Balmore Guest House | Airport Hotel in Edinburgh | Comfort Near the Terminal

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Balmore Guest House Edinburgh Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

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

Close to Edinburgh Castle

Very good

7.2

/10

1.0

2.6

Loved by Balmore Guest House guests

Good location
Comfortable beds
Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Easy city access

"This room was excellent for 3 people and I believe it will still be comfortable for 5 people as well."

Aikaterini from Greece

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"Bathroom was immaculate, looked like it had been recently refurbished which was great."

Garry F from United Kingdom

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"Nice quite area yet close to the city, two nice pubs close by, bennets bar and Kings Arms a must visit."

Pat from Ireland

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Rooms and Amenities

Balmore Guest House features en suite rooms equipped with a TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Every room includes a private bathroom with free toiletries. Rooms are double-glazed to reduce noise. Linen and a wardrobe are provided in each room. Room cleaning is done between 10:00 and 15:00. Bowmore, a neighboring property, offers equally high-quality, modern en suite rooms with the same amenities; guests may be accommodated in either Balmore or Bowmore.

Dining at Balmore

A superb inclusive breakfast is served in the conservatory. Guests can enjoy a selection of cooked breakfasts. Breakfast to go option and Continental breakfast is available.

Leisure and Surroundings

Guests can relax in The Meadows park area near Balmore Guest House. The Tollcross area offers cinemas, theatres, leisure centers, and ten-pin bowling. Union Canal, located nearby, provides locations for walks and waterside restaurants.

Location and Access

Balmore Guest House is located in the Merchiston district in Edinburgh's West End. Edinburgh Castle is 0.6 miles away, and Princes Street is within a 20-minute walk. The University of Edinburgh is 1 km away. Scottish National Gallery is 1.5 km away. Royal Mile is 1.5 km away.

Services and Facilities

Balmore Guest House is a family-run Victorian guest house which offers free Wi-Fi. The guest house is non-smoking throughout and offers designated smoking area. Luggage storage space is available. Guests will receive their own front door key upon arrival. Allergy-free rooms, family rooms, non-smoking rooms and heating are available.

“This family-run Victorian guest house provides a welcoming base for exploring Edinburgh, enhanced by its inclusive breakfast served in a charming conservatory. Its location offers convenient access to both local amenities and major attractions like Edinburgh Castle. Though modest, it has the advantage of spacious family rooms, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing location and space.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Airporthotel

Location: Great

8.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingThoughtful Parking

A bin was placed to ensure wheelchair access. Small cars were prioritised for convenient parking near the entrance.

David from Canada

Review on

Room FeaturesAiry Comfort

The window fully opened! It was much better than barely-there windows, allowing plenty of fresh air.

Chloe from Australia

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DiningSnack Surprise!

A snack box was in my room: banana, pain au chocolat, snack bar, and juice. Very convenient!

Emily from England

Review on

BathroomImmaculate Bathroom

The bathroom looked recently refurbished and was perfectly clean. The shower was great.

Kevin from United States

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Select your room type

The hotel offers rooms of different types and facilities suitable for every traveler

Single Room En Suite

2 persons

10 m²

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room Ensuite

2 persons

16 m²

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room en suite

2 persons

16 m²

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room Private External Bathroom

2 persons

12 m²

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Airport hotels designed with facilities that ensure convenience and comfort

Facilities: Very good

7.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Balmore Guest House Location

