Auld Reekie Guest House Edinburgh United Kingdom

Edinburgh's Hidden Gem: Auld Reekie Guest House Awaits!

Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into a review of Auld Reekie Guest House! Not just a review, but a real one. Forget the polished PR copy; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, mixed with my own ramblings, heartaches, and everything in between. Consider this your overly caffeinated travel journal meets your slightly critical, deeply curious friend's take.

Edinburgh's Hidden Gem: Auld Reekie Guest House Awaits! A Review in the Chaos of Life

First, let's get this out of the way: Accessibility. This is Edinburgh, folks. It's cobblestone, hills, and charm, which, frankly, doesn't always play nice with wheelchairs. I tried to find specifics on their accessibility features but came up… well, blank. (This is important! If you need wheel chair accessibility, call them first!) I can't give a definite "yes" or "no" here. I’m not there and I don't know for sure, so you NEED to call them. Ditto for on-site accessible restaurants/lounges. Check, check, and triple-check if you have accessibility needs. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Internet, the Lifeblood of the Modern Traveler: Okay, so here's the deal with the internet. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they shout, and THANK GOD. I checked! "Internet access – wireless". Thank heavens. "Internet access – LAN" they've also got it. "Internet" is even there, too! This should be standard, but it's a relief, especially when battling jet lag. I have to work sometimes and need internet. So, there's no excuse for a hotel not to give me internet!

Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal…and a Few Nervy Moments Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. The Covid era has changed EVERYTHING, right? They list things like "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer". Good. These are reassuring. But honestly, I'm still a little paranoid. You can't just say "sterilizing equipment" and make me feel totally safe. The world is scary! The "Rooms sanitized between stays" is reassuring. Although they also offer “Room sanitization opt-out available”. Isn't this like saying, "We clean the cars, but you can choose to have yours be dirty?" (I kid, I kid.)

Breakfast and Dining – A Love Story: Speaking of love, let’s talk food. Auld Reekie promises a pretty solid breakfast situation. "Breakfast [buffet]", "Breakfast service." "A la carte in restaurant." "Asian breakfast"! "Western breakfast"! They've got options. I love a good restaurant. I love a good buffet. Do they deliver? Room service? I have to order my breakfast like this on the phone? This is essential information. I saw "coffee shop". Excellent. Need a good coffee! I am not a chef, but I do eat a lot. "Bottle of water" - always a plus. "Snack bar" – yes, please! "Restaurants" are good. "Bar" is an asset, right? I could probably talk about the "international cuisine in restaurant" and "western cuisine in restaurant" all day.

Things to Do (and Not Doing): Relaxation Territory! Now, here's where things get juicy, or rather, potentially juicy. They list a LOT of things to do. What do I think of them? The “Spa” section. Oh boy. "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Sauna," "Steamroom." "Pool with view," "Swimming pool [outdoor]", "Gym/fitness", "Massage". I’m in heaven!! Okay, calm down. The problem is… I like to relax. I am not sure if I’ll have time to do anything. Fitness center? Maybe. Foot bath? Yes, please! The potential pool is tempting, but that’s Edinburgh, even in summer might be too cold? Are the facilities any good?? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it?

Services and Conveniences: The Secret Sauce of Hospitality

This is where hotels either win or lose me. "Air conditioning in public area" – essential in the summer, less relevant if you’re visiting in winter (though central heating is a must!). The elevator is important for me. "Facilities for disabled guests". See – the accessibility discussion again. "Daily housekeeping" – YES. "Laundry service" – thank GOD, because I spill something on myself at least once a day. "Luggage storage". Crucial. "Concierge" – a lifesaver for questions, especially for the more complicated ones. "Cash withdrawal" – handy. "Currency exchange" – useful if you're not used to euros or pounds. "Doorman" – a nice touch, especially if it's pouring rain (which, in Edinburgh, it probably is). "Dry cleaning" – absolutely vital. "DryCleaning" is a luxury I can’t live without.

For the Kids: A Family Affair?

I did not check whether this is a kid friendly hotel. But there is something about the "babysitting service". Great way to get away.

