View from room

Reviews of Abbotsford Guest House

3 out of 5
Abbotsford Guest House
36 Pilrig street, Edinburgh, Scotland

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 60 out of 200 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 101 out of 200 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 30 out of 200 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 200 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 200 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Muhammad Usman

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice stay there. Room and washroom was clean. But it was quite small room for 3 people. Just one cupboard given for 3 persons.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Dorothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good value and helpful hosts
Located about 20 mins walk from the centre of Edinburgh, and also a similar distance to the Royal Yacht at Leith, this guest house is very good value for money - considering the prices of hotels nearer the centre The room was clean and comfortable and the shower was hot and powerful. All the basic essentials were provided. The continental breakfast consisted of croissants, pain au chocolate, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereal, toast, cold meat and cheese as well as tea, coffee and fruit juice, so it set us up well for the day. The last word must go to the hosts, Mohammed and Khalid, who were both extremely amenable, helpful and polite, ensuring that each guest had all the information they needed to ensure they enjoyed their stay in Edinburgh, it was a pleasure to meet them. This is not a luxury hotel, but it has all you need at a reasonable price.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
UNCOMFORTABLE AND POKY
Room very small, one bathroom between whole load of rooms, towels weren’t changed, poky room, needs a good clean, single room has a low ceiling, I’m tall and is completely impractical. Didn’t try the continental breakfast. Guest room doors banging etc was commonplace, not a comfy experience, better places around for the same tariff.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Karen-Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A guesthouse with character and wonderful hosts
An extremely clean and comfortable guesthouse with exceptional hosts who went out of their way to ensure l had everything l needed. They arranged taxis for me and even ensured l had breakfast when l woke up late one morning and missed the scheduled breakfast time. It's a bit of a walk from Princes Street (35 min or so) but that wasn't a big deal for me. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

The hosts were very welcoming and helpful. They booked us a taxi and got us out of the chaos of a marathon to get us to the airport. The breakfast was mediocre at best, but all in all, we were very satisfied with our accommodations.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

6/10 Okay

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very polite staff but no good for a business trip as I had to wait until 08.30 for breakfast so laid on my bed waiting. Really not ideal when I need to be on the road and in meetings. Everyone piled in at 08.30 for breakfast so not really practical to be honest. Also, breakfast was not clear. It didn’t state continental of full breakfast so would've been nice to know. Although pleasant and clean, the bed was like sleeping on a pillow so was way too soft for my liking but each to their own I suppose. I think it was ok for the price but wouldn’t stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This is a pleasant property and generally very clean. Friendly, welcoming staff. However......the electric shower cut out twice on two separate occasions, and could only be re-set at the MCB, which is impossible to do whilst half-way through a shower. The property is warm whilst the heating is on, but it is off most of the day and the temperature falls significantly. When you call the manager’s number, you can hear the phone ringing downstairs, but there is no-one in attendance to help. For a little more, I would stay in a hotel next time. We chose this guesthouse due to close proximity to a relative.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

Gasper

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely, older, real English like house, just 10-15 minutes walk distance from the center of Edinburgh. Very affordable price and friendly staff.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019

6/10 Okay

Paul

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
An excellent value guest house
Although our flight was delayed the owner waited up for our arrival.A good situation- about 20 minutes walk to Waverley station area.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ze'ev

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great stay with great staff, light breakfast with
great stay with great staff, light breakfast with shops a minute walk from the place. 10/10
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

8/10 Good

Patti

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good option
The bathroom was spotless, bed comfortable and room adequate. Carpet was older and stained so I was really unable to judge how clean it really was (which isn’t unusual). The only complaint I would have is this particular room had a strange odor which they tried to mask with a plug in air scent that I had to unplug because it gave us a headache. Our friends room did not have the odor. We did not request another room, but my guess would be they would have switched it if asked and able. Parking was a challenge especially after 5 pm so try to get there before people get off work. Streets will still be crowded, but you’ll have a better shot at getting a spot close. People were friendly and accommodating and area was close to restaurants and attractions. The continental breakfast was lovely with plenty of options.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

kathy, californai

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Rooms were a little small but very functional. I wish it had a lift but based on the age of the building I wasn't surprised it was unavailable, that being said the staff were very willing to take out luggage up and down the stairs for us.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice but...
Nice stay but an overwhelming smell of air freshner

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
You Owe it to Yourself to Stay Here
The place is great and the area perfect, between city center and the shore. Can't say enough about how helpful and gracious our host Kaled is, absolutely top notch, above and beyond. The rooms are very clean and the beds are incredibly comfortable.

