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The Alba House

3.0 star property
This charming guesthouse near the University of Edinburgh is perfect for Royal Mile exploration, with public WiFi for travelers.

Choose dates to view prices

The Alba House provides a convenient retreat just steps from the University of Edinburgh. Travelers appreciate the smoke-free environment, complimentary WiFi access, and the strategic location that puts them within easy reach of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Superior Double Room, Ensuite (superior double)

Superior Double Room, Ensuite (superior double)

Superior Double Room, Ensuite (superior double)

Highlights

Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Double Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic double)

Classic Double Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic double)

Classic Double Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic double)

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Daily housekeeping
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Classic Twin Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic twin)

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic twin)

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic twin)

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
29 Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16 5PE

What's nearby

  • Holyrood Park - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Royal Commonwealth Pool - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • The Meadows - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
  • University of Edinburgh - 4 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Arthur's Seat - 8 min drive - 2.0 km

Getting around

  • Princes Street Tram Stop - 6 min drive
  • Newcraighall Station - 9 min drive
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Haldi - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Greggs - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Salisbury Arms - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Dehli Diner - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Alba House

Guesthouse near Royal Mile
Located close to University of Edinburgh, The Alba House has plenty to offer. Guests can connect to free WiFi in public areas.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • Smoke-free premises

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Sherwood Guest House
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  • Housekeeping
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Sherwood Guest House

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Smoking not allowed

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests planning to arrive or departure outside of normal check-in and check-out hours must contact this property in advance.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit/debit cards
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
This property is professionally cleaned

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Property is also known as

Alba House B&B Edinburgh
Alba House B&B
Alba House Edinburgh
Alba House Edinburgh, Scotland
Alba House
Alba House Hotel
The Alba House Edinburgh
The Alba House Guesthouse
The Alba House Guesthouse Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Is The Alba House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Alba House?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Alba House?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Alba House located?

Located in Newington, this guesthouse is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from National Library of Scotland and within 3 mi (5 km) of Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Queen's Hall and Royal Commonwealth Pool are also within 1 mi (2 km).

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Reviews

The Alba House Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

10

Staff & service

8.4

Eco-friendliness

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 68 out of 82 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 82 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 82 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 82 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 82 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an amazing place to stay, had the most warmest greeting to a beautiful house, the room is gorgeous with the most comfortable bed, beautiful en-suite. Perfect location aswell to be close to the city centre with amazing bus route. Will be going back again soon
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I was travelling with my daughter and we stopped here for 2 nights. The hotel was fantastic. A wonderful big bedroom with free parking outside the hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a lovely stay here. Traveling as a solo senior and felt very safe and welcome. Easy bus access out front and close to train station.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a lovely hotel. There is parking on site and Abus stop outside which runs directly into the centre of Edinburgh (about 10-15 minutes by bus) My room was spacious and beautifully furnished,
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Duncan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Really nice clean place. 20 min frequent bus ride into the centre. Any restaurant, cafe or pub are all quite a walk away.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a lovely stay at the Alba House. Easy arrival, nice breakfast, great staff. So convenient to hop on the bus going downtown from in front of the hotel. Would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had a lovely stay at the Alba House. The room was lovely, the house was great, and the people were wonderful. Breakfast was excellent as well.

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were lovely. Though on a busy road we had rooms at the back which were quite quiet. Breakfast was lovely
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ralph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cath is a wonderful hostess, providing a warm environment and excellent guidance in how to enjoy our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an amazing Bed and Breakfast, with an even more amazing host, Cath. What gracious people and that were so accommodating towards international travelers. We were provided with everything we could possibly need, if we ever come back to Edinburgh, Scotland, we know where we will be staying!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Superb Hosts

The Alba was superb. Cath was a perfect host: accommodating, cheerful, personable, informative, and always helpful with questions or arrangements.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely rooms, fantastic host

