If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in Edinburgh, then why not choose an Edinburgh boatel. This floating accommodation is a great way to get up close with nature in the heart of the city.
Moored just ten minutes on foot from the centre of Edinburgh, The Four Sisters Boatel and The Camillia Boatel are two luxury self catering barges. You can rent them by the hour for events or stay in them overnight.
Edinburgh Boatel Review
Awarded four stars by the Scottish Tourist Board, the Edinburgh boatels can be hired separately or together. Situated in Lochrin Basin on the historic Union Canal, these floating canal barges are pet-friendly and beautifully designed.
Each boat has a different layout, with The Camillia Boatel accommodating up to 8 adults. Whichever barge you choose, you’ll have a taste of what it’s like to live on the water.
The floating community in Edinburgh is a tight-knit one, with residents getting together for weekly socials and advising each other on ways to equip their barges. The owner of these Edinburgh boatels has done an amazing job with kitting out the boats to make theme truly luxurious.
The Camillia Boatel
The most recent addition to The Four Sisters collection is The Camillia. There are three bedrooms and space for up to 8 adults thanks to the double sofa bed in the living area.
This beautiful boat has been carefully designed by West London Boat Brokerage. Constructed by Collingwood Boat Builders and fitted out by Edinburgh firm Pinnacle Developments, The Camillia has lots of clever design touches to maximize space and comfort.
There’s a spacious shower room with a 5ft shower, and a comfy lounge area with a 43 inch plasma TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime. You’ll also find a TV in the master bedroom, and two outdoor seating areas.
Generous head height and an open plan design give a real feeling of spaciousness. Both The Camillia and The Four Sisters boats are painted in a stylish dark green shade and docked alongside each other. You can book them together or individually.
It’s very secure on board, as the boatels are situated behind a lockable gate and both have a lock on their front hatch.
Luxury Boatel Amenities
Natalie, the charming owner of the Edinburgh boatel has thought of everything that you might need during your stay. There are gorgeous fluffy bathrobes and slippers, iron, hairdryer and even hair tongs.
Full central heating means that the boat stays warm and cosy at all times. There’s a fan for when it’s hot, or you can naturally ventilate by opening one or both of the barge doors for fresh air.
An Alexa smart speaker provides music and the complimentary WiFi is high speed. In the bathroom you’ll find eco-friendly toiletries. It’s very important to only use toiletries such as these, since they’re flushed directly into the canal.
If you’re staying with a baby, a portable cot and baby monitor can be arranged at no extra cost. You can also borrow fishing rods, to fish directly from your boat!
The kitchen is very well equipped, with crockery, glasses, cutlery and cooking utensils. There are basic condiments provided, together with a complimentary hot drinks tray.
Hamper Packages
You can also book a delicious hamper of local food specialties by Ostara Larder. There are several different options, which accommodate most dietary requirements.
We tried The Fifer hamper package, which included everything you need to make a great Scottish breakfast. There’s dry cured bacon, haggis and black pudding slices, sourdough bread, free range eggs, fruit and nut granola, berry compote with natural yoghurt, butter, organic milk, tea or ground coffee.
This package also includes some fantastic homemade scones with Scottish jam and clotted cream. To add a hamper to your reservation, simply email enquiries@thefoursisters.co.uk.
Private Dining
It’s also possible to enjoy private dining onboard. Available for up to 8 people on each boat, the price starts at £250 for 2 people for 4 courses.
Edinburgh River Cruises
Another fun activity is a boat trip along the Union Canal. You can book a one to four hour cruise from £250 if staying on board one of the boatels.
Things to Do Near the Edinburgh Boatels
The boat is located just a 10-minute walk to Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Mile, two of the most beautiful places in Scotland. Counter Cafe can be found just a couple of minutes walk along the canal, next to the Lemmington Lift Bridge. This attractive barge serves up hot and cold drinks and cakes.
The lift bridge enables pedestrians to cross from Gilmore Park to Lemmington Road, and also rises to allow boats to pass underneath. Guests staying in the boatels have access to a locked facilities block next to the lift bridge, with washing machines, additional showers and toilets.
There are several good cafes nearby, including Hula Juice bar and Loudons Fountainbridge. If you need a supermarket, you’ll find a Tesco Express just two minutes away on 135 Fountainbridge.
It’s very quick to walk into the city centre. Here are some suggestions of things to do in Edinburgh and other places to eat in Edinburgh.
Getting to the Edinburgh Boatels
The Four Sisters Boatels can arrange an airport transfer for you. The average time from Edinburgh airport to Lochrin Basin is just 18 minutes. If you’re coming by public transport, take Airlink 100 from Airport Stop A towards Edinburgh city centre and alight at Haymarket Station, Stop HB. From here it’s an 11 minute walk to the boatels.
Reservations
To book an Edinburgh boatel, contact: enquiries@thefoursisters.co.uk call +44 (0) 7445 494 331 or book online.
The Four Sisters Boatel
Lochrin Basin Edinburgh EH3 9QP
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