Forget Glastonbury. It's almost Edinburgh Festival time again! Or, at least, it's time to embrace forward-planning and book your digs so you can avoid staying in a leaky, damp basement flat that smells like either pee or stale whisky. Who can tell the difference, anyway, right? But fear not, thanks to AirBnB and some lovely generous homeowners these flats are a steal at £30 or less per night and not one of them has a problem with rodents. So assemble, earlybirds and cheapskates. We commend you! Now, go forth, book and have a lovely weekend away in Scotland's best loved thespian haunt.
For the luxury pad - £30 per night
This clean, bright and rather quaint - in a seaside retreat kind of way - loft room is a stone's throw from the Royal Mile. In a modernised 19th century flat, the room comes with 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, a posh hotel-style bath and other assorted creature comforts. Breakfast of locally made fresh bread and jam provided - YEY!
Located in: Abbeyhill
For the lofty heights - £30 per night
This small but perfectly proportioned loft has an actual loft bed in it. So much room for activities! The bed is only a 3/4 but if you're alone or don't mind getting cosy, this room is really charming. Free breakfast included AND the resident pet is a French Bulldog called Domino. Enough said.
Located in: Leith
For the quirky stay - £30 per night
Maybe people in Edinburgh have a thing for loft beds, because here's another one for you. It's a slightly bigger room than the previous one (the bed is kingsize), but the rest of the flat isn't quite as modern. Although you do have use of the house piano and Waverley Station is only 10 minutes away. The owner also works away a lot so you may have the place to yourself and your mini-break compadres.
Located in: Edinburgh
For the nature lovers - £30 per night
Nestled in the sleepy conservation village of Colinton, this private room in an 1820s cottage is for those seeking peace and quiet within a 15 minute bus ride from Edinburgh town. Surrounded by greenery (but with the oligatory access to wifi), this cottage is the best of both worlds. And apparently Pam, who owns the house is a total babe and everyone secretly wants her to be their granny.
Located in: Colinton
For the amateur harpist - £30 per night
Yes, this incredibly pretty room has its very own harp. If that's not enough to tempt those of you with romantic dispositions, the private room is in a very lovely townhouse - with garden for lazing on summer evenings and a kitchen straight out of an interior design mag - just a 10 mintute bus ride to Lothian Road. It's also on a separate floor to the owners' living space so you get a bit of privacy. N.B. Pets (especially house-trained dogs) are welcome.
Located in: Dalry
For the decor - £30 per night
This vintage-shop-chic, beautifully decorated Georgian garden flat boasts a sweet spare room with a double bed and a double sofa bed. Enjoy a complimetary continental breakfast in the airy morning room. A classic but quirky Edinburgh flat with a good location.
Located in: Central Edinburgh
For the modern mini break - £30 per night
This ultra sleek (and very brightly coloured) flat has a double room, en-suite and all. The apartment has a great view of the Bay Firth of Forth and comes equipped with a modern kitchen decked out in chrome. It's also a 20 minute walk away from Cramond Island, which we have on very good authority, is super romantic.
Located in: Edynburg
For the city slickers - £30 per night
This bright double room is only 15 minute walk from Edinburgh town centre. The pair who own the property have other places on AirBnB too, so the implication is that they will be doting hosts. They even offer to cook you breakfast and dinner, but it does come at an extra fee.
Located in: Marchmont
For the quiet life - £28
This haven is 6 miles from the city centre. There's the downside, although there are regular buses running from the village. The upside is that the property and surrounding area is totally beautiful. There's an indoor/outdoor vibe that really hits the spot and the available rooms are spacious, modern and homely.
Located in: Danderhall
For the price - £23 per night
As the cheapest on our run-down of Edinburgh AirBnBs, you'd expect this accommodation to be a bit on the shabby side. Actually, it's a double room in a smart and well-kept flat, just a 15 minute bus ride from central Edinburgh.
Located in: Craigmillar
For the location - £30 per night
This sparse double room is all about location. Don't be put off, it's also clean and roomy. But being only a 2 minute walk away from Holyrood Park and a 5 minute walk from the Royal Mile, it's an excellent base to roll out of bed and explore the city.
Located in: Historical heart of Edinburgh
For the beach life - £30 per night
Yeah, you heard right, Edinburgh has a beach right on its doorstep! Betcha didn't know that, eh? And also a really cool old Castle by the name of Lauriston. Well, this twin room is in a house situated on their doostep while still within a 20 minute jaunt to the city centre. The room is in a separate wing (oooooh fancy) of the house with its own private door too, offering the most privacy of the 12 best Edinburgh AirBnBs under £30.
Located in: Davidson's Mains
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.