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Drift along Edinburgh’s serene canals aboard a Canal Boat, where gentle waves lap against the hull and historic buildings line the banks. It’s like floating through time—peaceful, poetic, and utterly unforgettable.
Everything you need to know about Canal Boat
The Balmoral Hotel, located just a 5-minute walk from the Edinburgh Canal Boat dock at Royal Mile, offers exceptional convenience and luxury. Its elegant rooms provide panoramic views of the canal and historic cityscape, with some featuring private balconies overlooking the waterway. The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle services to nearby attractions, ensuring seamless travel for guests exploring the city’s scenic canals.
For a more intimate experience, consider Canal House Bed & Breakfast, a charming boutique option directly on the canal. This guesthouse features a private dock, allowing guests to hop aboard a canal boat anytime for tranquil cruises through the heart of Edinburgh. With artistic interiors and locally sourced breakfasts, it’s perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, immersive waterfront stay.
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre is an excellent choice for families visiting the Edinburgh Canal Boat area. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Royal Mile canal dock, it offers easy access to boat tours. The spacious rooms include child-safe amenities and separate sleeping zones, ensuring comfort for both kids and parents.
The hotel features a free buffet breakfast, indoor swimming pool, and game room—perfect for keeping children entertained. For longer stays, The Edinburgh Suite provides fully equipped suites with kitchenettes and living areas, ideal for families wanting independence. Situated right along the canal path, it allows easy walking to city attractions, with added perks like children’s activity guides and bike rental services for exploring the scenic waterways together.
The optimal boarding point for Edinburgh Canal Boat tours is the Royal Mile Canal Dock, located at the heart of the city's waterway network. This central location offers clear signage, ticket counters, and multiple daily departures, with each cruise lasting approximately 45 minutes and passing by scenic highlights such as the Firth of Forth entrance and distant views of Edinburgh Castle.
The dock area features benches, cafés, and souvenir shops, making it a great spot to relax before boarding. For a memorable experience, opt for an evening cruise when the city lights reflect off the water, creating a dreamy atmosphere perfect for couples or photographers. Some boats also offer guided commentary, providing historical insights into Edinburgh’s architecture and heritage along the route.
See what other travelers say about Canal Boat
Staying at Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket was an absolute pleasure. As a well-known chain, the hotel delivers consistent quality—clean rooms, modern amenities, and friendly staff. The location is unbeatable: just a 10-minute walk to Haymarket Station, making it super easy to hop on the subway for quick access across the city. The airport tram stops right outside the station, so getting to the airport is seamless—just a 15-minute ride with no transfers needed. Plus, major attractions like St. Giles Cathedral and the Royal Mile are all within a 10-minute walk, perfect for exploring on foot. There’s also a bus stop right in front of the hotel, connecting you to key sights without hassle. Whether you're here for sightseeing or business, this hotel offers excellent value, great convenience, and a stress-free stay.
Staying at the Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket was a fantastic experience overall. The room was larger than expected, featuring a comfortable sofa that made it feel more like a home away from home. Cleanliness was excellent—everything looked fresh and well-maintained. The in-room amenities were thoughtful: a capsule coffee machine and a fridge made mornings easy and convenient, especially for that quick caffeine fix. Location-wise, it couldn’t be better—just a short walk to the train station and within easy reach of major attractions. There are plenty of restaurants and cozy bars nearby, so dinner and drinks are never an issue. The only downside is the cabinet above the tea station—it has a sharp corner that could easily cause injury if you’re not careful. It’s definitely a safety concern, especially when moving around with luggage or in low light. A simple fix like adding a soft edge cover would go a long way. Otherwise, this hotel offers great value and a welcoming atmosphere.
Staying at The Roseate Edinburgh was a truly memorable experience. While it didn’t stand out dramatically over our previous night’s accommodation, the unique charm of being housed within a historic castle made all the difference. The atmosphere is quiet and serene—perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring the city. Rooms were clean, well-appointed, and surprisingly peaceful, with excellent sound insulation. The surrounding area is pleasant too—cozy cafés, local shops, and easy access to public transport make getting around hassle-free. It’s not just a place to sleep; it feels like stepping into a story. Great value, great location, and an unforgettable stay overall.
Staying at the Britannia Edinburgh Hotel was a pleasant surprise, especially since it’s a bit outside the city center—though that’s actually one of its biggest perks. The hotel is tucked away in a quiet area with a large park right next door, perfect for morning walks. My parents loved strolling through the fresh air each day, and the peaceful vibe made our stay feel like a real retreat. A short walk takes you to Dean Village, which has such a charming, rural feel compared to the bustling city. The room itself was unremarkable but comfortable—nothing fancy, but clean, well-maintained, and had all the essentials. It’s not flashy, but it works perfectly if you’re after a calm, relaxing base. Plus, getting into the city by public transport is easy. Overall, this place offers a great balance between tranquility and convenience—ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds without sacrificing accessibility.
