Day 31 of The Quirky Tour and Jess and Dom enjoyed a stay at The Camillia Boatel in the City of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Find out more about their visit:
First Impression:
What a treat to stay in the city of Edinburgh in such a unique way!
We could watch a heron or even spot an otter from the boat, throw a fishing line or relax in the evening sun on the outside deck and yet be minutes from the old city and castle, with restaurants and bars around the corner.
So many people, even locals, don’t know that the canal is there in the middle of the city.
Great to meet owner Natalie, whom we have worked with since 2014, with these gorgeous boatels.
The Accommodation:
There are two comfortable boatels here alongside each other. Camillia where we stayed and also The Four Sisters - both of which sleep 6+2 guests.
Camillia has a full kitchen and you can dine as you look out over the canal and watch the world go by. Alternatively you can relax in front of the TV or listen to music in the lounge.
There are 3 cabins (1 with adult length bunks and two doubles - the master with doors to seating on the front deck), plus the sofa can be used as a sofabed if required.
There is a surprisingly large and swish shower room.
The Four Sisters is similar but with a different layout with a living area and long galley style kitchen. There are also 2 doubles here, but the bunk space only sleeps children.
No parties please and there are some pumps you need to remember to use in the bathroom to take care of the vessel.
Note that this area is being rejuvenated which can only be positive for future guests.
Food and Drink:
This is a self catering break but around the corner you can find a Tesco Express, Loudons and Hula. Rapid Rolls had a huge queue for grabbing a bite so they must be doing something right.
Of course as you get into the city centre the options are endless! I liked the look of Treacle on the Royal Mile for dinner.
We had drinks at Johnny Walkers with friends who gave us a wonderful tour of the old streets and from here we got a great angle on the night lit castle.
The owners leaves some milk, tea and coffee for guests to help you settle in.
Jess' top tip:
We did go inside the castle for a look around and saw the Scottish Crown Jewels. Most of the museums and displays are military related but it was interesting and lovely views across the city.
We entered the city via Queensferry where we grabbed a lunch with a view over the water to an island with castle, 3 dramatic bridges and the city beyond.
The Real Mary King’s Close is an attraction on the Royal Mile that has been awarded for being The Best Heritage Experience. This is an involved storytelling from the dark past while you explore underground alleyways beneath the old town.
There are tourist and whisky shops, an artisan market and all number of historic buildings too - plenty to distract you as you walk around.
Jess' review of Camillia and Four Sisters Boatels - 7th February 2023
Learn more about Camillia and Four Sisters Boatels and book a fabulous central stay in buzzing Edinburgh.
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