Accommodation in Edinburgh during the Festival can be a nightmare. Hotels book up months before despite the hiked up room charges, and even hostels are immune to the influx of travellers looking for a cheap, easy stay. This is why, increasingly, tourists are choosing to stay in self-serviced apartments in Edinburgh for the duration of their visit.

There are numerous advantages to staying in apartments over hostels and hotels. Although they may be more expensive than a hostel, apartments in Edinburgh work out much cheaper than hotels, especially if you’re staying for more than a couple of nights. Arrangements vary from company to company, but most apartment rentals operate on a minimum three night’s stay, with prices becoming more competitive and favourable the longer you want to stay.

Apartments are also more flexible than hotels – and certainly hostels – in meeting with your demands. From disabilities to the number of people in your party, apartment rentals have a greater variety of accommodation to offer than a hotel and are willing to be more accommodating of your needs because they don’t have to worry about other guests or standard hotel protocol. Staying in an apartment also means you are not confined by hotel rules that dictate when meals will be served or bar opening hours, enabling you to choose the time of your meals and jaunts.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city, full of charm and quirks. Staying in an apartment in Edinburgh is a joy because of the unique character they contain. Whilst they all differ in size and location, each apartment is a beauty in its own right and reflects the wide variety of styles Edinburgh has seen emerge throughout its history; from the gothic spires and towers of Old Town to the neo-classical Georgian New Town.

Staying in an apartment also affords you more privacy and value. True you do not have someone to make your bed every day, but you are at leisure to do as you please and treat the apartment as your home. Apartments are often more spacious and more comfortable than hotels, and most come with a fully equipped kitchen, living room and Wi-Fi. Staying in an apartment in Edinburgh is a truly unique experience that will leave you with a sense of having truly lived like a local.