Balmore Guest House Edinburgh Exterior photoBalmore Guest House Edinburgh Exterior photoBalmore Guest House Edinburgh Exterior photo
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From170US$ /night
Check-in
26Apr2026Select date
Check-out
27Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

34, Gilmore Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH3 9NQ
-
Close to Edinburgh Castle
Very good
7.2
/10
1.0
2.6
/5

Amenities

Balmore Guest House offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a complimentary breakfast served in the conservatory. The designated smoking area accommodates guests who wish to smoke, while allergy-free rooms are available to enhance guest comfort. Shops on-site provide convenient access to essentials and souvenirs during the stay.

Rooms

Room options include single, double, twin, triple, and quadruple accommodations, suitable for various group sizes. Each room provides essential furnishings such as wardrobes or closets for guest storage. Bowmore, the neighbouring property, offers additional modern en suite rooms to accommodate guests with preferences for contemporary styles.

Location

Balmore Guest House is situated within a 20-minute walk from notable attractions including Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street. The scenic nearby Union Canal offers picturesque walks and riverside dining options. This central location allows guests to explore the best of Edinburgh's vibrant culture.

Dining

The hotel serves a superb inclusive breakfast each morning, offering a variety of options for guests. Breakfast is available to go for those on tight schedules. Nearby dining options provide additional culinary experiences along the Union Canal.

Attractions

Edinburgh Playhouse and Palace of Holyrood House are both within 1.5 miles, offering entertainment and cultural experiences. Arthur's Seat, a popular hiking area, is only 1.7 miles from the hotel. Edinburgh Zoo, located 2.4 miles away, provides family-friendly activities and exhibits.

Highlights

Location: 20-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle

Rooms: Single, double, family, and en suite options

Dining: Free breakfast served in conservatory

Nearby: Scenic walks along Union Canal

“The guesthouse occupies a desirable residential street not far from Edinburgh's heart, and the position allows easy access to the historic center. Rooms are clean, and some have been renovated with pleasing results, particularly the bathrooms. While simple, it strikes a good balance as a base for city exploration.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Single Room En Suite
2 persons
110 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room Ensuite
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room en suite
2 persons
175 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Double Room Private External Bathroom
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Room rates & availability calendar

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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Very good
7.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
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Balmore Guest House Location

34, Gilmore Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH3 9NQ
Map view
34, Gilmore Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH3 9NQ
Nearby
Museum
The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland
2800 ft
Square
Grassmarket
3500 ft
Event hall
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
2600 ft
74 Lauriston Place
Edinburgh College of Art
2900 ft
Church
The Parish Church of St Cuthbert
3900 ft
Restaurants
Burger
1600 ft
94A Fountainbridge
The Treehouse
1300 ft
44 Leven Street
Khartoum Cafe
1300 ft
6 Gillespie Place
La Barantine
1300 ft
10 Bruntsfield Place
Taquito
1100 ft
32 Home Street
Efes
1200 ft
42 Leven Street
The Kings Pantry
900 ft
67 Home Street
Lupe Pintos
1200 ft
24 Leven Street
Magma Cafe
900 ft
67 Home Street
The Cameo Bar
1100 ft
The Cameo Picturehouse 38 Home Street
Explore Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
18 minutes' walk
Historic fortress offering stunning views and rich history with interactive exhibits and guided tours.
National Museum of Scotland
National Museum of Scotland
19 minutes' walk
Home to diverse exhibits, including art, culture, and science. Free admission and engaging family activities available.
The Real Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
20 minutes' walk
Guided tours of an underground street reveal Edinburgh's hidden history. A fascinating experience for history buffs.
Arthur's Seat
30 minutes walking
An ancient volcano offering panoramic views of Edinburgh. A popular destination for hiking and nature lovers.
Hiking at Arthur's Seat
30 minutes walking
Thrilling hike to an iconic peak with stunning views, accessible year-round. Perfect for adventure enthusiasts.
Yoga at The Meadows
15 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions in a beautiful park setting. Great for unwinding amidst nature. Classes for all levels available.
Festivals in the City
Varies
Enjoy seasonal cultural festivals and events, showcasing local arts, crafts, and food. Check local listings for dates.
The Treehouse
The Treehouse
5 minutes' walk
Charming eatery known for locally sourced ingredients and gourmet dishes. A cozy atmosphere perfect for couples.
Khartoum Cafe
Khartoum Cafe
5 minutes' walk
Authentic Sudanese cuisine with vegetarian options. Friendly vibe and great for casual family dining.
Taquito
Taquito
4 minutes' walk
Vibrant spot specializing in Mexican street food. Taco lovers won't want to miss this flavorful experience.
La Barantine
La Barantine
5 minutes' walk
Cozy French café offering delicious pastries and brunch specials. Perfect for a relaxing meal any time of day.
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
10 minutes' walk
Host of various events, including conferences and exhibitions. Ideal for business travelers looking to network.
The Bongo Club
20 minutes' walk
Eclectic nightclub with live music and DJ sets. Popular for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse events.
Usher Hall
15 minutes' walk
Historic concert venue hosting various performances, including classical, rock, and folk music. Engaging for all ages.
Getting around town
City Centre
Edinburgh20 min  ·  1.0 mi
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)21 min  ·  8.6 mi
Glasgow (GLA)131 min  ·  54.1 mi
Train
Haymarket Train Station12 min  ·  3300 ft
Bus
Bus stop4 min  ·  1000 ft
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-21:00
Check-out
from 01:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Polish, Persian
Number of rooms:
66

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Balmore Guest House enjoys a convenient location, within walking distance of the castle and close to the city center. Guests appreciate the spacious and clean rooms that come equipped with a kettle, along with coffee and tea making facilities; some have noted that bathrooms can be on the smaller side. The guest house is situated on a nice, quiet street, with easy access to bus stops and nearby attractions, offering good value for money.
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Review score
Based on 2419 verified reviews
6.6/10
Nice
59%
Recommend
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Location
8.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.6/10
Cleanliness
7.2/10
Pros
Great location
Clean facility
Dedicated parking
Warm room
Cons
Sticky door
Guest reviews
based on 2419 reviews
6.6/10
based on 6190 reviews
7.2/10
Alex from United Kingdom
Single
Single Room En Suite
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 10, 2026
8.5/10

Solid Stay Close to the City Center

cooperative staffcomplimentary teaaccessible location
The staff cooperated when I needed assistance. I enjoyed access to the complimentary tea and coffee . The location allows easy access to the city center. I found many restaurants within a short walk from the hotel.
The room was rather small.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel provides luggage storage. This allowed me to explore before check-in. Public transportation is easily accessible from the hotel. Bus stops are just a short walk away.
Service
9/10
The check-in process was smooth. The staff handled everything efficiently. I appreciated the warm welcome I received upon arrival. Staff were available to answer my questions. They quickly addressed my concerns.
Rooms
8/10
My room included a comfortable bed. The en suite bathroom featured a functional shower. The room heating worked well, keeping the space warm.
Dining
8/10
The hotel made tea and coffee available. I found this amenity to be useful. There are several cafes located nearby. Some are within a five-minute walk.
0 Helpful
|
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Edmund from Germany
Single
Single Room En Suite
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 24, 2025
8/10
convenient locationrestaurant options
The location provided walkable access to many attractions. Local restaurants nearby offered MANY options.
The room was rather small.
0 Helpful
Jack from United Kingdom
Single
single room en suite
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 22, 2025
8.5/10

solid stay near the action

luggage drop-offquick check-inclean roomheater adjustment
the staff let me drop my luggage before check in which helped a lot i appreciated the quick check in process it saved me time. the room was clean. the location was convenient to public transport.
the heater was hard to adjust i could not find a reasonable temperature. this made the room uncomfortable at times.
Location
9/10
the location provides easy access to the city center. a bus stop is near the building. this made getting around very straightforward. it is convenient for exploring the area.
Facilities
8/10
the building has a vintage feel with well maintained interiors. free parking is available on site. it is first come first served. this is a valuable amenity in a busy area.
Service
9/10
the staff were friendly and cute on arrival. they provided clear explanations for check-in. the hosts were helpful with directions.
Rooms
8/10
my room had fresh bedding and towels. there was ample tea and coffee available. i found the bed comfortable. the room included adequate storage space.
0 Helpful
|
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michael from united kingdom
Single
double room ensuite
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 02, 2025
9.2/10

a pleasant stay close to the centre

spacious roomqueen bedsbathroom necessitiesfriendly staff
the room was spacious with two queen sized beds. the toilet and bath included bathroom necessities. the bed and pillows were comfortable. the staff was friendly and accommodating.
Dining
9/10
There were several breakfast cafés in the immediate vicinity. i also saw a supermarket, and an apothecary was very close to the location. This was useful. the area offers multiple options.
Location
10/10
The location presented convenient access to local transport. a bus stop sat approximately three minutes away. I found it easy to explore the city. the hotel is within walking distance of key attractions.
Facilities
8/10
Parking was conveniently available. It certainly reduced stress upon arrival. the ability to leave my luggage after checking out proved useful. it allowed me to continue exploring without carrying bags.
Service
10/10
The staff provided excellent service. they gave clear explanations during check-in. I appreciated their help. the host kept dodging room service. This was never required .
Rooms
9/10
The room was clean. bedding was both comfortable and quiet? everything was available. the room provided a kettle. I enjoyed the convenience of making tea.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About Balmore Guest House
What time is check-in and check-out at Balmore Guest House?
Check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 10:00.
Is there parking available at Balmore Guest House?
Private parking is available for GBP 15 per day.
What room amenities can guests expect at Balmore Guest House?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a private bathroom.
Does Balmore Guest House offer a breakfast service?
Guests can enjoy a highly-rated inclusive breakfast served in the lovely conservatory.
Are there nearby attractions to Balmore Guest House?
Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle (2 km), The Meadows (1 km), and Portobello Beach (8 km).
What is the closest airport to Balmore Guest House and how far is it?
Edinburgh Airport is 12 km away, approximately a 20-minute drive.
What are some other nearby restaurants at Balmore Guest House?
Other nearby restaurants include Badabing Live Music Bar & Steakhouse (0.5 km), Akva (0.5 km), and Quick & Plenty Cafe (0.5 km).
Is there free Wi-Fi available at Balmore Guest House?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

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Check-in
26Apr2026Select date
Check-out
27Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room