Why book with us direct?

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It’s always worth looking at the various options to get the best deal for your accommodation, travel and other holiday additions.

 

 

It is easy to look at the multi-national giants online because they can provide ease while booking and, in some cases, they can offer good security. Reviews are unbiased because they give an independent view of the stay especially since most require confirmation that you’ve stayed at the accommodation before you can leave feedback (unlike many other review sites).

Whilst these large online booking agents have a slick and secure booking portal, they simply can’t provide specialised knowledge of the accommodation or the local knowledge to really enhance your stay. When you book directly with us, at Destination Edinburgh Apartments, we are able to offer you the best value for money as we don’t charge extra commissions like outside agencies.

 

Have a look below for some more things to consider when booking your next get-away:

 

Best Price Guarantee

We can guarantee that no site can offer you a lower price for our apartments. You can book with confidence that you are getting the best deal and the deal that suits you the best. We encourage you to call up and personalise your stay, whether than means advanced purchase, flexibility or a payment plan.

We can meet your personal requirements
Our website is the only place you can find the full selection of apartments we offer and extras to enhance your stay but we can also allocate the exact apartment you require and discuss the best options with you directly.

Often our apartments are large units and you will be booking for other family members or friends. Speaking to us and booking directly will give you more confidence in exactly what you are booking and what you will receive on arrival.

Local Knowledge

We know the apartments and the area – we can advise on attractions, restaurants, pubs, museums and much more. We can arrange airport pick up as well that links with your check in so a smooth process.

No Hidden Charges

We make it clear how much your room will cost, the price you pick is the price you pay, we are not hiding anything and at the end of the check out process or when you call to book we will make it completely clear.
We can also explain all arrival procedures and make sure everything is fully understood.

Quick, Easy Booking

We use a reservation system that will offer you all options (not limited options we offer through online travel agencies) and Our booking process is one of the quickest in the industry; it only takes as few as four steps to make a booking and you have preferential cancellation methods as well.

Book With Confidence

We handle all of our booking details securely and you will receive a confirmation instantly after making a booking. We do not share data and you have the option to join our mailing list or not – up to you!

Cut out the Middle Man

Booking with an online travel agent adds an extra layer of complexity to your booking, keep it simple and come direct – we can deal with any questions directly not through a call centre.

And just as if it couldn’t get better- We’ll give you a Free Gift

As its financially beneficial to us for you to book direct it means we can offer a free gift, later check out and more.
We offer everyone who books directly with us a free gift (soon changing to a memento to remind you of your stay at the Destination Edinburgh Apartments!)

 

 

 

You can book online direct or give us a call on 0131 556 3840 for the best price, service and a good chat!

 

See you soon!
The Destination Edinburgh Team

 

 

 

Making the most of the great outdoors in Edinburgh

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Did you know that Edinburgh has been named the greenest city in the UK?

 

If the weather is looking ‘braw’ it is a great excuse to enjoy Edinburgh’s many parks gardens and walks. A visit to Princes Street Gardens makes for a tranquil retreat from lively Princes Street, Edinburgh’s most popular shopping location. In the gardens you can soak up the sun and enjoy an ice cream while taking a stroll past some interesting monuments and floral displays. It’s also the perfect location to snap some pictures of Edinburgh Castle in all it’s ‘glory’.

 

@destinationedinburgh

 

Don’t forget to show us in your best outdoor snaps on Instagram

& Use our hashtag #destinationedinburgh

 

Edinburgh’s locals favor The Meadows as a great spot to go and enjoy the outdoors. Found just the south of the city, close by the National Museum of Scotland and The Elephant House, it’s a popular place to have a picnic or play some ball games. If cycling is what you are after you’ll be pleased to find dedicated cycle paths throughout the Meadows, offering you easy access to all corners of the city. The Meadows is also well suited to families with small children as it features a playpark where they can burn out all their energy.

Don’t mind a bit of a challenge? Arthur’s Seat is a popular spot for keen walkers all throughout the year. When you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with the best possible view of the city. There are five suggested routes in the park, suitable for a range of abilities. Check out some other self-guided walking routes for Arthurs Seat here.

 

If you really want to make the most of your Edinburgh Stay, why not wake up early to watch the sun rise over the city?

 

@destinationedinburgh

 

If you are looking for some scenic riverside views The Water of Leith offers a great variety. The Water of Leith is Edinburgh’s the main river which flows through the capital and eventually reaching the port of Leith. You can walk much of the way with the sound of water rushing beside you. Look out for the natural waterfalls and the various historic sites linked with this important Edinburgh river. We recommend you start your walk descending down the cobbled road of the sleepy Dean Village, the wide path showcases key remnants from the days the village housed a busy mill.

 

North Berwick is a beautiful seaside town which offers a delightful alternative to the city centre. You can catch a 20 minute train from Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station and hop off to be greeted by the sound of North Berwick’s various sea birds. The town is a much-loved escape for Edinburgh locals, boosting coastal scenery and classic fish and chips shops. There’s plenty to keep you entertained while you are there, with boat trips around the local islands and the Scottish Seabird Centre.

