8 Jeffrey St (Flat 1), Royal Mile

Back to search | More properties in this area

Cosy first floor apartment right beside Royal Mile, plus shared roof terrace

A very comfortable, centrally located one-bedroom apartment (sleeps 1–4) off the Royal Mile, with pleasant outlook onto historic buildings and within easy walking distance of the major tourist attractions, festival venues, shops, nightlife and transport connections. From the rooftop terrace, there are spectacular views of the city and surrounding area.

⇒ About the property
⇒ The local area
⇒ Getting there
⇒ Guest comments Rated by TripAdvisor

Key Features

3 Star
Sleeps up to 3
Free Wi-fi
First floor (no lift)
Gas central heating
TV
Hairdryer
Iron
Shops within 50 metres
Linen/towels provided
Non-smoking
Children welcome
Cot/Highchair on request
No pets allowed
Shared roof terrace
Washing machine
Electric cooker

More features

Fridge
Freezer
Shower
Microwave

(Show more)

Living room (with double sofabed)

About the property

↑ Back to the top

sleeps one to four: one bedroom with standard-size double bed; double sofabed in living room
living room with dining area, separate kitchen, double bedroom, shower-room
stunning views from rooftop terrace
free wifi internet access
Secondary letting licence EH-68995-P pending
EPC rating D68

This property is a bright centrally located one-bedroom apartment on the first floor of an architecturally significant building (B-listed), off the historic Royal Mile in the centre of Edinburgh and within easy walking distance of the major tourist attractions, festival venues, shops, nightlife and transport connections.

The apartment is light and airy and looks out to an historic church. The spacious living room has two sofas, one of which converts in to a double sofabed. There is also a dining table with seating for four. The modern kitchen is well provided with crockery, cutlery, glasses and kitchenware, as well as a washing machine, fridge, freezer, hob, oven and microwave. The double bedroom is fully carpeted and attractively furnished. The shower-room is partly wood panelled and has a wash-hand basin and walk-in shower (no bathtub). Unique to this building is the shared roof terrace, which is accessed from the top of the entrance stairway and which has spectacular panoramic views over the city, sea and hills.

The apartment has gas central heating. The price of gas, electricity and local taxes is included. For the comfort of future guests, the apartment is non-smoking and pets are not allowed.

The local area

↑ Back to the top

The facade of 8 Jeffrey Street

This apartment is situated on Jeffrey Street, a few metres from the Old Town's main street, the Royal Mile, in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town. The Scots Baronial building, built in 1891, has been deemed of sufficient architectural importance to merit a category B listing. Jeffrey Street and St Mary's Street straddle the Royal Mile, the backbone of medieval Edinburgh, which connects Edinburgh Castle at one end with the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Parliament at the other. Edinburgh's main visitor attractions are on your doorstep and the neighbourhood is full of attractive independent shops and restaurants, bars and cafés to suit all budgets, from cheap and cheerful pizzerias to fine dining establishments. The Hub (the official centre for the Edinburgh International Festival) and the Festival Fringe office are on the Royal Mile, and you can easily walk to many of the Festival venues. You are also ideally placed to enjoy the Christmas and Hogmanay/New Year festivities.

The apartment looks out towards Calton Hill and its monuments: Nelson's Monument (from which a time-ball is lowered every day at 1pm as a time signal to ships out on the Firth of Forth), the Observatory and the National Monument, an unfinished replica of the Parthenon. Initiated by Sir Henry Dundas, 18th century bankroller of Edinburgh's Georgian New Town, to embody the city's reputation as the Athens of the North, the National Monument stands as a reminder of the folly of its patron. Dundas ran out of money and abandoned his ambitious plan; the unfinished building is now irreverently known as Edinburgh's Disgrace. There is also an impressive view of St Andrew’s House, one of the finest Art Deco buildings in Scotland. Built in 1939 by Thomas Tait to house the Scottish Office (the Scottish administration of the central UK government), it is now the main office of the Scottish Executive, the Westminster representation to the devolved government of Scotland.

