I have just returned from my fourth successive year visiting the Edinburgh Festival and my second year staying at Kew House. I had intended using these few lines to add my accolades for the wonderful attention paid to me by Ian and Alan on my visit and to say how much I enjoyed the accommodation, personal attention and spotlessly clean guest house they run. I can see from the comments made by “disappointed” that perhaps I should take a moment to explain to them that the whole point of staying at bed and breakfasts or guesthouses in the U.K. is to enjoy the differences they all have.

If I had wanted a Jacuzzi or a large tub, I would have shelled out more money and stayed at one of the many anonymous chain hotels the city has to offer. Personally, I like a clean, smoke-free environment, a comfortable bed, and even the chance to check my e-mails each day. Above all, though I like to be treated by someone who really seems to care that I am having a good time and enjoying myself.

I had another look at the Kew web-site after reading the anonymous guest’s comments (---) and found there was at least one picture showing bathroom facilities. The representation of this lovely B&B is accurate and fair. Speaking as someone who has paid a great deal more during the Festival, for a great deal less, I will be back to Kew House in 2006.

As for “disappointed,” I suggest you stick to the chain hotels if the lack of large bathroom is all you got from your stay at Kew House. I have no worries about giving my contact details.

Unlike most of the other reviewers I found Kew House to be disappointing. For the £115p/n we paid, We found the room to be clean but small with a bathroom the size of a cupboard. Maybe the other rooms are bigger, and I would definitely recommend checking before booking. For me, next time I go to fabulous Edinburgh I will be staying somewhere else.

Ian and Alan <really> are phenomenal inkeepers. The house is very well-maintained (ask Ian to tell stories!), the rooms are inviting, and the hospitality is non-stop.

Don't let the location just out of the downtown core put you off. Access from the airport (via the Airport bus) and Haymarket train station is easy - a few flat, easy blocks -- and the bus stop to catch the short hop into the downtown core is just steps away. Hint: use Lothian buses, and get an all-day pass. Or, take the Leith Walk back from New Town if you want to trya lovely, relaxing, refreshing alternative.

While the hotel is on an arterial, it is amazingly quiet. Plenty of hot water in the shower. Very comfortable mattresses.

They served the best breakfast our entire trip (we went to the Highlands) - tattie scones and sausages and coffee can't be beat.

Do try the First Coast restaurant; I can't praise Alan enough for this advice.

These folks share a real slice of Scottish city life, and it greatly enhanced our stay.

Oh yeah, final hint to Yanks struggling with Euro-toilets: give the handle a good, brisk shove. Worked brilliantly. Or have Ian share his amusing tutorial with you!

This is my first posted TripAdvisor review; I wanted to let all the readers know that this website is really helpful. I used these reviews extensively in making decisions about our trip to Scotland, and wasn't one bit disappointed.

Our first time to Edinburgh. Got into the Kew House a bit by chance as our original choice was booked up. We're very happy to have been recommended to the Kew House. I can't echo enough all the rave reviews already posted about this place. Clean, modern, comfortable, friendly...all and more apply! Ian and Alan were perfect hosts, offering friendly & helpful advice, and entertaining us with a perfect wit & humour! A quick weekend was not enough of lovely Edinburgh, and we'll be going back to Kew House!