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From54US$ /night
Check-in
27Dec2025Select date
Check-out
28Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Details

493 Lawnmarket,The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2PB
-
Next to the Royal Mile
Great
8.0
/10
3.0
/5

Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle - 15th-century philosopher's residence with courtyard views in Old Town Edinburgh

Located in a 15th-century building once home to philosopher Sir David Hume, this 5-star EDI hotel occupies a prime spot on the Royal Mile. Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle features 6 rooms equipped with king-size beds, LCD TVs, and free high-speed WiFi. Each room includes a private bathroom with a large shower, hairdryer, safe deposit box, and electric kettle. The double rooms offer inner courtyard views and carpeted floors. A well-fitted kitchenette comes with a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and essential cookware. The property sits within 0.5 miles of the Scottish National Gallery and The Writers' Museum, 0.5 miles from Edinburgh Castle, and 0.5 miles from Calton Hill. Eight restaurants and taverns, including The Ensign Ewart and Deacon Brodie's Tavern, operate within 0.5 miles of the property.

Pros

Historic building accessed through an alley and winding staircase

Complimentary shortbread provided to guests

Quiet location despite central position

Self-check-in system for flexible arrival

Cons

Limited parking available nearby (paid only)

Minimal toiletries provided (2 small sachets of shower gel per stay)

“Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle places you right where you want to be-moments from Edinburgh Castle and immersed in the Royal Mile's buzz. The self-check-in adds a layer of modern convenience to a historic setting. I think its real value lies in offering such a central location alongside uniquely personalized Scottish hospitality.”
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.
Double Room
2 persons
25 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
King Room
2 persons
25 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
25 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Queen Room
2 persons
25 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • Pets allowed
  • Smoke detectors

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Children

  • Cots

Room features

  • Heating

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Location

493 Lawnmarket,The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2PB
Map view
493 Lawnmarket,The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH1 2PB
Nearby
Museum
Edinburgh Castle
340 m
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
240 m
Royal Mile
Royal Mile
80 m
High Street 2 Warriston's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
270 m
Park
Princes Street Gardens
300 m
Museum
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
180 m
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
390 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
400 m
Museum
The Writers' Museum
100 m
Museum
Gladstone's Land
70 m
Museum
Museum of Childhood
550 m
2 Chalmers Close High Street (opposite Museum of Childhood on Royal Mile)
Brass Rubbing Centre
380 m
354 Castlehill
The Scotch Whisky Experience
190 m
53 Princes Street
Princes Street
560 m
Square
Grassmarket
430 m
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
290 m
Church
Mercat Cross
410 m
Gallery
City Art Centre
480 m
Restaurants
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
120 m
12 N. Bank St
The Witchery by the Castle
130 m
The Royal Mile 352 Castlehill
Ondine
160 m
10 Cambridge Street (1st Floor
Deacon Brodie's Tavern
90 m
435 Lawnmarket The Royal Mile
Taste of Scotland
10 m
503 Lawnmarket
Whiski Rooms
150 m
4-7 North Bank Street
The Ensign Ewart
40 m
521-523 Lawnmarket The Royal Mile
Hanam's Middle East Restaurant
80 m
3 Johnston Terrace Near Edinburgh Castle
Maison Bleue
130 m
Kinnells House 36-38 Victoria Street
Mariachi
140 m
7 Victoria Street
The Mussel and Steak Bar
270 m
110 West Bow Grassmarket
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh Near Royal Mile Balconies
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
5 minutes' walk
Historic fortress offering stunning city views and captivating exhibits on Scottish history.
Scott Monument
8 minutes' walk
Victorian Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, featuring a climb for panoramic city views.
National Museum of Scotland
9 minutes' walk
A dynamic museum with diverse collections from Scottish history to natural sciences, with free admission.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
18 minutes' walk
Official residence of the monarch, showcasing historic apartments and beautiful gardens.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25 minutes walking
Iconic hill offering breathtaking views of Edinburgh, suitable for all levels of hikers.
Yoga at The Meadows
11 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions in a scenic park setting, perfect for unwinding amidst nature.
The Witchery by the Castle
2 minutes' walk
Intimate and luxurious venue with a focus on Scottish cuisine, ideal for special occasions.
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
2 minutes' walk
Casual dining spot specializing in comfort food, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
The Usher Hall
17 minutes' walk
Renowned concert hall hosting diverse performances from classical music to rock concerts.
Scotch Whisky Experience
10 minutes' walk
Offers whisky tastings and guided tours showcasing Scotland's whisky heritage, suitable for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh6 min  ·  500 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)20 min  ·  12.8 km
Dundee Airport (DND)145 min  ·  96.3 km
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station6 min  ·  500 m
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  200 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
is available in public areas for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
6
Former name
sir hume residence
FAQs
About Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle
What is the distance between Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle and Edinburgh Castle?
Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle is located 200 m from Edinburgh Castle.
How far is Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle from the Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is 300 m away from Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle.
Are there any dining options on-site at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
The hotel features a café and a cozy pub for convenient dining options.
What room amenities are available at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and original private bathrooms.
What time is check-in and check-out at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 10:00.
Is parking available at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Limited payable parking is available close to the hotel.
What nearby restaurants are available near Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Nearby restaurants include The Ensign Ewart, Deacon Brodie's Tavern, Ondine, The Thistle Stop, Deacon's House Cafe, Hanam's Middle East Restaurant, Whiski Rooms, and Howies Victoria, all within 0.5 km.
Does Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle allow pets?
Pets are allowed on request.
What type of hotel is Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
The hotel is a historic accommodation located in one of the oldest Scottish buildings dating back to the 15th century.
What are the main highlights of staying at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Highlights include unique accommodations, self-check-in, a quiet atmosphere despite a central location, and close proximity to major attractions.
What kitchen facilities are available in the apartments at Royal Mile Balconies By The Castle?
Apartments feature a kitchen equipped with a dishwasher and cookware for guest convenience.

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