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

Map view

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

City landmarks

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

1.5 km

Museum

National Museum of Scotland

1.6 km

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

2.8 km

Landmark

Royal Mile

1.4 km

Landmark

The Real Mary King's Close

1.7 km

Park

Princes Street Gardens

1.4 km

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

1.6 km

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

1.3 km

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

2.5 km

Store

Edinburgh Old Town

1.8 km

Church

St Giles' Cathedral

1.8 km

Landmark

Calton Hill

2.1 km

Landmark

Princes Street

1.7 km

Monument

Scott Monument

2.0 km

Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

2.6 km

Landmark

The Scotch Whisky Experience

1.3 km

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One

2.0 km

Museum

The Writers' Museum

1.5 km

Museum

Gladstone's Land

1.5 km

Landmark

Surgeons' Hall Museums

1.7 km

Square

Grassmarket

1.1 km

Cemetery

The Robertson Mausoleum

1.4 km

Event hall

Edinburgh International Conference Centre

780 m

Stadium

BT Murrayfield Stadium

2.1 km

Museum

Dynamic Earth

2.3 km

Landmark

Nelson Monument

2.1 km

Art object

Greyfriars Bobby's Grave

1.4 km

Museum

Georgian House

1.5 km

Museum

The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland

1.6 km

Museum

Museum of Childhood

2.0 km

Nearby

Museum

The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland

840 m

Square

Grassmarket

1.1 km

Event hall

Edinburgh International Conference Centre

780 m

74 Lauriston Place

Edinburgh College of Art

870 m

Church

The Parish Church of St Cuthbert

1.2 km

Restaurants

Burger

460 m

94A Fountainbridge

The Treehouse

370 m

44 Leven Street

Khartoum Cafe

370 m

6 Gillespie Place

La Barantine

390 m

10 Bruntsfield Place

Taquito

330 m

32 Home Street

Efes

340 m

42 Leven Street

The Kings Pantry

250 m

67 Home Street

Lupe Pintos

340 m

24 Leven Street

Magma Cafe

260 m

67 Home Street

The Cameo Bar

320 m

The Cameo Picturehouse 38 Home Street

Explore Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

18 minutes' walk

Historic fortress offering panoramic city views. Guided tours available, especially popular with history enthusiasts.

National Museum of Scotland

19 minutes' walk

Extensive collections showcasing Scotland's history and culture. Free admission makes it a must-visit spot.

Arthur's Seat

30 minutes' walk

Iconic hill offering hiking trails and stunning views of Edinburgh. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Royal Mile

17 minutes' walk

Historic thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, featuring shops, street performers, and local history.

Hiking at Arthur's Seat

30 minutes' walk

Challenging hike with rewarding vistas. Accessible by foot, great for thrill-seekers and photography lovers.

Yoga at The Meadows

15 minutes' walk

Relaxed outdoor yoga sessions in a scenic park. Ideal for those seeking serenity and fitness amidst nature.

Khartoum Cafe

5 minutes' walk

Cozy spot specializing in Sudanese cuisine. Known for its hearty dishes and welcoming atmosphere.

La Barantine

5 minutes' walk

Charming French bakery and café offering pastries and light meals. Perfect for a casual brunch or coffee break.

The Treehouse

5 minutes' walk

Unique dining experience serving seasonal dishes with a focus on local ingredients. Reservations recommended.

Taquito

4 minutes' walk

Casual eatery offering delicious Mexican fare, including tacos and enchiladas. Great for families and quick bites.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

16 minutes' walk

Interactive whisky tours with tastings and informative sessions about Scotland's national drink. Fun for all ages.

The Usher Hall

18 minutes' walk

Historic concert hall hosting live music and performances. Known for its acoustics and diverse event calendar.

Getting around

City Centre

Edinburgh20 min · 1.6 km

Airports

Edinburgh (EDI)21 min · 13.9 km

Glasgow (GLA)131 min · 87.0 km

Train

Haymarket Train Station12 min · 1.0 km

Bus

Bus stop4 min · 300 m

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-21:00

Check-out

from 01:00-10:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Polish, Persian

Number of rooms:

Property is also known as

balmore guest house

balmore guest house edinburgh

balmore guest house gilmore place edinburgh

balmore house edinburgh

balmore house

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Balmore Guest House from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Balmore Guest House offers a convenient location, with Edinburgh's city center just a pleasant 10- to 15-minute walk away, and close proximity to restaurants, bars, and supermarkets. Guests appreciate the clean rooms that feature comfortable beds and come equipped with amenities such as a kettle, tea, coffee, and fresh towels; in addition, some rooms can comfortably accommodate four adults. While the location is ideal for exploring, some guests have noted that the bathrooms could benefit from improvements. The guest house also offers the convenience of nearby bus stops for easy access to other parts of the city.

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Review score

Based on 2419 verified reviews

6.6/10

Nice

59%

Recommend

Free Wi-Fi

8.5/10

Location

8.4/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.6/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Pros

Quiet location

Comfortable beds

Close city center

Hot shower

Car storage

Cons

Small room

Dirty room

Stale smoke

Michael from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room Ensuite

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 30, 2026

9.0/10

Totally was superb!

great locationtea facilitiesfresh towelscomfy bed

The location is great, just a short walk to everything! The provided tea and coffee facilities meant i had my morning brew ready. The room had fresh towels. A comfy bed meant i slept soundly after long days exploring.

I found a small stain on the carpet near the window, that's all.

Service

9/10

Staff were genuinely kind, they helped quickly with local bus routes. Check in was very fast. The team had such big smiles, it really sets the tone.

Dining

8/10

While this place don't has full dining, there's many spots close! Bennet's Bar is very near, and what a place! So many choices!

Facilities

9/10

WiFi is complimentary and works very fast. The building offers luggage storage after checkout. I was very happy. Parking nearby is very useful and practical.