The Alba House is such a lovely house! I really loved the architecture and original details of the property. The room was very comfortable, the bed very soft, and clean. The bathroom had great water pressure and plenty of hot water, and a nice towel warmer. Our host was extremely welcoming and nice, she gave us great directions and tips for getting around the city! Breakfast was the same each morning, but it was more than enough to fill up and it was really good, fresh food. We loved our stay and are already planning a trip back!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The communal areas and our room were lovely - beautifully decorated and very well maintained. Breakfast was great ( not a cooked breakfast but perfect for us) - including fresh fruit and pastries. The fan in bedroom was very welcome as it was so warm. The only thing missing was a shower cubicle ( we had a bath and shower attachment which was fine ) - but I can see that would be hard to fit in as we were in an ‘attic’ room with low sloping ceilings.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I recently had the pleasure of staying 3 nights at this charming B&B, conveniently nestled in a prime location with easy access to public transportation and the heart of Edinburgh. Despite the owner, Cathy, being away on vacation, her warmth was matched by the hospitality of her daughter, Erin, and son-in-law, Jamie, who were exceptional hosts during my stay. The accommodations were top-notch: from the comfortable bed ensuring restful nights to the modern bathroom equipped with strong water pressure - every detail contributed to a seamless and enjoyable experience. Breakfast each morning was a highlight; a hearty offering complemented by a delicious fruit platter, with the option of both tea and coffee catering to all preferences. On my final day, Cathy made a special effort to greet me, embodying the gracious hospitality that seemed to run in the family. This B&B is a gem for anyone visiting Edinburgh, providing not just a stay but an experience to remember. I am already looking forward to my next visit. Highly recommended for an unforgettable stay in Edinburgh.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely B&B with a fantastic, attentive owner

Booked based on reviews and were not disappointed. Although this was at the start of the Coronavirus in UK, the B&B staff were putting distancing and hygene into place with individual orange juice, cakes etc and lots of soap etc. Owner was very friendly and attentive, and a great guide to Edinburgh and the area. Room was big and comfy and the only downside, which I wont mark down for was we were in Room 7 which is on the front of the building which is on a fairly busy street. the old building had original sash windows and they didnt do anything to cancel out the noise from the street. Other than that everything about the B&B was excellent and I would recommend booking if you are thinking about visiting Scotland's capital city. all the best, Tam & Sharon
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really liked the Victorian property so beautifully decorated. Also simply lovely decorations for Christmas. Really made the house feel like a home. However, the noise of the constant traffic disturbed us in our front of house room.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jerry, Los Angeles, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Kath, the hostess, was lovely. She is warm, cordial, and made us feel right at home. She also provided excellent advice about the buses (very convenient from this location!) and timing our visit to various venues (e.g., get to Edinburgh Castle first thing). The bed is amazingly comfortable (we slept very soundly). The breakfast room was roomy and comfortable and the food was excellent -- a beautiful array of both "cold" and "warm" (to order) items. The location is really great and there is an Aldi near by if you need anything.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A charming traditional hotel . A wonderful breakfast with lots of fresh fruits .
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

I’d stay here again

Nice location, right on the bus route to/from Edinburgh. Gracious and helpful host. En-suite was modern though the home is Victorian.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Scotland vacation

Large comfortable rooms. Great breakfast and Cath was so accommodating. Talked us through the bus route and told us where the good pubs were. Thanks.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

isabelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Très bien très accueillant personnel très disponible
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rob, Pennsylvania

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely house and helpful staff. Easy location to access dights
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service

Not ideal for places to go in evening.

Location not ideal for walking to any restaurant or pub. Nothing nearby. Found the rooms rather old fashioned and a bit run down (mould on bathroom ceiling where a leak had obviously occurred) albeit clean. I am a bit OCD about things being hung straight and the tv was attached to the wall crooked which drove me nuts! Could be so much more with a little tlc and attention to detail, like putting local recommendations in the rooms and better toiletries because at £150 a night, it’s not cheap! However landlady was very charming, welcoming and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful

My son and I stayed at Alba House for a month. I would definitely stay again and highly recommend. Cath and her family are great people. I also loved Rocky, Zelda and Maisy. Cath can tell you anything you need to know about Scotland. I so enjoyed getting to know her during our stay. She is a lovely human being and works very hard. Her place is charming, clean and comfortable. We stayed on the third floor and the one picture is out of the sky light window in the bathroom. The only thing I would say is don't pick the third floor if you don't like climbing stairs. 😁 I just thought of it as burning calories.
Stayed 28 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Andreas

Schönes Bed and Breakfast

Es handelt sich um ein sehr schönes Bed and Breakfast mit gut eingerichtetem Zimmer und reichhaltigem Fühstück. Die Besitzerin ist sehr freundlich. Hervorzuheben ist die verkehrsgünstige Lage. Mit mehreren Buslinien vor dem Haus ist man schnell in der Innenstadt. Auch der Flughafenbus 300 hält in unmittelbarer Nähe.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018