This flat was a really lovely space, well-furnished and equipped and spotlessly clean. It was easily walk-able from Edinburgh city-centre and in a very quiet location. This was the issue for me as a solo woman traveller. I would have been more than happy to stay had we been travelling as a couple, but the flat is situation a few hundred yards down a very quiet road, which was almost 100% deserted on the 3 occasions I walked down it, each time during the day. I knew I would be returning alone and late at night during my 3-night stay in Edinburgh.
The most direct access to the flat (via a secure fob) was through an entrance that was tucked away and out of sight. Then up some stairs, into a lift onto the 4th or 6th floor, and up or down more stairs to the 5th floor, where the flat is located. Had one been followed there and run into difficulties, the isolated location, especially the actual entrance to the flats, would have made you very vulnerable. Although there is 24-hour CCTV, this would be of no help at that moment in time, as there is no on-site caretaker. The front entrance is more open, but the access to the flat is then more convoluted. I noted a sign (in the entrance hallway) advising of what to do if one noticed drug-dealing was suspected. I anticipate Helen’s response will be to say that many solo women travellers have stayed over the years / there have never been any issues / there are other Airbnb properties within the block / that the notion of ‘safety’ is subjective etc. I do agree that ‘feeling safe’ is subjective, however I have lived and worked (as a midwife in community settings) all my life - in inner city areas – London and Manchester. I have also travelled extensively in the UK and abroad. I feel these factors are relevant background to my decision not to stay in the flat. With regret, and forfeiting 100% of my 3 nights’ payment, I left and sought alternative accommodation. I have never before posted negative feedback, but felt compelled to do so, to give lone women travellers a bit more information upon which to base their decision. I want to highlight how nice the flat itself is, and to say I would have stayed there without hesitation, had I not been travelling alone.