Jeffrey Street is named after Lord Francis Jeffrey (1773–1850), lawyer, critic and co-founder of the influential but now-defunct Edinburgh Review. Royal Mile is the combined name for the street formed by Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate. The High Street part ends at the junction of St Mary's Street and Jeffrey Street, where the city's eastern gate, Netherbow Port, once stood. The remaining part of the Royal Mile, the Canongate, was a separate burgh for over 700 years, taking its name from the canons (priests) of Holyrood Abbey. Because it was near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the area developed as the court quarter and many fine residences for aristocratic families were built there. One of these, Queensberry House, now forms part of the Scottish Parliament building. Queensberry House was bought in 1686 by the father of the 2nd Duke of Queensberry, whose eldest son, the mad Lord James Douglas, escaped from confinement one night in 1701 and murdered a kitchen-boy – the very night that his father was signing the Act of Union that dissolved the Scots Parliament and put Scotland under English rule. You can find out more about Edinburgh's grisly past on the guided tours that leave from the Royal Mile. See for example Mercat Tours, Witchery Tours and The Real Mary King's Close.

See Prices and Availability

Getting there

↑ Back to the top

The apartment is approximately 5 minutes' walk from both the Airport Express Bus Terminus and the main railway station: Edinburgh Waverley Station. There is also a tram service from Edinburgh Airport to the city centre. We will send you detailed directions before your arrival.

For those arriving by car, there is metered parking on Jeffrey Street itself, though the maximum parking period is 2 hours. Parking on meters and single-yellow lines is free from 6.30pm to 7.30am; please check on-street signage for exact times of parking restrictions; parking is forbidden at all times on double-yellow lines. St John's Hill Car Park is on the next corner at Holyrood Road. Click on this website and you can search for “Edinburgh St Johns Hill”.

All tenement apartments in Edinburgh are accessed by shared stairways, which tend to be functional more than luxurious, although the entry-phone system ensures the security of the stairway. Because the building dates from the 19th century, there is no lift and thus no wheelchair access. The apartment is on the first floor.

Edinburgh has an efficient public transport system run by Transport for Edinburgh. Trams and buses run throughout the city from early morning till midnight, after which there is a reduced night service. Transport for Edinburgh's information office is on Waverley Bridge, 5 minutes' walk from Jeffrey Street.

Comments from some of our guests

↑ Back to the top

Rated by TripAdvisor

“Nous avons passé un très bon séjour à Edimbourg! L'appartement est idéalement situé, dans la vieille ville et juste à proximité de la nouvelle. Spacieux, propre, très fonctionnel, nous recommandons vivement!”
JD & co, Poitiers, France
“Great stay in Edinburgh Old Town: We stayed six weeks here in Jul/Aug 23. The flat is centrally located. Very convenient to shops, grocery store, restaurant, pubs, and train station. Well equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay. We have stayed several times and are always satisfied. Owners are attentive and responsive. Highly recommend.”
TW & KW, Kentucky, USA
“Great location and a really nice flat! We had a great week in Edinburgh staying here. The flat is just off the Royal Mile, so it’s very central and in a lovely part of Edinburgh Old Town. Communication was good and check in was easy.”
MG, Stockholm, Sweden
“We can't recommend Martin's place highly enough! We have been to Edinburgh many times and this was our favorite flat that we've stayed at so far. The location was perfect for exploring the city, and the flat itself was well appointed. Martin was a fantastic host, he was very accommodating and communicating with him was fast and easy. We would absolutely stay there again for our next trip!”
RG, Long Island, NY, USA
“Great location! Great host! No complaints ”
BM, Lexington, KY, USA
“Excellent location. Apartment was very nice and close to most of what we wanted to see.”
JS & co, Connecticut, USA
“Great stay in a great and lovely apartment. Perfect location. Wonderful views from the flat roof.”
PR, Madrid, Spain
“My first vacation in close to 5 years was everything was absolutely wonderful, and a big reason for that was my amazing accommodations. Location can’t be beat, and Martin was so responsive the entire time. I’ve already recommended this to friends!”
MK, Connecticut, USA
“Perfect location and super comfortable to stay! The whole flat is really cosy with everything you need.”
JF, London, UK
“The flat is in an ideal place for a city break and the flat itself is a perfect size for two and had all that you need for our short stay. A perfect location and not to far from most of what the city has to offer.”
SF & co, Malvern, Worcestershire, UK

