Is the flat easily accessible from the airport and train and bus stations?
Yes. See 'How do we get there?'

Is the flat convenient for Festival-goers?
Yes! The Festival Theatre and the Playhouse Theatre are about ten minutes' walk away, and many of the main Fringe venues such as the Pleasance and the Gilded Balloon are even closer. The Hub (the official centre for the Edinburgh International Festival) and the Festival Fringe office are minutes away on the Royal Mile, which itself becomes an open stage for buskers and other performers. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo Office is round the corner.

Can we bring pets?
No.

Can we smoke in the flat?
For the comfort of future guests smoking is not allowed.

If we need information about how things work in the flat, is there anyone on hand to help?
Yes. The owners live locally and can assist with any problems regarding the running of the property that can't be solved by reading our guest information pack.

Does the flat have a telephone and internet access?
No. But the property receives a strong cellphone signal and there are a number of internet cafés nearby; for example, E-Corner Internet Café is at 54 Blackfriars Street (0131 558 7858), 'Internet Café' is at 98 West Bow, Victoria Street (0131 226 5400) and Bytes & Slices Internet Lounge is at 2 Waverley Steps by the Balmoral Hotel (0131 557 8887). Wireless internet access is available at the Blackfriars Street and the West Bow cafés.

Does the flat have a garden?
Unique to this building is the roof terrace, which has stunning views of the city, sea and hills, as well as close-ups of the gargoyle-like carvings that adorn the roof.

Is the flat suitable for children?
Yes, and highchairs, cots, and other facilities for infants are available with prior notice. Children should be carefully supervised on the stairwell and on the roof terrace, and must not be allowed to climb on the guardrails or glass on either the stairwell or the roof terrace.

Does the flat have a hairdryer, an iron and an ironing board?
Yes.

Recycling: Can we recycle our waste?
Yes, there are recycling facilities for glass, cardboard, plastic bottles, paper, etc. nearby. Full information is given in the guest information folder in the apartment. Also, if you would like to off-set the carbon emissions of your journey, please click here to go to Climate Care's website.

Does the flat have wheelchair access?
Because the building dates from the 19th century, there is no lift and thus no wheelchair access. The apartment is on the fourth floor.

Is there a list of emergency numbers in the flat?
Yes. There is a full guest information pack with relevant numbers, and other useful information. We also keep a library of tourist information pamphlets and brochures, and we have a small stock of guides and city plans.

Is there a corner shop / convenience store nearby?
Yes. There is a grocer and off-licence which opens very early and stays open until 7pm (4.30pm on Saturdays and 4pm Sundays) on the corner of Jeffrey Street and the Royal Mile, less than 20 metres away from the apartment. About 50 metres away around the corner there is another grocer and off-licence that stays open until 9.30-10pm 7 days a week. Tesco, Sainsburys and Marks & Spencers supermarkets are also close to hand. The nearest Post Office is at 46 St Mary's Street, just 50 metres away. Details are given in the guest information pack in the apartment.

Where can we eat?
Edinburgh has a vibrant café and restaurant scene, and many pubs serve good food. Here's a small selection of options within walking distance of the apartment.

• On Jeffrey Street

• Barioja
• Igg's
• La Garrigue
• The Tass
• Tempting Tattie

• Within two minutes

• Reform, Canongate
• Stac Polly, St Mary's Street
• David Bann, St Mary's Street
• Dubh Prais, High Street
• Off The Wall, High Street
• Plaisir Du Chocolat, Canongate

• Within five minutes

• Northbridge Brasserie, North Bridge
• Black Bo's, Blackfriars Street
• Jacksons, Jacksons Close, High Street
• Spoon, Blackfriars Street
• The Doric, Market Street
• Le Sept, Hunter Square

• Within fifteen minutes

• The Hub, Castlehill
• The Witchery, Castlehill
• The Olive Branch, George IV Bridge
• Amber, Castlehill
• The Outsider, George IV Bridge
• The Tower, Chambers Street

• For vegetarians

• David Bann, St Mary's Street
• Black Bo's, Blackfriars Street
• Kalpna, Nicolson Street
• Ann Purna, St Patrick Square
• Susie's Diner, West Nicolson Street
• Henderson's, Hanover Street (and Henderson's Bistro around the corner on Thistle Street)

... and many more. For full details of these and many other options, visit the List Eating and Drinking Guide.

Where's the best place to get breakfast?
It depends what you like for breakfast! Spoon on Blackfriars Street is good, though it's not open on Sundays, and there's Always Sunday at 170 High Street (on the left-hand side between North/South Bridge and George IV Bridge) or Café Florentin on St Giles Street. For full details of these and many other options, visit the List Eating and Drinking Guide.

Where are the nearest pubs?
The Tass is on the corner of Jeffrey Street and the Royal Mile, and the World's End is directly opposite. As well as offering great beers, wines, etc., The Tass also serves good food at reasonable prices and has regular live traditional music sessions (for more information about live traditional music in Edinburgh, click here for the Edinburgh Folk Club website). And there are lots of other pubs within staggering distance:

• The Hebrides, Market Street
• Logie Baird's, Royal Mile (High Street & South Bridge)
• Deacon Brodie's, Royal Mile (George IV Bridge & Bank Street)
• City Café, Blair Street
• Jolly Judge, James Court, High Street
• Jingling Geordie's, Fleshmarket Close, Cockburn Street
• Halfway House, Fleshmarket Close, Cockburn Street
• Bow Bar, Victoria Street.

Are there public transport facilities nearby?
Yes. For local buses, there are bus stops on the Royal Mile, within 100 metres of the flat. The 35 route serves the Royal Mile. There are many bus routes serving North Bridge, George IV Bridge and Princes Street. The Airport Express Bus Terminus and Waverley Railway Station are both a few minutes' walk away. You can also catch any of the Edinburgh city bus tours on the Royal Mile; these are a good way to get your bearings if you’re a first-time visitor.

Where can we hire a car?
There's a Europcar self-drive car-hire office in Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station (tel: +44 (0)131 556 5210). Another nearby self-drive car-hire company is Hertz Rent-A-Car at 10 Picardy Place (tel: +44 (0)8708 460013).

Is there any parking nearby?
There are parking meters on Jeffrey Street, though the maximum parking period is 2 hours. All parking on meters and single yellow lines is free from 6.30pm to 7.30am, and all day Sunday. We recommend that guests use the St John's Hill Car Park on Holyrood Road, which is only one block away. Click on this website for latest prices and other information).

Where is the nearest tourist information office?
The main tourist information office is only ten minutes' walk away, on Princes Street above Waverley Station.

Is there tourist information available in the flat?
Yes. We keep a library of tourist information pamphlets and brochures, and we have a small stock of guides and city plans.

Is the flat itself quiet?
Yes. There is some inevitable traffic noise during peak times, and if you are seeking guaranteed peace and quiet you are unlikely to find it in the centre of the Scottish capital.

Is there plenty of hot water?
Yes. The gas boiler supplies hot water on demand, activated by turning on the shower or a hot tap.

Are we expected to clean up before we go?
We'd appreciate it if you can leave the apartment as clean and tidy as you found it.

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