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Guest house · Edinburgh · Edinburgh

The Residence - No 8

A adults-only residence on the first floor of a Merchant Street building, a short walk from Edinburgh's Old Town bustle and the Festival Theatre.

  • Central Old Town location near the Festival Theatre
  • Rooms with private bathrooms and tea/coffee facilities
  • Adults-only and no-smoking property
7.3 Very good 944 reviews Booking.com 7.3 · 944 reviews

About

The Residence - No 8

The Residence - No 8 occupies the first floor of a building at 8 Merchant Street, in Edinburgh's Old Town. The area is known for its centuries-old buildings and narrow alleys, and the hotel sits within a short walk of the Edinburgh Festival Theatre (0.6 km away). It's a compact, adults-only property with a casual, no-frills feel.

The accommodation is straightforward: small double, standard double, and triple rooms, all with double beds or sleeping arrangements for three. Guests consistently highlight the separate private bathrooms, the in-room tea and coffee facilities, and the property's warmth. The atmosphere is quiet, with key access, security, and a smoke-free policy throughout.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Adults only

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Central Old Town setting — Guests are within easy walking distance of Edinburgh's main attractions, the Grassmarket, and the Festival Theatre (0.6 km away). The property is described as being in the heart of the city.
  • Private bathrooms in every room — Each room type comes with a separate private bathroom, a feature guests repeatedly call out as a highlight.
  • In-room tea and coffee facilities — Rooms come with an electric kettle and tea/coffee amenities, which guests appreciate as a welcoming touch.
  • Friendly and helpful staff — Staff are regularly praised for being courteous, helpful, and great communicators.

Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Mixed guest rating — With an overall rating of 7.3 and the 'General' category at 7.1, the property scores below the area average of 9, suggesting inconsistent experiences.
  • Compact and adults-only — The property has a small scale, with limited room types and no on-site restaurant or common kitchen. The adults-only policy may not suit families or those seeking a full-service hotel.
  • No on-site parking or pets — There is no parking listed, and pets are not allowed. Guests arriving by car may need to find public parking in the Old Town.
  • First-floor location with key access — The residence is on the 1st floor with key access only, which may involve stairs and limited security beyond the key lock.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Small Double Room

  • 1 Double bed

Private Bathroom Triple Room

  • Sleeping arrangements for 3 persons
  • Private bathroom

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Adults only
  • Security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access
  • Heating

In-room

  • Wi-Fi
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Electric kettle
  • Ironing facilities
  • Free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Carpeted floor

Services

  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Leisure/ TV room

Recreation

  • Golf course

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

7.3
Very good 944 reviews

Guest-rated 7.3/10 from 944 reviews

Booking.com · 7.3 · 944 reviews
7.3Verified guest

“My double room was snug and came with its own private bathroom.”

7.3Verified guest

“A really pleasant stay overall. The location was superb, right in the heart of the city and only a short 5-minute walk to the centre. For tea or coffee, try Florentine nearby. There were plenty of goodies for breakfast.”

7.3Verified guest

“The hotel was centrally positioned near the main sights. I particularly enjoyed having coffee and an iron in the room.”

7.3Verified guest

“Great location, low price, and plenty of attractions within easy reach.”

7.3Verified guest

“The location of Residence No 8 was perfect – right in the centre and close to everything. The room was nicely decorated, and the tea and coffee provided was a thoughtful touch.”

7.3Verified guest

“I was given a lovely, cosy room that had a separate private bathroom with a nice bathtub!”

04 — Location

Getting around Edinburgh

The property sits in Edinburgh.

Old Town: The hotel sits in Edinburgh's Old Town, an area of centuries-old buildings, narrow alleys, and a lively atmosphere. The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is just 0.6 km away, and the Grassmarket is a short walk.

Getting Around: The city centre is roughly a 5-minute walk from the property, making it easy to explore on foot. No parking is available on site, so plan for public transport or paid parking.

8 Merchant Street 1St Floor, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 2QD, United Kingdom

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 15:00-23:59
Check-out
By 06:00-10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 15:00 to 23:59, and check-out is from 06:00 to 10:00.

Are pets allowed at The Residence - No 8?

No, pets are not allowed at the property.

Does the hotel offer parking?

The property does not list any parking facilities, so you may need to find public parking in the area.

Are there private bathrooms in every room?

Yes, each room type – small double, standard double, and triple – comes with a private bathroom, as confirmed by the room details and reviews.

Is there tea and coffee in the rooms?

Yes, each room includes tea and coffee facilities with an electric kettle, according to the amenities list and guest reviews.

Is this hotel suitable for families with children?

No, the property is adults-only, so it is not suitable for families with children.

The bottom line

The Residence - No 8 is a practical, no-frills base for exploring Edinburgh's Old Town, with comfortable rooms that include private bathrooms and tea/coffee making. It's best for couples and solo travellers who prioritise location and value over on-site facilities.

7.3A central stay for those who want to be in the thick of Edinburgh.

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