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Observatory House
8.5
Very good
- 4 Guests
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- 678 ft²
- Entire apartment
- No pets allowed
- WiFi
✔ Edinburgh’s unique hilltop retreat, Observatory House is a large self-catering property extending over two floors w/garden
✔ 2 bedrooms
✔ 2 bathrooms
✔ Well-equipped kitchen
✔ East-facing garden with outdoor seating
✔ 15-minute walk to National Museum
✔ Next to National Gallery
✔ Waverley station is just a few minutes away on foot
✔ An extensive area guide is provided, and we are available 24/7
✔ Essentials, linens, towels, and WiFi are provided
The Space:
⭐ 2 bedrooms
— The Astronomer’s Suite is the master bedroom of Observatory House, with a super king-sized four-poster bed and connected bathroom.
— The Observer’s Room is a spacious second bedroom with two twin beds made as one super-king-size bed.
⭐ 2 bathrooms
⭐ A comfy living room with a flat-screen/smart TV
⭐ A fully equipped kitchen & dining area suitable for up to 8 guests
⭐ A desk space
⭐ East-facing garden with outdoor seating
⭐ Family friendly
Guest Access:
● Guests will have access to the entire house.
● There are 2 flights of stairs within the property.
● The House is located on the summit of Calton Hill (105m above sea level). Drop-off by car or taxi is permitted via the Calton Hill access road; however, due to its unique location, there is no resident parking on the Hill for House guests.
Check-in Information:
A member of our team will welcome you to the property, give you a tour, and advise you on how to gain keyless access to the property.
Interaction with Guests:
JOIVY will be in touch to assist you with many extra services, such as airport transfers, in-stay cleans, and childcare equipment.
If you have any questions before or during your stay, we’re here for you 24/7. This home is managed by JOIVY.
We’re proud to host our guests in a wide selection of top-quality properties across Europe.
JOIVY is pleased to offer hotel-standard hospitality services and provide hotel-quality linens, towels, bathroom essentials, and professional cleaning services. The Neighborhood: Attractions within walking distance of the House include the National Gallery, City Art Centre, National Museum, Castle, Collective Gallery and many more.
We’d also love to share our knowledge of the less-hyped Edinburgh too, from the vibrant contemporary art galleries such as Talbot Rice Gallery and Dovecot to alternative ways to understand the city, like Black History walking tours and smaller, independent museums.
Local Restaurants Just a short walk from the front door, guests will find our acclaimed restaurant partner, Cafe Calton. Getting Around: ● There is no free parking available at this property.
Getting to Observatory House The House can be reached in a number of ways, but please bear in mind that its unique location on the summit of the Hill does present some access challenges.
On foot Steps lead up the Hill from Waterloo Place and Royal Terrace.
You will see Observatory House above you on the left as you reach the top of the steps.
The entrance gate (signed Collective) is to the right, at the top of a final flight of steps.
By bus Regular buses stop on Waterloo Place and Royal Terrace – visit Lothian Buses or download their app to plan your journey.
By train Waverley station is a ten-minute walk away on foot.
Please note there are steep steps on this route (we highly recommend getting a taxi if you have luggage) – visit National Rail Enquiries to plan your journey.
By car Due to its unique location, there is no parking available directly outside the House; however, luggage drop-off by car and food van deliveries are permitted via the Calton Hill access road.
This road terminates approximately 100m from the House.
The nearest Pay & Display car parking is on Regent Road or the Q-Park Omni.
By taxi Taxi drop-off and pick-up are encouraged via the Calton Hill access road, which terminates approximately 100m from the House. Other Things to Note: JOIVY wants you to have a fantastic stay, and we encourage you to see this property as a home away from home.
There are, however, a few points we politely ask guests to note before their arrival and throughout their stay: – Strictly no smoking, no parties, no pets. – Dispose of rubbish appropriately. – Keep the property clean and tidy. – Whilst washing up and stripping the beds at check-out would be appreciated, it is by no means expected. – Quiet hours are between 10 PM and 9 AM. So please keep the noise down and respect the neighbours in the building. – Please remember to close all windows and doors when leaving. – Careful attention to the keys is extremely important.
