Nestled close to the University of Edinburgh, The Alba House offers a welcoming retreat with free WiFi and smoke-free premises. Guests have praised the guesthouse’s location near Royal Mile.
29 Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16 5PE
What's nearby
National Library of Scotland - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
Holyrood Park - 4 min drive - 1.3 km
The Meadows - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
University of Edinburgh - 5 min drive - 2.1 km
Queen's Hall - 5 min drive - 2.1 km
Getting around
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 36 min drive
Newcraighall Station - 9 min drive
Slateford Station - 9 min drive
Shawfair Station - 9 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 9 min walk
Haldi - 5 min walk
Greggs - 6 min walk
Jade Palace - 14 min walk
The Earl Grange Cafe - 12 min walk
About this property
The Alba House
When you stay at The Alba House, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Also, University of Edinburgh and Grassmarket are within a short drive.
At a glance
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Hotel size
9 rooms
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Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
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Special check-in instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Guests planning to arrive or departure outside of normal check-in and check-out hours must contact this property in advance.
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Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
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Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi and wired internet access in public areas
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free on-site self-parking
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Other information
Smoke-free property
No stag or hen parties
Room amenities
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Policies
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag and hen parties.
This property does not have lifts.
This property accepts credit/debit cards.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
This property is professionally cleaned.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the property's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
National rating
This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.
Also known as
Alba House B&B Edinburgh
Alba House B&B
Alba House Edinburgh
Alba House
Alba House
Alba House Hotel
The Alba House Edinburgh
The Alba House Guesthouse
The Alba House Guesthouse Edinburgh
Frequently asked questions
Are pets allowed at The Alba House?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Alba House?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Alba House?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
What's the area around The Alba House like?
The Alba House is in Newington, a short 16-minute walk from National Library of Scotland.
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Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.8
Cleanliness
9.0
Location
10
Staff & service
9.8
Property conditions & facilities
Guest review summary
What guests liked
Breakfast was excellent, with a great selection of fresh food and options to suit all tastes. (5 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Popular mentions
Breakfast
Room
Bathroom
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
2 Jan 2026
This is an amazing place to stay, had the most warmest greeting to a beautiful house, the room is gorgeous with the most comfortable bed, beautiful en-suite. Perfect location aswell to be close to the city centre with amazing bus route. Will be going back again soon
matthew
matthew, 2-night trip
Verified
2/10 Poor
23 Jul 2025
I was travelling with my daughter and we stopped here for 2 nights. The hotel was fantastic. A wonderful big bedroom with free parking outside the hotel.
Dawn
Dawn, 2-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
17 Jun 2025
Really nice clean place. 20 min frequent bus ride into the centre. Any restaurant, cafe or pub are all quite a walk away.
Duncan
Duncan, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
26 Jul 2024
This is an amazing Bed and Breakfast, with an even more amazing host, Cath. What gracious people and that were so accommodating towards international travelers. We were provided with everything we could possibly need, if we ever come back to Edinburgh, Scotland, we know where we will be staying!
Amy
Amy, 7-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
22 Oct 2023
Lovely rooms, fantastic host
The Alba House is such a lovely house! I really loved the architecture and original details of the property. The room was very comfortable, the bed very soft, and clean. The bathroom had great water pressure and plenty of hot water, and a nice towel warmer.
Our host was extremely welcoming and nice, she gave us great directions and tips for getting around the city! Breakfast was the same each morning, but it was more than enough to fill up and it was really good, fresh food.
We loved our stay and are already planning a trip back!
Angela
Angela, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
9 Sept 2023
The communal areas and our room were lovely - beautifully decorated and very well maintained. Breakfast was great ( not a cooked breakfast but perfect for us) - including fresh fruit and pastries.
The fan in bedroom was very welcome as it was so warm.
The only thing missing was a shower cubicle ( we had a bath and shower attachment which was fine ) - but I can see that would be hard to fit in as we were in an ‘attic’ room with low sloping ceilings.
Susan
Susan, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
13 Mar 2024
I recently had the pleasure of staying 3 nights at this charming B&B, conveniently nestled in a prime location with easy access to public transportation and the heart of Edinburgh. Despite the owner, Cathy, being away on vacation, her warmth was matched by the hospitality of her daughter, Erin, and son-in-law, Jamie, who were exceptional hosts during my stay.
The accommodations were top-notch: from the comfortable bed ensuring restful nights to the modern bathroom equipped with strong water pressure - every detail contributed to a seamless and enjoyable experience. Breakfast each morning was a highlight; a hearty offering complemented by a delicious fruit platter, with the option of both tea and coffee catering to all preferences.
On my final day, Cathy made a special effort to greet me, embodying the gracious hospitality that seemed to run in the family. This B&B is a gem for anyone visiting Edinburgh, providing not just a stay but an experience to remember. I am already looking forward to my next visit. Highly recommended for an unforgettable stay in Edinburgh.
