Outstanding hospitality, exceptional location and excellent accommodation: the trifecta of what you’re looking for in Airbnb travel is what you get with Tony’s Edinburgh flat.

Hospitality: Tony was a consistent communicator before, during and after our arrival, had chocolate treats waiting for us in the flat, and even supplied a notebook with all sorts of recommendations in every category you can imagine. His friend Patricia was gracious, patient, and punctual in meeting us and giving us the lay of the land with both the flat and the neighborhood.

Location: Wow. It doesn’t get any better than this Grassmarket location. No rental car needed—and besides, it’s a fortune to park it. Tony’s flat is at the intersection of West Bow, Grassmarket and Victoria Street: in addition to dozens of restaurants, pubs and shops within 100 yards of the intersection, the biggest Edinburgh attractions are a very short walk away: Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, St Giles Cathedral, Greyfriars Bobby, University of Edinburgh.

Best shops: Walker Slater (clothing) at 20 Victoria Street and Armchair Bookshop at 72-74 West Port. I am a bookshop fiend and Armchair far and away has the best selection at the best prices of any vintage & rare bookshop I’ve ever had the pleasure to go in. It’s that good.

Best eats: La Barantine (French Patisserie) at 89 West Bow, Graze (best breakfast) at 67 Grassmarket, and Hula Juice Bar at 103-105 West Bow (healthy juices).

Best dinner: Aizle at 107 St. Leonard’s Street. Phenomenal meal with seasonal locally-sourced ingredients. Book early as it fills up quickly.

Accommodation: the flat is exactly as it looks in the pictures, is very roomy and quiet, and the bathrooms are modern and immaculate. The washer & dryer was supremely convenient, Wi-Fi was strong, and plenty of outlets for everyone.

We love this flat and it is a must-stay for us on any subsequent trip to Edinburgh.