The Gifford

–Great location - show map
+116 photos
Scored 8
Rated very good

Free Wifi

8.8

"Nestled just over a mile from Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street, The Gifford offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. With direct bus routes right outside the door, reaching the historic Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, or Waverley Station couldn’t be easier. This charming Victorian townhouse combines traditional character with spacious, modern comfort. Every room is thoughtfully designed to ensure a restful stay, guests can enjoy plush bedding, free Wi-Fi, and immaculate bathrooms. To the rear of the property, many rooms boast breathtaking views of Salisbury Crags and the iconic Arthur’s Seat. We operate as a self-service hotel with fully digital check-in, giving you the freedom to arrive at your convenience and enjoy a seamless stay from start to finish. Recognized with a 4-Star Gold Award from VisitScotland, The Gifford stands out for its attention to detail, cleanliness, and guest satisfaction. Free limited on-street parking is available, a rare perk in central Edinburgh and Holyrood Park, local golf courses, and independent cafés are all just a short stroll away. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway, a solo city break, or a cultural adventure, The Gifford is your ideal Edinburgh base: elegant, welcoming, and perfectly located." The Gifford is a self-service guest house with no staff on site. All guests must check in independently using our electronic self check-in kiosk and place a £100 safety authorization deposit which will be returned 24 hours after check out. Check-in is available from 15:00 onwards, Gifford staff are contactable between 7am to 9pm UK time via whatsapp.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.0 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Most popular amenities

  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Heating
  • Garden

Property highlights

  • Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (8.2)

  • Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

  • FREE parking!

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Availability

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Select occupancy
Room Type
Number of guests
 
1 twin bed
and
1 king bed
1 king bed
2 twin beds
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1 full bed
2 twin beds
1 full bed
1 sofa bed
1 king bed
1 king bed
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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

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See what guests loved the most:

Ryan
United States United States
“Newly renovated and well done. Quiet location with easy access to city center.”
Joseph
United States United States
“Great neighborhood as well as easy to find. Public transportation very close by, although we did use it, but we were able to find free parking on the street.”
Zuzheng
United States United States
“The receptionist is a very nice young man who speaks very good English and who is willing to help any issue I have during my stay. The room is spacious compare to most of the hotel rooms in UK and Europe. The bath room is very clean. They do not...”
Heli
Finland Finland
“Well-run self service mini hotel - checkin was quick and easy with touchscreen and keycard printer (that was a first for me!) Free parking on nearby side-streets. Location was very convenient to downtown, as many buses run right by the house (you...”
Gwendolyn
United States United States
“It was very easy to check in, and my friends and I felt very safe. The room was by far the nicest we’ve had on our UK trip, and we loved the little tea cakes on our pillows! The views were fantastic and it was a short bus ride from everything.”
Tara
United States United States
“We only spent one night but would have loved to have stayed longer. Even though you never meet the staff as everything is self check in, they were always immediately responsive. It is in a nice quiet neighborhood that is really lovely to walk...”
Jason
United States United States
“Beautiful building, large room, comfortable beds (if you like firmer mattresses)”
Laurie
Canada Canada
“The property is lovely, an historic row house. The interior is suitable for the age of the house. It was super easy to access upon arrival. I loved that we always had hot water for showers etc.”
Mary
United States United States
“Everything you would possibly need was provided. Beautiful room.”
Aragon
United States United States
“The Gifford house was amazing! A very cute, big older house turned into a guest house! Very clean and well-maintained! The rooms are beautiful and the beds are comfortable. Bathroom is small but has everything you need! Tea and kettle is provided...”

Managed by The Gifford

Company review score: 7.8Based on 320 reviews from 1 property
1 managed property

Company info

Gifford House has been a family affair since 1989. The Dow family have been welcoming guests here for over three decades, and we’re always ready to help you feel right at home, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth. We’re delighted that Gifford House now offers a seamless self-serve experience, so you can enjoy your stay on your own schedule.

Property info

Hello and welcome to Gifford House – your friendly, family-run guesthouse tucked just a mile and a bit south of Princes Street. If you fancy exploring Edinburgh’s heart, you’re in luck – we’re right on a main bus route into the city centre, and if you’re arriving by car, you’ll find free on-street parking waiting for you. Awarded a 4-Star Gold Award by VisitScotland, Gifford House is a self-serve guesthouse, giving you the freedom to come and go as you please, with minimal contact and maximum privacy. Even though we’re handily on the A7, our delightful guesthouse is in a really peaceful spot - if you’re staying in a room at the back, you’ll wake up to views of the Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat – a rather lovely backdrop to your morning coffee. All our bedrooms are bright, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped with free Wi-Fi and modern, compact bathrooms. Housekeeping is provided every two nights, with a final clean on the day you check out. If you’re keen to stretch your legs or work on your swing, several excellent golf courses are nearby, and Holyrood Park is just a gentle stroll away.

Neighborhood info

Gifford House sits in the leafy Newington area, about a mile and a quarter south of the historic Royal Mile. Whether you’re after a good meal or a good walk, you’ll find both close by. Arthur’s Seat is just up the road if you fancy stretching your legs and taking in the views. Top-floor rooms at the back look out over Arthur’s Seat, while the front ones offer lovely glimpses towards the Pentland Hills. A wander through Holyrood Park feels like you’ve escaped to the countryside – even though the city is right behind you. It’s a beautiful walk that will take you past Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament and Dynamic Earth.

Language Spoken

English

Area info

Amenities of The Gifford

Great facilities! Review score, 8

Most popular amenities

  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Heating
  • Garden

House rules

The Gifford takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Refundable damage deposit
A damage deposit of £100 is required on arrival. That's about $135. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full by credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children over 8 are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Cards accepted at this property
American ExpressVisaMastercardDiners ClubMaestro Cash is not accepted
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
Parties
Parties/events are not allowed

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note that this property does not feature a reception desk.

This property offers self-check-in only.

Please note that check-in is available from 15:00 onwards.

Guests arriving after 21:00 are advised to contact the property before their stay to arrange their key collection.

All requests for late check-in must be made before arrival.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform The Gifford of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

A damage deposit of £100 is required on arrival. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 7 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full by credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.

This property indicated that it doesn't require a short-term rental license or registration

FAQs about The Gifford