493 Lawnmarket,The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2PB,
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Next to Edinburgh Castle
Great
8.1
/10
3.0
2.4
/5
Highly rated by guests who stayed at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle
Complimentary Scottish shortbread
Cosy character-filled rooms
Quaint courtyard views
Room decor reflective of local culture
Historical significance
"It's a very unique building and has a very quirky feel with the spiral staircase and its history."
Penni from United Kingdom
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"I loved how central it is."
Anya from United Kingdom
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"Location was amazing. Walking distance to everything"
Erikah from Australia
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"Well equipped room with lots of extras and very convenient for central Edinburgh"
Liz from United Kingdom
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Historic Royal Mile Hotel with Self-Check-In and On-Site Café & Pub
Amenities & Services
The hotel offers self-check-in for guest flexibility and round-the-clock access to rooms. A café and a pub located within the building provide on-site dining without stepping onto the street. The owners provide personalized Scottish hospitality through responsive text communication.
Accommodations
Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle has 6 rooms, each with a king-size bed and an LCD TV. Every room is uniquely decorated and comes with an original private bathroom that has a large shower. Select rooms overlook the historic courtyard or across Edinburgh's Old Town.
Location
Edinburgh Castle is 200 metres from the hotel, and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo grounds are 300 metres away. The building stands directly on the Royal Mile, steps from The Real Mary King's Close. The hotel's position in a quiet courtyard ensures a peaceful stay despite the central location.
On-Site Dining & Relaxation
The hotel's own café serves coffee and light meals in a courtyard setting. Its pub offers a selection of Scottish whiskies and ales for evening relaxation. Both venues are accessible from the building without going onto the main street.
History & Character
The hotel occupies a 15th-century building that was once home to the Scottish philosopher Sir David Hume. Guest rooms retain original stone walls and sash windows, with some facing the historic courtyard. The spiral staircase and narrow closes reflect the building's age and architectural heritage.
Highlights
Location: 200m from Edinburgh Castle, 300m from Military Tattoo
Rooms: 6 king-bed rooms with private large-shower bathrooms
Dining: On-site café and pub with courtyard seating
Service: Self-check-in with 24/7 access and owner communication
History: 15th-century building, former home of Sir David Hume
Must-do experiences
Visit the Edinburgh Castle for breathtaking views and history.
Try traditional haggis at The Last Drop, a local favorite.
Stroll through the picturesque Victoria Street for unique shops.
Explore the hidden treasures at the Writers' Museum on Lady Stair's Close.
Sample whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience for a true taste of Scotland.
Select your room type
Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Double Room Kirkhill
2 persons
25 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe Double Room Melville
2 persons
20 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe King Room Catcune
2 persons
25 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.0/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Safe deposit box
Pets allowed
Smoke detectors
Room features
Heating
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle Location
493 Lawnmarket,The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2PB,
Map view
City landmarks
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
720 m
Landmark
Arthur's Seat hike
2.08 km
Palace
Palace of Holyroodhouse
1.47 km
Landmark
Calton Hill
1.11 km
Monument
Scott Monument
620 m
Landmark
Nelson Monument
1.23 km
Botanical Garden
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
2.01 km
Landmark
Surgeons' Hall Museums
850 m
Museum
John Knox House
620 m
Museum
Dynamic Earth
1.4 km
Museum
The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland
750 m
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One
2.37 km
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
Explore Edinburgh
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
5 minutes' walk
Historic fortress dominating the skyline, home to the Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny.
Scott Monument
8 minutes' walk
A Victorian Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, offering stunning city views from its summit.
National Museum of Scotland
9 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits showcasing Scotland's history in a stunning building, featuring free admission.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
18 minutes' walk
The official residence of the Queen in Scotland, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25 minutes walking
An ancient volcano offering breathtaking views of the city. Suitable for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Meadows Park
12 minutes' walk
A large public park perfect for picnics and leisurely walks, featuring walking paths and beautiful green spaces.
The Witchery by the Castle
2 minutes' walk
Elegant restaurant known for its Scotland-inspired menu, featuring sumptuous dishes and a romantic atmosphere.
Ondine
2 minutes' walk
Sustainable seafood restaurant offering fresh catches and exquisite dishes in a stylish setting.
Deacon Brodie's Tavern
2 minutes' walk
Traditional Scottish pub with a cozy atmosphere, famous for hearty meals and local ales.
The Queen's Hall
15 minutes' walk
Concert hall hosting classical music performances and other events in a beautiful setting.
The Stand Comedy Club
20 minutes' walk
A vibrant venue featuring stand-up comedy acts and a lively atmosphere, great for all ages.
Getting around Scotland
City Centre
Edinburgh 6 min · 500 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 20 min · 12.8 km
Glasgow (GLA) 132 min · 88 km
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 200 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
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
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.3/10
Comfort
8.4/10
Facilities
8.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.9/10
Location
9.6/10
Staff
8.0/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Prime Royal Mile location
Comfortable beds
Powerful showers
Cons
Steep staircases
Pub noise
Limited room size
Guest reviews
based on 1341 reviews
8.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.