My family and I just returned from a 2-week tour of the UK and Ireland and spent two nights at the Knight Residence in July. We couldn't have picked a more perfect hotel. After spending several hours in the car driving from Belfast with our three boys, we found the Knight Residence to be spacious, beautifully furnished, modern, and clean. The parking lot was completely secure and handy. The concierge on duty when we arrived, Christopher, went out of his way to show us around and made us feel right at home. The kids loved the three televisions (including the flat screen in the living room) and renting DVDs available near the front desk. Some other reviewers mentioned that the lap dancing bars nearby were a problem, but we didn't feel that way at all. On Saturday night after returning from dinner, we just made sure that we walked on the other side of the street with our two youngest kids (ages 10 and 6). No one bothered us. The location is actually perfect--just a 5 minute walk up the hill to the castle and the Royal Mile. I really recommend this hotel and will stay at it again next time we're in Edinburgh.

My husband and I just came back from our stay at the Knight Residence and we just can't say enough good things about. Yes, the location is in a shady part of the Edinburgh but we would get back to the hotel late at night and felt perfectly safe. We found lots of great pubs at Grassmarket square a few blocks away and the walk to the Royal Mile was not bad even though it is a steep walk up. But all of Edinburgh is on steep hills so be prepared to walk. Overall, the hotel was great, it was clean, cosy and the breakfast was great to have. It saved us a couple of bucks, since Edinburgh is quite expensive but that the UK for you.

In short, the review below was accurate. This place was comfortable, clean and quiet, agreat value for the money. Why? Because the neighborhood makes one uneasy. Maybe it was safe. I went at 8-9 pm and had no problem, but would pick someplace else next time

Our 2-BR, 1-BA apartment was roomy and comfortable, despite a decoration theme based on red, red and more red. We had quite a bit of noise from the insomniacs in the room above us walking about on the creaking floors and slamming doors until 5:30 a.m.
The Residence is only about 1/3 mile from the castle (the castle is a steep uhphill climb) in a mixed neighborhood which sadly features a seedy pub, sex shop and lap dancing establishment. As two mature women, we were not accosted by the groups of tough young men who hang out on the corner, but it was still daunting to have to pass them to get to and from the hotel. They, or some other party-goers, made a good deal of noise at night, hooting and hollering on the street. We also passed at least one prostitute on the corner. We took it all in stride, but it would be easier to stay someplace where we wouldn't have to face all that. In its favor, the concierges at the Residence were courteous and helpful, going along in the car with us to be sure we got into the car park, helping with the luggage, calling us a taxi, etc. We arrived past 6:00 p.m., tired and in need of food, and the concierge was only able to steer us in the direction of restaurants that might be open. You can order in from various restaurants, mostly offering Asian food, but it may take up to an hour for the delivery to arrive. We ended up walking a long way before we found an open restaurant, Espresso Mondo, but we liked it so much we returned both nights. It is a wine bar that features light food such as salads, soups, and wraps. They will package food to take back to the hotel, as well. The service is good and the food is delicious! It is about three blocks down from the hotel. Once again, the neighborhood is questionable. Our second night, as we were heading out to dinner, suddenly a gang of young men came running past us shouting and looking over their shoulders. One of the boys had a bloody nose, and they had clearly been in a fight. Their opponents were hot on their heels, and we had to get out of the way to avoid the whole thing. Getting back to the hotel, our room was clean and well outfitted with a big-screen TV and DVD player as well as a stereo. The kitchen included breakfast items (cereal, milk, juice, bread, butter, jam, tea). A washer-dryer combo unit is in the kitchen, but if you use it, beware! It took 110 minutes to dry a little bit of laundry, and our clothes came out a bit gray. All in all, the Knight Residence would be nice if it were in a better neighborhood and closer to shops and restaurants. We stayed at the Holyrood Aparthotel last year, which is much farther down the Royal Mile from the castle, but which is in a much better and quieter location with excellent shops and dining right around the corner. We would choose it over the Knight Residence.