Name: Destiny Scotland New Town Apartments
Address: 23 Thistle Street South West Lane, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, Edinburgh, Scotland, GB
Price range: $218–$718 per night
Rating: 9.4

What guests think

At Destiny Scotland New Town Apartments, guests consistently praise the clean, modern, and spacious apartments with well equipped kitchens and laundry, and the central location near Edinburgh's sights, while several note the alleyway entrance can feel sketchy, especially at night.

Service feedback is mixed: some found check in easy and staff helpful, but others reported confusing directions, delayed access, or poor communication. Several guests mentioned firm mattresses or thin pillows, a lack of air conditioning during warm weather, and occasional noise from bins or nearby bars, while higher floors offer quiet stays and city or sea views. Overall, expect a comfortable self-catering base in a prime spot, with an entrance that may not suit everyone.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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Facilities

Apartments are well equipped with full kitchens and in unit washer/dryers, and there is a lift, though a few stairs are required to reach it. Multiple reviews note there is no air conditioning; there are isolated mentions of a nuisance fire alarm and hot rooms.

Related guest reviews

6

Taryn

Jun 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was great to have a full apartment to ourselves, but the check in process was a bit of a shambles. We hadn’t received the check in information and upon arriving at the property to find it unmanned, we had a lot of trouble calling the emergency number to connect with someone. About one hour later, we were in. The room itself was pleasant, but there is no cooling and the shower was luke warm, at best. We also noticed light coming from behind the robe at night and identified a small door in the bottom of the robe, which was disturbing. Turned out to be access to some pipes etc. The lift takes a long time and the voiceover is extremely loud.

10

Jennylyn

Jul 9, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The property is located in New Town and the main entrance is located in an alley and not on the main road. Taxis will drop you off the main road and it will be a short walk to the main entrance. Instructions for contactless check-in is very clear. The area is in a quiet part of Edinburgh and we felt safe for the entire time we were there. There is a lift or elevator but before you reach the lift there will be a set of stairs. The apartment is huge, updated, and very clean. No airconditioning and windows can't be opened so it was a bit uncomfortable when sleeping as I like being in a cold room. The view of the sunrise and sunset from our room can't be beat. We are on the 10th floor and our view is towards the sea. Thank you for a wonderful stay.

10

Louise

Sep 5, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The apartment was huge. Had all the amenities I needed. Wish I stayed longer.

10

Mandy

Jul 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It has a fridge and cooking area with all essential utensils and cookware. Really good stay.

10

Robin

Jun 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

are a few stairs you have to carry bag in order to get to lift and no early check ins.

8

Belinda

Oct 22, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great little apartment with all the amenities you could need. Was impressed by how large and well-stocked the kitchen was. Washer/dryer was great to have although you’ll need to buy your own detergent! Easy walk to plenty of pubs, restaurants, Old Town, Royal Mile, Princes St Gardens, Waverley station etc.

8

Go

May 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location is good. A lot of nice restaurants pubs, close to central. Washer and dryer worked well. Only one thing fire alarm didn’t work properly. Means it ringed in the middle of the day without any use of dryer etc. it annoyed and terrified my kids. Except this overall great place to stay. Also very spacious.

10

Sherry

Sep 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean, liked have kitchen & washer/dryer

10

Catherine

Dec 11, 2022

·

Stayed 2 nights

Our 1 bed Apartment was beautiful, modern, spacious and clean. Had everything you need for your stay. We stayed on 4th floor apartment 6, there was stairs or also a lift. Only down side the the laneway/alley way leading to the door of the apartment, it's a little creepy at night but well lit.

10

Sherrill

Jun 18, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

The apartments were great. Having a washer/dryer was so handy since we are traveling very light. Very clean and easily accessible to everything. Very much enjoyed our stay.

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is a strong point across reviews, with many describing apartments as very clean or spotless.

Related guest reviews

10

Jemelle

Jul 25, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I had the best stay at New Town apartments managed by Destiny Scotland. The studio apartment was very clean and well equipped. Very centrally located with shopping and restaurants close by. It was also very quiet so I was able to get great quality sleep. I enjoyed my stay very much and would recommend it to anyone traveling in Edinburgh.

10

Ann

Aug 13, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent location. Clean. Good communication.

10

Emma

Jun 24, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Spacious, clean and well located would recommend

10

Gerold

Jul 26, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Perfect located and very clean. Friendly Serviced.

8

Raul

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The apartment was spacious and clean.

10

Ian

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean, spacious and great location. Good communication. Will stay again.

10

Clare

Dec 22, 2022

·

Stayed 19,347 nights

We had a lovely stay, the apartment was very clean, great space and great location

10

BRENDA

Jan 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Spotlessly clean, beautifully decorated apartment with amazing views over Edinburgh, and very central for Station and exploring. Thankyou!

10

Liesl

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We loved the location of this apartment! Just around the corner and you're in the middle of beautiful Edinburgh! The property was clean, nicely decorated and entry was easy. We will definitely consider this as a future stay when we return to Edinburgh!

