Email AmarAgua Guest House enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay in and around Edinburgh
AmarAgua
Guest house has been recently featured on the Channel4 TV programme called
" FOUR IN A BED ". Tony & Dawn-Ann would like to congratulate
the winners of the programme, Graham & Cherry from "The Grange"
AmarAgua Guest House in Edinburgh, is a comfortable Victorian residence,
situated in a quiet residential area, built in the 1880's but recently
upgraded retaining many original features.
AmarAgua Guest House Accommodation
Our bedrooms are tastefully decorated with beautiful en-suite or private facilities and some nice little touches. Stylish without being fussy, AmarAgua has everything you need for a comfortable and relaxed stay, along with 21st century technology, free WiFi and satellite TV in all the bedrooms.
Our bedrooms - Standard Double , Four Poster , Triple (two roms) or a Budget Double are decorated every 2-3 years when we try to use a themed decor to give that freshness and individualism so our guests can relax and enjoy their stay specially after a long and tiring day walking around Edinburgh.
At AmarAgua Guest House, we are aiming to give you an experience completely unlike any other Bed and breakfast in Edinburgh where the interior mixes an Oriental flavour with a fronted Victorian townhouse and where we endeavor to make our guests stay a comfortable and enjoyable experience with our attention to organized detail.
Our aim is to provide you with the high standards, one would associate with a good quality hotel in Edinburgh, whilst retaining the more informal atmosphere of a private home and all at an affordable rate to suit any budget.
Our THREE Four Poster Rooms are tastefully decorated with beautiful KING SIZE beds , en-suite bathrooms and some nice little touches.
Our aim is to provide you with the high standards, one would associate
with a good quality hotel in Edinburgh, whilst retaining the more informal
atmosphere of a private home.
As we are a “GREEN” Guest House, we do not have baths but
the bathrooms are all equipped with Electric Showers for instant hot water
at any time.
For your comfort and relaxation you will find in this room:
· Toiletries
· Dressing Gowns
· Soft Towels
· Coffee/Tea facilities
· Hair Dryer
· Iron facilities
· Alarm Clock
· Tourist Information
· TV with Digital Channels
· Blackout Blinds
· Real Wood Double Glazing
· Bed size - 5' x 6'6"
· Central Heating
· En-suite Bathroom ( in the room)
· High Speed Internet Access ( complementary)
Standard Double en-suite:
Our aim is to provide you with the high standards, one would associate
with a good quality hotel in Edinburgh, whilst retaining the more informal
atmosphere of a private home.
Our bedrooms are tastefully decorated with beautiful en-suite or private
facilities and some nice little touches. This room is located on the 1st
floor of the house.
For your comfort and relaxation you will find in this room:
· Toiletries
· Dressing Gowns
· Soft Towels
· Coffee/Tea facilities
· Hair Dryer
· Iron facilities
· Alarm Clock
· Tourist Information
· TV with Digital Channels
· Blackout Blinds
· Real Wood Double Glazing
· Bed size - 4'8" x 6'2"
· Central Heating
· En-suite Bathroom ( in the room)
· High Speed Internet Access ( complementary)
Breakfast:
The breakfast at AmarAgua is freshly cooked and offers a huge variety
suiting any type of diet. Vegetarian options available. We always try
to use locally produced ingredients bringing that extra taste and freshness
to the start of your day.
We would like to invite you to enjoy our warm hospitality and to start
your day in the best possible way.
You may start from the “buffet” where you will find a variety
of fresh fruit juices, cereals, yogurts as well as freshly cut fruit.
Then follow on with our "a la carte" breakfast freshly cooked
to order which offers a varied choice to suit all diets, served in a relaxed
atmosphere.
Our Breakfast is served between 08:00 and 09:00 in the Breakfast Room
on the ground floor.
For the early departures, a continental “Take Away” breakfast
can be arranged.
Please Note:
Breakfast is included in your rate, however if you wish to invite a guest
to accompany you, (subject to availability) a small charge will apply.
It is the perfect location for those who want to relax away from the noise of the capital but at the same time stay not too far from the city centre.