8/10 Good

Egon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great but could do a bit better.
Good place to stay, nice and friendly staff. It would only be better if you preheat the room before guests are coming when the weather outside is so cold because it took us 2 days to get this massive room to a decent temperature. Also, lack of meat options (ham, salami, pâté) for breakfast, only good selection of cheese an cereal.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2018

2/10 Terrible

Connell, Melbourne

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Never Again
Staff were horrible. Our TV wasn't working, we mentioned this on day one and was advised it would be repaired the next day. The next day a different person advised it would be the following day. On the third day another person at reception said it hadn't worked for weeks and they thought it didn't matter. This seems trivial but when you are in once place for 4 nights and pay for a room with a TV you expect a room with a TV that works. It was the way this was handled and the way we were treated that is most disappointing. The third person was rude and obnoxious and told us if we didn't like it we could 'get out'. It was in such a threatening tone we felt unsafe and checked out forgoing the rest of our booking.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017

8/10 Good

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Would stay there again
Would stay there again
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location to city centre. Only a continental breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Close to city
Good hotel. Older building but kept clean. Nice beds with newer bedding. Nice little breakfast. Owner was very nice and helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Polly, Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice little B&B
The Abbotsford is located in a quiet residential area and the tram (York Place stop) was only a 1/2 mile walk, with a grocery, a Starbucks and several dining places on the way. Run by a father and son, their hospitality is excellent. I wanted just a basic little room for 2 nights. Furnished with a twin bed, closet, sink, hot water pot, coffee and tea, desk and TV, it met my needs. I arrived early yet the room was ready. When the son was briefing me on breakfast hours and such, I told him I wouldn't be there as I would be venturing out early each morning. He offered to make a 'breakfast bag' for me to take away. How sweet! The bed was comfortable and I slept like a rock. If I travel to Edinburgh again, I would likely stay there.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Katy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
First stay Edinburgh
Our stay was lovely, the guesthouse was really nice, very clean and well presented the room was perfect for a couple and beautifully presented. The manager and other staff where really friendly polite and helpful. The Continental Breakfast was lovely everything was fresh and if you needed anything else they would provide. We would defiantly stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2017

4/10 Poor

SB

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Good location but poor facilities
The good was the location for Edinburgh marathon and not that far a walk to the town centre. The bed was comfortable and the shower was good. There was also free wi fi. The bad was the room was quite small. There is no safe and the door felt quite rickety. The toilet didn't work for the majority of the stay. There was another toilet on the top floor but not ideal especially given tired legs following a marathon to climb up and down. Also the continental breakfast is really really basic. Other b&b that I have stayed in Scotland have decent b&b. Although on marathon day they did get up early - but that's nothing new and what I have experience at other b@b. Service was ok - but The toilet issue never got resolved and on the last day the owner didn't even have the courtesy to apologise. To sum up my experience in the past when I have stayed in b&b the owners have made me welcome and it feels like you are staying in somebody's house. This felt more like a penny pinching save as much money experience. There are far many better b&b then this one.
Continental breakfast plus you could get porridge/toast

8/10 Good

Todd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good location, nice guest house
Very nice owner with a nice guest house in a good location. Street parking wasn't the easiest and it sounds like it can get a lot harder. There was a funky odor in our room.

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Close to city centre
A wonderful stay, the staff are really friendly and most helpful with directions. The city centre was only a few minutes walk and there is on street parking. The room was very warm and comfortable, lovely place, will recommend.

