Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle Aparthotel Edinburgh Facilities photo The photo shows a cozy corner of a room, likely a bedroom or study area. The main focus is a light wooden desk positioned against a white wall, creating a small workspace. On the desk, there's a silver laptop displaying a colorful image, and a black Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle Aparthotel Edinburgh Room photo The photo shows a cozy bedroom with a double bed as the main focus. The bed is neatly made with white sheets and several pillows, including two large grey square pillows and a smaller pillow in the center. A folded grey throw blanket is placed at theRoyal Mile Balconies By The Castle Aparthotel Edinburgh Room photo The photo shows a cozy bedroom with a double bed as the main focus. The bed is neatly made with white linens and a grey and white plaid throw blanket folded at the foot. Two pillows, one grey and one white, are placed against the headboard. 

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From54US$ /night
Check-in
04Jun2026Select date
Check-out
05Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

493 Lawnmarket,The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2PB
-
Next to Edinburgh Castle
Great
8.1
/10
3.0
2.4
/5

The 5-star Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle Aparthotel Edinburgh provides proximity to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which is located nearly a 25-minute walk away. This Edinburgh aparthotel also provides guests with a safe deposit box.

Location

The hotel is nestled in the Grengel district, just 200 metres from business venues like the standing Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Tower and in the immediate vicinity of the Royal Mile. John Knox House is merely 8 minutes on foot from Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle Aparthotel Edinburgh, and Glasgow airport is 90 km away.

The accommodation is situated in proximity to the ruined Holyrood Abbey, while Edinburgh bus station lies only 0.6 km away.

Enjoy the proximity to Edinburgh Waverley train station, which is about a 10-minute stroll away.

Rooms

A separate toilet and a shower, along with such comforts as hair dryers and bath sheets, are also provided.

Eat & Drink

150 m from Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle Aparthotel, The Witchery by the Castle serves Scottish meals.

“The location is superb, putting you right on the Royal Mile and steps away from Edinburgh Castle. What struck me most was the surprisingly quiet atmosphere inside, despite the bustling street outside. I'd recommend it for anyone seeking a historic and cozy base for exploring the city.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
1 King-size bed
Courtyard view

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Great
8.1/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Safe deposit box
  • Pets allowed
  • Smoke detectors

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Room features

  • Heating

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Hotel location

493 Lawnmarket,The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2PB
Map view
493 Lawnmarket,The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2PB
Nearby
Museum
Edinburgh Castle
340 m
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
240 m
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
80 m
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
270 m
Park
Princes Street Gardens
300 m
Museum
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
180 m
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
390 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
400 m
Museum
The Writers' Museum
100 m
Museum
Gladstone's Land
70 m
Museum
Museum of Childhood
550 m
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
380 m
354 Castlehill
The Scotch Whisky Experience
190 m
53 Princes Street
Princes Street
560 m
Square
Grassmarket
430 m
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
290 m
Church
Mercat Cross
410 m
Gallery
City Art Centre
480 m
Restaurants
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
120 m
12 N. Bank St
The Witchery by the Castle
130 m
The Royal Mile 352 Castlehill
Ondine
160 m
10 Cambridge Street (1st Floor
Deacon Brodie's Tavern
90 m
435 Lawnmarket The Royal Mile
Taste of Scotland
10 m
503 Lawnmarket
Whiski Rooms
150 m
4-7 North Bank Street
The Ensign Ewart
40 m
521-523 Lawnmarket The Royal Mile
Hanam's Middle East Restaurant
80 m
3 Johnston Terrace Near Edinburgh Castle
Maison Bleue
130 m
Kinnells House 36-38 Victoria Street
Mariachi
140 m
7 Victoria Street
The Mussel and Steak Bar
270 m
110 West Bow Grassmarket
Explore Edinburgh
Activities and Dining Near Royal Mile Balconies
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
5 minutes' walk
Historic fortress on Castle Rock featuring exhibitions and stunning city views.
Scott Monument
8 minutes' walk
Gothic tower dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, offering panoramic views from the top.
National Museum of Scotland
9 minutes' walk
Diverse collections from Scotland's history to contemporary culture with free admission.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
18 minutes' walk
Official residence of the monarch in Scotland, featuring beautiful gardens and historical tours.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25 minutes walking
Craggy hill with scenic trails and breathtaking views; perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Real Mary King's Close
4 minutes' walk
Guided tours of Edinburgh's historic underground streets, showcasing past lives and secrets.
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
2 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a focus on gourmet mashed potatoes and local ingredients; vegetarian options available.
The Witchery by the Castle
2 minutes' walk
Luxurious dining atmosphere near the castle, offering fine Scottish cuisine in a historic setting.
Ondine
2 minutes' walk
Upscale seafood restaurant with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and a vibrant atmosphere.
Deacon Brodie's Tavern
2 minutes' walk
Historic pub serving traditional ales and pub fare in a lively setting with occasional live music.
Scottish National Gallery
3 minutes' walk
Home to an impressive collection of fine art, offering free admission and various special exhibitions.
Local transport and travel tips
City Centre
Edinburgh6 min  ·  500 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)20 min  ·  12.8 km
Glasgow (GLA)132 min  ·  88.0 km
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  200 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
6
Former name
sir hume residence

