Welcome to the
Castle Snug Apartment

Studio Apartment · Sleeps 4 Guests · 2 beds · 1 bathroom
Become a part of Edinburgh’s unique history.
The Castle Snug is located in the James Court Lawnmarket, on the Royal Mile. A location of rich Old Edinburgh history and heritage. Situated within short walking distance from a number of places of historical interests and located centrally to some of Edinburgh’s best restaurants and pubs.
James Boswell,
The 9th Laird of Auchinleck
This apartment has a unique history of its own, as the 18th century building has been the home of James Boswell, the 9th Laird of Auchinleck, who was a Scottish biographer, diarist, and lawyer, born in Edinburgh. Best known for his biography of his friend and older contemporary the English writer Samuel Johnson, which is commonly said to be the greatest biography written in the English language. Boswell lived and wrote in what is now Castle snug, from 1773 ~ 1786.
James Court itself, has been the central meeting place and residency of many important figures of that period. Considered a mansion at the time, the house of James Boswell was admired by the Edinburgh’s society, as the building was and example of Edinburgh’s opulence and elegance.
Although the building was partly destroyed by fire late in the 19th century, the building still keeps the first stone and structure, upon on which it was built. Nevertheless, “the mansion” didn’t lose its charm and its enormous historical heritage.

Castle Snug opened its doors to the public in Edinburgh in June of 2006

Quickly finding an audience and appreciation from visitors to Edinburgh who wanted to feel a part of it’s history and part of something special. Literary lovers and those who simply wanted something different to that of the normal chain hotel room. Castle Snug offers a unique, authentic, feel of Old Edinburgh and the history that surrounds it. A truly unique living experience, situated in the heart of Old Edinburgh, one of the worlds most historically rich cities.
Once entered, Castle Snug offers you an open living area in which you can find a luxurious double bed that is pulled out of the stunning library style bookcase. As the flat provides accommodation for couples and families, a second double bed is found on the mezzanine level and features a wonderful wrought iron balustrade, stained glass window panel and hanging tapestry.
In the living area are exposed the original stone walls and cedar ceiling. For a cozy and elegant atmosphere, an ox-blood leather Chesterfield seating  complements the small dining area.
For the self-catering services,  a fully equipped kitchen (oven, hob, extractor hood, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine/dryer, microwave, waste disposal, toaster, kettle and a good range of pots, pans, crockery, cutlery ) can be used in creating a traditional meal that can be enjoyed with friends or family.
The apartment has a fully tiled bathroom with an instant shower, tiled floor, chrome towel shelf, mirrored cabinet. An extra storage cupboard situated under stairs serves for coats and luggage.
Castle Snug has all the other facilities including cable tv, dvd, cd/radio, broadband internet connection, iron, ironing table, hairdryer and a travel cot is available on request.
If you're bringing your car, parking is available in the nearby Johnston terrace on meters and at the NCP car park in Castle Terrace. Or you can drop your car just outwith the metered areas and enjoy the central location that Castle snug offers.
Amenities
2 sleeping areas, Kitchen, Wifi, TV, Bath, Travel cot, Hair dryer, Refrigerator, Microwave,Carbon monoxide alarm, Smoke alarm, Paid parking off premises
House Rules:
Check-in: After 15:00 Check out: 11:00 Self check-in with lockbox.
No smoking. No pets. No parties or events.

Our Location

Castle Snug is situated in James’ Court, in the lawnmarket area of the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile is at the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, with Edinburgh Castle at its head and the Palace of Holyrood house at its foot.

Our Reviews

mutley9
mutley9
January 24, 2020.
Amazing! This little gem is excellent! So quirky and has everything you need inside. Walk through the door and your jaw drops, it’s an amazing place! Very cosy. Location is excellent, about 5 minutes , slow walk, to the castle, the jolly judge pub right next door which is a cosy little quiet pub. Plenty of places to eat around, had a meal at the Witchery which is outstanding! Would definitely go again and would recommend everyone to try this gem when visiting Edinburgh.
stephrob53
stephrob53
June 9, 2019.
Great stay!!! This was our second time staying here and it was just as wonderful as the first!!! It is in such a great location with a cafe and pub right next to it. It is very clean and has everything that you need! Owners very responsive to emails! Would recommend!
Jodi L
Jodi L
May 24, 2019.
Location Location Location! We LOVED Castle Snug. Its location in the heart of the Old City is perfect for visiting Edinburgh. No car necessary - you can walk anywhere, as it is right on the Royal Mile. It is a comfortable and incredibly charming property - it’s a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed. The hosts are top notch - the property is spotless and well stocked with anything everything guests need (including chocolate bars - nice touch!). The hosts provided detailed instructions and were very responsive to any questions. Highly recommend Castle Snug for anyone visiting Edinburgh!
Julia
Julia
May 14, 2019.
Perfect place for discovering Edinburgh We stayed with our 2 kids at the castle snug in Edinburgh in may 2019. It has been a great experience as it is amazingly well placed, convenient to access and gives you the right "castle" flavor you need. Last but not least, the hosts are just incredibly nice, responsive and always trying to help you to the best of their ability. Overall it was a great experience which i really recommend. Julia
DonnaY
DonnaY
May 9, 2019.
Amazing! Everything about this place is amazing. There were 4 of us in total (2 adults & 2 children) and we all loved it. The room is clean, cosy and had everything we needed. It is in a perfect location, very close to some amazing sites. Truly a hidden gem, I would love to stay here again!
Ladydaly
Ladydaly
February 24, 2019.
Excellent, again! This was our second visit to the Castle Snug, one adult, one teen, two children. I was afraid it wouldn’t be as wonderful as I remembered but I had nothing to fear. Excellent location, and a truly one of a kind stay. Children love the decor, such a novelty. Perfectly manageable size for the 4 of us for two nights. Great facilities, fridge, kettle, cutlery etc. Great storage area for luggage. Really loved it and hope to be back.
NikkiH2508
NikkiH2508
January 3, 2019.
Two words - Stay Here! We stayed here for 6 nights over Hogmanay and it was fabulous. A family of four adults, we found the quarters were snug, to be sure, and our adult children are used to sharing a double bed when on holidays, so things were fine on that score. Everything in the apartment was in great working order - good stove, heating, washing machine, hot water, bathroom. The beds were comfy and the place has oodles of character and charm. The TV is old fashioned, but if you’ve come to Edinburgh to watch the telly then you probably need to reassess your priorities! The best thing is the location! Within walking distance of almost everything that matters in this city, all lanes and pathways lead back to Castle Snug. We loved it! The hosts, Brian and Christine, were helpful and very responsive. I recommend this place highly, as long as you remember that it is called ‘Snug’ for a reason!
Lesley W
Lesley W
December 6, 2018.
Just as good as befoer Love the location, tucked away from the Main Street, but in the heart of the city. The second time I have stayed there, loved every moment. So much to see and do, also so many places to eat and drink. Within walking distance of Waverley Station, so no need for the car. Will be back
Tour35944242162
Tour35944242162
October 31, 2018.
Wonderful little place Cannot fault this place one bit, easy to find (with the directions given when booked), perfectly central for doing anything within the city and clean/comfy. This is a cozy little get away that was absolutely perfect. We would Definitely stay here again.
Margaret R
Margaret R
October 25, 2018.
Excellent, meets every need in extremely central location. Owners were extremely helpful in making stay perfect. Apartment was very well equipped & had character. Ideal location for all main Edinburgh attractions.