The Four Sisters Boatel - Houseboat
Lochrin Basin Union Canal Lower Gilmore Bank Fountainbridgeold Town, Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh - Scotland, EH3 9NY, United Kingdom
US: +1 888-428-0763
View all photos in gallery
Book online now
nights
1 Room With 2 Adults Change Search
Room
Room
Address
Lochrin Basin Union Canal Lower Gilmore Bank Fountainbridgeold Town, Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh - Scotland, EH3 9NY, United Kingdom
Hotel Services and Facilities
Free WiFi
Free parking
Free breakfast
Pet friendly
Hotel facilities
- Garden
- Golf Course
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities
- Room Service
- Babysitting/Child Services
- Express Check-In/Check-Out
- BBQ facilities
- Fishing
- Billiards
- Table tennis
- Darts
- Canoeing
- Packed lunches
- Cycling
- Bowling
- Heating
- Diving
- Squash
- Mini golf
- Private check-in/check-out
- Shared lounge/TV area
- 24-hour security
- Designated Smoking Area
- Family Rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- Hair/Beauty Salon
- Live entertainment
- Massage services
- Off-Site parking
- Picnic Area
- Sun Deck
- Wind Surfing
- Convenience Store
- Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Board games/puzzles
- Wine/champagne
- Fruits
- Pet basket
- Pet bowls
- Outdoor furniture
- Cooking class
- Aerobics
- Bingo
- Key access
- Smoke alarms
- Fire extinguishers
- Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
- Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
- Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
- Process in place to check health of guests
- First aid kit available
- Cashless payment available
- Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
- Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
- Invoices
- All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
- Free face masks
- Grocery delivery
- Contactless check-in/out
- balcony/terrace
- ATM or cash withdraw on site
- CCTV security in common areas
- Daily disinfection
- Laundry services
- Luggage storage & lockers
- Non-smoking property
- Spa services
- Tennis court & equipment
- Tour services
- Physical/social distancing guidelines
- Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
- Professional cleaning services
- Room service available
- Pets allowed (charges may apply)
- Bicycle rental (charges may apply)
- Parking available (charges may apply)
Airports Show all on map »
- Edinburgh International Airport - 6.38 mi
- RAF Leuchars - 32.47 mi
- Perth - 34.88 mi
- Dundee Airport - 35.91 mi
Museums
- Contact Gallery Edinburgh - 0.27 mi
- The Scotish Museums Coouncil - 0.34 mi
- Scottish Museums Council - 0.35 mi
- Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum - 0.50 mi
- National War Museum of Scotland - 0.54 mi
- West Register House - 0.61 mi
- Scotisch Whisky Heritage Centre - 0.62 mi
- Portfolio Gallery - 0.70 mi
- Royal Scottish Academy - 0.73 mi
- National Gallery of Scotland - 0.73 mi
- Writers Museum - 0.73 mi
- Royal Museum - 0.76 mi
- Museum of Scotland - 0.76 mi
- National Museum of Scotland - 0.78 mi
- National Museums Of Scotland - 0.79 mi
Click here to leave your opinion >>
Lori (family with young children)
stayed in April, 2025
Guest Score 1 out of 10
Very Poor
The location was great. The parking was convenient.
We booked for 6 adults on the Fpur Sisters with 2 bedrooms and bunk beds. We were given the Wee Sisters.
The first thing was sleeping arrangements for the 6 adults. We were offered a single person's fold out couch that was horribly uncomfortable. Then we ran into no electricity or heat during the night due to the inverter failing, with no battery backup. The macerator toilet wouldn't shut off, so we had to shut that off after each use. Additionally, with the smell of something overheating in the control cabinet, there was fear of a possible fire starting on board. We had to shut the fuse box down completely. We were ultimately forced to vacate the boat with no on-site resolution. The staffing wouldn't answer the phone or texts in a timely manner so we could get help during the first night. We didn't get to enjoy our full, 3-night, prepaid boat experience.
We were expected to take care of the issues with the inverter and electricity ourselves.
We stayed through the cold night waiting for a response from the host, as we had nowhere else to go. We did not receive communication until 8:00 am the next morning, where we only received texts with no return phone call. Our final instructions were to seek a claim with the booking agency.
We are now seeking a full refund for this booking.
Lee (family with young children)
stayed in April, 2025
Guest Score 8 out of 10
Very Good
Dinko (with friends)
stayed in April, 2025
Guest Score 9 out of 10
Wonderful
The boat was beautiful inside and really spacious. The 7 of us had more than enough space. The beds have heaters and everything is really modern. The owner Natalie was really nice and answered all our questions instantly. Definitely reccomend it.
The only "downside" is the toilet. You need to put the toilet paper in the bin as you can't flush it down the toilet, although , it really wasn't that big of a problem.
Gordon (family with young children)
stayed in February, 2025
Guest Score 9 out of 10
Wonderful
Ruby (family with young children)
stayed in February, 2025
Guest Score 8 out of 10
Very Good
Unique and cosy
Bit of a draft
Greg (group)
stayed in January, 2025
Guest Score 6 out of 10
Pleasant
The location is about a 8 minute walk to the Royal Mile and there are some cafes around quite close. The beds were comfortable. Kitchen well appointed.
I was prepared for a lack of a space but if you have a fair amount of luggage there isn’t much left. The shower was leaking from the top and the hot water ran out after 2 or so minutes. The instructions were that a staff member meet us on site but it ended up being contactless so a little confusing the day of arrival. The boat is quite noisy when the wind is blowing. Couldn’t find the tv remote in the first bedroom. Wouldn’t recommend for more than 3 adults.