The guesthouse is highly recommended in Rick Steves’ American travel book , Frommers' and Fodor's travel books as well as on Tripadvisor, where you will find Reviews from our guests.
The bed and breakfast also received a SILVER AWARD from Green Tourism Business Scheme for taking steps to make the guesthouse more environmentally friendly and lowering our impact on the planet.
Simple things such as using eco cleaning products, buying fair trade
produce, using energy saving light bulbs, reduced waste, and more energy
efficient heating also lowering our water consumption as well as this
we recycle as much as we can, paper, plastic, glass, etc.
AmarAgua Guest House is conveniently located close to
a main bus route just over a mile from the main tourist attractions, such
as Edinburgh Castle and the famous Royal Mile.
Near the Guest House you also find other recreational facilities include
a golf course, tennis courts and an Olympic size swimming pool.
What to see in Edinburgh - You will be able to find
a huge variety of entertainment and things to do, from museums to golf
or for just a City Break not to forget the amazing Fringe Festival during
the month of August and for those who want to do something special, you
can always get married or renew your wedding vows in this spectacular
city.
While sightseeing Edinburgh you will encounter the majestic Arthur Seat,
a natural park situated in the middle of the city where you can climb
to the top which takes about 40 minutes from the b and b to enjoy the
360 degrees view of the capital of Scotland.
Although the b&b does not have a private car park, the area has unrestricted
street parking. However you will not require a car during your stay in
Edinburgh as there is a very good public transport system throughout the
city and for £3.20 per day you can enjoy as many bus rides as you
wish.
Golf in Edinburgh
“GOWF”
The game of golf is at least 600 years old. Most people believe the old
word 'gowf' was the most common term, pronounced 'gouf'. There is plenty
of evidence that golf was played at St. Andrews in Scotland before the
founding of the University there in 1411, and there is sufficient indications
to make a safe assumption that it was being played there in one form or
another for a century before that.
The first formal golf club, the Company of Gentlemen Golfers (now the
Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers) was established in Edinburgh,
in 1744 at Leith Links. They oversaw the introduction of the first set
of rules!
Whilst visiting Edinburgh, why not take advantage and play in the "Real"
home of golf. You don't even have to bring your own " favourite"
clubs with you as you can hire Callaway clubs from 15 pounds a round and
"Whack away " with green fees from as little as 7 pounds.
Let us recommend you a few courses:
Golf in Edinburgh:
Public courses :
These easy to reach golf courses are owned by the City of Edinburgh. They
include Braid Hills, Craigentinny, Carrick Knowe, Portobello and Silverknowes.
Green Fees from 9.5 pounds.
Kings Acre - The par 70, 18-hole course makes fantastic use of the natural
contours of the land; strategically places water hazards and over 50 bunkers.
The naturally sandy based soil ensures excellent playability all year
round. A hidden gem, located only six miles from the city centre and 15
minutes by car from AmarAgua. Green Fees from 24 pounds.
Golf near Edinburgh:
St Andrews - Many links to choose from just over an hour away in Fife,
the Home of golf, where the game evolved and where the spirit and traditions
of golf have been safeguarded for over six centuries. Green Fees from
7 pounds.
Craigielaw Golf Club - Inspired by the great links courses of Britain,
particularly those on land which are less dominated by dunes, Craigielaw
is equal to many of the finest examples of such courses which are conveniently
located nearby in the East Lothian area 20 miles from Edinburgh. Green
Fees from 48 pounds.
North Berwick Golf Course - Traditional, duney course starting in the
town centre and stretching west along the shores of the Firth of Forth
on the East coast.. You will be as impressed with stunning views over
sandy beaches, rocky islands and the hills of Fife to the north, as you
will with a course which features the best of traditional golf design.
Green Fees from 60 pounds.
What to see Visiting Edinburgh:
Crown Jewels
Deacon Brodie
Dynamic Earth
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Fringe Office
EICC
Edinburgh Zoo
Forth Rail Bridge
Gladstone’s Land
Greyfriar’s Bobby
Holyrood Palace
John Knox House
Lincoln Memorial
Mary King's Close
Museum of Scotland
National Gallery & The Royal Scottish Academy
National Monument (Calton Hill)
National Portrait Gallery
Rosslyn Chapel
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh
Royal Museum of Scotland
Royal Yacht Britannia / Ocean Terminal
St. Giles Cathedral
Scott Monument
Surgeons' Hall, Museum of Surgery
Tolbooth at Canongate / People’s Story Museum
William Wallace & Robert The Bruce
Crown Jewels:
The Scottish crown jewels are also known as "The Honors of Scotland".
