3 Nights in Edinburgh
Feb 4th, 2007, 09:10 PM
#1
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3 Nights in Edinburgh
Next December/January my husband and I are travelling to Scotland for the first time. We'll have 1 night in Edinburgh when we arrive and 2 nights before we depart (one of those nights turns out to be New Years Eve). We're in our mid-thirties and are looking for clean and simple accomodations in a relaxed atmosphere that are locally run and close enough to the city center so that we can use public transportation, and be able to get to the airport easily to make our 5 a.m. flight.
Any suggestions?
We're also trying to decide which part of Scotland to explore for a few nights - we mostly just want a taste of what life in Scotland is like and want to see some of the small towns outside the cities, hang out in pubs, do a little shopping for wool and tweed... We'd welcome any suggestions.
Cheers!
Any suggestions?
We're also trying to decide which part of Scotland to explore for a few nights - we mostly just want a taste of what life in Scotland is like and want to see some of the small towns outside the cities, hang out in pubs, do a little shopping for wool and tweed... We'd welcome any suggestions.
Cheers!
Feb 4th, 2007, 09:42 PM
#2
OK - you will have to plan far in advance (which it seems you are doing). Hogmanay (New Year's) is <b>THE</b> major Scottish holiday. Central Edinburgh basically is one large street party/fair w/ ticketed entry. All hotels will be booked up solid. Since NYE falls on a Monday, many hotels/B&Bs may impose a three day minimum.
Relaxed atmosphere is one thing you really won't find in Edinburgh - at least for your second stay.
Are you planning on using public transport for the out-of-Edinburgh portion as well? The days will be VERY short - w/ sunrise around 8:45 a.m. and sunset around 3:45 p.m. And the weather could be very cold and stormy (or just cold)
Also - many sites/attractions outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow will be closed over that period.
Where to recommend depends mostly on if you are taking trains/buses or driving.
Relaxed atmosphere is one thing you really won't find in Edinburgh - at least for your second stay.
Are you planning on using public transport for the out-of-Edinburgh portion as well? The days will be VERY short - w/ sunrise around 8:45 a.m. and sunset around 3:45 p.m. And the weather could be very cold and stormy (or just cold)
Also - many sites/attractions outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow will be closed over that period.
Where to recommend depends mostly on if you are taking trains/buses or driving.
Feb 4th, 2007, 10:16 PM
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<<< one of those nights turns out to be New Years Eve >>>
<<< be able to get to the airport easily to make our 5 a.m. flight >>>
Assuming your 5:00am flight ISN'T on New Years Day then you get the N22 night bus from Princes Street - www.lothianbuses.com/flybybus/routemap.html
www.lothianbuses.com/howto/findRoute.asp
You may also be able to get www.edinburghshuttle.com/
If it is NYD then check MUCH nearer to the date as there may not be any public transport at all and hence an expensive taxi may be the only option
<<< be able to get to the airport easily to make our 5 a.m. flight >>>
Assuming your 5:00am flight ISN'T on New Years Day then you get the N22 night bus from Princes Street - www.lothianbuses.com/flybybus/routemap.html
www.lothianbuses.com/howto/findRoute.asp
You may also be able to get www.edinburghshuttle.com/
If it is NYD then check MUCH nearer to the date as there may not be any public transport at all and hence an expensive taxi may be the only option
Feb 5th, 2007, 01:33 AM
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As the others have indicated you may find accommodation for two nights a problem so I would try to book as soon as possible. Last year a number of hotels / B & Bs would not take early bookings and were able later in the year to keep rates higher and increase their minimum stay to three nights.
If as mentioned you wish transportation to the Airport on NYD then you may be struggling as you will probably have to book through a taxi company and they will be exceptionally busy throughout the night.
There are a lot of events ongoing in Edinburgh leading up to Hogmanay (New Year) and as most of these events are ticket entry only you will have to obtain tickets well in advance. Keep a watching brief on www.edinburghshogmanay.org as that website will over the coming months give you information aboout what events are ticket only and when the tickets will be going on sale and at what price. Outdoor events are affected by the weather and last year at the last minute these were cancelled due to the very strong winds. In view of that you may wish to think about the Hogmanay Revels in the Assembly Rooms in George Street. Edinburgh will be exceptionally busy but I am sure that you will enjoy your stay.
If as mentioned you wish transportation to the Airport on NYD then you may be struggling as you will probably have to book through a taxi company and they will be exceptionally busy throughout the night.
There are a lot of events ongoing in Edinburgh leading up to Hogmanay (New Year) and as most of these events are ticket entry only you will have to obtain tickets well in advance. Keep a watching brief on www.edinburghshogmanay.org as that website will over the coming months give you information aboout what events are ticket only and when the tickets will be going on sale and at what price. Outdoor events are affected by the weather and last year at the last minute these were cancelled due to the very strong winds. In view of that you may wish to think about the Hogmanay Revels in the Assembly Rooms in George Street. Edinburgh will be exceptionally busy but I am sure that you will enjoy your stay.
Feb 5th, 2007, 08:14 AM
#5
Also, if you plan to eat in one of the top restaurant on Hogmanay, you would be wise to make reservations as soon as they announce their Hogmanay plans. Many restaurants have a special, more expensive menu that night. Edinburgh is very expensive at this time of year.
Feb 5th, 2007, 08:20 AM
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We stayed at "2 Cambridge Street" in central Edinburgh.- which was fantastic.
It was in a great location and was a comfortable, elegant, friendly place to stay...decorated with antiques and served gourmet breakfasts. It was a really wonderful place to stay, less expensive than some B&bs in the area, but a bit fancy too.
On their website it says to "enquire" about the time you want to stay....
http://www.aboutscotland.com/edin/cambridge.html
Another B&B that has been often recommended here - which is centrally located is the Castle View Guesthouse.
http://www.aboutscotland.com/edin/castleview.html
It was in a great location and was a comfortable, elegant, friendly place to stay...decorated with antiques and served gourmet breakfasts. It was a really wonderful place to stay, less expensive than some B&bs in the area, but a bit fancy too.
On their website it says to "enquire" about the time you want to stay....
http://www.aboutscotland.com/edin/cambridge.html
Another B&B that has been often recommended here - which is centrally located is the Castle View Guesthouse.
http://www.aboutscotland.com/edin/castleview.html
