Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

The Alba House

3.0 star property
Guesthouse with free parking, near Royal Mile

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Alba House

Exterior
Exterior
Property grounds
Superior Double Room, Ensuite (superior double) | Bathroom
Miscellaneous
The Alba House provides a convenient retreat just steps from the University of Edinburgh. Travelers appreciate the smoke-free environment, complimentary WiFi access, and the strategic location that puts them within easy reach of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 11 - Sep 12
Check availability for tonight Sep 11 - Sep 12

Tomorrow

Sep 12 - Sep 13
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 12 - Sep 13
Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Classic Twin Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic twin)

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic twin) | 1 bedroom

Classic Twin Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic twin)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Classic Double Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic double)

Classic Double Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic double) | 1 bedroom

Classic Double Room, Ensuite, Garden View (classic double)

Highlights

Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Daily housekeeping
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Double Room, Ensuite (superior double)

Superior Double Room, Ensuite (superior double) | 1 bedroom

Superior Double Room, Ensuite (superior double)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

You may also like

Ad
Exterior

Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh Airport

Ingliston
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,228 reviews
Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh Airport

About the neighborhood

Newington, a neighborhood in Edinburgh, is home to The Alba House. Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Grassmarket and Princes Street. Check out an event or a game at Murrayfield Stadium, and consider making time for Edinburgh Zoo, a top attraction not to be missed.
Visit our Edinburgh travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Guest Houses in EdinburghOpens in a new window
Map
29 Craigmillar Park, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH16 5PE

What's nearby

  • University of Edinburgh - 3 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Royal Mile - 5 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Grassmarket - 5 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle - 6 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Princes Street - 6 min drive - 2.3 miles

Getting around

  • Princes Street Tram Stop - 6 min drive
  • Newcraighall Station - 9 min drive
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Brass Monkey Grange - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Nucleus Eat Drink Gather - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Dehli Diner - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Greggs - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Leslie's Bar - ‬12 min walk

About this property

The Alba House

Guesthouse near University of Edinburgh
Located close to Grassmarket, The Alba House has plenty to offer. Guests can connect to free WiFi in public areas.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • Smoke-free premises

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Smoking not allowed

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests planning to arrive or departure outside of normal check-in and check-out hours must contact this property in advance.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit/debit cards
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and outdoor lighting
This property is professionally cleaned

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Property is also known as

Alba House B&B Edinburgh
Alba House B&B
Alba House Edinburgh
Alba House Edinburgh, Scotland
Alba House
Alba House Hotel
The Alba House Edinburgh
The Alba House Guesthouse
The Alba House Guesthouse Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

Is The Alba House pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Alba House?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Alba House?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Alba House?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Alba House located?

Located in Newington, this guesthouse is within 2 mi (3 km) of National Library of Scotland, Royal Mile, and University of Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

The Alba House Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 67 out of 80 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 80 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 80 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 80 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 80 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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,
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Duncan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Really nice clean place. 20 min frequent bus ride into the centre. Any restaurant, cafe or pub are all quite a walk away.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ralph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Cath is a wonderful hostess, providing a warm environment and excellent guidance in how to enjoy our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were lovely. Though on a busy road we had rooms at the back which were quite quiet. Breakfast was lovely
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Superb Hosts

The Alba was superb. Cath was a perfect host: accommodating, cheerful, personable, informative, and always helpful with questions or arrangements.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Saurav

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jerry, Los Angeles, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A charming traditional hotel . A wonderful breakfast with lots of fresh fruits .
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Hans

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

isabelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Très bien très accueillant personnel très disponible
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rob, Pennsylvania

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely house and helpful staff. Easy location to access dights
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.