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From139US$ /night
Check-in
30Apr2026Select date
Check-out
01May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Details

38 Elder Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3DX
-
Near the Old Town
Great
8.8
/10
4.0
/5

Elder York Guest House - A Grade A Listed Building in Edinburgh's New Town with Full Scottish Breakfast

Located in Edinburgh's historic New Town, this 3-star EDI hotel occupies a Grade A listed building 1640.4 ft from Princes Street. Elder York Guest House features 12 rooms, each equipped with a private bathroom with bath or shower, flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee facilities. The dining room serves continental and full Scottish breakfast, with vegetarian options available upon request. Run by proprietors Harry and Shirley Ogilvie, Elder York provides free WiFi throughout and luggage storage for guests. Key landmarks within a 1-mile radius include Holyrood Palace, Scottish Parliament, and the Botanic Gardens. The property stands adjacent to Edinburgh's main bus station, while the nearest airport is 6.5 miles away.

Pros

Located in the New Town district, surrounded by neoclassical masterpieces and Georgian townhouses

Offers golf concierge service through Ultimate Golf Service for access to courses like St Andrews Old Course

Walking distance to major attractions including Princes Street Gardens and Royal Botanic Gardens

Adjacent to upscale shopping destinations including Jenners Department Store and Harvey Nichols

Cons

Airport is 6.5 miles from the property

Limited room categories available with only 12 rooms total

“Elder York Guest House, with its prime location near Waverley station and the Royal Mile, strikes me as a particularly convenient base for exploring Edinburgh. The dedicated service by the owner, Murray, combined with a hearty Scottish breakfast, adds a personal touch that larger establishments often miss. This is a solid choice for travellers keen on a friendly, community-focused experience.”
Hotel logo
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
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Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.
Twin Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Heating
Single Room Private External Bathroom
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
205 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Heating
Quadruple Room
4 persons
270 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Heating
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Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Room features

  • Heating
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
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Elder York Guest House Location

38 Elder Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3DX
Map view
38 Elder Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 3DX
Nearby
Monument
Scott Monument
2000 ft
Picardy Place
Sherlock Holmes Statue
1200 ft
Restaurants
Wetherspoons
400 ft
Edinburgh Airport
Burger King
400 ft
Fort Kinnaird
Papa johns leith walk
400 ft
77A - 79 Leith Walk
Fortitude Coffee Merchants
500 ft
3C York Place Midlothian
The Square
600 ft
17 North St. Andrew Street and 7 Dublin Street
Cafe Piccante
800 ft
19 Broughton Street
Artisan Roast
1200 ft
57 Broughton Street
Soderberg Bakery Shop
1100 ft
45 Broughton Street
Snax Cafe
1600 ft
West Register St
Fed Sandwich Bar
1100 ft
2A Forth Street
Cafe Rapido
1300 ft
79 Broughton Street
The Playfair
1400 ft
Omni Centre Leith Walk
Deli Fresco
1600 ft
41 Leith Street
Explore Edinburgh
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
17 minutes' walk
Historic fortress atop Castle Rock, featuring the Honours of Scotland, stunning views, and guided tours.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
17 minutes' walk
Diverse collections from Scottish history to natural sciences, offering free admission and engaging exhibits.
Arthur's Seat hike
Arthur's Seat hike
25 minutes walking
Ancient volcano with panoramic city views, ideal for hiking and exploring wild landscapes.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
19 minutes' walk
The Queen's official residence in Scotland, with beautiful gardens and rich history.
Arthur's Seat Hiking Trail
25 minutes walking
Scenic hiking opportunity for thrill-seekers, offering stunning views of Edinburgh's landscape.
The Meadows
18 minutes' walk
Beautiful park space ideal for relaxation, picnics, and yoga sessions amidst lush greenery.
Fortitude Coffee Merchants
Fortitude Coffee Merchants
2 minutes' walk
Cozy café known for artisanal coffee, fresh pastries, and a warm atmosphere perfect for casual meetings.
The Square
The Square
3 minutes' walk
Contemporary eatery with a diverse menu, serving seasonal dishes with vegetarian-friendly options.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
15 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits and optical illusions offering family-friendly fun and stunning views of the city.
The Stand Comedy Club
15 minutes' walk
Renowned comedy venue featuring local and national acts, with an atmosphere perfect for a lively night out.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh9 min  ·  2300 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)20 min  ·  8.2 mi
Glasgow (GLA)134 min  ·  55.3 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station6 min  ·  1700 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Elder York Guest House provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
12

