Austen's flat is simply amazing: outside it looks as much charming as the typical old georgian houses characterizing the New Town & West End urban landscape, while its interiors are "auld lang syne" (a scottish way to say "the good old days") in full glory, and the best welcome after a long day (or a long night) spent exploring Edinburgh and all its nice spots. The flat's location is great also for exploring other urban/suburban areas, since the cross of the Shandwick Pl./Princes St. and Queensferry St./Lothian Rd. routes is one of the most strategic in the public transport network of the whole city. To increase the comfort two supermarkets are less than 5min away from the front door and a large number of pubs/restaurants are all around: we have been spoiled for choice, really.
Austen and his lovely mother Pamela are definitely great hosts, and it has been a real pleasure to communicate with them, despite the Austen's very busy life as working musician.
When in Edinburgh again we'll be back in Alva st. for sure!
Ps - for an (italian) amateur guitarist like me the old Eko Ranger in the living room has been an additional pleasure :)