They consist of a crown, sword and sceptre. On the Union of the Crowns
in 1603, the Scottish crown jewels were left in Scotland when King James
VI of Scotland inherited the English throne. By the Treaty of Union in
1707, which united the Scottish and English parliaments in London, the
Scottish regalia were to stay in Scotland. They are now displayed in Edinburgh
castle. Also on display with the jewels is the Stone of Destiny, which
was returned to Scotland from Westminster Abbey in 1996.
Deacon Brodie:
William Brodie an 18th century Edinburgh "character” was a
pillar of the community by day and drinking and gambling by night which
was leading to his bankruptcy. So he turned to burglary and by taking
wax impressions of the keys to houses in which he was working legitimately
as a wood-worker, he was able to perpetrate some spectacular thefts. He
was eventually uncovered and sentenced to hang. Rumours saying that he
had cheated (or bribed) the hangman and was said to have been seen later
living in Paris.
The double life of Deacon Brodie as the respectable tradesman and daring
thief is said to have been the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's
story of "Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde".
Dynamic Earth:
The futuristic Dynamic Earth building nestles below the Salisbury Crags
and Arthur's Seat - and across the road from the new Scottish Parliament
Building on Holyrood Road and a short walking distance from the guest
house, it is the latest attraction to appear in Edinburgh with a "time
machine" that whisks you from the time of the "Big Bang"
and the formation of the universe, through 4,500 years of planet earth.
You will be shaken by earthquakes, chill in the ice ages and see tropical
rainstorms; travel to the depths of the oceans and fly high above towering
glaciers and mountains. You will see, hear, feel and smell the planet
as it was millions of years ago and how it might be in the future with
a myriad of interactive exhibits and the very latest interpretative technology
and special effects.
Edinburgh Castle:
Perched high on a volcanic rock with precipitous sides, 15 minutes from
the guest house, The Edinburgh Castle has been a stronghold for thousands
of years and was the capital of the Votadini, the early inhabitants of
the area. It is because of the defensive value of the rock and the succeeding
castles built on that, Edinburgh became important and eventually the capital
of Scotland.
The area around Edinburgh was not captured by King Malcolm II of Scotland
until 1018 but it was used as a royal residence by King Malcolm III (Malcolm
Canmore) later in the 11th century. It was captured more than once by
the English during the Wars of Independence.
Edinburgh Fringe Office:
Whilst still remaining true to its founding principle of open-access for
all performers, the Fringe has come a long way since its organisational
beginnings in a disused pub with a leaky roof just off the Royal Mile.
Edinburgh International Conference Centre:
This modern building is part of a major redevelopment to the west of the
castle. The architect may have been alluding to the fortified round towers
from Scotland's past - or to the rounded form of the Usher Hall which
is not far away.
The EICC provides ultra-modern facilities for conferences of various sizes,
near the heart of Edinburgh. Around 200,000 delegates use the facility
each year and it is estimated that the EICC has generated over £60
million in revenues for the city since it opened in 1995.
Edinburgh Zoo:
45 minutes by bus from the guesthouse, The zoo is particularly noted for
its large collection of penguins and when they parade, outside of their
pens, in front of the visitors at feeding time the cameras click furiously
to capture the moment. The penguin enclosure is the largest in the world
and a suspension bridge gives visitors a great view of the pool . But
is not only penguins!
Forth Rail Bridge:
The bridge stretches 1.5 miles across the River Forth estuary from Fife
to Lothian, nine miles west of Edinburgh. At its highest point it is 361
feet above the water and 55,000 tons of steel, 640,000 cubic feet of Aberdeen
granite, 8 million rivets and 145 acres of paint went into its construction.
It was built between December 1882 and January 1890. The number of people
employed on construction reached 4,600 at one point.
