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The Balmoral Hotel vs a&o Edinburgh City

Both hotels are recommended by professional reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, The Balmoral Hotel scores significantly better than Safestay Edinburgh. The Balmoral Hotel comes in at 95 with recommendations from 16 publications including DK Eyewitness, Fodor's and The Telegraph.

The Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral Hotel
8 / 10
1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, Scotland
From $227 /night
  • Pet Friendly
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Laundry Service
  • Concierge
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Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
"Classically styled bedrooms with rich fabrics and a subtle contemporary edge... Highly detailed service."
Frommer's Frommer's
"Almost directly above Waverley railway station, The Balmoral's soaring clock tower is a city landmark, famously set a few minutes fast for the benefit of those on the way to the train." Full review
Concierge Concierge
"It could not be more central or more subtly beautiful... on the other hand, its rates could hardly be higher."
Insight Guides Insight Guides
"Edinburgh's classic five-star hotel located at the east end of Princes Street in a large and imposing building. Excellent service, sublime restaurants and a luxurious atmosphere."
Jetsetter Jetsetter
"Impressive historic hotel that combines Edwardian finery with up-to-date luxury in the heart of Edinburgh." Full review
i
Choose from the chic Art Deco brasserie Hadrian’s — designed by Olga Polizzi — or the refined Michelin-starred Number One. Book ahead for a corner banquette and a tasting menu experience amid reimagined Edwardian sophistication.
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a&o Edinburgh City
a&o Edinburgh City
7 / 10
50 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh EH1 1NE , Scotland
From $13 /night
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Free Internet
  • Laundry Service
  • Laundy Room
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast buffet
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Rough Guide Rough Guide
"A five-star hostel just off the Royal Mile, with 622 beds in twin rooms or dorms. Women-only rooms are available."
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"Hostels - the word alone is strong enough to awaken the worst feelings in the world." Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
8.0
"A good example of a competitive new style of hostel accommodation: less relentlessly wholesome than a traditional rambler’s rest but not a party-animal pit." Full review
Oyster Oyster
Budget
"Part hostel, part residence hall, the budget Safestay Edinburgh is a young, casual property with a party atmosphere." Full review
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"A big (620 beds), bright, modern hostel that feels more like a hotel... A huge bar and a central location just off the Royal Mile make this a favourite place to stay for the young, party-mad crowd." Full review