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Balmore House – reviews, photos

34 Gilmore Place, Edinburgh EH3 9NQ , Scotland
Hotel amenities
Balmore House
Ranked #180 of 428 Edinburgh B&B and Inns
4.0 of 5 stars 36 Reviews
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36 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Canberra, Australia
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
“Stayed in 2008 and again in 2011. A very good B&B.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 August 2011

This Hotel is actually two buildings across the road from each other. I stayed in Bowmore the 'secondary' building in a single room for two nights in 2008 and liked it enough to stay again with my wife this year. We stayed for three nights this time in a double room - this time in the main building.

I really like this B&B. It is bright and clean throughout. The rooms are not very large - about typical for a B&B - but really quite comfortable. On each occasion the ensuite has been good.

Breakfast has been very good on each occasion and I like the glass walled and ceilinged breakfast room. A bright start to the day.

The staff have been friendly and efficient on both stays and the owner is charming and helpful.

The hotel is a little way back from the city centre but it is an easy 15 minute walk into Princes Street and a tad less to get to the Grassmarket area or the Castle.

There is free WiFi although I found it impossible to connect to in our top story bedroom.

Both buildings extend over three tall stories and the climb up (and down) the stairs with heavy bags can be a bit of a struggle. I suggest trying to get a room on the ground or first floors to minimise the luggage carting experience.

There are a couple of car spaces in front of the hotel and if you are travelling by car pre-book otherwise you have to park on a back street nearby.

The only other thing to be aware of is that there is a charge for using a credit card to pay. This does not happen in most hotels. Be ready to pay the surcharge or be prepared with cash.

I would certainly use this hotel again when visiting Edinburgh. It is very good value for money.

Room Tip: Try to get a room on the lower floors to avoid carrying luggage too far up and down stairs.
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  • Stayed June 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask JeremyC-99 about Balmore House
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Zurich
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Excellent value at fair price”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 August 2011

Looking for a Grand Hotel in Edinburgh, this is the choice. Ask for a room in level 5 or 6 with outboung view.

  • Stayed July 2011, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask MinasR about Balmore House
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Hannover, Germany
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Nice people, quiet room, breakfast in the sun (or the rain)”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 July 2011

Room in Bowmore (accross the street from main house) was a bit small, but okay & very clean, mattress a little hard, funny duvet that felt uneven or knobbly (hopefully using the right words here to express myself). But slept well anyway.

Staff was very nice and efficient. A welcoming place as a start of our Scotland journey.

The all-glass breakfast room gives you a view on the weather to expect for your Edinburgh sight-seeing. Rain in our case, unfortunately...

  • Stayed July 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask TravelDudeChad about Balmore House
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Thunder Bay, Canada
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“Cosy and convenient but a little overpriced ?”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 July 2011

This was a lovely little place - two places, actually, We stayed in the Bowmore house across the road. Staff were quietly welcoming. The room was neat, clean, comfortable and had ample storage space. The ensuite was small but very clean. Pre-ordered breakfasts in a lovely sun room were a tad simple for the overall price of the place, but tasty enough. Some traditional Scottish fare would have been appreciated. The street is quiet and close to both fast food places and restaurants. The walk to Edinburgh Castle was less than 15 minutes. Not a great value but would stay there again.

  • Stayed June 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask HanusiaT about Balmore House
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Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“First Class Guest House”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2011
2
people found this review helpful

Fantastic little guest house. We received a very warm welcome when we checked in. There was a parking space available for us as promised at the time of the booking. Room was to the rear of the property on the first floor. The room was lovely, really good size, nice and clean, lovely furniture and decor. Shower was fantastic and we loved the walk in wardrobe. Large TV in room and pleany of tea and coffee etc available. Nice and quiet and had lovely un-disturbed sleep. Breakfast was served in the conservatory. Food was lovely plenty tea, cofee, toast etc.

Fantastic accomodation, with great staff and in a really good location.

  • Stayed April 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask steve1980_11 about Balmore House
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Additional Information about Balmore House

34 Gilmore Place, Edinburgh EH3 9NQ , Scotland
Price range (per night):* INR5,377 - 15,291

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