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle Aparthotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle enjoys a fantastic location right in the heart of Edinburgh, a mere minute from Edinburgh Castle and close to shops, bars and restaurants. Guests appreciate the cozy, clean, and spacious rooms equipped with good facilities, including a kitchenette. Some guests have noted that accessing the property can be a bit tricky. The provided extras like border biscuits and available coffee and tea add to the welcoming experience.
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Review score
Based on 694 verified reviews
8.0/10
Great
82%
Recommend
Location
9.6/10
Comfort
8.5/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.6/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Convenient location
Clean room
Well-set apartment
Cosy room
Cons
Spiral staircase
Guest reviews
based on 694 reviews
8.0/10
based on 1353 reviews
8.1/10
Jennifer from Australia
Single
Deluxe Double Room Arniston
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 07, 2026
6/10
unreliable wificramped room
The TV didn't work at all, how inconvenient. The WiFi signal was about as reliable as a politician's promise. The room, while trying to be stylish, felt cramped and small. the spiral staircase was like some medieval torture device. Not fun, especially with luggage.
0 Helpful
Aiden from Ireland
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Arniston
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 26, 2026
9.0/10

Central Stay with Castle Views

prime locationuseful kitchenettehelpful staffwelcome gift
The location was unbeatable. I was steps away from major attractions. our room had a useful kitchenette and ample space for our needs. the staff was helpful (a housekeeper assisted with the lockbox). we also found a welcome gift of scottish shortbread cookies that were a really nice touch.
access involved navigating a somewhat long spiral staircase, which could be challenging with heavy luggage.
Dining
9/10
the hotel is surrounded by numerous pubs and restaurants, offering diverse dining options within walking distance. many establishments provide traditional scottish fare, and some offer live music during the evenings (i enjoyed this!).
Service
9/10
check-in was straightforward, following the detailed instructions we received prior to arrival. the team was helpful and accommodating regarding our check-in needs. i got quick responses to emails sent before my stay.
0 Helpful
|
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Nicholas from Australia
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Dundas
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 09, 2025
9.0/10

Excellent Stay on the Royal Mile

well equippedperfect locationcomfortable room
the beautiful double room dundas was very well equipped. the room remained warm despite the december weather (i turned the heating right down). the location was perfect for train travel, about a 10-15 minute walk.
The stairwell is spiral and very narrow. This could pose a problem for some guests.
Facilities
9/10
the apartment was located near shops, bars, and restaurants. everything needed was present, providing convenience (and comfort). the proximity to attractions made exploring easy.
Rooms
9/10
the room included nice added extras, border biscuits were a treat. the bed offered great comfort. the shower was easy to operate.
Service
8/10
communication was easy upon arrival. the host responded quickly. the team also allowed an early check-in, that was super helpful.
Location
10/10
the hotel sits directly on the royal mile. it is close to edinburgh castle. easy access to the airport is available via a short walk to the tram.
0 Helpful
|
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Bruce from Australia
Single
Deluxe Double Room Dundas
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 06, 2025
8.5/10

