As this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival slowly approaches, it’s probably a good time to start looking at some affordable accommodation in the city.  There is enough choice of hotels in Edinburgh to ensure that you certainly don’t need to spend a fortune, helping you free up money to enjoy the festival. We have provided our choice of the top five cheap places to stay in the city during the Fringe Festival.

Travelodge Edinburgh Central

Travelodge Edinburgh Central

As with all Travelodge’s across the UK, the name of the game is simple and affordable. The Travelodge situated on Rose Street puts you in the heart of Edinburgh’s lively city centre, a perfect location during the Fringe Festival. Located just off Princes Street, Edinburgh’s equivalent of London’s Oxford Street, you are only a stones throw away from the beautiful Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. Rose Street Travelodge is also just a five minute walk from Waverley Train Station and bus stop, the main port of arrival into and out of the city. The Travelodge sits on a pedestrian street lined with bars and good restaurants, ensuring you will never be away from the action. Rooms will be basic but provide you with enough necessities to feel at home while rates per room start from around £35 per night although prices will be higher at weekends.

Edinburgh First

Edinburgh First at the University of Edinburgh

Situated just across from the National Library of Scotland and within touching distance of the beautiful Edinburgh University, Edinburgh First is just over a mile away from the heart of the city. Set amidst picturesque grounds, Edinburgh First is a modern option in the cities Newington district. Rooms are basic but provide the essential tea and coffee makers plus complimentary bathroom toiletries. Guests have a choice of using the coffee shop/café and the restaurant which houses a comfortable bar and lounge area. Conference rooms and banqueting facilities can all be made available and guests are served a complimentary breakfast each morning. Room rates start from £30 per night.

Halcyon Hotel Guest House

Located on Calton Hill, this beautiful old Georgian property is just a ten minute walk from Princes Street and the historic Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre. This grand building is blessed with typical Georgian features, with a quaint living area and medium to large sized rooms. There are a total of fourteen rooms within the Halcyon, twelve of which are en-suite. High speed wireless internet access runs throughout the building and guests are also served a complimentary breakfast each morning. The Halcyon Hotel Guest House is run by a committed and friendly couple who share a passion for good service and rooms start from just £35 per night.

Cairn Hotel

Cairn Hotel

The affordable two star Cairn Hotel sits alongside Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace Gardens and is only a ten minute walk from Waverley Train Station. Set in the heart of the cities lively theatre district, visitors to the Cairn Hotel can enjoy a comfortable and spacious lounge area in a modern setting while the typically Georgian architecture gives the building a sophisticated and luxurious quality. A small bar and large restaurant allows guests to relax with some good food and a quick dram before heading out for the night. All fifty two en-suite rooms are fully equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, television and complimentary bathroom amenities. Conference and banqueting facilities are accessible upon request and private parking is also available. Rooms start from £39 per night.

Chalmers Street Apartments

Set back a little from the main city centre, Chalmers Street Apartments puts guest in the quieter region of Meadows Park. Within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum and the National Galleries of Scotland, Chalmers Street Apartments are situated in an ideal location for soaking up some culture. Guests are provided with well equipped rooms with a kitchenette complete with microwave and refrigerator plus en-suite private bathrooms. All rooms are fitted with televisions and telephones and guests have access to a communal kitchen and lounge area although there are a variety of excellent restaurants nearby. Rooms start from as little as £50 per night with a laundry service and high speed internet access also available.