Edinburgh Castle at Night

Tours are given daily at this grand castle which symbolizes the independence of Scotland. Begun around 1000 A.D. and towering high above the city, the castle is forever fascinating. One never tires of visiting this majestic structure, which houses the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Bedrooms, where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI, along with the scepter and the sword of the State of Scotland. The only fragment left of the original castle is St. Margaret's Chapel, built in the Norman style, a 12th century oblong building. There are ice cream shops, outdoor cafes and, of course, a large gift shop inside the castle walls.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh:

Edinburgh and the whole of Scotland is tremendously busy during August and September. You MUST book your accommodations early if you want to stay in the city or the surrounding countryside. Hotels and B& B's of every type abound. Edinburgh and Lothians Tourist Board can help you with reservations from the fanciest hotels to the simplest B& B's and guest houses. ELTB, 3 Princess Street, Edinburgh, Eh22QP. Tel. +44 (0) 131-475-3800

Three Hotels:

The Balmoral ( A Rocco Forte New Hotel Group): 1 Princess Street EH2 2EQ Scotland Tel: 0131055602414 Fax: 1031 5573747 Reservations: 0131-556-1111

Balmoral Hotel

The stately and most prestigious five-star Balmoral, combining the noble character of a Scottish baronial home with the classic sophistication of an international hotel, is conveniently located next to the central railway station and 20 minutes by car from Edinburgh Airport. After a long history, the hotel was closed from 1988 to 1991 for a complete multi-million pound refurbishment, which restored it to its former glory. There are 165 bedrooms, many of which offer superb views of Edinburgh. In-room: 2-line phones, dataport, interactive TV, fax machine, voice messaging, mini-bar. Conference & Banqueting: 10 spectacular function suites and ballrooms offering some of the most dramatic views in Scotland. A fully-staffed business center, offering state-of -the- art equipment and facilities. Health Spa and fitness center with pool, gym, steam, sauna and a wide variety of beauty and therapy treatments.

Restaurants in The Balmoral: Number One, an award-winning restaurant serves a formal luncheon and dinner. Hadrian's Restaurant & Bar open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner; chic, cosmopolitan dining at reasonable prices. Palm Court with magnificent glass dome is open for all-day dining and afternoon tea in Edwardian refinement. Lobby bar for a relaxed atmosphere in the Scottish hunting tradition NB's Pub for a pint of ale hearty local fair and live music with Scotland's top performers.

We stayed in the Carlton Highland Hotel, on North Bridge, convenient to everything.

Carlton Highland Hotel:
A Scottish Highland Hotel North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1SD
Tel: 0131-472-3000
Reservations & Sales Fax: 0131-556-2691
Guest Fax: 10310472-3097

Located in Edinburgh city center, eight miles from Edinburgh Airport and 500 yards from Waverly train station (London-Edinburgh 4 hours 10 minutes),the Carlton is only minutes from Princess Street, Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse Palace. It is the perfect place to stay if you are attending the Edinburgh Festival. This four star, 5 Crown highly commended hotel, which was once a department store, reflects a warm atmosphere and the perfect balance of traditional style and modern facilities.One hundred and ninety-seven Bedrooms and Suites decorated in tartan plaid boast private bathrooms, bathtubs and showers, telephone, hairdryer, trouser press, minibar, satellite color TV, and in-room tea and coffee facilities.

Restaurants at the Carlton: Three different styles of dining provides variety: Quills is refined and expensive. Eureka! is a colorful and spacious dining room, which serves a breakfast buffet in both Scottish and American-style, as well as lunch and dinner with good selections. EspressoXPress, a modern, relaxed coffee shop, serving freshly-baked croissants, muffins, light snacks and sandwiches, is open until late at night. There are extensive Banquet Facilities.

Don't miss the very comfortable and hospitable second-floor lounge, which is open from early morning until late at night, where coffee, drinks, high tea, and snacks and desserts are served. A piano player entertains in the evening providing a warm and popular meeting place for the people of the city, as well as a haven for weary tourists.

Prestonfield House: Priestfield Road, Edinburgh EH116 5UT Tel: 0131-668-3346 Fax: 01310668-3976 E-mail: Prestonfield_House@compuserve.com
	The Proud Peacocks of Prestonfield House Hotel

Proud Peacocks strut around this historic mansion, built in 1687; set on 13 acres of gardens and park land and surrounded by a golf course, it is only minutes from Princess Street. This charming estate has 31 bedrooms, and also contains a separate building known as the early 19th century Round Stables--one of only two such buildings in the country. Opened as a hotel in 1959, Prestonfield boasts the oval-shaped Old Dining Room, an elegant and superb 5 star a la carte restaurant, open 7 days a week for lunch and supper. The central circular court of the Round Stables caters to special groups and can provide any arrangements for wedding or meetings.

Restaurants Scene in General: Edinburgh is loaded with pubs, cafes and restaurants, outdoor and indoor. Fresh fish and lamb are the most popular choices, but chicken, hamburger and French fries, as well as pizza can easily be found. A native dish, "Haggis," consisting of sheep's offal, minced and seasoned, mixed with oatmeal then boiled in a bag made from the animal's stomach, is an acquired taste. You must stop and have a pint of ale and Shepherd's Pie at Deacon Brodie's Tavern, a famed stop on the Royal Mile.

Transportation Tips
Edinburgh has excellent road, rail and air connections. If you are planning to visit the Festival, it is strongly suggested that you do not bring your car, as parking and getting around the city can be difficult---or even impossible. Most Festival venues are located within the city center area and are easily reached on foot, by bus or by taxis---which are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.

Shopping: There is a woolen or cashmere shop on every corner of Edinburgh, sporting the latest Clan Tartan, Kilt, scarf, shawl or sweater. The prices are high, but somewhat less expensive for good quality than the U.S.Try things on and keep your receipts. If you're a scotch drinker or know a friend who is, Scotland is where it is brewed - you can sample to your heart's content and take home a bottle or two.

Jenner's Department Store
48 Princess Street, is a full-service store, which along with fine clothes for men and women, home furnishings and cosmetics, boasts a podiatrist!

Tips: If you are considering this interesting journey, you must plan ahead, because everything fills up quickly--months ahead. Bring your hiking shoes. Visitors are dressed in woolens and wind breakers to protect against the cool fall-like weather. Edinburgh is built on volcanic rock. The streets, a series of hills and mountains, present a challenge at every corner. Most importantly, it is a family destination. People are friendly and helpful. The Edinburgh International Conference Center is located in the center of the city.