Apartment

Overlooks historic Royal Mile , 166 High Street, Old Town. City Centre

Photo gallery for Overlooks historic Royal Mile , 166 High Street, Old Town. City Centre

Sittingroom window seats overlooking the Royal Mile
Dining kitchen
Adam fireplace in sittingroom
Double bedroom to rear
Twin bedroom to front with secondary glazing

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 473 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Edinburgh, SCT
  • Royal Mile
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Princes Street
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Edinburgh Castle
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Overlooks historic Royal Mile , 166 High Street, Old Town. City Centre

We are delighted to offer this luxury self-catering holiday apartment situated in the heart of Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, close to St Giles Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle.
It offers ideal holiday accommodation for a short break in the very heart of Edinburgh. The apartment is on the third floor, with large windows overlooking the pedestrian precinct area of the Royal Mile.
The sittingroom has comfortable, built-in window seats, where guests can sit and watch the ever changing bustle of the Royal Mile below. The sitting / dining / kitchen area is open-plan.
The comfortable sitting area has a digital television with Freeview, DVD player and a CD / radio with an iPod dock. The fully fitted and well equipped kitchen has a gas hob, electric oven, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, iron and microwave. There is a large dining table that can seat up to eight guests.
Wireless Internet broadband is provided for use with your own laptop, tablet or smart phone.
The sleeping accommodation comprises two bedrooms: one double to the rear of the apartment and one twin with secondary glazing to the front.
The bathroom has a shower over the bath.
The apartment is tastefully furnished with quality furniture that matches the attractive wood finish of the apartment.
Full bedding and towels are provided.
The property has full gas central heating.
The owners provide a complimentary welcome basket containing fruit juice, coffee, tea, sugar, milk and biscuits.

Property manager

Derek Gibb
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Parking available
Fireplace

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Edinburgh

Located in Edinburgh, this apartment is in the city centre. Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are notable landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Grassmarket and Princes Street. Travelling with kids? Make time for Edinburgh Zoo, or head to an event or a match at Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing, sailing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
Map
Edinburgh, SCT

What's nearby

  • Royal Mile - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • University of Edinburgh - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Grassmarket - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Princes Street - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Edinburgh Castle - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 4 min walk
  • St Andrew Square Tram Stop - 8 min walk
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Albanach - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Caffè Nero - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bella Italia - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Byron North Bridge - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Overlooks historic Royal Mile , 166 High Street, Old Town. City Centre pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Overlooks historic Royal Mile , 166 High Street, Old Town. City Centre?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Overlooks historic Royal Mile , 166 High Street, Old Town. City Centre?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Overlooks historic Royal Mile , 166 High Street, Old Town. City Centre located?

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, this family-friendly apartment building is steps away from Real Mary King's Close and Royal Mile. Edinburgh Castle and University of Edinburgh are also within 10 minutes. Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) and Edinburgh Waverley Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 202 out of 217 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 217 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 217 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 217 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 217 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Edinburgh Royal Mile

We always knew the location was unbeatable but the apartment was just beautiful with everything we needed. We absolutely loved our stay, it just wasn’t long enough
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janice E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

J E

We had a lovely 6 nights at Derek and Catherine’s apartment in a great spot in the Royal Mile in old town Edinburgh Luckily we did know that being a very old building that there were lots of stairs up to the third floor above the shops The apartment had heaps of character
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gillian B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic location

Everything we needed was provided
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachel O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Brilliant… location and apartment

Wonderful accommodation. Clean and tidy with everything you need and the location is A+. Hosts are also amazing… great communication. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Claire G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy little unit in central location

We had a great stay here. It is in such a great location, is very cozy but spacious and communication with Derek was consistent and easily accessible. He was very friendly and happy to accommodate for extra needs. My only negative is the shower/bath is not the best and is quite unsafe due to placement of plug and shower curtain. And the fact that it didn’t have an elevator so we had to lug 5 suitcases up stairs, so not for the faint hearted with big bags. Overall a fantastic stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing place

This apartment in the heart of Edinburgh has the charm of the past combined with all the modern appliances and comforts. Despite its prime location sound was not a problem. The owner was very responsive to any problems.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location - fabulous flat!

The flat was absolutely perfect. The location couldn't be better - overlooking the High Street. It was fantastic sitting in the window seat and people watch everyone going by. There was a ton of space in the flat. You do have to go up a two-flight spiral staircase so if you have any physical limitations this might be challenging.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

suzzan p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location

This apartment is in an amazing location. Walkable to everything! It was quite comfy and had all the amenities we needed. There were a few things to note however. 1. The floor throughout the apartment is very creaky and loud. 2. It is noisy from the street below. 3. It is up a windy staircase so difficult to get up/down with luggage or disabilities. If any of these three things do not bother you then it is the perfect place to stay! We found the positive outweighed the negative.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location, great apartment!

