Edinburgh

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Temporary Housing

Options for short-term and temporary stays, such as hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments.

Sections

1. Types of Temporary Housing in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a variety of temporary housing options to suit different needs and budgets. These include:

a. Hotels

  • Description: Hotels are ideal for short stays and provide amenities such as housekeeping, Wi-Fi, and sometimes breakfast.
  • Cost: Prices range from £60–£150 per night for mid-range hotels, while luxury hotels can cost £200+ per night.
  • Popular Areas: City Centre, Old Town, New Town, and Leith.

b. Serviced Apartments

  • Description: Fully furnished apartments with hotel-like services, including cleaning and utilities. These are great for longer stays (a week to several months).
  • Cost: £100–£200 per night, with discounts for longer stays.
  • Popular Providers: Staycity Aparthotels, Eden Locke, and Adagio Aparthotel.

c. Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb and Similar Platforms)

  • Description: Private homes, apartments, or rooms rented out for short periods. Options range from budget-friendly rooms to luxury apartments.
  • Cost: £50–£150 per night, depending on location and property type.
  • Considerations: Prices can surge during peak tourist seasons (e.g., August for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and December for Christmas markets).

d. Hostels

  • Description: Budget-friendly shared accommodations, often with dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities.
  • Cost: £15–£40 per night for a dorm bed; private rooms may cost £50–£80 per night.
  • Popular Hostels: Castle Rock Hostel, Kick Ass Hostels, and High Street Hostel.

e. Student Accommodation (Short-Term Let)

  • Description: During university holidays (summer and winter), student housing providers rent out rooms to non-students.
  • Cost: £100–£200 per week.
  • Providers: Unite Students, Student Roost, and university-owned accommodations.

f. Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

  • Description: Family-run accommodations offering a homely atmosphere, often with breakfast included.
  • Cost: £50–£120 per night.
  • Popular Areas: Suburban areas like Morningside, Stockbridge, and Portobello.

g. Co-Living Spaces

  • Description: Shared housing with private rooms and communal spaces, designed for professionals and digital nomads.
  • Cost: £150–£300 per week.
  • Providers: The Collective, Cove, and other co-living operators.

h. Holiday Parks and Caravan Rentals

  • Description: For those who prefer a more rural or budget-friendly option, holiday parks and caravan rentals are available on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
  • Cost: £50–£100 per night.

2. Average Costs of Temporary Housing

The cost of temporary housing in Edinburgh depends on the type of accommodation, location, and time of year. Below is a general breakdown:

| Type of Accommodation | Cost (Per Night) | Cost (Per Week) | |----------------------------|----------------------|----------------------| | Hotels | £60–£200+ | £420–£1,400+ | | Serviced Apartments | £100–£200 | £700–£1,400 | | Airbnb/Short-Term Rentals | £50–£150 | £350–£1,050 | | Hostels | £15–£80 | £105–£560 | | Student Accommodation | N/A | £100–£200 | | B&Bs | £50–£120 | £350–£840 | | Co-Living Spaces | N/A | £150–£300 |

3. Booking Procedures

  • Hotels and Hostels: Book directly through their websites or platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hostelworld.
  • Serviced Apartments: Use providers’ websites or platforms like Airbnb, Plum Guide, or Vrbo.
  • Short-Term Rentals: Book through Airbnb, Vrbo, or local letting agencies.
  • Student Accommodation: Check availability on providers’ websites or contact universities directly.
  • B&Bs: Book through platforms like VisitScotland, Booking.com, or directly with the property.
  • Co-Living Spaces: Apply through the provider’s website, often requiring a minimum stay of 1–3 months.

Tips for Booking:

  • Book early, especially during peak seasons (August and December).
  • Check cancellation policies and additional fees (e.g., cleaning fees for Airbnb).
  • Read reviews to ensure the accommodation meets your expectations.

4. Local Regulations

  • Short-Term Rental Licensing: As of October 2022, Edinburgh requires short-term rental properties (e.g., Airbnb) to be licensed. Ensure the property you book complies with local regulations.
  • Council Tax: Temporary housing like hotels and serviced apartments includes council tax in the price. If renting privately, confirm whether council tax is included.
  • Tenancy Agreements: For stays longer than 28 days, you may need to sign a short-term tenancy agreement.

5. Specific Considerations and Tips

  • Peak Season Demand: Edinburgh experiences high demand during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe (August) and Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). Book well in advance for these periods.
  • Location: Staying in the city centre (Old Town or New Town) offers convenience but can be more expensive. Suburban areas like Leith, Stockbridge, or Bruntsfield are more affordable and well-connected by public transport.
  • Public Transport Access: Ensure your accommodation is near bus or tram routes. Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams provide excellent coverage.
  • Safety: Edinburgh is generally safe, but always research the area before booking.
  • Utilities and Amenities: Confirm whether utilities (electricity, water, Wi-Fi) are included in the price for longer stays.
  • Cultural Considerations: Scottish hospitality is warm and welcoming. If staying in a B&B or guesthouse, engage with hosts for local tips and recommendations.

6. Resources for Finding Temporary Housing

  • Websites:
    • Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com (Hotels and B&Bs)
    • Airbnb and Vrbo (Short-Term Rentals)
    • Hostelworld (Hostels)
    • Unite Students and Student Roost (Student Accommodation)
    • The Collective and Cove (Co-Living Spaces)
  • Local Letting Agencies:
    • Rettie & Co.
    • DJ Alexander
    • ESPC
  • Tourism Websites:
    • VisitScotland (for B&Bs and holiday parks)

7. Final Tips

  • Flexibility: If your dates are flexible, you may find better deals.
  • Negotiate for Longer Stays: Many hosts and providers offer discounts for stays longer than a week or month.
  • Check Reviews: Always read reviews to ensure the accommodation meets your expectations.
  • Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance to cover cancellations or unexpected changes.

By planning ahead and using the resources above, you’ll be well-prepared to find comfortable and convenient temporary housing in Edinburgh. Let me know if you need further assistance!