Edinburgh Castle Views: Your Dream Apartment Awaits!
Edinburgh Castle Views: Your Dream Apartment Awaits! - A Review (and a bit of a ramble… and totally honest opinion)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at "Edinburgh Castle Views: Your Dream Apartment Awaits!" and I’m here to spill the tea. Forget those perfectly polished, corporate-sponsored reviews. This is the real deal, the good, the slightly-less-good, and the "OMG, I need to book again!"
First things first: The View. (Seriously, it's kinda the point.)
Let's not beat around the bush. The view, as the name suggests, is friggin' spectacular. I mean, Edinburgh Castle, majestically perched on its rock, is right there. I spent a solid hour the first evening just staring. Sunsets? Forget about it, cinematic masterpieces playing out right in front of your eyes. I even felt a bit teary-eyed just thinking about it. Okay, maybe I am getting a little too emotional here, but honestly… it’s worth the price alone. That's their big selling point and they nail it.
Accessibility - The Important Stuff (and a couple of minor grumbles):
Now, I’m not wheelchair-bound, but I do appreciate places that think about accessibility. Edinburgh is, well, a city of hills. So, this place gets some major points. The elevator? Yep, thankfully. Makes getting my lazy self and all the snacks up there a breeze. Facilities for disabled guests? They're listed, which is a good start, but I'd love to see more concrete details to confirm they deliver on that. I personally appreciated the 24-hour front desk. Always nice.
Rooms & Amenities – The Good, the Slightly-Meh, and the "Did I Pack My Own Teaspoons?":
My apartment was decently sized. Air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially those two or three days Edinburgh decided to channel the Mediterranean. Free Wi-Fi in every room? Yes, please! And it actually worked, which, in my experience, is a small miracle. In-room safe box? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Again, essential. The complimentary tea? Not the best, if I'm being honest, but hey, free is free. On the flip side, I felt a little cheap when the essential condiments did not include salt! Maybe it's a minor thing? But I still had to scramble to buy salt and pepper.
The Bathroom Phone was a blast from the past! Who even uses those anymore? The bathtub, however, was big and inviting so I didn’t really care. The soundproofing was pretty decent, always appreciated.
Let's Talk Pampering (aka, Pretending I'm a Socialite):
Okay, for the record, I'm not exactly a spa enthusiast, but I did sniff around. The Fitness Center was small, but functional. I could see myself actually using it and that, in and of itself, is a miracle. There's a spa, which I didn’t investigate, and I think there's a pool with a view??? I'm embarrassed to say I didn't have time to go check it out, but I'm now even more convinced that it’s a perfect choice.
Dining & Drinking – Fueling the Adventure (and Possibly Developing a Coffee Addiction):
There's a restaurant… The Breakfast [buffet] was your standard, reliable stuff. The Asian breakfast was listed, but I didn't try it because, let's be honest, sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned scrambled egg. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yep. I utilized this a concerning amount. I even had a little Happy Hour action at their Bar. The drinks weren't amazing, but the atmosphere was friendly, and the Poolside Bar could be great if you’re not afraid of the slightly unpredictable Scottish weather. There also some restaurants nearby and the option of Room service [24-hour] should you choose to stay in the room.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because, You Know, Survival:
This is where "Edinburgh Castle Views" earned some serious brownie points. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. They were taking things seriously, which put me at ease. I even noticed the Room sanitization opt-out available, which I thought was a cool, and eco-conscious touch.
The Fine Print & the Little Extras (Stuff You Might Miss):
- Luggage storage? Yep, handy for those early arrivals/late departures.
- Dry cleaning/Ironing service? Also there, but as a person with zero ironing skills, I didn't test that one.
- Car park [free of charge]? Huge win in a city where parking is a contact sport.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Smart. Just smart.
- Cashless payment service: Also smart!
A Few… Minor Quibbles (because I'm a professional nitpicker):
- I mentioned the tea. Upgrade the tea. Please.
