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The Gifford Hotel Edinburgh Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

103 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh

Close to Holyrood Park

Great

8.1

/10

4.9

Loved by The Gifford guests

Comfy beds

Frequent buses

Clean rooms

Delicious breakfast

"The room was very clean and spacious."

Anonymous from United Kingdom

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"Breakfast every morning was delicious, with a few different things to chose from (including a home cooked full breakfast..yum!!)."

Adam Potts from United Kingdom

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"It's located within walking distance from the Royal Mile (you have to walk about a mile, but the bus stop is also right across the street)."

Jonathan R from United States

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4-star charming accommodation in Edinburgh

Location

The Gifford is situated in the center of Edinburgh, providing easy access to key attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Public transportation options are just a short walk away, facilitating exploration of the city's rich history. The hotel serves as a convenient base for travelers aiming to enjoy both cultural and scenic elements of Scotland's capital.

Rooms

The Gifford offers a range of well-appointed rooms, including classic doubles and spacious family rooms. Each room includes quality linens, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms to enhance guest experience. Select rooms provide picturesque views of the surrounding Edinburgh landscape.

Dining

On-site dining at The Gifford includes a full English breakfast served each morning to guests. The cozy on-site bar offers a selection of local beers and spirits, as well as light snacks throughout the day. Nearby options are also available for lunch and dinner to cater to a variety of culinary preferences.

Family Amenities

The Gifford accommodates families with spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. Children can enjoy board games and books available for their entertainment during their stay. The hotel's proximity to family-friendly attractions like the Camera Obscura adds to its appeal for guests traveling with kids.

Entertainment

Guests can explore various attractions located within walking distance from The Gifford, including museums and historic sites. Seasonal events in the city offer additional entertainment options year-round. The hotel staff can assist in arranging local tours and excursions for added convenience.

Highlights

Location: center of Edinburgh

Rooms: spacious family rooms

Dining: full English breakfast

Entertainment: museums and historic sites

Must-do experiences

Visit the picturesque Dean Village for charming photo opportunities.
Savor haggis at The Royal McGregor for a true Scottish feast.
Explore the hidden gems at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Stroll through Stockbridge Market on Sundays for local goods and treats.
Take a ghost tour around the old town for spooky Edinburgh stories.

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Deluxe King Room
2 persons
18 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Family Room
2 persons
20 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Two-Bedroom Suite
2 persons
30 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Coffee machine
Shower
room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

August 2026 - August 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Great

8.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Children

Board games

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Dressing area
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Gifford Location

103 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh

Explore Edinburgh

Arthur's Seat

20 minutes' walk

An iconic volcanic hill offering panoramic views of the city, ideal for hikers seeking adventure and stunning landscapes.

National Museum of Scotland

25 minutes' walk

A landmark museum featuring Scotland's history and culture. Free admission and interactive exhibits make it perfect for all ages.

Edinburgh Castle

25 minutes' walk

Historic fortress atop Castle Rock, offering insights into Scotland's heritage with impressive displays and breathtaking views.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

30 minutes' walk

The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, with stunning gardens and rich history, well worth a visit.

Hiking at Holyrood Park

20 minutes' walk

Adventure awaits at the scenic trails of Holyrood Park, suitable for both novice and experienced hikers.

Yoga Classes

5 minutes' walk

Relaxation and mindfulness are key at local yoga studios that offer classes for all levels, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

The Stables

3 minutes' walk

Relaxed bistro with a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Great for a casual dining experience.

Jade Palace

5 minutes' walk

Cozy spot for authentic Chinese cuisine, known for delicious dim sum and vibrant atmosphere. Reservations recommended.

The Usher Hall

25 minutes' walk

Iconic concert hall hosting live music events, from classical to contemporary. An excellent choice for music lovers.

The Bongo Club

20 minutes' walk

Vibrant nightclub and bar offering a range of events including DJ nights and live performances, perfect for a lively night out.

Getting around

City Centre
Edinburgh 24 min · 1.2 mi
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 35 min · 14.3 mi
Glasgow (GLA) 145 min · 59.7 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 27 min · 1.4 mi
Bus
Bus stop 14 min · 3700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-21:00

Check-out

from 09:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests often appreciate the spacious rooms, some even large enough for three, and the availability of welcome snacks and drinks. The Gifford is conveniently located near a bus stop, offering easy access to High Street and other attractions; Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat are also within reach. Some guests have found the twin rooms to be on the smaller side. Free parking can be found on the street, and the hotel provides good wifi, making it a practical and comfortable base for exploring Edinburgh.