Staying at Village Hotel Edinburgh for three nights was an absolute delight. The location is super convenient—just a short metro ride into the city center, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. The room was spotless, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful sleep every night. I especially appreciated the 24-hour fitness center—it's well-equipped and perfect for early morning workouts or late-night sessions. The on-site bar has a cozy, inviting vibe with soft background music, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring. The common areas are clean and well-maintained, adding to the overall pleasant atmosphere. With its great value and excellent amenities, this hotel stands out. I’d definitely return and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh who wants a comfortable, lively stay.
Since traveling to Europe has been a bit risky lately, I decided to go for the next best thing—Scotland. The Piries Hotel is perfectly located near Haymarket Station, just a short walk into the heart of the city, with trams and buses nearby. That said, the room was extremely basic and not at all what I expected when booking. It was also quite noisy because it’s situated right at the base of the stairs leading up to the upper floors. To make matters worse, the hotel charged me twice for the same stay—six weeks apart. I’ve reached out via phone and email, but they’ve refused to respond or explain what went wrong. Honestly, despite the great location, I can’t recommend this hotel under any circumstances. I’ve traveled extensively around the world and have never experienced anything like this before. It’s hard to believe this happened, and I’m left wondering if this is a common issue or just an isolated incident.
The location is unbeatable—everything worth seeing in Edinburgh is just a short walk away, from the castle to historic streets and museums. The staff went above and beyond with their warm, friendly service and genuine attention to detail. I felt welcomed from the moment I arrived. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and incredibly comfortable—perfect for a relaxing stay after a day of exploring. Cleanliness, convenience, and hospitality all at top level. This is exactly the kind of hotel I’d recommend to anyone visiting Edinburgh, and I’ll definitely be returning.
I truly miss this hotel—it was such a gem! Sure, the building feels a bit dated and the corridors can be a little maze-like, but the breakfast absolutely blew me away. It easily outshined what many higher-rated luxury hotels serve. The location is unbeatable—just a 3-minute walk from Haymarket train and tram station, with access to at least 20 bus routes. You’re never far from anywhere in the city. And on top of all that, it was incredibly affordable—seriously one of the best values I’ve ever experienced. This place felt like an old lady who’s lost her spotlight but still carries grace and warmth. I’m genuinely excited to see what the new building will bring, hoping they preserve the soul and charm that made it so special.
The location of City Rooms Edinburgh is excellent—very convenient for getting around the city by metro. The bed was comfortable, which was a plus. However, during our five-day stay, the room was never cleaned at all—even the bathroom remained untouched. The carpeted floor was another issue; it’s hard to keep clean and feels unhygienic. It’s disappointing, especially considering the price. I wouldn’t recommend this place, and if I ever return to Edinburgh, I’ll definitely look for a different hotel.
The family-friendly suite was spacious enough for our group of four, offering plenty of room to move around without feeling cramped. Its location is unbeatable—just a 5-minute walk to the train station and a short 8 to 10-minute stroll to the high street. Whether you're catching a train or exploring local shops and cafes, everything is within easy reach. The hotel itself felt clean, quiet, and well-maintained, making it a perfect base for our stay in Edinburgh. Highly recommend for travelers seeking comfort and convenience in a central spot.
The room was spacious and offered a lovely view from the window—perfect for morning coffee with a scenic backdrop. Just steps away is a large supermarket where I could easily pick up water, snacks, and everyday essentials without needing to go far. The hotel’s front door has direct access to bus stops, making travel around Edinburgh super convenient as long as you check the route direction. What truly stood out was the front desk staff—so helpful and welcoming! When I asked if they could lend me a spoon for instant noodles, the receptionist immediately handed me a full set of cutlery with a smile. That little gesture made my stay feel much more personal and thoughtful. Clean, well-located, and staff who genuinely care—this is exactly what makes a great experience. Highly recommend this Holiday Inn Express for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Staying at Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh West End was a real highlight of my trip. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the city center and within easy reach of public transport. While the sofa bed does take up a bit more space when unfolded, it didn’t affect my comfort at all. The breakfast options were simple but fresh and delicious—especially when I made my own waffles in the room, which turned out surprisingly tasty! There’s a great little Chinese restaurant and a supermarket right nearby, making daily essentials super convenient. Yes, the booking price was a bit on the higher side, but everything else—the cleanliness, staff friendliness, and overall vibe—made it totally worth it. I’d definitely stay here again.
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