Anna
Anna, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
9 May 2026
My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Our room was delightful, everything was exceptionally clean and I’d argue that the photographs in the foyer of Cath’s dogs wearing bellhop outfits was worth the price of admission alone.
Daniel
Daniel, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
25 May 2025
Had a lovely stay here. Traveling as a solo senior and felt very safe and welcome. Easy bus access out front and close to train station.
Marian
Marian, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
15 Aug 2022
We had a lovely stay at the Alba House. Easy arrival, nice breakfast, great staff. So convenient to hop on the bus going downtown from in front of the hotel. Would definitely stay there again.
Karen
Karen, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
25 Jun 2023
We had a lovely stay at the Alba House. The room was lovely, the house was great, and the people were wonderful. Breakfast was excellent as well.
John
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
7 Sept 2025
This is a lovely hotel. There is parking on site and Abus stop outside which runs directly into the centre of Edinburgh (about 10-15 minutes by bus) My room was spacious and beautifully furnished,
Thomas
Thomas, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
18 Jul 2022
The rooms were lovely. Though on a busy road we had rooms at the back which were quite quiet. Breakfast was lovely
Alison
Alison, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
5 May 2024
Cath is a wonderful hostess, providing a warm environment and excellent guidance in how to enjoy our stay.
Ralph
Ralph, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
26 Aug 2022
Superb Hosts
The Alba was superb. Cath was a perfect host: accommodating, cheerful, personable, informative, and always helpful with questions or arrangements.
Dale
Dale, 10-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
21 Mar 2020
Lovely B&B with a fantastic, attentive owner
Booked based on reviews and were not disappointed. Although this was at the start of the Coronavirus in UK, the B&B staff were putting distancing and hygene into place with individual orange juice, cakes etc and lots of soap etc. Owner was very friendly and attentive, and a great guide to Edinburgh and the area. Room was big and comfy and the only downside, which I wont mark down for was we were in Room 7 which is on the front of the building which is on a fairly busy street. the old building had original sash windows and they didnt do anything to cancel out the noise from the street. Other than that everything about the B&B was excellent and I would recommend booking if you are thinking about visiting Scotland's capital city. all the best, Tam & Sharon
Thomas
Thomas, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
20 Dec 2019
Really liked the Victorian property so beautifully decorated. Also simply lovely decorations for Christmas. Really made the house feel like a home. However, the noise of the constant traffic disturbed us in our front of house room.
Verified traveller
2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
21 Sept 2019
Kath, the hostess, was lovely. She is warm, cordial, and made us feel right at home. She also provided excellent advice about the buses (very convenient from this location!) and timing our visit to various venues (e.g., get to Edinburgh Castle first thing). The bed is amazingly comfortable (we slept very soundly). The breakfast room was roomy and comfortable and the food was excellent -- a beautiful array of both "cold" and "warm" (to order) items. The location is really great and there is an Aldi near by if you need anything.
Jerry
Jerry, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
16 Aug 2019
A charming traditional hotel . A wonderful breakfast with lots of fresh fruits .
Verified traveller
3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
19 May 2019
I’d stay here again
Nice location, right on the bus route to/from Edinburgh. Gracious and helpful host. En-suite was modern though the home is Victorian.
Daniel
Daniel, 3-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
4 May 2019
Scotland vacation
Large comfortable rooms. Great breakfast and Cath was so accommodating. Talked us through the bus route and told us where the good pubs were. Thanks.
Kevin
Kevin, 4-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
24 Apr 2019
Très bien très accueillant personnel très disponible
isabelle
isabelle, 6-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
24 Oct 2018
Lovely house and helpful staff. Easy location to access dights
Rob
Rob, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
2 Oct 2018
Not ideal for places to go in evening.
Location not ideal for walking to any restaurant or pub. Nothing nearby. Found the rooms rather old fashioned and a bit run down (mould on bathroom ceiling where a leak had obviously occurred) albeit clean. I am a bit OCD about things being hung straight and the tv was attached to the wall crooked which drove me nuts! Could be so much more with a little tlc and attention to detail, like putting local recommendations in the rooms and better toiletries because at £150 a night, it’s not cheap!
However landlady was very charming, welcoming and helpful.
Verified traveller
2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
21 Sept 2018
Wonderful
My son and I stayed at Alba House for a month. I would definitely stay again and highly recommend. Cath and her family are great people. I also loved Rocky, Zelda and Maisy. Cath can tell you anything you need to know about Scotland. I so enjoyed getting to know her during our stay. She is a lovely human being and works very hard. Her place is charming, clean and comfortable. We stayed on the third floor and the one picture is out of the sky light window in the bathroom. The only thing I would say is don't pick the third floor if you don't like climbing stairs. 😁 I just thought of it as burning calories.