Emma's place was an easy 10 min walk from Portabello High Street, where buses to Edinburgh can be caught. £4 for all day ticket on No. 26 bus is good value.
As we only had a one day stopover, we didn't have time to explore or pass comment on the local area. The flat is on a main road but it's quiet at night and parking directly outside is easy.
Emma provided a folder containing lots of information about the accommodation and getting around (including approximate walking steps to various amenities) which was very helpful.