Elder York Guest House Edinburgh Exterior photoElder York Guest House Edinburgh Exterior photoElder York Guest House Edinburgh Beds photo

Elder York Guest House – A Favorite for Families in Edinburgh

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Check rooms and rates
From$139 /night
Check-in
20Sept
Check-out
21Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

38 Elder Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3DX
-
Close to the Old Town
Great
8.7
/10
4.0
/5

Family-run guest house next to Edinburgh bus station in a Grade A listed building

Accommodations

The Elder York Guest House is located on the second floor of a Grade A listed building, with some rooms retaining period features. All 12 rooms offer en suite facilities, tea and coffee making equipment, and a TV. The guest house provides luggage storage for guests arriving before check-in or after check-out.

Breakfast

The dining room serves a full Scottish breakfast included in the room rate, with hot food cooked fresh upon ordering. A cold buffet offers cereals, yoghurts, fruits, and juices. Vegetarian and lighter breakfast options are available on request.

Services

The guest house operates a golf concierge service for guests visiting Scotland to play golf. Murray, the proprietor, personally assists guests with luggage, provides local recommendations, and offers flexible check-in and check-out times. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Location

Princes Street is 500 metres from the guest house, with Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument within a 15-minute walk. Waverley Railway Station is a 10-minute walk away, and Edinburgh's main bus station is adjacent to the property. Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament, and the Botanic Gardens are all less than 1 mile away.

Building Access

Access to all rooms is by stairs only, with the guest house situated on the second floor. The building has no lift. Murray and his staff offer to carry guest luggage up and down the stairs on arrival and departure.

Highlights

Location: Next to Edinburgh bus station, 10 min walk from Waverley Station

Breakfast: Full Scottish breakfast including vegetarian options

Services: Golf concierge service on site

Building: Grade A listed building with period features

Host: Proprietor Murray provides personal service and local advice

“This family-run guest house benefits from a superb location, near the train and coach stations, right in the heart of Edinburgh; what stands out is the attentive hospitality and the hearty Scottish breakfast. For those seeking a characterful base from which to explore the city's attractions, it's a practical choice.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
  • Twin Room
    2 persons
    16 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
  • Single Room Private External Bathroom
    2 persons
    10 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Heating
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    19 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score

General

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

Guest Parking

  • No parking available.

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
Show more

Elder York Guest House Location

38 Elder Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3DX
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
17 minutes' walk
Historic fortress dominating the skyline, known for the Stone of Destiny and stunning views. Regular guided tours available.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
17 minutes' walk
Rich in culture and history, featuring diverse exhibitions. Free entry, with seasonal events and guided tours available.
Arthur's Seat
25 minutes' walk
Ancient volcano offering scenic hiking trails and panoramic views of the city. A must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
19 minutes' walk
Official residence of the Queen in Scotland, showcasing stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Check for special exhibits.
Hiking at Arthur's Seat
25 minutes' walk
Challenging yet rewarding hike offering breathtaking views. No booking necessary; just wear sturdy footwear and enjoy.
Yoga Classes
10 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions available at nearby studios. A perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Fortitude Coffee Merchants
2 minutes' walk
Local coffee shop known for artisanal brews and cozy atmosphere. Great for breakfast or a light lunch.
The Square
3 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a varied menu featuring local specialties. Vegetarian options available; reservations recommended.
The Stand Comedy Club
15 minutes' walk
Famed comedy venue showcasing local and international talent. Regular shows attract diverse audiences; ideal for all ages.
Hootenanny
10 minutes' walk
Lively pub hosting live music and traditional Scottish nights. A great spot for a fun evening out.
Tips on navigating the city
  • City Centre
    Edinburgh 9 min  ·  2300 ft
  • Airports
    Edinburgh (EDI) 20 min  ·  8.2 mi
    Glasgow (GLA) 134 min  ·  55.3 mi
  • Train
    Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 6 min  ·  1700 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 2 min  ·  400 ft
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
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Check Rates
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 the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
12

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Elder York Guest House enjoys a handy location, with the main bus station just a minute's walk away and the train station within a 10-minute stroll, not to mention proximity to tram stops for easy airport access. Many guests appreciate being within walking distance of Edinburgh's city center, including the High Street, and a modern shopping mall right on the doorstep. The breakfast is often mentioned as delicious, and while some have noted that the rooms are accessed via stairs, many find the location unbeatable for exploring attractions like Calton Hill and the Royal Mile.
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Review score
Based on 837 verified reviews
8.7 /10
Great
93 %
Recommend
Staff
9.8/10
Location
9.6/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Pros
Welcoming owner
Comfy beds
Great location
Cons
Street noise
Low shower pressure
Guest reviews
based on 837 reviews
8.7/10
based on 1685 reviews
8.7/10
luke from united kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 24, 2025
7/10

a decent stay

convenient location quick walk helpful manager decent variety unpredictable time worn furniture room updating
the location is really convenient! it's right by the bus station and just a quick 5-minute walk to the train station. the manager, murray, was super helpful! the breakfast had a decent variety of choices.
they kept messaging me to ask about my arrival time. i felt it was a bit much since travel times can be unpredictable. the room could use some updating. some of the furniture looked a bit worn.
0 Helpful
Elizabeth from United Kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 15, 2025
9.3/10

a haven of warmth

gracious host bright room beautiful touch
murray was so kind, a gracious host. he offered helpful tips, pointing out wonderful places. breakfast in the bright room was a delight each morning. i felt so cared for, it added a beautiful touch to my visit.
the stairs to the upper floors do present a small challenge, especially with luggage.
Dining
9/10
the breakfast room had an inviting atmosphere. i enjoyed a well cooked breakfast with lovely service and good options. the breakfast room was bright and clean.
Facilities
8/10
my room included hot drink items, like hot chocolate. the beds were very comfy. i found the sleep peaceful. the house was very near bus station running overnight tours.
Location
10/10
this location was great, near the train station. bus stops and christmas markets were easily accessible. i found the shopping centre conveniently close, it was next door.
Service
10/10
murray, the owner, was very cute. he offered to help with our bags. he shared great places to visit. i found him helpful and friendly, it was a treasure.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About Elder York Guest House
What is the distance from Elder York Guest House to Princes Street?
Elder York Guest House is located 500 m from Princes Street.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Elder York Guest House?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Elder York Guest House?
All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities, and a private bathroom.
Are there any dining options at Elder York Guest House?
The dining room offers a full Scottish breakfast or a continental breakfast with vegetarian and lighter options available upon request.
Is there Wi-Fi available at Elder York Guest House?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What nearby attractions are within walking distance of Elder York Guest House?
Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and Holyrood Palace, all within a 15-minute walk.
What is the nearest airport to Elder York Guest House?
The nearest airport is 11 km away.
Does Elder York Guest House offer luggage storage?
Yes, luggage storage facilities are available for guests.
What public transport options are near Elder York Guest House?
Edinburgh's main bus station is adjoining the guest house, and Waverley Railway Station is a 10-minute walk away.
What kind of breakfast is served at Elder York Guest House?
Guests can enjoy a full Scottish breakfast or a continental breakfast.
Are there any smoking areas at Elder York Guest House?
Elder York Guest House is a non-smoking property.

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