Central Stay

prime locationcomfy bednice touchhelpful staff
The hotel's location suited me well as a solo traveller. I found a gift on the bed upon arrival it was a nice touch. The bed had comfy pillows that allowed me to rest. The communication from the staff before arrival was very helpful.
The spiral staircase could be difficult for some guests with luggage as it's old and steep.
Location
9/10
The location is central near many attractions. Victoria Street is super close to the hotel. The hotel is situated in a courtyard with cafes, a pub, and a museum.
Rooms
8/10
My room was clean with nice features. Tea and coffee facilities were available in my room. A welcome box full of biscuits was in the room it was a lovely touch.
Dining
9/10
There is a pub called Jolly Judge in the same courtyard as the hotel. Getting a seat there is recommended. A range of dining options is very close to the hotel.
Facilities
8/10
Luggage storage is available arriving early or departing late. The hotel sends detailed instructions on how to find the location. There is no reception the hotel communicates via email.
0 Helpful
|
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Jennifer from Canada
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Arniston
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 04, 2025
8.5/10

cozy courtyard surprise

superb locationwelcome touchclean apartment
The location was superb. I found it convenient for accessing key attractions. the provided coffee and snacks were a thoughtful and welcome touch. i really liked how clean and well kept the apartment was.
the staircase felt a little inconvenient with luggage.
Location
9/10
the hotel is near key attractions. i noticed several restaurants and shops are also within walking distance, offering various options for dining and souvenirs.
Facilities
8/10
the room included a coffee maker and snacks. the space was very clean. i observed that the courtyard offered a quiet escape from the busy street.
0 Helpful
|
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Emerson from United States
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Dundas
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 24, 2025
7/10
advantageous locationhelpful instructionsaccommodating hostsold staircaseunclean pillowslacking heater
The location proved advantageous for exploring nearby attractions. I found the provided instructions for accessing the room helpful! The hosts were accommodating regarding check-in and check-out times.
The rotational staircase was quite old. I had some difficulty navigating it with luggage. Pillows were not entirely clean. This detracted from the overall experience. The heater's performance was somewhat lacking.
0 Helpful
Elijah from United States
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Dundas
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: August 28, 2025
9/10

Really good Location and Cosy Room!

amazing locationcomfy bedlovely touch
The location was amazing as it was right on the Royal Mile! We were surrounded by historical buildings and various shops. The Dundas room was cosy with a comfy bed and a nice, big window. A tea and coffee station with a welcome box of biscuits created a lovely touch!
The old rotational staircase on the second floor made it a little challenging to carry big, heavy luggage.
Dining
9/10
Numerous places to eat are close to the hotel. The immediate proximity to various restaurants and cafes makes dining convenient. Guests can easily explore local culinary options without extensive travel. This enhances the overall experience.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle
What are the check-in and check-out times at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What is the closest landmark to Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Edinburgh Castle is located just 200 m away from the hotel.
Is parking available at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Limited payable parking is available close to the property.
Does Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle provide free Wi-Fi?
Yes, free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What room amenities are featured at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Rooms include king-size beds, an LCD TV, and a private bathroom with a large shower.
Are pets allowed at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Yes, pets are allowed on request.
What dining options are near Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Nearby restaurants include The Ensign Ewart, Deacon Brodie's Tavern, and Ondine, all within 0.5 km.
What unique features does Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle offer?
The hotel is in a historic building dating back to the 15th century and offers a self-check-in process.
How far is Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle from the Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
The hotel is just 300 m from the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
What is the setting like around Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
The hotel is located on the Royal Mile, surrounded by historic architecture, shops, and restaurants.
Does Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle have any special features for families?
The hotel provides cots and allows pets, making it family-friendly.
What can guests expect in the hotel rooms at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Each room is uniquely decorated and includes a well-stocked tea and coffee amenities.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room