Edinburgh offers an awful lot of accommodations for visitors, from the super posh and ridiculously pricey five-star hotels to down-and-dirty bunkhouses and youth hostels. It is a city that anticipates bundles of tourists and travelers, whether backpackers, families, or business types in the Scottish capital on commercial or governmental matters. But be warned, however. During the 3- to 4-week period of the Edinburgh Festival every summer, the hotels fill up. If you're planning a visit at that time, be sure to reserve your accommodation as far in advance as possible. Otherwise you'll end up in a town or village as much as 40km (55 miles) from the city center. And don't be surprised if the rates in Edinburgh are higher during August, particularly at guesthouses and smaller hotels.
The Edinburgh Information Centre, near Waverley Station, atop the Princes Mall shopping center, 3 Princes St. (tel. 0131/473-3800 or 0845/225-5121; fax 0131/473-3881; www.edinburgh.org; bus: 3, 8, 22, 25, or 31), compiles a lengthy list of small hotels, guesthouses, and private homes providing a bed-and-breakfast for as little as £20 ($37) per person. A £3 ($5.50) booking fee is charged and a 10% deposit is expected. Allow about 4 weeks' notice, especially during summer. It's open year-round; typically the hours are Monday through Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday from 10am to 7pm, though it is open later during the Festival and closes earlier in the winter months.
Tourist Board Rankings -- The Scottish Tourist Board does rank the accommodations at hundreds of hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, and self-catering apartments. While helpful, these stars are largely based upon available amenities, such as 24-hour room service, ironing boards or spas, which may not be relevant for each and every traveler. Also, not all hotels and guesthouses are part of the scheme, although they may be no less attractive.