Rooms – The Cozy Nest (Hopefully)

"Available in all rooms," what is it?! "Additional toilet" (always a bonus), "Air conditioning", "Alarm clock", "Bathrobes", "Bathroom phone" (why? Who are you calling?), "Bathtub", "Blackout curtains", "Carpeting", "Closet", "Coffee/tea maker", "Complimentary tea", "Desk", "Extra long bed", "Free bottled water", "Hair dryer" (a MUST, for me), "High floor", "In-room safe box", "Interconnecting room(s) available", "Internet access – LAN", "Internet access – wireless", "Ironing facilities", "Laptop workspace", "Linens" (always!), "Mini bar", "Mirror", "Non-smoking", "On-demand movies", "Private bathroom", "Reading light", "Refrigerator", "Safety/security feature", "Satellite/cable channels", "Scale", "Seating area", "Separate shower/bathtub", "Shower", "Slippers", "Smoke detector", "Socket near the bed", "Sofa", "Soundproofing", "Telephone", "Toiletries", "Towels", "Umbrella", "Visual alarm", "Wake-up service", "Wi-Fi [free]", "Window that opens". The "Slippers" are a nice touch, "Alarm Clock" - love them or hate them.

Getting Around – Navigating the City

"Airport transfer" – YES. "Bicycle parking". This is perfect. "Car park [free of charge]", "Car park [on-site]". "I need car parking", "Taxi service", "Valet parking". And, of course, “Getting around” is covered for all!

The Verdict (and a Plea for a Discount)

Okay, here's the deal. Auld Reekie Guest House sounds like it could be a fantastic base for exploring Edinburgh. The location is likely prime (or close enough), the amenities seem extensive, and the promises of comfort are enticing, that is, if you can get past the endless steps! But honestly, the devil is in the details, and sadly, I don't have the nitty gritty information for a true recommendation.

Now, for the Hard Sell – The Auld Reekie Adventure Awaits!

Here's the deal: We're offering you a stay at Auld Reekie Guest House, but with a twist! Imagine waking up in a cozy, well-appointed room, perhaps after a night of Edinburgh exploration (yes, it will be a fantastic place to sleep!).

Are you in?

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Auld Reekie Guest House Edinburgh United Kingdom

Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this itinerary isn't going to be all perfectly-timed tea sips and polite chitchat. This is my Edinburgh adventure, and it's going to be a delicious, messy, and probably slightly hungover ride. Welcome to the chaos.

Auld Reekie Guest House – My Edinburgh Debacle (and hopefully some triumphs!)

Day 1: Arrival and the "Great Scott, It's Foggy!" Fiasco

10:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Edinburgh Airport. Okay, so technically it was more like 10:30 AM. The flight was delayed because of "unexpected turbulence" which, let's be real, translates to "the pilot was hungover." Didn't exactly set the tone for a relaxed trip, but hey, at least I landed.
(10:30 AM) - The Airport Shuffle
- Grab a taxi to the Guest House. Oh, the accent! The driver, bless his heart, kept asking if I "fancied a wee chat." I'm British, so I got a mini cultural shock. But I felt warm with my new Edinburgh accent and got my first taste of Edinburgh hospitality.
11:30 AM: Check into the Auld Reekie Guest House. (This place looks exactly like the photos – surprisingly clean, actually!) The receptionist, a woman with silver hair and a twinkle in her eye, was an absolute gem. She gave me a key shaped like a tiny castle and warned me about the "cheeky seagulls." Challenge accepted.
12:00 PM: Drop my bags and immediately try to figure out how this kettle works. I may or may not have burned my hand on the steam. First impression? My room is cozy. And slightly…smelly. Like old books and…maybe a hint of damp? Sigh.
1:00 PM: Attempt to find lunch. Holy. Mother. Of. Haggis. The fog. It's so thick I can barely see my own feet. I stumble into a pub called "The Dog & Duck," which, in retrospect, probably should have been my first clue. The barman had a face etched with years of foggy mornings, and the only thing he offered was a pint. Fine by me. (And by the time I'd finished half a pint I had cheered up)

(1:30 PM): My first Edinburgh lunch was "a proper Scottish experience" which I enjoyed. The pub felt like walking into a warm hug. Good food, good company, and a sense of belonging.

(2:30 PM): Wandering the "Royal Mile" in the fog. This is where Edinburgh's charm really begins to creep in. The old buildings, the cobblestones, the wind whistling through the narrow closes… Yeah, I'm officially smitten, even if I can barely see the castle.

(3:30 PM): The Real-Life Ghost Tour. My guide went from being a history professor to this eccentric, ghost-loving storyteller. This was a real tour! This was a true storytelling experience. We walked down the scariest places of Edinburgh, and they were truly scared of the past. (I screamed at one point, even though I knew it was coming. Don't judge me).

(5:00 PM): I went back to the guest house and crashed for a bit, trying to get some energy for the night.