“Perfect location: I first booked a flat for April 2020 but had to cancelled twice because of covid. Martin really helped with that and also for everything else. He answered immediately to my messages. The flat is perfectly located by the Royal Mile. It is confortable and has everything you need for a perfect stay. I agree the shower is a bit small but it is ok for a week ... And on top of it there is a fantastic pub around the corner, the World's End. I hope I will have the opportunity to go back to Edinburgh some day and will then definitely book the same flat.”
LR, Ploubazlanec, France
“Wonderful location! Great flat, has everything you need to make it a home away from home! Perfect location, better than I thought it might be.”
JY, California, USA
“I thank you very much for all your good advice, help and quick answers. I had a wonderful stay in Edinburgh. After waiting for two years I was not disappointed, everything was perfect, even the weather (but living in Brittany I would have managed anyway).”
LR, Ploubazlanec, France
“Martin was a great host and communicated well throughout or stay.”
TT & co, London, UK
“Ideal location and spacious space! Comfortable bed and awesome [communal] roof terrace in the building. Had everything you’d need for a family or couple trip and perfect central location.”
KK & JK, Houston, TX, USA
“Hidden gem! Second time in this lovely flat and look forward to my next stay! The location is amazing in the heart of the city a stone throw from major attractions. The house is very well appointed, the rooms are large and airy, bed is very comfortable. The shower is a smaller than standard size but perfectly adequate. Martin and his staff are great. Last but not least the building has a lovely rooftop terrace!!”
MS, Hannover, Germany
“El apartamento esta muy bien y es miy acogedor. Con calefacción, cocina completamente equipada, cama muy cómoda. Lo mejor, estás en pleno centro tienes acceso a todas las visitas de interés en la Royal Mile en menos de 5 minutos. Si tienes oportunidad, sube a la terraza, muy buenas vistas. Para repetir sin duda.”
BS & co, Madrid, Spain
“Perfetto. È una casa perfetta la cucina è attrezzatissima il soggiorno è luminoso e confortevole e il letto è davvero comodo.si trova in un posto veramente Centrale e quindi puoi girare a piedi Edimburgo senza neanche prendere i mezzi. Siamo stati benissimo e spero di tornare. La consiglio vivamente.”
LM & co, Rome, Italy
“We knew we had a good location picked out but it wasn't until we [arrived] that we saw how good the location was. The Royal Mile was right there at the corner. Holyrood was a short walk to the left. We got up on the [shared] roof deck and could see everything! The apartment was very nicely set out. The bedroom was surprisingly large and had plenty of storage space, surface area, and mirrors. And the bed was comfortable. The bathroom was small but effective -- there is lots of surface area to put stuff. The shower is tiny but great -- worked just right for us. The living room is comfortable and the dining room is plenty big. I was tickled to realize that there is a pass-through window for getting food onto the table from the kitchen. Unlike our other HomeAways, we didn't cook much at this one but there was plenty of everything, including tea and coffee making equipment, so we were happy. RockSalt, right next door, has a great breakfast as does the #1 High Street Pub across the street (though different). The amount of good food within walking distance was mind-blowing! Communications with Martin were good throughout the year that we were doing our planning.”
MW, Austin, TX, USA
“Schöne kleine freundliche Wohnung: Die Lage ist super, raus aus der Tür, direkt auf der Royal Mile. Zehn Minuten Weg zu meinem Stammpub, 5 Minuten bis zur Waverley. Die Wohnung ist gemütlich eingerichtet und der Service von Martin und Team ist hervorragend.”
AR, Madgeburg, Germany
“Esta en el centro de la Royal Mile, para los que no conocéis Edimbourg, es la calle mas céntrica, en un extremo esta el Castillo y en el otro el Palacio de Holyrood; la ubicación del apartamento es muy cómoda, puedes desplazarte a pie, para visitar los monumentos famosos: Panorámica de Calton Hill, Monumento a Walter Scoot, cementerios con tumbas curiosas, etc.”