10

oksana

Jul 12, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location was great, in walking distance to main attractions. The beautiful apartment, very clean and cozy.

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Rooms

Guests like the spacious, modern apartments with good views on higher floors and generally quiet interiors. Several report firm mattresses or thin pillows, occasional noise from bins or nearby bars, a small TV in one unit, and a lack of air conditioning during warm weather.

Related guest reviews

10

Wendy

Aug 10, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really clean and modern apartment, quiet area.

8

Tiana

Jul 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, spotless apartment . The space was so newly renovated but strangely the bed was not very comfortable.

10

Jennylyn

Jul 9, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The property is located in New Town and the main entrance is located in an alley and not on the main road. Taxis will drop you off the main road and it will be a short walk to the main entrance. Instructions for contactless check-in is very clear. The area is in a quiet part of Edinburgh and we felt safe for the entire time we were there. There is a lift or elevator but before you reach the lift there will be a set of stairs. The apartment is huge, updated, and very clean. No airconditioning and windows can't be opened so it was a bit uncomfortable when sleeping as I like being in a cold room. The view of the sunrise and sunset from our room can't be beat. We are on the 10th floor and our view is towards the sea. Thank you for a wonderful stay.

10

Carol

Jun 9, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We rented two one bedroomed apartments, which were perfect for our party of four. The apartments were amazing. Very high standard of decor and furnishings. Surprisingly quiet and fantastic views from Floors 5 & 6. Wouldn’t hesitate to book again.

8

Johnna

Apr 5, 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

Clean and modern little place, but it was a bit too modern for our taste. We didn’t know how to work the stove. A few manuals or tips would be great to leave there for guests. Also, the bed was really uncomfortable and the pillows were thin. I actually slept on the couch the last two night and had a much better sleep than our first two nights in the bed. We loved the bathtub and having a kitchen with a washer and dryer though.

8

Eileen

Sep 29, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

The apartment was large and quiet and clean. That's the good part. The mattress was not great. We could feel the wood underneath it and the pillows were thin. By the end of five nights we were dreaming of our bed back home. The tv is tiny and far across the room. Overall the space is fine but it feels cheap not cozy and welcoming.

10

Marc

Jun 12, 2023

·

Stayed 6 nights

Perfect flat, especially on 5th floor because of the view and elevator.

8

Paola Francesca

Apr 28, 2024

·

Stayed 8 nights

Everything was perfect . One thing I do want to mention is that I paid for a king size bed and the bed was a full size at most maybe queen .most certainly not king

10

Jessica

Jan 4, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

This apartment was absolutely beautiful and very comfortable. I stayed in thistle st s w lane Edinburgh. Everything was marvelous and I would rent this place again. Only one negative, there is a bar nearby that would dump its glass into the bin often and varied hours. If your a light sleeper this address may not suit but I’m sure their other ones would.

10

Joon

Apr 29, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Super roomy and clean. We got a room on the fifth floor with an awesome view of the ocean and the city. Lovely sunset. Didn’t realize how big the flat was. Super comfy bed and nice linens. Only thing is accessing the building through the alley was a bit sketchy because of this homeless guy nested himself right next to the door. He didn’t bother us though. He was a little loud at times in the middle of the night. Other than that superb

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Service

Service feedback is mixed: many found staff friendly and responsive with easy check in, while others faced confusing directions, delayed access, or unprofessional communication.

Related guest reviews

10

DAVONTE

Apr 3, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Checking in was very easy and the apartment was spotless. It was actually easier to find than I imagined and the staff checked in frequently. I would definitely stay again.

6

Taryn

Jun 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was great to have a full apartment to ourselves, but the check in process was a bit of a shambles. We hadn’t received the check in information and upon arriving at the property to find it unmanned, we had a lot of trouble calling the emergency number to connect with someone. About one hour later, we were in. The room itself was pleasant, but there is no cooling and the shower was luke warm, at best. We also noticed light coming from behind the robe at night and identified a small door in the bottom of the robe, which was disturbing. Turned out to be access to some pipes etc. The lift takes a long time and the voiceover is extremely loud.

10

Roshni

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had an excellent stay in Edinburgh at Destiny Scotland New Town apartments. Exceptionally clean, modern and well kept. Unfortunately directions to the property are tough especially when checking in after 5pm and the office is closed. It is difficult to find the exact property location and we were not given the after hours checkin information until we called the emergency phone number. We were then promptly directed to correctly enter and use our code. Other than that little hiccup, I still give 5 stars because the property and apartment were exceptional. Excellent location and place was so comfortable for us spending the weekend to go to a concert at the castle. If we come back to Edinburgh I will stay here again.

8

Dale

Sep 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was a bit nervous of where we had to enter the apartment. It was in a back lane and looked a bit sketchy. The office staff were wonderful and the apartment was great. It was clean and very nice.