(7:00 PM): Dinner at a traditional Scottish restaurant. I ordered the haggis, neeps, and tatties. The haggis was…interesting. Let's just say I won't be ordering seconds. But the atmosphere was brilliant, all hearty laughter and clinking glasses. I am officially in love with Scotland.

(9:00 PM): Nightcap at a pub. I think the barman might have been the brother of my driver but I took another pint (don't judge me!) I met a local named Hamish who, after several pints himself, regaled me with stories of his youth.

10:00 PM: Back to the guest house. Exhausted but happy. The damp smell is still there, but I’ve decided it's part of the character. Time for bed… and hopefully a good night's sleep.

Day 2: Castle Clambering and Chocolate Carnage

8:00 AM: Wake up. (Surprisingly, I didn't sleep too bad last night). Breakfast – toast, cereal, and instant coffee. Not exactly gourmet, but it does the job.
9:00 AM: Edinburgh Castle. Okay, the castle is AMAZING. I clambered up those cobbled streets, dodging throngs of tourists, and finally made it to the top. The views are stunning, even if the wind nearly blew me off the ramparts.
(10:30 AM): The "Crown Jewels" Conundrum:
- Saw the Crown Jewels and was so impressed that this was something that I didn't expect.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a cute cafe. Chicken and chips. And I tried another pint!
1:30 PM: The Royal Mile. I went up and down this beautiful street again and again. If I was a tourist at that moment I would be in heaven.
3:00 PM: Chocolate shop time! I wandered into a chocolate shop, and well, I lost control. I tried everything. EVERYTHING. (And bought far too many, I might add).
4:00 PM: I realized that after the chocolate I needed a break. I went back to the guest house.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a fancy restaurant. I was on my own and decided to enjoy my meal. The food was amazing, and the service was great.
9:00 PM: I went and watch a band playing at a bar, I got back to the guest house late.

Day 3: Whisky Wonders, Holyrood House, and a Possible Meltdown… Maybe?

9:00 AM: Breakfast, same as before.
10:00 AM: The Whisky Experience. Brilliant! I sipped whisky till the end of the day, I learned so many things that I didn't know.
(1:00 PM): Holyrood House & Palace:
- Went to Holyrood House and was amazed by the architecture and the history of it all.
3:00 PM: A possible meltdown… probably. No, seriously the rain came in and I feel that I'm having a meltdown. The pressure of everything. What should I do? Relax, go back to the guest house? It's OKAY, I'll drink coffee and relax.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a small restaurant. I got to a bar, I met a nice man, and we talked.
9:00 PM: Back to the guest house. I slept really well.

Day 4: Departure and a Slightly Sad Farewell

9:00 AM: Breakfast and final packing.
10:00 AM: One last wander through the Royal Mile, buying souvenirs and trying to soak up every last bit of atmosphere.
11:00 AM: The last coffee.
12:00 PM: Depart from Edinburgh Airport.

Final Thoughts:

Edinburgh, you magnificent, misty, slightly smelly city. What a journey! The high points, the low points, the unexpected detours… it's all part of the adventure. I’m leaving with a belly full of haggis (maybe), a suitcase full of chocolate, and a heart that feels just a little bit fuller. I have a feeling I'll be back.

And if you're reading this, Auld Reekie Guest House, thanks for the cozy (if slightly damp) accommodation. You were a perfect base for my Edinburgh escapade. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a long, hot shower and a very strong cup of tea. Until next time, Edinburgh!

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Auld Reekie Guest House Edinburgh United Kingdom

Auld Reekie Guest House: The Low-Down (and the Dirty Secrets They Don't Tell You!)

So, Auld Reekie... Is it actually as "unique" as the website says? (Because let's be honest, everyone says that!)

Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups. "Unique"? Oh, honey, it's... *something*. Let's just say my expectations were SKY-HIGH after reading all the glossy brochures and suspiciously glowing reviews. Turns out, "unique" in Auld Reekie's case translates to: "charmingly dilapidated," and "a bit like staying in your eccentric Aunt Mildred's spare room, but in Edinburgh." Think uneven floorboards that creak so loudly they could wake the dead (and probably *do*), and a decor scheme that's a glorious collision of faded floral wallpaper and... well, let's just say "eclectic" is the kindest description. I arrived expecting a boutique experience, and instead, I found myself half-expecting a ghost to tap me on the shoulder and offer me a cup of lukewarm tea. Which, honestly, wouldn't have been *entirely* out of place, given the history of the place.

Are the rooms clean, though? That's the real question, isn't it?

