk.
For dining out, Abbeyhill and the bottom of the Royal Mile are right nearby, with coffee shops and pubs accessible on foot in under ten minutes.
Services and extras
When it comes to parking, the property does not have its own lot, but there is an arrangement with the Q-Park Omni Centre. If you pre-book online using the code DSTU45, you get a 45% discount. Keep in mind that Edinburgh has an active low emission zone, so check whether your vehicle meets the requirements before driving in.
Good to know:
- Front desk open 24/7
- Self-service laundry room (prepaid card available at reception, detergent included for free)
- Free Wi-Fi included with all options
- TV in the studios and private apartments
- Fully equipped kitchen with a dining table in the private apartments
- Common lounge with a shared kitchen for the double and twin rooms
- Paid luggage storage service
I didn't want a dorm bed, and this hotel ended up having the best rate. The name is misleading, because you expect it to be a residence just for students. Actually, not at all, it is open to everyone and frequented by travelers of all ages.
The pros:
- AFFORDABLE FOR ONCE!
- Pretty central... but not right in the dead center either
- Cool vibe at breakfast in the shared kitchen with neighbors down the hall: I chatted with people from the UK, the USA, and Australia. The setup invites conversation, with a big table for everyone, where people boil water for coffee or tea in the same kettle, and share the same fridge and utensils.
The cons:
- Neighborhood is a bit dead (and yet, Holyrood Palace is really not far)
- Aside from instant coffee packets, sugar, and tea I think, nothing else is provided on-site for food
- The rooms are small, and not necessarily super clean...