"Of course, this review cannot be conventional: how could you even think about comparing a narrow boat with a standard hotel room?"
Daniel from Switzerland
read full review
"A fun experience to stay on a boat."
Vicki from United States
read full review
"We loved the unique experience and we were lucky to have one non-rainy evening where we could have some wine above deck."
Kaija from United States
read full review
"A good experience and a good location to explore the Edinburgh attractions."
Craig from Germany
read full review
"The kids enjoyed the novelty of staying on a boat."
Elizabeth from France
read full review
4-Star Houseboat on Edinburgh City Centre Canal
Accommodation
Edinburgh - Houseboats offers a 4-star boat in Edinburgh city centre. Each boat includes a kitchenette, balcony, private bathroom, washing machine, streaming services, and a dining area. The sun terrace, garden, picnic area, BBQ facilities, and outdoor furniture are open to guests.
Location & Activities
The property sits a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh International Conference Centre, 1.1 km from Edinburgh Castle, and 2 km from Edinburgh Waverley station. Cycling, fishing, sailing, and boating are available from the property. The property offers a golf course and a tour or class about local culture.
Dining & Convenience
Breakfast in the room is available, with fruits, wine/champagne, and packed lunches. Grocery deliveries are available, and a minimarket operates on site. BBQ facilities and a picnic area allow outdoor cooking.
Family & Pets
Family rooms accommodate groups, and board games plus kids' outdoor play equipment are supplied. Pets are allowed, with a pet basket and pet bowls available. Non-smoking throughout and a designated smoking area are provided.
Services & Security
Express check-in/check-out, private check-in/check-out, and luggage storage simplify arrival and departure. A shuttle service and ATM/cash machine on site add convenience, with parking available. Security includes 24-hour security, CCTV outside property, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, key access, and a safety deposit box.
Highlights
Accommodation: 4-star houseboat in Edinburgh city centre
Activities: Cycling, fishing, sailing, and boating
Location: 5-minute walk to Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Family: Board games and kids' outdoor play equipment
Pets: Pet basket and pet bowls
Dining: Breakfast in the room and grocery deliveries
Security: 24-hour security and safety deposit box
“Stepping aboard offers an immediate sense of escape, a delightful departure from the usual, amplified by thoughtful touches like a breakfast hamper and heated blankets that make the chilly Edinburgh air feel distant. This canal boat lodging provides a remarkably spacious and comfortable haven, astonishingly close to the city's pulse and main attractions. The convenience and inherent charm of staying right on the water, coupled with the owner's attentiveness, create an experience that feels both excitingly novel and deeply grounding.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Uklothian
Select your room type
Edinburgh - Houseboats offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Houseboat
2 persons
20 m²
1 Double bed
Balcony
Heating
room details
Three-Bedroom House
2 persons
25 m²
1 Double bed
Balcony
Heating
room details
Apartment Terrace
2 persons
20 m²
1 Double bed
Balcony
Heating
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
Edinburgh - Houseboats offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
ATM/Cash machine
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at GBP 22 per day.
Services
Paid shuttle service
Pet amenities available
Tours/Ticket assistance
Grocery shopping service
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink
Dining
In-room breakfast
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Packed lunches
Children
Cots
Board games
Children's play area
Spa & Leisure
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Washing machine
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Bedroom
Electric blankets
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Parquet floor
Show more
Edinburgh - Houseboats Location
Lochrin Basin, Union Canal, Edinburgh, EH3 9NY,
Map view
City landmarks
Museum
Edinburgh Castle
840 m
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
1.45 km
Landmark
Royal Mile
1.33 km
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
1.66 km
Landmark
The Real Mary King's Close
1.54 km
Landmark
Arthur's Seat hike
2.88 km
Park
Princes Street Gardens
1.22 km
Museum
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
1.28 km
Palace
Palace of Holyroodhouse
2.45 km
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
1.49 km
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One
1.64 km
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
1.69 km
Monument
Scott Monument
1.83 km
Museum
The Writers' Museum
1.4 km
Landmark
Calton Hill
2.08 km
Museum
Gladstone's Land
1.34 km
Museum
The Museum of the Royal Scots and the Royal Regiment of Scotland
830 m
Landmark
Surgeons' Hall Museums
1.75 km
Square
Grassmarket
1 km
Landmark
The Scotch Whisky Experience
1.19 km
Stadium
BT Murrayfield Stadium
2.05 km
Landmark
Nelson Monument
2.05 km
Landmark
Princes Street
1.8 km
Landmark
Brass Rubbing Centre
1.67 km
Museum
Georgian House
1.3 km
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
1.4 km
Landmark
Armstrong's Vintage
1.07 km
Farm
Gorgie City Farm
1.56 km
Landmark
The Meadows
1.31 km
Nearby
Event hall
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
490 m
Restaurants
Loudons Fountainbridge
130 m
94B Fountainbridge
Badabing Live Music Bar & Steakhouse
50 m
2 Fountainbridge
Akva
100 m
129 Fountainbridge Fountainbridge
Burger
160 m
94A Fountainbridge
Loudons
160 m
94B Fountainbridge
Topkapi Kebab House
200 m
107 - 109 Fountainbridge Street
Fieldwork
210 m
105 Fountainbridge
Toro Latino Cafe & Grill
290 m
81 Fountainbridge
Hanks Sandwich Bar
280 m
162 Fountainbridge
Explore Edinburgh
Edinburgh Activities and Attractions
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Edinburgh Castle
11 minutes' walk
Historic fortress dominating the skyline, housing the Honours of Scotland. Offers guided tours with stunning city views.
National Museum of Scotland
18 minutes' walk
Diverse exhibits showcase Scottish history and culture. Free admission with engaging displays and seasonal events.
Royal Mile
17 minutes' walk
Historic street lined with shops, restaurants, and landmarks. A vibrant area ideal for experiencing Scotland's heritage.
Scottish National Gallery
20 minutes' walk
Home to an impressive collection of art from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Free admission and various exhibits.
Arthur's Seat hike
30 minutes' walk
Challenging hike offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh. Accessible via trails and best enjoyed during clear weather.
Yoga at YogaGarden
15 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga classes in a tranquil setting. Offers sessions for all levels and is a perfect respite from city bustle.
Loudons Fountainbridge
2 minutes' walk
Inviting cafe providing local specialties and brunch dishes. Popular for its fresh ingredients and cozy atmosphere.
Badabing Live Music Bar & Steakhouse
1 minute' walk
Steakhouse with a vibrant live music scene. Enjoy hearty steaks accompanied by a variety of music and events.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
16 minutes' walk
Interactive experience with optical illusions and stunning views of the city. Great for families and playful adults alike.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
15 minutes' walk
Offers tours and tastings of Scotland's finest whiskies. Educational and enjoyable for whisky enthusiasts and new drinkers.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh 20 min · 1.6 km
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 18 min · 11.8 km
Glasgow (GLA) 131 min · 86.8 km
Train
Haymarket Train Station 11 min · 900 m
Bus
Bus stop 4 min · 300 m
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exclusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-18:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at GBP 22 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 10.0 per person.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Former name
the four sisters boatel - houseboat
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Edinburgh - Houseboats from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.5/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.6/10
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Central location
Comfortable beds
Quirky accommodation
Cons
Toilet system
Security concerns
Cleanliness issues
Guest reviews
based on 200 reviews
8.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