Location

10/10

The location has quiet neighborhood. It is a simple walk to central attractions. The bus stops nearby are very convenient. So easy to get around!

0 Helpful

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Grayson from United Kingdom

Couple

double room ensuite

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 31, 2025

8.3/10

solid stay close to attractions

short walkefficient check-outunpleasant smell

the room was spacious enough for belongings i appreciated the inclusion of a kettle coffee and milk i also found the location convenient with just a short walk to grassmarket check-in and check-out were simple and efficient. it was good value for money for the location.

there were some unpleasant smells in the hallway and bathroom cigarette smoke and toilet smells affected both spaces the advertisement stated no smoking but that was not my experience it affected my stay.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel offers free on-site parking a valuable amenity and it allowed easy access to nearby attractions plus the wifi worked consistently well which was important for planning day trips and keeping in touch.

Dining

8/10

a beautiful pub is just around the corner named bennets bar the pub offered a selection of drinks and local cuisine it adds value to the experience for socialising and tasting local flavours.

Rooms

8/10

the double room included a comfortable bed and wardrobe space it was spacious enough to store belongings the room included a tv of adequate size and an ensuite bathroom the size was sufficient.

0 Helpful

Ivor from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room Ensuite

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 01, 2025

7/10

friendly staffnatural lightgood locationbasic accommodationlow standarddesired cleanliness

The staff were very friendly and accommodating. They really did were really nice. The room was large. It had plenty of natural LIGHT. Location were good for accessing the centre of this lovely place.

The accommodation is basic. The decoration are not to a high standard. The cleanliness left a bit to be desired. It really needed IMROVEMENT.

0 Helpful

Sebastian from Germany

Single

Double Room Ensuite

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:August 28, 2025

8.5/10

Solid Stay Near the Centre

convenient locationcomfortable bedsunstable shower

I found the location quite convenient for reaching the city centre. The tall ceilings in my room gave it a spacious feel. I appreciated that the room had a second lockable door for added security (a nice touch!). The beds were comfortable.

The shower door did not stay closed properly. This made it a little inconvenient to use the bathroom. The shower handles interfered with opening the shower door.

Dining

8/10

Several restaurants and small markets were within walking distance of the hotel. This made it easy to find various dining options and groceries. The availability of coffee and tea in the room added convenience.

Rooms

9/10

My room included a kettle, coffee, and milk. A wardrobe provided sufficient space to store my belongings. The room felt quiet. The ensuite bathroom was convenient (though a bit small).

Facilities

8/10

The check-in and check-out processes were simple and efficient. I was able to leave my luggage at reception after checking out. The building had easy and independent access. There was parquet flooring in the room.

Service

9/10

The staff members I encountered were helpful when my arrival plans changed. Consistent communication from the staff was evident. They accommodated my needs flexibly. I was able to get coffee and milk refilled daily.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Balmore Guest House

What is the size of the double beds available at the guest house?

12 April 2024

The double beds at Balmore Guest House are standard sizes, ensuring a comfortable sleep for guests.

Could you clarify what an external bathroom means compared to an en-suite bathroom?

09 May 2024

An external bathroom is shared among guests and located outside of the room, whereas an en-suite bathroom is private and directly accessible from the room.

I noticed conflicting information about parking. Can you explain the parking situation?

07 June 2024

Balmore Guest House offers parking on a first-come, first-served basis but cannot guarantee a spot. Additionally, there are street parking options available nearby during specified hours.

What are the options for parking while staying at the guest house?

20 July 2024

Limited free parking is available on-site, but it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternative parking options on the street are available during weekends and at a nearby hotel during weekdays.

Is it possible to store my luggage if I arrive before the official check-in time?

15 August 2024

Yes, guests can drop off their luggage at the guest house before check-in and pick it up later in the day.

What is the transportation option from the airport to the guest house, and what would it cost?

11 September 2024

Guests can take either bus 100 or a tram to Haymarket and then walk for about 20 minutes, or opt for a taxi, which costs approximately £22.

Are there family rooms that can accommodate three separate beds with a private bathroom?

28 October 2024

Yes, there are family rooms equipped with three beds and a private bathroom to ensure a comfortable stay for families.

What are the accepted payment methods for booking rooms?

05 November 2024

Payments are processed at the time of booking, and major credit cards are accepted, ensuring convenience for guests.

Is early check-in available for guests working night shifts?

30 November 2024

Early check-in can be arranged in advance, accommodating guests' schedules effectively.

Are there any vegan breakfast options offered at the guest house?

20 December 2024

Breakfast is provided in a snack pack format, which includes juice, pastries, and fruit. Specific dietary requests, such as vegan options, can be accommodated upon request.