Gladstone’s Land:
"Gled” is the Scots word for a hawk, which explains the (modern)
hanging sign outside the building which has the date 1617 surmounted by
a gilt-copper hawk with outstretched wings. Located on the Royal Mile,
down from Edinburgh Castle, Gladstone's Land was a typical 16/17th century
dwelling. In those days, rich and poor would live in cramped rooms in
the same high buildings. In the case of Gladstone's Land, it was bought
and extended by Thomas Gledstanes in 1617 (though it had been in existence
before that date) and rose to six storeys.
Greyfriar’s Bobby:
The story of Bobby, the Skye terrier which refused to leave his master's
grave in historic Greyfriar's churchyard, came to prominence in the 1890s
when Eleanor Atkinson, an American, wrote a book about the dog which became
a first reading book for a generation of many Americans. The life-size
sculpture of Bobby was erected on a drinking fountain at Greyfriar's churchyard.
Holyrood Palace:
According to legend, King David II founded an Augustinian monastery where
he had a vision of a stag with a cross between its antlers. This was about
a mile to the east of Edinburgh Castle (and the road linking the two buildings
is still called the Royal Mile).
The monastery may have taken its name from a fragment said to have come
from the true cross, brought to Scotland by the king's mother, Queen (later
Saint) Margaret.
Many of the succeeding Scottish kings preferred staying beside the monastery
rather than the castle and gradually the Palace was enlarged. King James
IV and James V in particular, added considerably to the structure and
much of what they created has survived. King James IV was married in the
Abbey to Margaret Tudor.
The Holyrood Palace is a 20 minute walk distance through the Holyrood
Park from the guesthouse.
John Knox House:
The rear of this old house was built not long after 1450, replacing an
earlier wooden construction. The frontage was added around 1472 and subsequent
additions, floors and modifications have been made ever since. John Knox,
the great reformer of the church in Scotland and over the years, the legend
evolved that he had given one of his thundering orations to the people
of Edinburgh from a bow-window on the house, overlooking the High Street.
By 1800 it was confidently being described as "John Knox's House"
Although there is no record of him ever staying in this house.
Lincoln Memorial:
A monument to the American President, Abraham Lincoln, was erected in
the Old Calton Cemetery in Edinburgh 1893. It is said to be the first
monument outside of the USA to the American president It was built in
memory of the Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil war.
It carries a quotation from Lincoln: "To preserve the jewel of liberty
in the framework of freedom".
Mary King's Close:
Edinburgh’s new icon attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close
is open now. Beneath the Royal Mile lies a warren of concealed streets
where real people lived, worked and died in bygone centuries. Step back
in time at The Real Mary King’s Close to walk through these hidden
closes.
Museum of Scotland:
A Museum of Scotland had been talked about since 1780. It became a reality
on St Andrew's Day, 30 November 1998 when it opened next door to the 19th
century Royal Museum of Scotland. A major feature of the building is the
"Drum Tower" which is of course reminiscent of many of the castle
towers to be found around Scotland. The museum is a treasure trove of
exhibits, ranging from pre-history in the basement through the early Scots
and the Roman Invaders and the early Christians.
The Wars of Independence, Mary Queen of Scots, the Reformation and the
Scottish "Enlightenment" are all covered. So too is the industrial
revolution, when Scotland was the workshop of the British Empire and modern
Scotland is not forgotten either.
National Gallery of Scotland & The Royal Scottish Academy:
The National Gallery of Scotland was designed by William Playfair, completed
in 1858. It houses an important collection of Italian, French and Dutch
paintings, as well as Scottish artists. The Royal Scottish Academy, facing
Princes Street, was also designed by same architect in 1822-26 and was
enlarged by him five years later. The building has a profusion of detailed
carved stonework and a regal statue of Queen Victoria on the roof at the
front of the building.
National Monument (Calton Hill):
Dominating Calton Hill, east of Princes Street, the National Monument
was intended to be a memorial to those who died in the Napoleonic Wars.
It was designed by an eminent expert on Grecian architecture, C R Cockrell,
assisted by a young William Playfair who was to go on to complete even
more successful works. The foundations were laid during the visit of King
George IV to Edinburgh in 1824.
