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Summary of reviews'Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle' is lauded for its unbeatable location in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, located on the iconic Royal Mile just steps away from Edinburgh Castle. This prime setting allows guests to easily explore the city's major attractions, shops, restaurants and bars, creating a vibrant yet convenient atmosphere representative of Edinburgh's charm. The building, nestled in a quaint courtyard off Lawnmarket, exudes historical character that enhances the allure of this property.
Guests frequently praise the rooms for their exceptional cleanliness and comfort. Though compact, they are tastefully decorated to incorporate historical elements, making them cozy and warm with essential amenities like mini fridges, toiletries and ample tea and coffee supplies. The clear, straightforward self-check-in process is highlighted as particularly smooth and hassle-free with responsive and helpful hosts adding a personal touch to the stay.
The cleanliness of the accommodation is a recurring positive theme with rooms often described as spotless and immaculately maintained, complete with modern shower facilities and thoughtful amenities. Despite occasional issues like minor maintenance concerns, the overwhelming sentiment is one of satisfaction.
Staff at 'Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle' are consistently praised for their excellent communication and responsiveness. They are noted for their accommodating nature, prompt assistance with specific requests and a general hospitable approach that enhances the guest experience.
The WiFi is another high point, being described as reliable and fast by most guests, although there are occasional technical hiccups that are usually quickly resolved.
While the beds are mostly found to be comfortable and conducive to restful sleep, minor criticisms include some guests' preference for firmer mattresses or more comfortable pillows. However, the cozy ambiance and overall comfort level of the rooms are often highlighted.
Despite its strengths, some guests feel that the accommodations, while clean and well-equipped, do not completely live up to a five-star rating, suggesting a more accurate three-star level of service and amenities. However, the personal touches and high-quality materials used throughout the property offer an added touch of luxury, making it a pleasant and charming option for those seeking comfort in a picturesque setting. Show more
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Categories
Luxury Aparthotel
Small Aparthotel
5-Star Aparthotel
Room Types
Deluxe Double Room - ArnistonThe double room features a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Double Room - BorthwickThe double room features a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a safe deposit box, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe King Room - CatcuneThe double room includes a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Double Room - DundasThe double room features a private bathroom equipped with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Double Room - KirkhillThe double room has a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safe deposit box, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Double Room - MelvilleThe double room includes a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a safe deposit box, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, as well as an inner courtyard view. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe King RoomThe fully equipped kitchenette features a refrigerator, kitchenware, an oven and a microwave. This double room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Queen RoomGuests can make meals in the kitchenette that comes with a refrigerator, kitchenware, an oven and a microwave. This double room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe RoomMeals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchenette, which has a refrigerator, kitchenware, an oven and a microwave. This double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.
Double RoomThis double room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
King RoomThis double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit has 1 bed.
Queen RoomThis double room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
6.0
Rated
Location
The Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle boasts a location that's a dream for any traveler wanting to explore Edinburgh. Nestled right in the heart of the city's old town, the hotel sits on the Royal Mile, just a stone's throw away from Edinburgh Castle. Guests consistently rave about its unparalleled convenience, placing major attractions, shops, restaurants and bars within easy walking distance. This central positioning not only allows for leisurely strolls to historic and cultural landmarks but also ensures a vibrant atmosphere that's deeply representative of Edinburgh's charm.
The hotel's spot in the middle of the Royal Mile means it's incredibly well-connected, making it straightforward for guests to navigate the city and even reach transport links like Waverley Station. Its proximity to iconic sites such as St Giles' Cathedral, Victoria Street and various museums adds to the sense of staying in a historical epicenter. Whether visitors are first-timers to Edinburgh or regulars, the location is touted as exceptionally clean, comfortable and perfect for both short and extended stays.
Aside from practicality, the building itself exudes character, blending seamlessly with the surrounding architectural beauty. Enclosed in a quaint courtyard just off Lawnmarket, the property provides a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle. For those seeking an authentic Edinburgh experience, the Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle seems to offer both the convenience of centrality and the allure of a rich, historical setting.
Rooms
Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle offers rooms that are frequently praised for their exceptional cleanliness and comfort. The decor is tastefully designed to incorporate historical elements, giving a unique charm to the rooms, which many guests have appreciated. Despite their compact size, the rooms are often described as cozy, warm and adequately equipped with essential amenities for a short stay. The building itself is historic and quaint, adding to the overall atmosphere.
Guests have noted that the location is superb, right in the heart of Edinburgh, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. The addition of extra touches like a mini fridge, toiletries and ample tea and coffee supplies add to the convenience. However, there are occasional mentions of minor issues such as poor water pressure, small beds and limited space for luggage. Some guests also found the room photos to be somewhat misleading in terms of size.
