Purple Reign

Opulent yet cosy, the interior of this snug flat is reminiscent of a Scottish medieval castle – and it's more than fitting, considering the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle you'll have out the windows. From the exposed brick walls to the gothic grandeur of the antique four-poster bed, every nook and cranny here exudes charm and character. Complete with heaps of purple-thistle tartan and comfortable furnishings to snuggle up on (light the fire to make it extra cosy), this apartment has a distinctly Scottish feel that history buffs and tourists will love – and the location could not be better. This apartment is in the heart of Old Town, right on Grassmarket Square – one of the most popular streets in the city, home to charming pubs, lively bars and cosy cafes. Step out the front door and you'll see the castle looming overhead (it's just a five-minute walk to Castlehill), while sights like the National Museum of Scotland and Princes Street Gardens are less than ten minutes on foot.

Home truths:
*There are three flights of stairs up to the home and no lift.
*The Wi-Fi speed can be slow in some parts of the home – it only measured 8mbps during our test.
*Given the home's central spot, expect to hear some noise throughout your stay.
*Your host provides an initial supply of toiletries, but you might want to bring your own to top this up.
*You won't find a welcome hamper or basic essentials here, so we'd recommend packing some bits and bobs to get you started.