This is truly the most exceptional Bed & Breakfast establishment my wife and I have ever stayed at.
From the moment we arrived and were greeted by Robin and Nici to the time we left three days later we were made to feel completely comfortable and at home, without being fussed and fawned over as can be the case in luxury hotels, which this B&B could teach a lesson or two.

The room was large and very clean with every facility you could reasonably imagine or forget from home, even down to a room fridge, small decanter of sherry and spare battries for the TV remote.

The breakfasts are excellent and everything is freshly prepared by Nici. Each morning comprised of at least four courses and if you were really greedy, more. Not only this but the cooked course comprised three standard choices (All Great) and a special each day.

The walk into Edinburgh is short at a strolling 15-20 minutes, but the one warning, which Robin very accurately told us beforehand is Edinburgh is not a parking city. Whilst the only parking attendant we saw was bright and cheerful I am sure from the tickets we saw they are happy to spoil your stay if you give them the chance. Robin does have a small area of parking around the block, which is free to use when you stay, but I personally would have been happy to pay a little extra for the sheer convenience.

If you want to go to Edinburgh, you must try and stay here and we will return. We have already recommended it to all our family.

OK, maybe it is actually perfect. After seven weeks in the UK and Ireland, my wife and I voted separately on our favorite places to stay and Elmview was first on both of our lists. There were others with elegant rooms as at Elmview, others with perfect locations as with Elmview, and others with friendly hosts and delightful breakfasts, but maybe not quite like Elmview.

While a relative newcomer to the business (3 years) after a military career, Robin is the consumate hospitality professional and host. He is detail oriented and makes sure you know how Elmview and Edinburgh operate right down to the methods of the parking cops and what bus drivers are telling you when you don't understand them. He is also the conductor of the breakfast experience which is truly unique. He guides you through the menu options with wonderfully expressive descriptions while at the same time nudging you into conversations with the other guests.

And the breakfasts--far and away the best we had on our travels which is the only reason to keep Nici locked away in the kitchen. In our brief meeting with her she proved to be even more charming than Robin and lovely as well.

We prowled Old and New Edinburgh by day and in the evening returned to "our neighborhood" where we found terrific little restaurants and pubs within a block or two. If you are driving, the downside in all of Edinburgh is parking where enforcement has been contracted to a private company intent on maximizing profits. Robin will direct you to his dodgy looking parking yard in the next block which is actually about a mile by car but he even makes that whole experience an entertaining adventure.

If you are panning a trip to Edinburgh stay at Elmview. If you are not planning a trip to Edinburgh, Elmview is reason enough to go.

This is a wonderful B&B, the best we've ever stayed at. Great location, very charming, wonderful hosts. Robin was more than happy to help with anything we needed... local directions, renting a car, etc. Our room had every amenity to make it feel just about like hoome, including fresh milk in the refrigerator for tea and coffee. Nicki whipped up a scrumptious, multi-course breakfast every morning. If we ever make it back to Edinburgh, we wouldn't even consider staying anywhere else.

This is quite simply the best B&B I have ever stayed in, it is certainly on a par with all but the very best of hotels. Rooms include Sherry, DVD player, lots of unnecessary toiletries and just about anything you could possibly need. My only complaint would be that the wonderful breakfasts were served so early - only until 8.45. For those of us who would like to sleep late on holidays this means sleep walking to breakfast. The upside is that the early starts help you to get the most out of your trip and there really is a lot to see and do Edinburgh.