8/10 Good

mr and mrs J

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
B & B is in a good location
The bed-and-breakfast was in a good location about 20 minutes walk from the centre. The staff were welcoming and friendly. The rooms were clean. there was free parking on the roadside nearby.

6/10 Okay

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness
Edinburgh Weekend
Good location, reasonable breakfast, okay room.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Tidy little B&B
We had a 2 night stay at the Abbotsford in December. The proprietor, Poula was extremely helpful and kept the B&B very clean and tidy. The room we stayed in (no. 4) was on the 1st floor at the front and we found the noise from traffic and people walking past disturbed our sleep even with the window closed. The room was also very small and we were glad we only had 1 suitcase. The room size was probably a fair reflection of the price but I would definitely request a room at the rear if I was to stay again. Breakfast was very nice. It took us about 20 minutes to walk to Princes Street, so fairly central.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfy bed and very clean Enjoyed breakfast.

10/10 Excellent

Karen, Bristol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely Hosts
Very Warm Welcome and very clean room, lovely breakfast room and breakfast.

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean friendly and convenient
very welcoming and friendly.

8/10 Good

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very convenient parking a problem all street
Great landlady very nice

8/10 Good

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great B&B with a great breakfast
A great stopover in a nice and convenient part of town...

8/10 Good

Ruth, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice guest House in Edinburgh
The room had a bit of a smell, and the bed was a bit hard, but overall had a good stay and found the price to be quite competitive for Edinburgh

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Tim, Melbourne, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great value stay during the Edinburgh Fringe
I didn't intend to stay in Edinburgh during the Fringe and I got a shock when I saw the prices of the more centrally located B&Bs; however, Abbotsford Guesthouse came to the rescue. It's a beautifully-presented Victorian-era townhouse only a mile towards Leith from Waverley station, and though I took a room with a shared bathroom, it was worth every penny.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent B&B in good location.
A great B&B in Edinburgh. Convenient to lots of bus lines. Lovely and caring hostess. Quiet.

10/10 Excellent

Kevin, Wigan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel close to the Fringe
Staff very friendly Food excellent Hotel room very comfortable

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

6/10 Okay

roshnee

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was good part from showe. My husband had hot shower when I had shower water was cold. We call house kipping she offered to use another bathroom. But I all ready had cold shower. Didn't want to go in another room.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cozy stay in Edinburgh
Comfortable room, shared bathroom. Ceiling slopes into room so just watch your head.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Nice hotel, not far from the town center.
The breakfast schedule is too tight. We had an early flight and we could not have it, although we had paid for it.

8/10 Good

amy, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paula very friendly and helpful
Beautiful old house, close to many places of interest, public bus just outside front door. Wonderful location at a good price

8/10 Good

micky, uk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Manager very accommodating, commenced breakfast an hour early because we had an early start, much appreciated. location very handy

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very friendly helpful owner, room comfortable and very clean and breakfast very nice and service was very efficient. Would definitely go back.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our room was beautiful!
Our room was so big and beautiful and we wished that we had arrived sooner that night so that we could have enjoyed it more, (we got there so late, we basically came in,fell into bed, and went to sleep). This guest house is near town so it is on a busy street, which means that it is convenient to get to downtown, but it also makes for a lot of cars going by in the morning. The parking is not good since there are so many houses on this street, so we had to park a ways down the road. Paola, our host, was very kind and helpful. She even stayed up late to let us in the night we arrived, and she also made a wonderful breakfast the next day. Overall it think that this was a great guest house.

6/10 Okay

Richard

Disliked: Room comfort
A simple B&B catering for tourists nothing special
I stayed for 1 night in a single room with no en suite. It was very small, but clean. The shared shower was electric/weak/rubbish. Breakfast seemed rushed.

8/10 Good

David Richard, St. John's, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good value for close to Edinburgh attractions.
Very pleasant and accommodating owner. Breakfast was ample and good quality. Room very small.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic stay
We were extremely happy with our stay over the valentines weekend. Comfortable bed, very clean room, handy location, reasonably priced and the owner was very friendly. Breakfast was a winner as well. Highly recommended A+