But work came to an end in 1929 when the money which had been provided
by public subscription ran out - due in part to the ambitious scale of
the monument. While it has been suggested that the architect had deliberately
designed only the 12 columns, it was later to be described as "Scotland's
shame".
Even so, the prominent Grecian columns of this and other buildings in
Edinburgh have led to Edinburgh being described as the "Athens of
the North".
This Gothic edifice stands on Queen Street in the centre of Edinburgh.
The building was designed by Sir Robert Rowan Anderson with all the embellishments
you would expect from a late Victorian architect. The Gallery moved there
in 1889 and has been compared, appropriately enough, to a great shrine.
On the exterior, it is decorated with life-size sculptures. Inside can
be found paintings, sculptures and photographs of all the famous Scots
of history - and also many of the lesser known and "ordinary"
people of Scotland. That is particularly true of the National Collection
of Photography, part of which is on display in the gallery.
National Portrait Gallery:
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery was the first purpose-built portrait
gallery in the world and explores the lives of great Scots, past and present,
who have inspired and changed the world - royals and rebels, poets and
philosophers, heroes and villains.
Rosslyn Chapel:
A candlelight service held in the historic Chapel, surrounded by its unique
carvings, gives a magical setting for any couple wishing to be married
here. Built in 1446 by William St. Clair, third and last Prince of Orkney.
Many Bible stories can be found depicted in the beautiful carvings. There
are also carvings of plants from the New World which predate Columbus
by 100 years.
You can reach Rosslyn Chapel directly from the guesthouse on the local
bus.
Royal Botanic Gardens:
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Inverleith is full of flowers, trees and
shrubs at all times of the year and there is a Victorian Palm House and
more recent greenhouses which help in the winter time. The gardens moved
here between 1822 and 1824, making them amongst the oldest in Britain.
Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh:
Scotland's largest historical medical library collection ( started in
1682) house in impressive portrait-lined 19th century premises, with over
50.000 printed monographs on subject areas that include medicine, botany,
science and travel.
Royal Museum of Scotland:
The Royal Museum of Scotland is the largest museum in Britain outside
of London. Its interior, slim, elegant cast iron pillars and glass roof
has galleries leading off from the main hall. It was opened in the 1860s
at the height of Victorian confidence as an "industrial" museum.
It became the Royal Museum of Scotland in 1904 and is now part of the
National Museums of Scotland.
Royal Yacht Britannia /Ocean Terminal:
The former royal yacht has become a tourist attraction at Leith Docks
which was voted "Best New Attraction in the UK" in 1999. The
site gives details of how to book a tour of the ship, its history and
there is a gift shop and tartan goods collection.
Not only the berth of the Royal Yacht Britannia , the Ocean Terminal is
a 444,000 sq.ft. shopping and leisure complex at Leith Docks, including
restaurants, bars and a 12-screen cinema complex.
St. Giles Cathedral:
Named after the patron saint of lepers, St Giles has had a long and varied
history. There has been a church on this site since 854 although the oldest
parts of the present building date back "only" to 1120. The
church was burnt down by the English in 1385. Thereafter, it was rebuilt,
enlarged and adapted over the centuries. The distinctive crown spire was
raised in 1495. In 1637, King Charles I set up a new diocese in Edinburgh
and made St Giles a cathedral. He also attempted to re-introduce the Episcopalian
mass which led to a riot in St Giles (and Jenny Geddes supposedly threw
her stool with the words "Don't thou say Mass in ma lug").
Scott Monument:
The monument to him on Calton Hill was designed by Sir William Playfair
and was built in architects. Dugald Stewart (1753-1828) was a son of the
Professor of Mathematics at Edinburgh University. From 1775, father and
son held the Professorship jointly. Dugald Stewart went on to become the
university's Professor of Moral Philosophy. His well written books on
philosophy made him one of the leaders in the field and it is this which
gave him such fame as he has. He also taught Walter Scott and James Mill,
among many others.
