Gifford House

–Great location - show map
+84 photos
Scored 8.3
Rated very good

Free Wifi

10

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About this property

"Nestled just over a mile from Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street, Gifford House offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. With direct bus routes right outside the door, reaching the historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, or Waverley Station couldn’t be easier. This charming Victorian townhouse combines traditional character with spacious, modern comfort. Every room is thoughtfully designed to ensure a restful stay, guests can enjoy plush bedding, free Wi-Fi, and immaculate bathrooms. To the rear of the property, many rooms boast breathtaking views of Salisbury Crags and the iconic Arthur’s Seat. We operate as a self-service hotel with fully digital check-in, giving you the freedom to arrive at your convenience and enjoy a seamless stay from start to finish. Recognized with a 4-Star Gold Award from VisitScotland, Gifford House stands out for its attention to detail, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction. Free limited on-street parking is available, a rare perk in central Edinburgh and Holyrood Park, local golf courses, and independent cafés are all just a short stroll away. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a solo city break, or a cultural adventure, Gifford House is your ideal Edinburgh base: elegant, welcoming, and perfectly located."

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.1 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular amenities

  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Heating
  • Garden
  • Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms

Property highlights

  • Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.3)

  • Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

  • FREE parking!

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Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

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Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 twin bed
and
1 queen bed
1 queen bed
2 twin beds
and
1 full bed
2 twin beds
1 full bed
Bedroom 1
1 queen bed
Bedroom 2
1 queen bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

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Guests who stayed here loved

Jason
United States United States
“Beautiful building, large room, comfortable beds (if you like firmer mattresses)”
Laurie
Canada Canada
“The property is lovely, an historic row house. The interior is suitable for the age of the house. It was super easy to access upon arrival. I loved that we always had hot water for showers etc.”
Mary
United States United States
“Everything you would possibly need was provided. Beautiful room.”
Aragon
United States United States
“The Gifford house was amazing! A very cute, big older house turned into a guest house! Very clean and well-maintained! The rooms are beautiful and the beds are comfortable. Bathroom is small but has everything you need! Tea and kettle is provided...”
Judy
United States United States
“Beautiful hotel, comfortable room and close to a bus stop to High Street. Quick response to questions”
Abdullah
Turkey Turkey
“After a long journey, we arrived quite late, and unfortunately, all the nearby stores were already closed. That’s why finding complimentary water and soft drinks in the minibar meant a lot to us — it was such a thoughtful touch. As a Muslim, I...”
Katherine
United States United States
“Warm and friendly welcome. Family of four stayed in the family room with three beds - plenty of room to spread out, very comfortable for our group. Second summer in a row visiting family in Edinburgh and we've enjoyed staying at the Gifford House...”
Gilmore
United States United States
“Clean, comfortable and friendly staff. Free off-street parking nearby”
Karen
United States United States
“Location was great with a bus stop just across the street and seconds away. Although we walked everyday to the Royal Mile, it was a very convenient location. Lots of good restaurants nearby as well.”
Barbara
United States United States
“Great location, near enough to everything we wanted to visit.”

Managed by Gifford House

Company review score: 8.7Based on 198 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company info

Gifford House has been a family affair since 1989. The Dow family have been welcoming guests here for over three decades, and we’re always ready to help you feel right at home, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth. We’re delighted that Gifford House now offers a seamless self-serve experience, so you can enjoy your stay on your own schedule.

Property info

Hello and welcome to Gifford House – your friendly, family-run guesthouse tucked just a mile and a bit south of Princes Street. If you fancy exploring Edinburgh’s heart, you’re in luck – we’re right on a main bus route into the city centre, and if you’re arriving by car, you’ll find free on-street parking waiting for you. Awarded a 4-Star Gold Award by VisitScotland, Gifford House is a self-serve guesthouse, giving you the freedom to come and go as you please, with minimal contact and maximum privacy. Even though we’re handily on the A7, our delightful guesthouse is in a really peaceful spot - if you’re staying in a room at the back, you’ll wake up to views of the Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat – a rather lovely backdrop to your morning coffee. All our bedrooms are bright, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped with free Wi-Fi and modern, compact bathrooms. Housekeeping is provided every two nights, with a final clean on the day you check out. If you’re keen to stretch your legs or work on your swing, several excellent golf courses are nearby, and Holyrood Park is just a gentle stroll away.

Neighborhood info

Gifford House sits in the leafy Newington area, about a mile and a quarter south of the historic Royal Mile. Whether you’re after a good meal or a good walk, you’ll find both close by. Arthur’s Seat is just up the road if you fancy stretching your legs and taking in the views. Top-floor rooms at the back look out over Arthur’s Seat, while the front ones offer lovely glimpses towards the Pentland Hills. A wander through Holyrood Park feels like you’ve escaped to the countryside – even though the city is right behind you. It’s a beautiful walk that will take you past Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament and Dynamic Earth.

Language Spoken

English

Area info

House rules

Gifford House takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Check-out
From 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Refundable damage deposit
A damage deposit of £99 is required on arrival. That's about $131. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full by credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children over 8 are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Cards accepted at this property
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiners ClubJCBMaestroDiscoverSoloUnionPay credit cardDebit card Cash is not accepted
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Parties
Parties/events are not allowed

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

Check-In Information:

Please provide an estimated time of arrival, using the comments field when making your reservation.

The latest check-in time is 6 p.m., except by prior arrangement. By prior arrangement with Gifford House, check-in is available up until 11 p.m.

If you are wish to arrange a later check-in, please contact reception in advance using the contact details supplied on your confirmation email.

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

A damage deposit of £99 is required on arrival. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full by credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.

This property indicated that it doesn't require a short-term rental license or registration