Eleven Stafford Street Townhouse

We booked at the last minute and were really surprised by how lovely the place was. The Moray suite was beautiful, close to nice bars and restaurants in the new town. I preferred this area to the old town, where places felt too busy. It has its own vibe, yet all the attractions are still an easy walk away. Dean village is close, and Stockbridge isn't far either. I’d stay again and have recommended it to people we know.

Check the room details carefully before booking. The system on Hotels.com and the hotel's own site may assign you an open room that doesn't match the photo you were looking at, so read the tiny print about square footage. The pictures show the 'suites', but the room you actually get might be so cramped you can barely turn around. I paid for a room that wasn't inexpensive for our twentieth anniversary. Every photo showed a large suite with a sitting area and a lovely view, but it was a stock photo. When we arrived, there was barely space to walk, let alone manage our luggage. I tried to find another room, but the city was completely booked. You can sit on the bed, full stop. The bathroom was modern, but about the size of a small closet. We've stayed all over Scotland, and weren't expecting anything palatial. Our view was an alley full of bins and scattered rubbish, with garbage trucks and lorries coming and going. The response was, "We're so sorry." They call it a 'premium' room, but it's hard to see that when you have to knock your knees against the door to get inside. Most rooms are up VERY steep spiral stairs, and you'll have to carry your luggage up.

I found this lovely accommodation by chance while wrapping up my Scotland trip with a night in Edinburgh. Its location was great for walking to and from Castle Hill. Before I arrived, communication was excellent, and getting in with my personal PIN worked smoothly. My room, “Moray”, had beautiful interiors and amenities that felt luxurious. I’ll definitely return…

I expected a bargain hotel with fewer staff and extras, perhaps a minimalist sort of place. Instead, the rooms were extremely well cared for and looked brand new. There aren’t many amenities, and it helps to be comfortable with electronic check-in and check-out, but the hotel is very clean and quiet. Most popular Edinburgh spots are within walking distance. I’d recommend it and stay again. Surprisingly elegant.