Guests are responsible for any additional costs resulting from misplaced keys or locksmith call-outs. – To ensure the safety of our current and future guests, we ask all guests to complete our online check-in form and to provide a valid form of identification. ∗Please note that а refundable damage deposit of £250 is mandatory and should be paid via card and before check-in. We inspect the property after you check out; if there is no damage, we refund the deposit within 2 days via bank transfer.
If you have any questions before or during your stay, we’re here for you 24/7. This home is managed by JOIVY.
We’re proud to host our guests in a wide selection of top-quality properties across Europe.
JOIVY is pleased to offer hotel-standard hospitality services and provide hotel-quality linens, towels, bathroom essentials, and professional cleaning services. The Neighborhood: Attractions within walking distance of the House include the National Gallery, City Art Centre, National Museum, Castle, Collective Gallery and many more.
We’d also love to share our knowledge of the less-hyped Edinburgh too, from the vibrant contemporary art galleries such as Talbot Rice Gallery and Dovecot to alternative ways to understand the city, like Black History walking tours and smaller, independent museums.
Local Restaurants Just a short walk from the front door, guests will find our acclaimed restaurant partner, Cafe Calton. Getting Around: ● There is no free parking available at this property.
Getting to Observatory House The House can be reached in a number of ways, but please bear in mind that its unique location on the summit of the Hill does present some access challenges.
On foot Steps lead up the Hill from Waterloo Place and Royal Terrace.
You will see Observatory House above you on the left as you reach the top of the steps.
The entrance gate (signed Collective) is to the right, at the top of a final flight of steps.
By bus Regular buses stop on Waterloo Place and Royal Terrace – visit Lothian Buses or download their app to plan your journey.
By train Waverley station is a ten-minute walk away on foot.
Please note there are steep steps on this route (we highly recommend getting a taxi if you have luggage) – visit National Rail Enquiries to plan your journey.
By car Due to its unique location, there is no parking available directly outside the House; however, luggage drop-off by car and food van deliveries are permitted via the Calton Hill access road.
This road terminates approximately 100m from the House.
The nearest Pay & Display car parking is on Regent Road or the Q-Park Omni.
By taxi Taxi drop-off and pick-up are encouraged via the Calton Hill access road, which terminates approximately 100m from the House. Other Things to Note: JOIVY wants you to have a fantastic stay, and we encourage you to see this property as a home away from home.
There are, however, a few points we politely ask guests to note before their arrival and throughout their stay: – Strictly no smoking, no parties, no pets. – Dispose of rubbish appropriately. – Keep the property clean and tidy. – Whilst washing up and stripping the beds at check-out would be appreciated, it is by no means expected. – Quiet hours are between 10 PM and 9 AM. So please keep the noise down and respect the neighbours in the building. – Please remember to close all windows and doors when leaving. – Careful attention to the keys is extremely important.
Guests are responsible for any additional costs resulting from misplaced keys or locksmith call-outs. – To ensure the safety of our current and future guests, we ask all guests to complete our online check-in form and to provide a valid form of identification. ∗Please note that а refundable damage deposit of £250 is mandatory and should be paid via card and before check-in. We inspect the property after you check out; if there is no damage, we refund the deposit within 2 days via bank transfer.
What this place offers you
WiFi
TV
Dishwasher
Washing machine
Fridge
Microwave
Heating
Bedlinen
Sleeping arrangements
Bedroom 1
1 Kingsize bed
Bedroom 2
1 Kingsize bed
Where you'll stay
Explore map
House rules
- Check-in: From 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Check-out: Until 11:00 AM
- Pets not allowed
- Parties not allowed
Guest reviews
8.5
Very good
Exceptional
10.0
From verified guest, Dec 2024
The most extraordinary place to stay in Edinburgh by a long shot. The location could not be more perfect, the house more welcoming and the beds more comfortable. Waking up with these incredible views that change through the day until the drama of sunset and the city coming to life makes it very diff...
Exceptional
10.0
Howard S., Aug 2025
Everything was great
Exceptional
10.0
Eden R., Sep 2024
Stayed three nights. Most interesting VRBO location - right on the grounds of an arts collective at the site of historic monumental grounds. Saw sunrises and sunsets - 360 degree views of the city. Walking distance to everything -from Waverly Station, Hollyrood Palace, Royal Mile, to the Castle.
Joivy
Our verified partner Joivy will manage your reservation.
10.0 / 10 Average rating
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