Surgeons'Hall, Museum of Surgery:
At only 15 minutes walking distance from the guest house, The Royal College
of Surgeons of Edinburgh, founded in 1505, is the oldest medical institution
of it kind in the world. The college holds the lager collection of medical,
anatomical and pathological material in Scotland, dating from Roman times
to the present day. Surgeons' Hall Pathology Museum, opened in 1832, is
Scotland's oldest medical museum.
Tolbooth at Canongate / People’s Story Museum:
Built around 1590 in a Franco-Scottish style, this was the centre of the
burgh of Canongate, at the lower end of the Royal Mile. The entrance to
the Council Chamber was by an external stair as the ground floor was the
local prison. On the front of the building is an inscription (in Latin)
which reads "The place of the seal of the Burgh. For one's country
and one's successors, 1591. King James VI. Justice and Piety are the strong
bulwarks of a Prince." The building was restored in 1879 and it now
houses the "People's Story Museum". This illustrates life of
ordinary people in Edinburgh over the last 200 years. The clock on the
outside of the building is a replacement for one made in the 17th century.
William Wallace & Robert the Bruce:
The bronze statues placed on niches in the gatehouse of the castle in
1929. Robert the Bruce was initially prepared to kneel before King Edward
of England but in 1306 he declared himself king of Scotland. His fight
against the English was long and hard and it took until the Battle of
Bannockburn in 1314 to fully set Scotland free - at least for a time.
Sir William Wallace (on the right ) was the first leader of the Scots
to rebel against the rule of the English King Edward I who had over-run
Scotland in 1296. After a guerrilla campaign, Wallace appeared to be successful
when he defeated the English army at Stirling Bridge in 1297. But the
freedom was short-lived and Wallace and the Scots army were defeated at
Falkirk in 1298. Sir Wallace was not fighting to gain the throne of Scotland
but in order to free the country from English domination.
Accommodation in the perfect Location!
Just over 1 mile from Princes Street ( city centre) AmarAgua Guest House
is conveniently located just around the corner of a main bus route, benefiting
from easy access to all of Edinburgh's major attractions. It is the perfect
accommodation to all visitors.
How to find us
From the South
When approaching Edinburgh, follow the signs to City Bypass A720 to "Sheriffhall"
roundabout, take the route for city centre A7 (Old Dalkeith Road) to the
roundabout at "Cameron Toll" Shopping Centre, continue to follow
signs for Old Town, on to Dalkeith Road and we are the 5th road on your
right.
From the North
When you come over the “Forth Road Bridge” follow the signs
for City Bypass A720 to "Sheriffhall" roundabout, take the route
for city centre A7 (Old Dalkeith Road) to the roundabout at "Cameron
Toll" Shopping Centre, continue to follow signs for Old Town, on
to Dalkeith Road and we are the 5th road on your right.
From the West
When you come off the M8 follow the signs for City Bypass A720 to "Sheriffhall"
roundabout, take the route for city centre A7 (Old Dalkeith Road) to the
roundabout at "Cameron Toll" Shopping Centre, continue to follow
signs for Old Town, on to Dalkeith Road and we are the 5th road on your
right.
From Edinburgh Airport
By car : Follow the signs for City Bypass A720 to "Sheriffhall"
roundabout, take the route for city centre A7 (Old Dalkeith Road) to the
roundabout at "Cameron Toll" Shopping Centre, continue to follow
signs for Old Town, on to Dalkeith Road and we are the 5th road on your
right.
By Bus: Airport Bus (£3.50 Single or £6 Return
) to Waverley Station then go on to Princes Street and get a public bus
No. 30 or 33 going South. Get off two stops after Royal Commonwealth Swimming
Pool, Kilmaurs Terrace is the first on your left.
By Taxi: The trip is about 30-40 minutes and the cost
is around £20-£22.
From Waverley Station
By Bus: Go to Princes Street and get a public bus No.
30 or 33 going South. Get off two stops after Royal Commonwealth Swimming
Pool, Kilmaurs Terrace is the first on your left.
The cost is £1.30 per journey or £3.20 for "All-Day",
any bus ( from same company) paying the driver. Please note that the driver
can not give you change back, therefore the right money is advisable.
By Taxi: The trip is about 10 minutes and the cost is
around £8.
Email AmarAgua Guest House enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
