11 Grindlay Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9AT, United Kingdom
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Image 1 of Desirable 2 Bed Apt Near Edinburgh Castle
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Desirable 2 Bed Apt Near Edinburgh Castle Overview

First Impressions

Walking up to Desirable 2 Bed Apt Near Edinburgh Castle on Grindlay Street, you immediately understand why this four-star property gets such rave reviews. The building sits in what locals know is one of the most coveted spots in the Old Town — close enough to hear the One O’Clock Gun from the castle, but tucked away from the tourist chaos on the Royal Mile. I mean, when couples are rating the location a perfect 10, you know there’s something special going on here. The entrance feels residential rather than hotel-like, which honestly makes the whole experience more authentic.

Location Magic

Here’s what the guidebooks won’t tell you about this spot — Grindlay Street puts you within a five-minute walk of both Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street, but you’re actually positioned where real Edinburgh residents live and work. The Usher Hall is practically next door, so if you’re into classical music or comedy shows during the Festival, you’ll be stumbling home instead of hunting for taxis. What really sold me on the location though is how you can slip down to Grassmarket for dinner without dealing with the crowds that clog up Castle Hill. The property’s 9.7 location score isn’t just marketing fluff — it’s genuinely earned.

The Apartment Experience

The two-bedroom setup works brilliantly whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or just want extra space to spread out. The living area feels properly Scottish — not in a tartan-overload way, but with those high ceilings and period features that remind you you’re in a city with serious history. The kitchen actually functions (you know how apartment kitchens can be), which means you can grab fresh ingredients from the nearby shops and cook instead of eating out every meal. Having a washing machine might sound boring, but when you’re exploring Edinburgh’s hills and closes all day, being able to refresh your clothes is honestly a game-changer.

Neighborhood Life

What I love about staying here is how quickly you slip into local rhythms. There’s a proper Edinburgh pub around the corner where you’ll hear more Scottish accents than American ones, and the morning coffee crowd at the nearby cafes includes university professors and festival performers rather than just tourists. The West End feels more relaxed than the Old Town proper — you get the medieval atmosphere without feeling like you’re living in a theme park. Plus, when Edinburgh’s famous weather turns (and it will), you’re close enough to duck into the shops on Princes Street or catch a film at the Filmhouse.

Why Guests Love It

The 9.1 rating makes perfect sense once you’ve stayed here. It’s that rare combination of being right in the thick of things while still feeling like you have your own Edinburgh home base. Couples especially seem to get it — there’s something romantic about having your own apartment in this part of the city, with the castle looming overhead and the whole of Edinburgh’s cultural scene within walking distance. You’re not just visiting Edinburgh; you’re actually living in it for a few days, which honestly beats any hotel experience I’ve had in the city.

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Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet

Kitchen:

  • Dining table
  • Toaster
  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Kitchenware
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Activities:

  • Hiking

Living Area:

  • Dining area
  • Sofa
  • Seating Area

Food & Drink:

  • Tea/Coffee maker

Miscellaneous:

  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Non-smoking rooms

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Clothes rack
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Ironing facilities
  • Iron

Languages spoken:

  • English

Safety & security:

  • Fire extinguishers
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key access
  • Carbon monoxide detector

Media & Technology:

  • Streaming service (like Netflix)
  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Private check-in/check-out
  • Express check-in/check-out

Building characteristics:

  • Private apartment in building
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House Rules at Desirable 2 Bed Apt Near Edinburgh Castle

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Parties:

  • Parties/events are not allowed

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 15:00 to 22:00
  • You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.

Check-out:

  • Until 11:00

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required option.

Guest reviews

Staff:

9.4

Comfort:

9.4

Location:

9.8

Free WiFi:

10

Facilities:

9.3

Cleanliness:

9.6

Value for money:

8.8