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Elder York Guest House from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Elder York Guest House enjoys a superb location close to the St Andrew's Square tram stop, making airport access straightforward and offering easy access to Waverley station and the main bus station. Many guests find the central location ideal for exploring attractions. The breakfast is generally appreciated, and rooms often include amenities like an electric kettle. Some have found the rooms on the smaller side, but value the convenient location and access to transport.
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Review score
Based on 836 verified reviews
8.7/10
Great
93%
Recommend
Staff
9.8/10
Location
9.7/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Great location
Comfy beds
Great hospitality
Easy walk
Cons
Small room
High parking cost
Noisy environment
Many stairs
Guest reviews
based on 836 reviews
8.7/10
based on 1710 reviews
8.8/10
Penelope from Greece
Single
Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 16, 2026
9/10
bus stationprompt service
The location was very convenient near the bus station! the breakfast room offered a pleasant start to the day, and the table service was prompt and attentive. the bed was comfortable enough. I slept well after a long day, though the pillows were quite soft.
The room was near the main door. It was a bit noisy early in the morning.
0 Helpful
Jackson from United States
Single
Small Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 07, 2026
6/10

adequate stay, some issues noted

good breakfastsmall double roomstreet noiseinsufficient water pressure
the breakfast was quite good, it offered a proper start to the day.
the room size proved problematic, my small double room felt cramped and did not provide adequate space to comfortably move about, the noise from the street was a constant intrusion, early morning traffic and pedestrian sounds disrupted the sleep quality, the shower provided insufficient water pressure. It became quite frustrating.
0 Helpful
Paul from United Kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 09, 2025
8.7/10

central location and great service

tram stopbreakfast informationfriendly hosteasy access
the location was amazing i walked to major attractions in minutes the st andrew's square tram stop offered easy access to the airport murray communicated all breakfast information very well he made sure i was aware of times and locations i thought that was very helpful the breakfast was very good. murray was very friendly and willing to assist me to enable me to enjoy my stay there.
the stairwell carpet needed attention the room floor creaked i also noticed the water pressure was low in the bathroom it was a very slight inconvenience though.
Dining
9/10
the breakfast included a good choice of continental options fried cereals and fruit were available i also enjoyed the teas coffee and fruit juices the breakfast service created a pleasant start to the day
Facilities
9/10
the location is near the city centre i found it perfect for exploring tourist sites st andrew's square is a short walk trams provide quick access to the airport from there this accessibility greatly simplifies travel logistics
Rooms
8/10
the room included tea and coffee making facilities i thought this offered a nice touch for relaxation after a day of sightseeing the room was also very quiet at night this ensured a restful sleep without disturbances
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Elder York Guest House
How far is Elder York Guest House from the city center?
Elder York Guest House is located 500 meters from Princes Street, which is considered the city center.
What nearby attractions can guests visit from Elder York Guest House?
Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle (2 km), Holyrood Palace (2 km), and the Botanic Gardens (1 km).
What are the check-in and check-out times at Elder York Guest House?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Does Elder York Guest House offer breakfast options?
The dining room offers a continental or full Scottish breakfast, with vegetarian and lighter options available on request.
Is Wi-Fi available at Elder York Guest House?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Elder York Guest House.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Elder York Guest House?
All rooms are equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom.
What is the nearest airport to Elder York Guest House?
The nearest airport is 11 km away from Elder York Guest House.
Is there public transportation near Elder York Guest House?
Edinburgh's main bus station is adjoining Elder York Guest House.
What dining options are available close to Elder York Guest House?
Nearby restaurants include Flutes and Tails (0.5 km), The Underground Cafe (0.5 km), and The Dome (0.5 km).
Does Elder York Guest House provide luggage storage?
Yes, luggage storage facilities are available at Elder York Guest House.

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