You cannot beat the location of this apartment. Right in the middle of the Royal Mile, we were within walking distance of all the top attractions. It's spacious and well kept. Would definitely stay here again if we come back to Edinburgh.As others have mentioned, there are a lot of stairs. Specifically, there is one decent set straight up to the first floor and then two smaller sets of narrow, spiral stairs to get to the apartment. If you have heavy luggage and no muscle, I would caution renting this apartment. I don't know that I would have gotten my bags up and down without my husband's help. Once our luggage was up, the stairs were manageable (yet tiring) for the two of us (36 yo) with our 18 mo old son, and my 67 yo mother-in-law. Included is a starter set of paper towels and toilet paper but be prepared to buy more if you're staying a few days.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

Location is key. This place is in the best location. Right in the Royal, it is centrally located to everything. We walked everywhere, everyday and it was all located within a 15 minute walk. You can't get a better location. The apartment is well maintained and clean. Communication was excellent. Just make sure you are able to carry luggage up the stairs. Wonderful stay overall!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bethan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely

Wonderful, unique, comfortable flat. So many personal touches that made us feel incredibly welcomed!! Really special hosts, can't recommend staying with them strongly enough!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location! Beautiful property!

This property can’t be beat for location and comfort. It was clean, comfortable and right in the middle of the Royal Mile. We were able to walk everywhere. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josh P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Front row seat on the Royal Mile!

This property was exactly what we were looking for. A clean, spacious, well appointed flat right in the thick of holiday time excitement on the Royal Mile. Yes, it was noisy, but that comes with the territory between Christmas and New Years on High Street (our stay was Dec 22-Jan 2). If you're looking for a quiet, secluded getaway, this is not the place for you. And as noted in previous reviews, the long circular stairway up to the flat would be challenging for anyone with mobility issues. We loved it, but we knew going in that it was not for the feint of heart, and we absolutely wanted the immersive Hogmanay-time experience. The property couldn't have been more convenient for accessing everything we wanted to see and do. Our only gripe in terms of unexpected noise was the hardwood floors, which are very creaky throughout the flat. If you're sensitive to such things, we suggest you look elsewhere.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super location and lovely accommodation

Place is just as pictured and described . You are right on the Royal mile with shops / cafes etc on your doorstep . 3 flights of spiral staircase to get to apartment - felt secure and safe . A bit of street noise in the twin room which faces the street .
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Rini M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jack K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing Edinburgh

Great communication, Amazing place central to Everything and Ill definitely be back to this place next year!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Erin L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Great location but worn down

The location couldn't be better! But the apartment is a bit old and worn down. The floors creak so badly, it's so loud. The thermostat works but the apartment isn't well sealed so it still gets really cold. Communication after check-in was non-existent. I tried replying to emails and messaging through the VRBO app and go no response while we were there. Gordon's Trattoria across the street is so good! The espresso martini is a must.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bryne Vince V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location to enjoy the Royal Mile

Property is in the perfect location to enjoy Old Edinburgh or just stay in. The space is clean, has a beautiful layout, great for waking up with the ciry or watching it go to sleep. My favourite part were the window seats and the layout. Storage was exceptional and our host provided us with all the information we needed to have a wonderful experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

The place was just as described. We loved being so centrally located.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely and spacious apartment

Beautiful accommodations! Derek was wonderful to work with.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay

Derek’s place was wonderful! The location is great as it’s near everything and has a beautiful city view from out the windows. We loved our stay and I will be recommending his place to family who also wish to visit Edinburgh.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Location to Visit Edinburgh

Wow! Location, location, location!! We loved Derek’s flat. It was a perfect location for us to visit Edinburgh and see all the sites for our first ever visit. Nice linens to make it comfortable and cozy. This rental provided all the amenities of home. Great for sitting at the window and people watching on the Royal Mile. In the middle of all the action. Extremely walkable. We only wish we had more time. We would highly recommend and definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ellen L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Top Notch Location

What a lovely property! Be prepared to haul your bags up some steps, but boy oh boy is the location, view and interior worth it. Parking and drop off was a little hard for us Edinburgh newbies but we figured it out.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Great place if you’re in town!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Josh E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent spot right on the Royal Mile

This was a great spot to stay for our two nights in Edinburgh. Convenient location and nicely furnished and decorated.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

About the host

Hosted by Derek Gibb

Host profile image
Pillowstops is run my husband and wife team Catherine and Derek Gibb.

"As a family we have used self catering properties around the world for our own holidays and know how important it is to make sure that when you arrive you are not disappointed with your choice of holiday accommodation. The two main areas of disappointment that we have found are location and standard!

The apartments that we offer are situated in Edinburgh's no 1 historic tourist street being the Royal Mile and Grassmarket area. Our apartments are maintained and cleaned to a very high standard exactly as we would want to find ourselves when going on holiday.

We look forward to welcoming you to Edinburgh.

Why they chose this property

Brilliant location on Edinburgh`s number one tourist street. So much to see and do all on your door step. Main attractions all within walking distance and in fact you could walk to the seaside in about 60 minutes if reasonably fit otherwise take a bus in 30 minutes. Main train station Waverley is a 5 minute walk and the Bus station is a 10 minute walk. There many flats described as being on the Royal Mile which are not, this one is !

What makes this property unique

Location, Location, Location !

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests