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Guest house · Edinburgh · Edinburgh

Balmore Guest House

A 3-star guest house on Gilmore Place, a short walk from Edinburgh's old town and local bars.

  • Walkable to Edinburgh old town in about 10 minutes
  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms and tea/coffee facilities
  • Family rooms and flexible sleeping arrangements
7.4 Very good 6854 reviews Booking.com 7.4 · 6854 reviews

About

Balmore Guest House

Balmore Guest House is a straightforward 3-star stay on Gilmore Place, about 1.7 km from The Real Mary King's Close. It's a practical base for exploring the city center on foot, with a location guests consistently rate highly.

Rooms are simple but clean, with heating, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee facilities. The guest house also has a small garden area and offers luggage storage, express check-in/out, and 24-hour security.

  • No smoking on site
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

3 reasons to book
  • Location is a standout — Guests repeatedly praise how close it is to the city center, the old town, bars, and restaurants. It's roughly a 10-minute walk to old town attractions.
  • Spacious and clean rooms — Several guests mention rooms being surprisingly spacious, with some noting the ability to choose from multiple beds. Cleanliness is a recurring positive theme.
  • Welcoming and helpful staff — Guests often note the staff's friendliness and willingness to help, including luggage storage and providing extra tea and coffee.

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Breakfast is basic — Some guests found the breakfast minimal—often a paper bag with a croissant and banana—and it must be ordered the day before.
  • Rooms and cleanliness rating is modest — While individual reviews are positive, the overall guest rating for rooms and cleanliness is 6/10, suggesting some inconsistency.
  • Check-in window is limited — Check-in is only from 14:00 to 21:00, which might be tight for late arrivals. There's no mention of 24-hour reception.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Double Room Ensuite

  • 1 Double bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Single Room En Suite

  • 1 Single bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Twin Room en suite

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Heating

Double Room Private External Bathroom

  • 1 Double bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Triple Room

  • 1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
  • Shower
  • Heating

Quadruple Room

  • 2 Double beds
  • Shower
  • Heating

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • No smoking on site
  • VIP check-in/check-out
  • Express check-in/check-out
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Key access

Room Amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Free toiletries
  • Electric kettle
  • Flat-screen TV

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Accessibility & Safety

  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Outdoor

  • Garden area

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

7.4
Very good 6854 reviews

Guest-rated 7.4/10 from 6,854 reviews

Booking.com · 7.4 · 6854 reviews
Rooms and cleanliness6.0
Location9.0
Dining7.0
Price and service8.0
7.4Verified guest

“Really loved this beautiful place, the staff were so welcoming and even let us leave our bags after checkout. The location was central, close to the city center.”

7.4Verified guest

“Great location, close to the city center and a park. I went for drinks at The Blackbird, a 5-minute walk away. The room had heating, coffee/tea maker, and TV. Cost was £62.”

7.4Verified guest

“Our suite was airy.”

7.4Verified guest

“My suite was spotless and had a double bed.”

7.4Verified guest

“Clean hotel with an incredible location, close to the center, and airy rooms. The staff were welcoming and amazing.”

7.4Verified guest

“Breakfast was good with juice, brioche, and the staff were accommodating.”

04 — Location

Getting around Edinburgh

The property sits in Edinburgh.

Old Town: About a 10-minute walk away, the old town is packed with history, pubs, and attractions like The Real Mary King's Close (1.7 km).

Local Bars & Restaurants: Guests highlight spots like The Blackbird (5-minute walk) and Badabing Live Music Bar & Steakhouse, plus good shops and cafes nearby.

34, Gilmore Place, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH3 9NQ, United Kingdom

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-21:00
Check-out
By 01:00-10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
66 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times at Balmore Guest House?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 21:00, and check-out is from 01:00 to 10:00.

Is breakfast included at Balmore Guest House?

Breakfast is available but described as basic—often a paper bag with a croissant and banana. Guests note you need to order it the day before.

Does Balmore Guest House have parking?

The property does not list any parking facilities. Guests recommend using public transport, which is noted as being right outside.

Are pets allowed at Balmore Guest House?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What room types are available at Balmore Guest House?

Rooms include Double Ensuite, Large Family Room (2 double beds), Single En Suite, Twin en suite, Double with Private External Bathroom, Triple, and Quadruple room.

The bottom line

Balmore Guest House earns its keep with a great location and genuinely caring staff, making it a solid choice for travelers who want to walk everywhere. Just don't expect a fancy breakfast or late check-in flexibility.

7.4A practical, friendly base for city exploring.

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