Edinburgh city is located on the Southern shore of the Firth of Forth with an historic central area, the unique feature of the mini-mountain of Arthur's seat in the middle and then some of the more disasterous post-war house estates in the suburbs. Although the centre of Edinburgh is only a mile and a half from the shore-line, it is the dramatic atmosphere of the Castle that dominates the city rather than the influence of the sea although the suburb of Leith is recommended for its bohemian mix of independent restaurants and pleasant dock-side areas.
Private small hotels can (though not as a rule!) be the best and most exclusive accommodation to be found anywhere in Britain and are often to be found in converted country houses in the most beautiful gardens or on mini-estates. They can usually be booked on a full-board or Bed and Breakfast basis but expect tariffs to be at the more expensive end of the market. Learn more about accommodation types