- I wish the mini-bar had some more interesting options.
- And maybe next time, I’ll investigate that spa…
Overall Impression – Is this MY Dream Apartment? (Maybe.)
Look, Edinburgh Castle Views isn't perfect. There’s no "perfect!" (I have to say this again, because the world has gotten obsessed with perfection!) But it's really good. The location is the ultimate draw, especially (and I can not stress this enough) if you're visiting Edinburgh for the first time. The service is genuinely friendly, the rooms comfortable, and the safety measures are top-notch. The view alone is worth the price of admission. I went once, and I was already planning my return trip before checking out. Seriously. Book it.
My Recommendation:
Target Audience: This place is ideal for couples wanting a romantic getaway, families who appreciate convenience, solo travelers who want a little luxury, and anyone who just wants to feel like they're living in postcard.
Book Now Because:
- The view. Enough said.
- The accessibility and safety features are reassuring.
- It's in a prime location, perfect for exploring the city.
- The staff are friendly and helpful.
Don't Waste Time, Book Now! (And maybe take some extra tea bags with you.)
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Zante Apartment Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is my Edinburgh adventure, and trust me, it's gonna be a ride. And we are starting from a lovely apartment, beneath Edinburgh Castle… sounds posh, right? We'll see how long that feeling lasts.
Day 1: Arrival & Castle Giggles (and Possible Tears)
Morning (or, you know, whenever I wake up): Landed! Seriously, how do you even survive a flight? It's like being crammed into a tin can with screaming children and questionable air. But, hey, we made it! Grabbed a tram (easy peasy, lemon squeezy!) to the city. Found my little palace – the apartment beneath the Castle. Let me tell ya, the view. Spectacular. Should have taken a photo. Which reminds me…
A Slight Detour (Because I'm Me): Okay, so I did try to take a photo. Turns out, my phone decided to have a diva moment and promptly died. Seriously? After traveling for 8 hours? I cursed technology and bought a phone charger. (I swear, it's a conspiracy, I'm sure!).
Afternoon: Castle Conquered (Mostly): Okay, the Castle. It's huge. It's imposing. It's… beautiful. I spent a good hour just wandering around, gawking. The Crown Jewels? Ooh, sparkly! But the actual story? The history? It was a bit much. I got so bogged down in the wars and the regicide that I started to get all… melodramatic. Was imagining all the battles! Maybe a tiny tear escaped. Don't tell anyone.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Pub Grub & Unexpected Friendships: After the castle, I was starving. Found a cute little pub called "The Sheep Heid Inn" (the oldest surviving pub in Scotland!) and ordered a massive plate of fish and chips. Best fish and chips I've ever had. Seriously. While devouring my meal, I got chatting with this hilarious couple, a Scotsman named Hamish and his wife, Fiona. Hamish kept telling jokes, Fiona was always laughing. We ended up staying for HOURS. The conversation had a natural flow, and a couple pints later we were all best friends. They shared some local stories, including one about a ghost in a nearby street. That night, I wandered home in a very happy, giggly, almost tipsy state, and got lost… three times.
Evening: Passed out with a book I had been reading about Scottish legends! Woke up at 3 am, thirsty as hell.
Day 2: Literary Labyrinth & Whisky Woes (and a Wee Dram of Triumph)
Morning: Slept in! Like, really slept in. Blame those pints. But also, maybe the Castle's vibes? Anyway, headed to the Scottish National Gallery. Spent a good few hours wandering through the art, thinking this is where I belong. This is the life!
Afternoon: The Royal Mile & More Drama: The Royal Mile. Oh God. Packed. Tourists everywhere. But… the buildings! The history! The stories! Took a walk along the Royal Mile - all the way from the castle to Holyrood Palace! The architecture is just stunning, like it’s frozen in time. The energy is incredible! The drama continued! There was a street performer in full period dress. And the castle at the end! I also saw a parade of bagpipers, which made me feel like I was in a movie.
Late Afternoon: Whisky Tasting (or Attempted): Okay, so I'm a whisky newbie. Went to a whisky tasting – "The Scotch Whiskey Experience" – thinking I'd become a connoisseur. Turns out, I have the palate of a toddler. Tried a few different drams. One tasted like burnt rubber, another like cough syrup. By the third, my face was stuck in a permanent grimace.
Evening: Dinner & Drowning my Sorrow (in… more delicious food): Needed comfort food after the whisky debacle. Found a cozy restaurant on the Royal Mile called "Oink" that sold the most delicious pulled pork sandwiches. Stuffing myself with deliciousness, I decided to skip the whisky and call it a night.
Day 3: Hike & Holyrood & Farewell Feast
Morning: Hike Arthur's Seat. Yes, the big hill thingy! The walk was strenuous. Lots of huffing and puffing, but totally worth it. Climbing up gave me the most amazing 360-degree views of the city. It was just breathtaking.
Afternoon: Holyrood Palace & A Royal Letdown: Holyrood Palace! I should have enjoyed it more, but was really tired. I tried to channel my inner Queen. The palace… was nice. Lots of history. I did a little bit of a walk through the gardens.
Evening: Farewell Dinner. Decided to indulge in a fancy meal. I ordered a plateful of Haggis, neeps, and tatties. It was good! I was a bit sad to leave. Edinburgh, you beautiful, chaotic, history-filled beast! This city had me by the heartstrings.
Overall Impression:
Edinburgh, you sly dog. You lured me in with your castles and your gorgeous streets and your welcoming people. You showed me your beauty, your history, your grit. You made me laugh, you made me cry (mostly because I got lost), and you definitely made me question my whisky choices. But I’ll take it all!
Next Time…
- I'm coming back!
- I'll remember my phone charger
- I will drink more water
- And I will actually learn to love whisky. Maybe. No promises.
- Will plan a trip with more people
- Will visit museums and other locations.
This trip was messy, imperfect, and utterly wonderful. And that's exactly how it should be. Now, where's the next adventure…?
Johor Bahru GEM: 3BR Rito Suite Sky88 CIQ Luxury Condo (6 Pax)!
"So, is the view *actually* from my imaginary apartment as good as it looks in the brochure? I'm starting to suspect wizardry... and slight Photoshop."
Alright, let's be honest. Those brochures? They're designed to make you drool. Yes, the view *can* be breathtaking. Imagine waking up to the castle, bathed in that soft Scottish morning light... absolutely divine. I actually *did* see a place with a castle view once (during a moment of utter financial delusion). It was glorious, truly. BUT... and this is a big but...
First, the light. It's Edinburgh. That means, like, 50% of the time it's grey. You're looking at the castle, yes, but sometimes it's just... a grey, imposing silhouette against an even greyer sky. Still cool, don't get me wrong, but not always brochure-worthy. My cousin bought an apartment with what she thought was an amazing castle view. Turns out, her window faced *part* of the castle and a particularly ugly brick wall that the brochure conveniently cropped out.
Second, what *else* do you see? Because it's not just the castle. There's the neighbor's washing line, the scaffolding that’s *always* up, and the bin day chaos. Embrace the reality! My advice? Go visit the building. At different times of the day. In different weather conditions. Channel your inner detective. Don’t just trust the glamorous pictures. They lie… sometimes.
"What's the best time of day to actually *enjoy* that castle view from my (possibly) future apartment?"
Oh, this is a good one. Honestly? The best time is probably sunrise or sunset. When the sun hits the castle, and everything turns that gorgeous golden hue? *Chef's kiss*. I once saw the sunrise from a friend's tiny flat (no actual castle view, sadly) . It was the best. But you have to be a morning person. I, for one, am *not*. Waking up early is a Sisyphean task. So, sunset it is! Assuming you haven't been utterly drained by the day... and the price of everything. Imagine: glass of wine, maybe a good book... Edinburgh Castle silhouetted against the twilight... *swoon* (if you're feeling romantic). Just check for seagull poop on your window before you swoon. They're relentless!
But here's a dark secret: sometimes, the best time is a stormy day. The castle, with the wind howling around it, looks impossibly dramatic. You feel like you’re living in a Brontë novel. Just maybe keep the windows closed. Scotland and rain, you know?
"How much *extra* am I actually going to pay for this magical view? Because let's be honest, I have limited funds."
This is the million-dollar (or, you know, the multi-hundred-thousand-pound) question. Prepare yourself for a harsh truth: It's going to cost you MORE. A LOT more. The "castle view premium" is a real thing. It's like a tax on beauty. You are paying for that feeling, that tiny burst of joy you get every time you look out your window. Frankly, if you have the money, it's probably worth it. Assuming your sanity is intact.
I once saw a tiny, *tiny* flat - and I'm talking, "you could trip and fall into the kitchen" tiny - but it had a *stunning* castle view. The asking price? Utterly bonkers. I actually laughed. Then I cried a little. Then I added it to my "dream flat" Pinterest board, which is arguably just as effective as actually buying an apartment. The point is, be prepared to compromise.
Maybe you can't afford *the* best view. But maybe you can get something *nearby*. A cheeky side view? Could work! (My personal approach: look for an apartment where the view is blocked by someone else's ugly window, then wait for them to move out. A bit stalker-ish, I know, but resourceful, that's what I am.) Don’t be afraid to haggle, either! Okay, maybe not for a castle view, but it’s worth a shot.
"Are there any downsides to having a castle view that I haven't thought of yet? Is it all just… perfect sunsets?"
Oh, yes. The downsides. Let's be real, nothing is ever truly perfect. Firstly: Tourists. Buckets and buckets of tourists. If your apartment looks onto a popular walkway, you're going to have a constant stream of people gawking at your flat. You might get a celebrity glimpse, and a lot of pointing and cameras. You might find yourself closing your curtains more than you’d like. Trust me, I’ve seen it. "Oh my goodness, a real person! And they’re... eating a sandwich!"
Secondly: The noise. Edinburgh can be surprisingly noisy. The Castle often hosts events. Concerts, firework displays, the occasional medieval reenactment. So, you might get loud music, booming cannons, or the sound of bagpipes at 3 AM. It's part of the charm, some say. I say... earplugs.
Thirdly: The weather. It’s already been mentioned. Scottish weather is… unpredictable. Sometimes, you’ll be staring at the majestic castle. Other times, you’ll be gazing into a pea-souper fog. Also, the wind. It can be *vicious*. Makes the rain feel like little needles stabbing your face.
Fourthly: What about the building itself? Many old Edinburgh buildings are... old. You might be facing quirky plumbing and inefficient heating. Imagine the heartbreak of a leaking roof in a flat you’re paying a premium for! Ask a lot of questions! Get an inspection.
"What if I just can't afford a castle view? Are there other ways to experience the magic of Edinburgh and still be financially solvent?"
ABSOLUTELY! This is a resounding YES. Look, a castle view is wonderful. But Edinburgh is wonderful, full stop. The views from Arthur's Seat are phenomenal (and FREE!). Walk up the Royal Mile and just *look*. There are countless cafes and pubs with amazing views, just buy a coffee or a pint, park yourself for an hour, and absorb the beauty. The National Museum is free. Explore the independent shops, the hidden closes, the spooky graveyards. Honestly, the city is a treasure trove of amazing experiences that won't break the bank.
And if all else fails? Find a friend with a castle view! And subtly hint about how much you'd love to visit… frequently. You can always dream, even without the price tag. Maybe one day, the dream will become reality. In the meantime, explore and appreciate the beauty around you. It's there, I promise.
"Okay, so I’m still obsessed. But REALISTICALLY, what should I do to actually find a decent apartment with a castle view?"
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