Arrandale Guest House

We managed to book this little gem by pure chance. As usual, we left our New Year arrangements until late and in October I contacted a guest house, enquiring about New Year availability for 2 people over Hogmanay.
I had a lovely email back apologising for being fully booked but the proprietor had forwarded my details to other guest houses that may be able to help.....Over 150 emails later (!) some of which apologising for being booked up, others with vacancies for a minimum amount of nights and/or extortionate in price, I had an email from the Arrandale with a vacancy. The price was extremely reasonable but she apologised that the only room left had a double and a single bed - would we mind an additional bed being in the room!!!!!
We maintained good email contact and paid in full before arriving.
When we arrived, the son of the proprietor let us in and showed us to our room. "Och no - I denny kin about filling out the registration form - I canny be bothered with all that, just get settled into your room" he said when I enquired about any paperwork we needed to sign. Great!
The building itself was quite nondescript from the outside but we were immediately impressed with the homely feel, immaculate furniture and beautiful high ceilings.
Our room impressed us more - the furniture was solid pine, not the usual MDF you would expect in a B & B, the ceilings were high with ornate coving. The ensuite bathroom was tiny - only enough room for a shower toilet and basin - but who cared? We weren't there to sit in the bathroom, and it was clean and very warm.
The one complaint I had about the room was that it was on the ground floor and next to the kitchen - I suffer from insomnia, and when I do sleep, it is very light, so I was woken very early by cluttering in the kitchen and chatter. That's my personal complaint - and it's not their fault I'm a bad sleeper. My partner was not disturbed at all from his slumber.
The only real downside to Arrandale was the breakfast. We were told to fill out a form each day before 9pm with our choice of food (maximum of 6 items for hot and 3 items for beverages etc). Great idea I thought - so that the service will be swift and food cooked to order. Wrong! Despite the fact that the Guesthouse was small, it took ages for our food to come - 45 minutes one day. We also noticed that every day (we were there for 4 nights) they would apologise to at least one table that certain items weren't available. We both noticed too that certain items that were ordered never turned up without explanation or an offer for something else.
Still, the food was cooked well and the staff always very polite, and after all, it was over the New Year period so may have had problems re-stocking.
The other point about the Arrandale (that I personally preferred but some would complain) is that they left you to your own devices. Unlike many other places where you feel obliged to be out during the day so that they can replace bedding, clean etc, they don't! They just knocked and asked if we needed anything doing or changing, and left it at that.
The location was excellent too - on the main road leading into the City Centre, and a mile from Princes Street. Buses ran past every few minutes and there were printouts available at the guesthouse giving detailed bus information etc.
In fact, we were overwhelmed with the amount of helpful information that was available to us at the guesthouse.
All in all, we were made to feel very comfortable and welcome, and a clean, warm and homely place to stay enhanced our enjoyment of this beautiful city over such a fantastic time.
I would highly recommend Edinburgh as a perfect place to see out the old year and in with the new.
Hogmanay festivities ran over 4 days, starting with a magical torchlight procession through the city. Torches could be bought and monies went to charity. Thousands turned up and there was a sea of fire, winding through the streets and up to the final destination, Carlton Hill.
The procession ended at a massive wicker bull which had been built for the occasion and was set on fire. As the bull burned and his head lolled, a magnificent firework display lit the night sky.
Each year, Hogmanay is themed, this year was Catalonian, hence the bull. The following night saw a fantastic street party and festival, with Catalonian dancers and performers, and a stall selling steaming hot traditional paella - perfect for the cold temperature!
New Year's Eve doesn't need to be reported about - it is world famous and highly renowned. All I will report is how fantastic the organisation was. The police presence was minimal and very friendly, there were plenty of stewards to assist where needed and portaloos were in abundance!
New Year's Day night we went for a meal to the exclusive Witchery Restaurant at the Castle Gates.
The staff was so attentive it was embarrassing (for someone who is not used to opulent surroundings!). The food was incredible and the menu was not vast but the variety was fabulous. Each mouthful was sumptuous, and we left feeling pleasantly full - not still peckish but not stuffed.
The waiters/waitresses were very well informed and extremely personable, and the surroundings were lavish yet romantic.
Another eatery that I would highly recommend is Frankenstein. The building and decor is very gothic and characteristic of how you would imagine Frankenstein's lab. Whist we were there, Frankenstein himself appeared from above the bar in a cage, and looked around. As we were dining in the balcony, overlooking the bar, we had a fantastic view. The food was reasonably priced and tasty, though the draft lager was quite pricey. Pitchers of cocktails were available for those that dared!
All in all, Edinburgh is a magical place, steeped in history and full of fantastic people.