8

Sheila

Sep 25, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property matches photos. It was perfect for our needs. Location difficult to find, but staff assisted getting us on our way. Close to everything we wanted to see.

10

William

Jun 22, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything was as advertised. Very nice and modern. I had been concerned about the entry process but it was very simple. The office staff always responded to my questions.

10

Myla

Aug 28, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Destiny New Town apartments were clean, comfortable and well appointed. The staff at the office were very helpful. The location is perfect for exploring central Edinburgh. I would rebook this location again: great experience!

2

Bradford

Dec 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in took over an hour with several phone calls, an incorrect address, incorrect door codes, and bad information. We were even instructed to use a door codes (which turned out to be the wrong code) on all of the apartments on our floor to figure out which unit was ours. We were extremely uncomfortable with trying to access usits that may have been occupied by other guests. When we did finally get in, the apartment smelled of smoke (reservation was for a non-smoking unit). Communication from Destiny Scotland was incredibly unprofessional, including emails with blanked out emails, solicitions for an unspecified deposit amount ("200 OR 300 pounds"). They claim they never received our email address upon booking, despite being sent emails coming directly from them. They claimed they never received credit card information for a deposit despite using the card we submitted to charge us for "extra linens", which was not posted clearly. Just a terrible experience.

10

Alex

Mar 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great apartment! Was only here for 1 night but had everything you need for a longer stay. It was very clean and comfortable. Very easy check in and checkout process. Only recommendation is to check the temperature before people check in as the flat was 24 degree when I arrived and it was already hot outside.

10

Mindy

Aug 28, 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

This was perfect for our family of 3 adults. Plenty of space and so convenient!! The location is excellent, especially if you like to walk around the city. Everything was spotless and comfortable. The beds were fantastic! I would love to stay here again. Customer service was amazing, our flight was canceled and they were able to book us for another night. I highly recommend!!

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Location

Very central for sightseeing, shopping, and transport, with most attractions walkable. However, the entrance via a back alley feels unsafe or unwelcoming to several guests, and there can be noise from nearby bins or bars.

Related guest reviews

10

Randall

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We loved our apartment. It had everything we needed in an excellent location for sightseeing and tours.

8

Ross

May 10, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Apartment and general area was very convenient. The lane leading up to the property was dirty and disconcerting

10

James

Sep 14, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent location and would not hesitate to book again when I’m in Edinburgh.

8

Julie

Jul 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Lovely place but it felt rather unsafe in its location, I wouldn’t have been happy staying here alone. It’s a street directly behind shops and a pub, We arrived home late one evening and a group of drunk men were toileting and hanging around close to the entrance. This is a shame as the apartment was clean and well equipped, central location and good walking distance for most tourist attractions

8

Dale

Sep 14, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was a bit nervous of where we had to enter the apartment. It was in a back lane and looked a bit sketchy. The office staff were wonderful and the apartment was great. It was clean and very nice.

10

Christine

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

It was pretty unsettling when we arrived to find the door to the apartment in an ally with all of the trash containers and restaurant back doors and even a residing homeless person. Then you go into a beautifully finished apartment building and very nice accommodations. Well, we got to know the homeless guy and actually got a kick out of the location. Definitely different!

10

Janet

May 16, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

The location was excellent! Near all supermarkets such as tesco and marks and Spencer. Close to princes st. The bus and train station and the royal mile. The playhouse theatre. Lots of bars nearby . Only a little problem with the bed. It was too hard/firm. Little inconvenience, but place had dishwasher , washing machine and full functioning kitchen! Lovely stay for 7 days! Staff at office very kind and helpful!

10

Alejandro

Jun 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Really enjoyed staying here. The apartment is brand new. Only a few blocks a way from the train station. Will definitely stay here again.

8

Helgi

Aug 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location, location, location to Royal Mile, Tattoo, restaurants, Fringe,. Didn’t feel safe at night access in dark alley to apt entrance.

10

Liesl

Jun 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We loved the location of this apartment! Just around the corner and you're in the middle of beautiful Edinburgh! The property was clean, nicely decorated and entry was easy. We will definitely consider this as a future stay when we return to Edinburgh!

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Dining

Not enough information in reviews.

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Month	Average price
January	$133
February	$167
March	$190
April	$219
May	$335
June	$261
July	$293
August	$458
September	$267
October	$271
November	$191
December	$236

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6 $386	7 $424	8	9 $299	10	11 $384	12 $620
13	14 $343	15	16	17	18 $358	19 $698
20 $236	21	22 $301	23 $288	24	25	26 $718
27 $245	28 $312	29	30 $287

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $287	2 $530	3
4 $218	5 $305	6 $269	7 $290	8 $307	9 $400	10
11 $237	12 $278	13 $279	14 $275	15 $278	16	17
18 $238	19 $330	20 $266	21	22	23	24
25 $225	26	27 $333	28 $407	29	30	31

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Monthly average prices

About this property

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Superb

What guests think

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