 

@destinationedinburgh

 

And as promised, here is our best kept local secret;

 

If you are looking for something really different (and affordable) why not try a self-guided outdoor scavenger hunt in the city? Edinburgh has several treasure trails which can be easily downloaded and printed off online and suitable for all ages. The recommended time to spend of a trail is 2 hours but you can take as long as you’d like. Following the clues around the city, who knows what you might find? Have a look at some trials available from our friends at Treasure Trail.

 

Don’t forget to stop for a pint to reward yourself! You’ve been busy making the most of the outdoors.

 

 

Happy Adventuring!

The Destination Edinburgh Apartments Team

Top 10 Tips for Your Stay in Edinburgh

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No one knows Edinburgh quite like the locals do, so take it from us, we’ve got the best tips for making the most of your stay in the capital.

 

Go high for the best views

Whilst the view of Edinburgh from the castle is great, a view with the castle in it is even better.  For the more energetic among you, a climb up Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park will undoubtedly give you spectacular views.  Alternatively a climb up Calton Hill will give you brilliant views of the castle along Princes Street.  If you’re not feeling quite so energetic then make your way to the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street and head to the rooftop garden where you can almost reach out and touch the castle!

 

Breathe in the fresh air in one of the many city centre parks and gardens

Edinburgh is the UK’s greenest city so make the most of the wonderful parks on offer.  Not to be missed are the Princes Street Gardens.  Sitting in the old moat of the castle, the gardens offer an escape from busy Princes Street as well as a spectacular view of the castle.  The gardens even feature their own bear!

@destinationedinburgh

Watch out for the One O’Clock Gun

Keep your wits about you if you’re anywhere near the castle at 1pm Monday to Saturday.  In a tradition spanning over 150 years, a canon is fired to mark 1pm, frightening many unsuspecting tourists.  Originally fired to alert docked ships in Leith and on the Firth of Forth of the time, it’s now just a lovely attraction to the castle.

 

Planning in advance is key

To make the most of your time in the city, our best advice is to plan ahead.  If checking off the top tourist attractions is your priority then buying a Royal Edinburgh ticket in advance is a must.  Included in the ticket is entry to the Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Bus Tours.  We can sort one out for you, just let our team know and we’ll have the tickets ready for you on arrival.

 

Be prepared for glorious sunshine, thunderous rain and then more sunshine …

Scotland is typically known for its weather, not exactly the warmest of places but it is known for surprising its residents with all seasons in one day.  So be prepared and follow our advice: bring your rain jacket or buy yourself a poncho!

 

Go off the beaten track

Some of the best places and sights in Edinburgh are further away from the hustle and bustle of Princes Street and the old town.  We’d recommend a walk along the Water of Leith, where you can take photos of Dean Village, then wander along to Stockbridge Market for lunch, or continue further down to Leith for a fantastic selection of award-winning restaurants including The Kitchin.

 

Get your bearings and map it out

Edinburgh is a very pedestrian friendly city but it can be easy to get lost.  Make yourself familiar with where your apartment is and the bus routes nearby so that you will always find your way home.  All out apartments have maps available for guests so make sure to take one with you when you go exploring.

 

Jump on a Lothian bus

Edinburgh has a fantastic bus network spanning the city so definitely make use of them when exploring the capital.  It’s just £1.70 for an adult flat fayre and £4 for a day ticket which gives you unlimited access all day.  Keep in mind that the buses don’t give change, and if you’re staying for longer it might be worthwhile downloading the app (the minimum top up for the app is £10).  Check out timetables and routes here

 

Do as the locals do and eat brunch

There is no shortage of delightful places to have brunch in the city, take advantage of Southpour, next door to our Southside apartments and receive 20% off when you show your apartment key or a Destination Edinburgh Apartments business card.

 

Stay with Destination Edinburgh Apartments

If you weren’t convinced already, then get booked in with us to explore Edinburgh, see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and stay in our sister apartments with Destination Edinburgh Apartments in either our Rodney Street, Southside or York Place apartments.  All are self-catering apartments, they give you the freedom to make your stay your own.  Our Rodney Street apartments come with a free parking space and the views from our York Place apartments are not to be missed.  AND if you book directly with us then you’ll receive a free gift!  We look forward to welcoming you soon.

 

September in Edinburgh

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Thinking of visiting Scotland and Edinburgh after August but worried you’ll have missed all of the fun?

We’ve put together a list of some of the great events we’re excited about in September to assure you that this great city is always worth the visit.

Open Air Cinema – Botanic Gardens- Films start at 20.15

2nd September– Star Wars: The Force Awakens

3rd September– Romeo and Juliet

4th September– Jurassic Park

Adults: £13.50, Child: £9.00

Click here to find out more

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(Above: as close to a photograph of a dinosaur as we had to hand)

Art Walk Porty– Portobello seafront.