The self-check-in process is generally smooth and hassle-free with hosts being responsive and helpful. While the rooms might feel snug, especially for travelers with suitcases or for extended stays, they fulfill their purpose well for a short visit. The nearby pub and the historical context of the building enhance the overall experience, although occasionally noise and thin walls can be a concern.
Overall, Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle provides a clean, comfortable and characterful stay in a prime location, perfect for short visits to Edinburgh amidst its rich history and vibrant city life.
Beds
The guest reviews for the beds at 'Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle' highlight a generally positive experience. Many guests found the beds to be comfortable, cozy and well-furnished, often describing them as very comfortable or super comfy. The positive comments extend to the mattresses, which were noted for being of good quality, although a few guests mentioned a preference for a firmer option. Guests appreciated the cozy ambiance of the rooms and the inviting comfort of the beddings.
However, there were some criticisms regarding the bedding details. A few guests experienced issues with the pillows being too firm or uncomfortable and there were occasional remarks about the blankets or duvets being too short or inadequate for the bed size. Some guests also pointed out that the mattresses could be too soft or had visible signs of wear. Despite these occasional concerns, the majority of guests reported a pleasant and restful sleep with comfortable beds being a consistent highlight of their stay. The combination of clean and cozy rooms with inviting beds left a positive impression on most visitors.
Cleanliness
Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle has garnered positive reviews for its cleanliness and comfort, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. The rooms are frequently described as very clean, spotless and immaculately maintained. The cozy, well-decorated rooms come with a selection of snacks, glasses and tea-making facilities, adding to the overall comfort. Guests appreciated the clear self-check-in instructions and the promptness of staff communication. Bathrooms, too, are often noted as very clean with modern shower facilities and plenty of hot water. Despite some isolated concerns about worn carpets, cobwebs and minor maintenance issues, the general sentiment leans heavily towards satisfaction with the cleanliness and upkeep of the property. Overall, the accommodation provides a clean, cozy and comfortable stay with modern amenities and thoughtful touches that enhance the guest experience.
Staff
Guests at Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle have overwhelmingly positive feedback about the hotel's staff. Communication with the owners and hosts is frequently praised as being excellent, clear and concise. Many guests have remarked on the ease and efficiency of the self-check-in process, which is well-explained and straightforward. The staff's responsiveness stands out with hosts and owners often described as very helpful and quick to respond to any inquiries or issues. Personal touches and friendly communication have also been noted, making guests feel welcome and catered to during their stay.
In addition, hosts are highlighted for their accommodating nature, such as helping with early arrivals and providing prompt assistance with specific requests like sending an emergency plumber or arranging for the return of lost items. The hospitality extended by the staff is also appreciated with several instances of the team going out of their way to ensure a pleasant experience for the guests.
However, there are occasional mentions of unresponsive or unhelpful staff and some guests experienced delayed responses to their concerns. Despite this, the general consensus is that the staff at Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle offer excellent customer service and contribute greatly to a positive stay.
Wi-Fi
The WiFi at Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle receives generally positive feedback from guests. Many reviewers found the Wi-Fi to be great, very good and even brilliant, emphasizing the signal's quickness and stability. Several noted that the WiFi worked well and was reliable, enhancing their overall stay.
However, some guests did experience issues, such as the WiFi not working or the passcode details being incorrect, although these problems were typically resolved promptly by the staff. Despite a few negative comments about the internet being the worst or not ideal, the majority of the feedback highlights a positive experience with the WiFi, making it one of the property’s commendable features.
5 Star
The 'Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle' boasts an exceptional location right beside Edinburgh Castle, nestled in the heart of the old town. Guests consistently highlight the immaculate and spotlessly clean rooms, which are well-equipped for short stays and feature high-quality products. Attention to detail is evident in every convenience provided, enhancing the comfort and functionality of the accommodations.
However, despite the meticulous upkeep and the conveniences offered, there is a recurring sentiment that the establishment does not live up to its advertised five-star rating. Many reviews liken the experience more to an Airbnb, indicating that the rooms do not match the luxury and quality typically associated with a five-star rating and instead suggest a three-star level of service and amenities.
Luxury
'Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle' offers an experience enriched with a touch of luxury, evident through the fully renovated bathrooms and beautiful rooms that feature high-quality materials and products. Guests find the rooms to be warmly decorated with personal touches and well-supplied with coffee, tea and cookies, enhancing the feeling of comfort and hospitality. The authentic ambiance adds to the charm, appealing to those with a discerning taste in room furnishings. While overall positive, opinions on the luxury level can vary and some guests did not feel the offerings matched the nightly rate. Overall, the blend of modern amenities and thoughtful details provides a pleasant stay for those seeking comfort in a picturesque setting.
No, Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle.
No, Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle.
No, Royal Mile Balconies by the Castle doesn't have a gym.