Location.Location.Location. Our first time using airbnb was a brilliant experience. We wanted to fully indulge in the Edinburgh Fringe and avoid having to commute in and out of the town every day. To find a high quality flat available for a slightly awkward period (just over a week, starting on a Monday) in such a perfect location was amazing.

It took us just 5 mins to get to/from the main railway station, and less to get to the Royal Mile. Perfect for both tourism at any time of the year as well as for attending the Fringe. Access from the main street is easy and public (pretty safe) and the shared staircase pretty easy to navigate even with heavy suitcases despite the curves.

The top floor location of the flat meant we were not disturbed by other people in the building or from noise from the streets in the early hours.

The flat is light, airy and very comfortable. It is especially well appointed with superb facilities. You are not overlooked generally and have a great view down to Princes Street. There are sash and skylight windows, all of which (except in the shower room) can be opened.

Kitchen is superb with plenty of storage space and all the pots, pans and utensils you should need. There is a freezer as well as a fridge (which has itself a small freezer compartment) and a washing machine. Full cooker (oven and gas hob) plus a microwave oven, kettle, and toaster. We liked being able to cook our own food when we felt like it, or nip down to one of the many cafes, restaurants and coffee bars that pretty much surrounded the flat.

Storage is fantastic. Wardrobes in the hallway seem to have huge depth to hide away all the suitcases.

I found the bed very comfortable (and I am a big guy). Decent shower. Hot water on demand. Central heating if you need it (we didn't) - we visited in warm season, but I expect the flat will be cosy in cold weather.

Decent internet access (ethernet and wifi - uncapped) is provided (around 2 mbit). Decent TV and DVD player (internet connected, with BBC iPlayer on it) in the lounge. There is even a dining table with seats for four.

There is a sofa bed in the lounge so up to four people can be accommodated in the flat if you do not mind sharing the facilities. (As is often the case with sofa beds, it was not the most comfortable to sit on but we did not stay in much.) There was also a comfortable easy/rocking chair.

Communication with our host, Sam, on airbnb, by email and by text was perfect leading up to and during our stay and any queries were quickly addressed (he even dropped off a toaster - something he had forgotten to provide in this recently refurbished accommodation) - he really wanted our stay to be a truly positive experience.