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Review score

Based on 141 verified reviews

8.1 /10

Great

84 %

Recommend

Free WiFi

9.1/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.6/10

Staff

7.8/10

Pros

Spacious room

Friendly hosts

Cozy atmosphere

Frequent buses

Comfortable beds

Cons

Dated decor

Poor water pressure

Non-working fridge

Camila from Brazil

Family with children

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 11, 2026

9/10

spacious Accommodation

large room welcome snack street parking central location

my room was large enough for three people. I appreciated the welcome snack and drink. Parking spaces were available on the street. The hotel was within walking distance of the center.

the communication was a little slow , but all my questions were eventually answered.

Dining

9/10

the hotel does not include breakfast. i received a microwave in the room and fresh milk daily. there was also fresh fruit and tasty snacks available, which i thought was a VERY nice touch.

0 Helpful

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Liam from Ireland

Family with children

deluxe family room

4 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 18, 2025

8.5/10

historic charm and handy location

spacious room personal touch lovely location

The room was quite spacious with many personal touches. the hosts were lovely and personable, it was a joy to speak with them. the house had a lovely feel. I liked its location.

The bus stop close to the hotel. It had some loud noise.

Location

9/10

The location had a bus stop right across the street. It was seconds away. i walked everyday to the royal mile. It was a convenient location! lots of good restaurants were nearby too.

Dining

8/10

The guesthouse didn't have breakfast service. however, many restaurants are a short walk. guests can easily find various dining options, from cafes to more formal establishments nearby. The walk is easy.

0 Helpful

Sebastian from Germany

Single

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 14, 2025

9.3/10

loved every second of it!

wonderful hostess comfy bed lovely view awesome experience

The hostess was wonderful. I mean, she really were pretty good! she. the bed was super comfy, and i got a fantastic view of arthur's seat right from my bedroom window! honestly, what more could you ask for?

i did notice the shower fixture was a little loose, though it didn't really impact my awesome experience. i just thought i should point it out! maybe they can fix it?

Facilities

9/10

the hotel features an historic row house, and the interior really suits the age of the house. i found it super easy to access the hotel upon arrival. hot water was always available for showers, a major plus in my book.

Service

10/10

the hotel owners were really helpful and friendly, made a big difference. their warm welcome was lovely. and i think that's quite nice! i will book again soon.

Location

9/10

the location was just great with a bus stop right across the street. although i walked to the royal mile, it was very convenient. there are also lots of good restaurants nearby! i loved the proximity to everything.

0 Helpful

Luke from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 23, 2025

9.0/10

Fantastic stay close to attractions

comfortable room superb view friendly hosts convenient location

The room was comfortable and impeccably clean. It had a superb view. The hosts were very friendly and gave helpful advice on local spots. The location is convenient with buses to the city center stopping nearby. I liked this. I found everything so convenient.

Rooms

9/10

My room featured a welcome snack and drink. The room seemed large enough. The bed was SUPER comfortable, and there was a wardrobe for storage.

Dining

8/10

A Mappe provided restaurant and café recommendations. The hosts offered muesli bars and porridge for hot water preparation. I also had access to instant coffee and tea, as well as packaged pastries.

Service

10/10

The owners were friendly. They offered tips. I experienced great communication via messaging. The instructions seemed clear. There was no difficulty checking in with the key box.

Location

9/10

The bus stop is located right outside. Buses run to the city center regularly. Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat are also close. It is a nice stroll to the city center.

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Grace from United Kingdom

Family with children

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 01, 2025

9.0/10

Wonderful Stay!

decorated room comfy bed lovely view

The room was newly decorated. The bed was indeed comfy. I enjoyed the lovely view from my window. The owners were available whenever I needed anything.

The water pressure in the shower was a bit weak. It made rinsing off soap a little difficult. This is the only issue I noticed.

Rooms

10/10

The room was spacious and very clean! Personal touches. The bed was comfortable. A lovely temperature was maintained in the room.

Service

9/10

Staff communication was easy through WhatsApp. Responses were fast and helpful! Owners provided useful information about the surrounding area. Their kindness enhanced my visit.

Facilities

8/10

Free parking was available on the side roads, convenient. The location is near a bus stop. This made getting around the city very easy. I found accessibility quite good.

Dining

9/10

Although breakfast isn't served, I could get croissants in the morning! Sweet treats and fruit were also offered. These thoughtful touches added to the experience.

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