2nd-4th September

A festival celebrating the artist community based in Portobello and the wider area, plus an opportunity to see Edinburgh’s seaside at it’s finest. Featuring art installations, markets and talks from artists.

Find out more

 

Caledonian Brewery Race Day– Musselburgh Race Course

10th September

7 races, including the Caledonian cup. Great food and a beer festival tent showcase the Cally Brewery’s finest.

A range of tickets are available but standard adult price is £25, with under 17s entrance free when accompanied.

 

Grassmarket Live

10th September

Hosted alongside the weekly market- musicians and bands will play a showcase to raise money for Oxfam in one of Edinburgh’s most popular streets. The market itself hosts some of the most well-loved local eateries all in one place. Our favourites are the Uganda and Nairobi-style street food from Knight’s Kitchen and the delicious treats from the Marshmallow Lady- but there’s whole selections of stalls to choose from!

 

 Romesh Ranganathan Live– Festival Theatre

13th-29th September Just because the Fringe is over doesn’t mean that Edinburgh stops getting it’s fair share of world class comedy!

 

Edinburgh Doors Open Days

24th-25th September

This event celebrates the magnificent architecture in Edinburgh by allowing access into some of it’s most impressive buildings- for free! The official brochure for 2016 has not been released yet- but last year’s programme included buildings such as the Royal Observatory, University campuses, The Burns Monument, The Lyceum, Leith’s Monument House and Trinity House, The Court house, Assembly rooms and so many more- there’s a link to last year’s brochure here to help you get an idea!

Last year’s Open Doors Brochures

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Year Round in Edinburgh

And of course all of the things that attract thousands of people to this city is still to hand in September. Why not buy a Royal Edinburgh Ticket- giving you unlimited tour bus use for 48 hours, entrance to the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House. Or a tour of the Whisky Experience.

The Glory Days/Destination Edinburgh office is contactable mon-fri and we are happy to provide you with availability for any of our lovely apartments, book a ticket to an attraction and even discuss the hire of our great motorhomes! Give the office a call on 0131 556 3840 for further information.

Certificate of Excellence

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We are delighted to announce the news that Destination Edinburgh Apartments has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor.

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This is the highest honour for any business which is on Trip Advisor. Signifying the high standard and quality of service provided for our customers.

If you are planning a visit to Edinburgh why not stay at our apartments, book direct for best price guaranteed and a free gift!

Arthouse planned for New St. James Quarter

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Located directly across the road from our York Place Apartments the New St. James Quarter renovations looks set to add another dimension to Edinburgh’s culture.

There are plans for an Arthouse within the complex (formerly St. James Centre). The venue will not only act as a cinema but will also be used for live theatre and music concerts. Designers insist that this will not challenge Vue cinema within the Omni centre but act as a hub for cultural events such as the Fringe and the Edinburgh Film Festival.

For more information on the renovation please click on this link

Brighten up those Dark Winter Nights in St. Andrew’s Square

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Running from 5th February – 28th March 2016, The KEYFRAMES located within St. Andrew Square will be sure to brighten up those dark winter nights. The Lighting show is on every evening from Sunset till approximately Midnight. It is comprised of numerous “stick men” which illuminate in tune with music. They can be seen dancing and even climbing trees – great for families. For more info on this event please see this article from Edinburgh Council.

If you are coming to Edinburgh over this period we strongly recommend you visit St. Andrews at night to experience this event at least once.

Destination Edinburgh Apartments welcome new Head Housekeeper

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We are delighted to welcome our new Head Housekeeper, Jackie Mason to our team. Having previously worked at The Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, she brings a wealth of knowledge that will help us maintain and improve our standards. This is an indication of our intent for this coming year as we look to push forward and continue improving our service.

The apartments continue to perform strongly on both Booking.com and Trip Advisor reviews. We encourage all customers to provide us with reviews as this allows us to assess whether or not we are meeting our quality standards.

Edinburgh Festival to mark 70th Birthday with Additional Funding

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A year after experts warned The Edinburgh Festival was slipping out of the “Festival Premier League”, organisers have received an extra half a million pounds of funding. This comes as great news to both big and small businesses throughout the city who often rely upon the festival as a major source of income.

The new head of The Edinburgh Festival, Julia Amour, is also looking to change the ethos of event. She is keen to incorporate funding from local businesses and create a volunteer programme which is similar to the one used at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

After scrutiny in recent times, things are definitely looking better for the Festival. Please click on the photo above to read more on the

Edinburgh to host Guardian and Observer Travel Awards 2016

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From the 3rd to 5th March, Edinburgh will host The Guardian and Observer Travel Awards 2016. For more information on the event with regards to itinerary, categories and activities throughout, click on the link above. The “activities” component in particular contains some brilliant ideas for things to do during your stay in Auld Reekie.

Remember if you are not sure of what attractions to visit, please do not hesitate to ask a member of our arrivals staff who will be more than happy to help. And if you are needing help finding accommodation for the duration of this event we have a number of apartments still available