City Observatory, 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA,
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Close to Calton Hill
Great
8.7
/10
Loved by Joivy Observatory House & Apartment guests
bathtub view
really good decoration
very nice energy
accessible appliances
coffee and tea
"Exceptional decoration and very beautiful view from every window of the house."
Wei from China
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"The location was great, and the bathtub view superb."
Megan from Canada
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"Amazing location and amazing accomodation"
Vandepeear from United Kingdom
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"The house is at a strategic point (and there is a reason for this)."
Robson from United Kingdom
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"House was amazing. Clean and comfortable."
Sarah from United States
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Historic Edinburgh house and apartment with sea and city views
Historic Setting
JOIVY Observatory House & Apartment occupies a historic building that served as the residence of the security governor. The Observatory House sits at the top of a hill beside a public park, and rooms have sea, garden, and city views. The property stands 800 metres from the Royal Mile.
Rooms & Amenities
JOIVY Observatory House & Apartment offers a One-Bedroom Apartment and a Two-Bedroom House. The One-Bedroom Apartment has a kitchenette and a washing machine. The One-Bedroom Apartment includes a relaxing room with a vinyl player.
Location & Access
The Observatory House sits 800 metres from the Royal Mile and an 8-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station. Edinburgh Airport is 10 km away. Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland.
Activities
Boating, kayaking, and canoeing are available in the surrounding area. Guests can walk to Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland from the property. Edinburgh Waverley station is an 8-minute walk away.
Guest Services
JOIVY Observatory House & Apartment has family rooms and non-smoking rooms throughout. The Observatory House offers parking, private check-in/check-out, and invoice provision. The shared lounge/TV area is open to guests.
Highlights
History: Former residence of the security governor
Rooms: One-Bedroom Apartment and Two-Bedroom House
Views: Sea, garden, and city views
Location: 800 metres from the Royal Mile
Access: 8-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station
Activities: Boating, kayaking, and canoeing
Services: Parking and private check-in/check-out
“The house itself is a standout, its exceptional decoration complemented by truly beautiful views from every window, capturing the magic of an Edinburgh sunset. Its strategic historical placement, once home to a security governor, imbues the accommodation with a remarkable energy, blending past and present for a unique stay.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Uklothian
Select your room type
Joivy Observatory House & Apartment offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
One-Bedroom Apartment
2 persons
60 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Two-Bedroom House
2 persons
190 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
Joivy Observatory House & Apartment offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score
General
Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
No pets allowed
Room features
Sitting area
Dining table
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Washing machine
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
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Joivy Observatory House & Apartment Location
City Observatory, 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA,
Map view
City landmarks
Museum
Edinburgh Castle
1.44 km
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
1.01 km
Landmark
Arthur's Seat hike
2.15 km
Palace
Palace of Holyroodhouse
690 m
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
1.31 km
Landmark
Royal Mile
970 m
Landmark
The Real Mary King's Close
740 m
Museum
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
1.06 km
Landmark
Calton Hill
970 m
Park
Princes Street Gardens
1.7 km
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
810 m
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
740 m
Landmark
Nelson Monument
980 m
Monument
Scott Monument
1.09 km
Museum
The Writers' Museum
970 m
Park
Holyrood Park
930 m
Museum
Gladstone's Land
950 m
Landmark
Surgeons' Hall Museums
750 m
Botanical Garden
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
2.47 km
Landmark
Brass Rubbing Centre
600 m
Church
Mercat Cross
650 m
Gallery
City Art Centre
690 m
Landmark
Princes Street
1.15 km
Landmark
Royal Yacht Britannia
3.08 km
Landmark
The Scotch Whisky Experience
1.1 km
Landmark
Sherlock Holmes Statue
1.16 km
Nearby
Museum
Dynamic Earth
500 m
Museum
Museum of Childhood
410 m
Museum
John Knox House
400 m
Public Building
The Scottish Parliament
540 m
Restaurants
Howies Waterloo
210 m
29 Waterloo Place East end of Princes Street
The Lookout by The Gardener's Cottage
100 m
Carlton Hill
Howies Restaurant
230 m
10-14 Victoria St
COSMO Edinburgh
580 m
Omni centre
Slug & Lettuce
540 m
Omini Centre
Tony Macaroni
540 m
Omni Centre
Deli Fresco
360 m
41 Leith Street
The Playfair
570 m
Omni Centre Leith Walk
Cosmo
620 m
Restaurant
Explore Edinburgh
Local Adventure Awaits
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Palace of Holyroodhouse
9 minutes' walk
Official residence of the monarch, featuring stunning gardens and a rich history, with audio guides available.
Dynamic Earth
6 minutes' walk
An interactive museum showcasing Earth's natural phenomena through engaging exhibits and a 4D theatre experience.
National Museum of Scotland
13 minutes' walk
Extensive collections spanning Scottish history, culture, and science, featuring free admission and guided tours.
John Knox House
5 minutes' walk
Historic house linked to Reformation leader John Knox, offering fascinating tours and exhibitions highlighting Scottish heritage.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25 minutes walking
A breathtaking hike up an ancient volcano with panoramic views of Edinburgh, ideal for adventurous guests.
Wellness Classes at The Meadows
18 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga and fitness classes held in this beautiful park, catering to varying skill levels and seasonal schedules.
Howies Restaurant
3 minutes' walk
Traditional Scottish cuisine with a cozy atmosphere, offering locally-sourced dishes and vegetarian options.
The Lookout by The Gardener's Cottage
2 minutes' walk
A unique dining experience with stunning views, serving a seasonal, inventive menu with a focus on sustainability.
COSMO Edinburgh
8 minutes' walk
A vibrant buffet restaurant offering a diverse range of international dishes, perfect for casual family dining.
The Bongo Club
16 minutes' walk
A lively venue featuring live music, club nights, and art events, attracting a diverse crowd in a unique setting.
The Stand Comedy Club
15 minutes' walk
Showcasing a variety of comedians in a casual, intimate space, suitable for all ages, with a full bar.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh 8 min · 600 m
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 22 min · 14.1 km
Glasgow (GLA) 134 min · 89 km
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station 5 min · 400 m
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 200 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire villa for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Former name
altido observatory house
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Joivy Observatory House & Apartment from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.7/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Location
9.2/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Strategic location
Really good decoration
Beautiful window views
Cons
Uncomfortable beds
Lack of privacy
Presence of spiders
Guest reviews
based on 31 reviews
8.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.