MP & co, Sant Pol de Mar, Catalonia
“L'appartamento è molto bello e luminoso, la location è perfetta! Lo consiglio vivamente. E' possibile raggiungere il mare in poco tempo, parchi, musei tutto a portata di mano. Ottimi ristoranti vegetariani, indiani e italiano.”
LS, Lugano, Switzerland
“What a find! From booking to arrival the process was simple. Martin texted us the key collection info, so that when we arrived it was easy. The apartment itself was clean, airy and felt very much at home. We tended to eat out so didn't use the kitchen facilities. The bed was very comfortable too. The location of Jeffrey St, is excellent. 5 Mins walk from the train station, I think gives an indication of how central it is. We shall definately stay again.”
RB & co, Chicago, IL, USA
“First the location is just perfect, in the middle of the Royal Mile, many attractive places you can visit just by a short walk, including Waverly Station if you need to travel or come to the city by train. The flat itself is very nice. It has got everything you need for a short vacation. For those who bring children, like we did, it has even some games, books and movies for them, baby stroller, baby chair, childrn cutlery.”
TS & family, Jakarta, Indonesia
“Our second stay in this apartment and we booked almost immediately after leaving last year. Plenty of room to stretch out, and a well equipped kitchen. Most importantly, even though it is seconds from the Royal Mile there is little night-time noise from Festival revelers which we know disturbs other visitors. And then it is a few minute's walk from Waverley station, so if you are arriving by train, no taxis or buses to pay for.”
KP, Cambridge, England
“Meilleur endroit où loger à Edimbourg. L'endroit est bien situé, à quelque minutes à pied des endroits touristiques, que ce soit les 2 châteaux, les musées, les magasins. À quelques minutes de la gare de Waverley. L'appartement est parfait pour un couple, et le propriétaire répond rapidement à nos questions.Séjour toujours très agréable. Nous recommandons cet appartement à tous ceux qui veulent visiter Edimbourg à leur rythme.”
PP, Deux-Montagnes, QC, Canada
“Thanks for the fabulous home away from home.”
SR, Santiago, Chile
“Lovely apartment. Very homely. Everything we needed. In a fantastic location. Would love to stay again. Thank you!”
T&C, Nantwich, England
“I had a lovely time here. I went on the ghost bus and to Calton Hill, which the ghost bus called "Calton Hell".”
AZ, LZ & ZZ, Walthamstow, London, UK
“Once again a wonderful stay in Jeffrey Street. Beautifully decorated and cosy apartment. Peaceful visit. Will visit again.”
DW, Lincoln, England
“Lovely place in a great location! Thanks for all the special little touches.”
C&N, Amercians living in India
“Flat is in a great location and central to lots of sites and activities. Had a fun time in Edinburgh!”
Z & co, Kent, England
“Appartement is very central - just a few steps from the Royal Mile and yet in a quiet area so you can sleep comfortably at night. The place has all the necessary amenities. We were a family of 4 with 2 teenage girls and stayed comfortably in the apartment.”
F & family, Malta
“What a wonderful apartment! It is almost perfect. The design is classic and the flat is warm, both in aesthetic and feel. I appreciate the central heating. Wish I could stay longer.”
MS, Ottawa, Canada
“The apartment was perfect. Shower is amazing. Rooftop views are fantastic overlooking arthur's seat. Location couldn't be better for people who want to be a 10 minute walk to anything and everything and still be able to go back "home" relax and go back out again. Martin is extremely attentive and answered any and all questions we had. Easy check in and check out. Local information in flat was very informative. We would go back again! Great Great value.”
AL, DL & PS, Sandwich, MA, USA
“Lovely apartment, wonderful location, lovely city! Love attention to detail. Everything is though through!”
F, P & S, Wimbeldon, London, England
“Amazing stay! Thanks for the memories.”
CD, Hasselt, Belgium