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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.

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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
  • 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)

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)

  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

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30 Jul - 31 Jul
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About the neighborhood

Newington, a neighborhood in Edinburgh, is home to The Alba House. Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Princes Street and Grassmarket. Check out an event or a game at Edinburgh International Conference Centre, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed. Visit our Edinburgh travel guide
View more Guest Houses in Edinburgh
Map
29 Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16 5PE

What's nearby

  • A museum exhibit with historical documents and maps.
    National Library of Scotland
    18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • A hiking trail with people walking, surrounded by autumn-colored bushes and a cityscape in the background.
    Holyrood Park
    4 min drive - 1.3 km
  • A tree-lined path in a park with cherry blossoms.
    The Meadows
    4 min drive - 1.8 km
  • A historic building with a central dome and symmetrical wings.
    University of Edinburgh
    5 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Queen's Hall
    5 min drive - 2.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • McDonald's
    9 min walk
  • Haldi
    5 min walk
  • Brass Monkey Grange
    16 min walk
  • Greggs
    6 min walk
  • The Salisbury Arms
    17 min walk

About this property

The Alba House

  • Guesthouse near University of Edinburgh
  • Located close to Grassmarket, 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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Front of property
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

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 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.

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 Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile. Princes Street and University of Edinburgh are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

The Alba House Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8

Cleanliness

9.0

Location

10

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 72 out of 88 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 88 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 88 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 88 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 88 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was quaint and very cosy and all the facilities available for guests were maintained and all worked perfectly. Also excellent shower.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Austin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Highlight of our entire trip. Lovely staff, very clean rooms, cable on the tv. Massive room with comfortable bed. Right next to two bus stations. About a 15 minute bus into old town. Limited parking on site.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Kim-Trang

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Conveniently located near bus stops to get to and from the main tourist hub of the Royal Mile, and it is within walking distance from a shopping center. The room had usb-c ports so that I didn't have to rely on my one outlet converter, which was nice. I met the one staff person on check-in and never saw her again, or anyone else, during my 3-night stay. I had wanted to ask about a very early check-out but couldn't find a way to contact staff in person (there is no reception desk or office). I did eventually find the key drop-box in the hallway lobby but ended up leaving the key in my room.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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.
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jerry

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rob

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