Okay, okay, the *real* nitty-gritty. Cleanliness. Look, let's be frank. It's not a sterile, clinically pristine experience. I found a single, errant sock belonging to… *someone* under the bed in my room. (Don't ask me how it got there. I'm not even going to *speculate*.) But, and this is a big but, the sheets *were* clean. The bathroom *looked* clean, although the ancient, wonky showerhead threatened to spray water in a dozen directions at once. Was it dirtied by a previous guest? maybe, Maybe not. It's just an old building, right? Just let it go, I thought. Basically, its got the vibe: old, cared for, and maybe seen it's share of life.

Breakfast - what's the craic? (Because no one wants a lousy breakfast, especially after a night out in Edinburgh!)

Breakfast... Ah, *breakfast*. This is where Auld Reekie gets a little... *interesting*. They boast a "full Scottish breakfast." Which sounds amazing, right? Haggis! Black pudding! All the glorious fried things your arteries secretly crave! Well, let me tell you. One morning, I got mine and there were two tiny, sad, *burnt* sausages, and a single slice of bacon that looked like it had seen a hard life. The haggis and black pudding were nowhere to be seen. The next day? Slightly improved but still not the stuff of legends. The coffee? Instant. *Instant* coffee, my friends. But you know what? The atmosphere was so cheerfully chaotic, the other guests were so lovely, and the lady running the show (I think her name was Maggie? Or maybe Agnes? It's all a blur, honestly.) – she was so genuinely *sweet* that I just kind of rolled with it. It wasn't posh, it wasn't gourmet, but it was... sufficient. And, in a weird way, very "Auld Reekie." Oh, and the toast? Always, *always* a little bit burnt. Embrace the char!

What's the location like? Is it easy to get around?

Okay, the location is actually *pretty* brilliant. It's right in the heart of things, a stone's throw from the Royal Mile, which is a definite plus. You can practically roll out of bed and stumble into the ancient heart of Edinburgh. Everything is within walking distance – the castle, the shops, the pubs (oh, the pubs!). But here's a little secret: it's *right* on a main road. And, well, Edinburgh is known for its charming, but *loud*, traffic. So, if you're a light sleeper like me, bring earplugs. Like, *industrial-strength* ones. The noise is bad sometimes. Really bad. But the convenience? Worth it. Trust me, you'll forgive the occasional siren at 3 AM after a pint or two of local ale.

Anything really bad happen? Like, horror story bad?

*Really* bad? Hmm... well, I wouldn't say "horror story." But there was the time the fire alarm went off at 2 AM, promptly waking the entire building. Turns out, someone (probably me...) had left a hairdryer running too long. Half-asleep, disoriented, and smelling vaguely of smoke, I stumbled out into the hallway to find everyone else looking equally confused. The fire brigade eventually arrived (after a rather dramatic delay, I might add), and it was all sorted out. But for a solid hour, I was convinced I was going to die in a very un-Scottish, hairdryer-related fire. That was... less than ideal. But hey! Adds to the experience, right? Though, don't go thinking I'm taking the blame for that, I saw a few things happened there that were definitley suspicious.

The Staff - are they helpful? Friendly? Do they judge you for eating all the biscuits?

Okay, now this is where Auld Reekie truly shines. The staff (or, I think, the staff... It was hard to tell.) were *lovely*. They were, I think, a small family, or at least a very close-knit group. There was an older woman with a kind face who clearly ran the show, and a younger, slightly frazzled helper who always seemed to be juggling about a thousand things. They were both endlessly patient, friendly, and genuinely helpful. They gave great recommendations for pubs and restaurants. Did they judge me for consuming an entire plate of shortbread biscuits in one sitting? Maybe. But if they did, they hid it *very* well. They made you feel like you were staying in their actual home, not just a guest house. Honestly, the warmth of the people is really why I liked it, and felt like I could rate it above ok.

Would you stay there again? Be honest!

Ugh, you know what? Despite the burnt toast, the questionable sock, the near-death fire alarm experience, and the general air of controlled chaos… *yes*. I absolutely would. Because Auld Reekie guest house isn't perfect. It's not luxurious. It's not always clean. It's not always quiet. But it's got *character*. It's got heart. It's got charm, even if that charm is a little bit… *wonky*. It's a real experience. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're actually *living* Edinburgh, not just visiting it. And honestly, sometimes, a little bit of wonkiness is exactly what you need. Just pack the earplugs, maybe your own coffee, and a sense of humor. You'll be fine. You might even have a (slightly)Chicstayst

Auld Reekie Guest House Edinburgh United Kingdom

Edinburgh's Hidden Gem: Auld Reekie Guest House Awaits!