The Inverleith - Edinburgh, United Kingdom     

I'm rating and reviewing their self catered apt. available on 5 Brandon St.. You do book it through the hotel and get your keys there. Because there are so many things to tell, I'll do it in bullet form: 1. If you take the Edinburgh Shuttle (best deal in town) from the hotel, please be ready to check in at the hotel which is more than 2 blocks away and then take your own luggage down the street to the apt. Unfortunately, the day we arrived it was cold, rainy and windy so we were quite soaked by the time we got to the apt. not really knowing where it was other than general directions. Also, if you think you will be later than scheduled (we were delayed 5 hours at the airport), call to let them know some how. Apt. is on the second floor not on the first floor like it said online. Plenty of taxis roaming around the apt. area. 2. Bring a European compatible cell phone. There is no phone in the apt. and you'll need it to reserve bus tours, shuttle or for emergencies. This is a MUST! We purchased a disposable cell phone on Princes St. at The Car Phone Shop for $29.95 with 40 mins. which is more than enough. 3. Very quite apt., never was awaken by anything. There is a washer, but no dryer. They do have a rack you can hang lightweight clothing on and place near the big windows in front. Anything too heavy (jeans) might take a while to dry. 4. Towels provided were fine for the 11 days we were there and we were a party of 3. 5. For staples, napkins, paper towels, breakfast items, etc., go across the street to Margiotta's (grocery store), clean and excellent location. Will take you 2 minutes to walk there. News stand also there. Don't bother with Tesco supermarket, it is further away and hectic, couldn't really find anything. 6. BIGGEST ADVANTAGE- bus stop right in front of the apt. We used it every day, even to go to the meeting place of our bus tours and never needed to rent a car. Route 23 and 27 will take you to Princes St. (the main drag). Very reliable and right on the money in terms of arrival times. We got a weekly pass from the Lothian Bus station which is downtown (you get a card with photo). 7. Only one TV available with limited cable shows. But did get some entertainment when we got back from a long day of walking and sightseeing. Many U.S. shows. But then again, I didn't go to Scotland to watch TV. "Britain Has Talent" show is hilarious and entertaining. Loved it! 8. Continental left one of our bags behind and the owner of the Inverleith Hotel was kind enough to bring it to us once we had notified the airline of where they could drop it off. The only reason we didn't have them drop it off at the apt. was because we didn't have a cell phone at the time and they couldn't call us. 9. Bedrooms don't have dressers only small armoire and small nightstands. I kept my clothes in the suitcase. Dining table for six is fine. Sleeper sofa not very functional, it seemed to be broken. 10. Beds are firmer than usual. 11. Shower doesn't have a curtain, only a half pane of glass so you need to restrict your splashing and stay close to the shower head. 12. Faucet in sink is a double faucet, so you can use either very cold or very hot water. 13. ANOTHER ADVANTAGE - Canonmills Launderette on the corner. Very convenient, you can get change there and they also have detergent you can purchase. Did a few loads while there. While you wait for stuff to dry why not go next door to the Circle Cafe and have a nice baguette with butter and jam with a cup of coffee. Yum!

Stayed here for 2 nights - Warm and comfortable but room was shockingly small and the window wouldnt open! What in edinburgh would be termed a "box room". The shower was just large enough to stand up in as long as you didnt move your arms. Also - dont expect much in the line of social interaction from the staff! The girl on the desk at check in seemed suspicious that we were there at all and the chap on the desk at checkout processed the credit card without as much as a word! Mr. Happy indeed.