Valli (family with young children)
stayed in November, 2024
Guest Score 8 out of 10
Very Good
Marlene (group)
stayed in November, 2024
Guest Score 8 out of 10
Very Good
Elizabeth (family with young children)
stayed in November, 2024
Guest Score 8 out of 10
Very Good
Good location - quickly into the town centre and not far at all from the Grassmarket area.
The kids enjoyed the novelty of staying on a boat.
I appreciated the little touches such as a bathrobe and slippers.
It is worth noting that access into the boat is down a couple of quite steep steps, which might challenge some people but other than that, there was nothing that was within the control of the Four Sisters.
Daniel (family with young children)
stayed in October, 2024
Guest Score 10 out of 10
Exceptional
Of course, this review cannot be conventional: how could you even think about comparing a narrow boat with a standard hotel room?
We stayed for two days at the four sisters boatels and we absolutely loved it there are some quirks, but that's the goal when you choose anything non standard, right?
So if an out-of-the-ordinary stay is what you are looking for, go for it, it's definitely different and your kids will love it as well (the mini-bunk beds definitely were a hit with my daughter), the beds were confy (but on the narrow side, due to the boat format, duh!), the kitchen was fully equipped and everything was spotless clean.
Definitely recommend!
As stated in the plus things, there are a few quirks, but all of them are because of the format:
- Smallish beds,
- Difficult to use bathroom (no toilet paper goes in the loo, need to switch on multiple pumps to get it working)
- Super efficient heating, but it doesn't cut itself, so we had to open the windows in the middle of the night in october because we were cooking!
Louise (family with young children)
stayed in October, 2024
Guest Score 8 out of 10
Very Good
Yazmin (family with young children)
stayed in September, 2024
Guest Score 8 out of 10
Very Good
The boat was lovely, clean, cosy & well equipped. Great location.
We were disappointed with the hamper, which was not good value for money.
A meet & greet would have been nice. We had issues gaining access to the boat.
The kitchen sink was blocked.
Diane (family with young children)
stayed in September, 2024
Guest Score 8 out of 10
Very Good
Location was excellent.
Security not great. Whilst gate was locked people just climbed over the railing to go fishing. One person even got on the boat to land his fish from the canal. This made us rather uncomfortable. Also, the sofa bed was very uncomfortable.
William (group)
stayed in September, 2024
Guest Score 10 out of 10
Exceptional
Breakfast was lovely Just what we needed And the complimentary fridge fill was above and beyond It was booked as a surprise for my niece visiting from Australia and my cousin They knew nothing about it til we got there and were so excited and thrilled about being on a houseboat
There was absolutely nothing that we didn’t like Everything was just perfect and I would recommend the Boatel to anyone with no hesitation
Donna (with friends)
stayed in September, 2024
Guest Score 10 out of 10
Exceptional
The boat experience was wonderful, we could walk everywhere, it was quiet. Friendly staff.
Mark (group)
stayed in September, 2024
Guest Score 9 out of 10
Wonderful
Location is unique and a fun way to experience Edinburgh.
Brigit (group)
stayed in September, 2024
Guest Score 8 out of 10
Very Good
Fabulous location, well equipped and clean! Lovely host. Comfortable beds & a good space.
Quite a few issues with the house boat which was unfortunate, toilet not flushing, shower just a dribble & grill/oven wouldn’t stay on by itself. Toilet did get fixed quickly. Very loud sounds going off from the tank through the night even when the water was not in use which wakes you up. Think they will be resolved for future guests.
Bryan (family with young children)
stayed in September, 2024
Guest Score 9 out of 10
Wonderful
The location is great. It is a short walk away from Edinburgh Centre; including Edinburgh Castle and Old Town. There are plenty of good restaurants close by. The boatel sleeps 6 and I think additional cots etc. can be asked for on request. It has a good kitchen, decent size living space and very comfortable beds. There was a Tesco convenience store 2 mins walk away.
It only had standard TV channels, no Sky etc. or Netflix.
Kevin (group)
stayed in September, 2024
Guest Score 10 out of 10
Exceptional
Staying on a canal boat is definitely cosy, but there were four adults on the boat and we were fine. Best nights sleeps myself and my wife had in many years despite being in a small cabin. We think that was the gentle rocking of the boat wot did it. Was great for visiting the Fringe.
To future guests, just be aware that you are staying on a probably contained canal boat. Everything - light, water and waste is contained on board. We loved it and and even got to ride on it for quarter of a mile or so to take it down to the place where they empty the tanks. And the people who maintained the boats were immensely friendly.
Wayne (family with young children)
stayed in August, 2024
Guest Score 10 out of 10
Exceptional
We travelled with 10 year old and 2 teenage boys both 6 ft we loved the uniqueness of the experience and the area was quiet but walking distance to New Town and old Town plus the tram and buses.
Nill
Thank you for your information!
Area information
- Edinburgh International Airport - 6.38 mi
- RAF Leuchars - 32.47 mi
- Perth - 34.88 mi
- Dundee Airport - 35.91 mi
- Contact Gallery Edinburgh - 0.27 mi
- The Scotish Museums Coouncil - 0.34 mi
- Scottish Museums Council - 0.35 mi
- Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum - 0.50 mi
- National War Museum of Scotland - 0.54 mi
- West Register House - 0.61 mi
- Scotisch Whisky Heritage Centre - 0.62 mi
- Portfolio Gallery - 0.70 mi
- Royal Scottish Academy - 0.73 mi
- National Gallery of Scotland - 0.73 mi
- Writers Museum - 0.73 mi
- Royal Museum - 0.76 mi
- Museum of Scotland - 0.76 mi
- National Museum of Scotland - 0.78 mi
- National Museums Of Scotland - 0.79 mi
- Haymarket Train Station - 0.51 mi
- Kings Theatre - 961 f
- Royal Lyceum Theatre - 0.32 mi
- Usher Hall - 0.42 mi
- EICC - 0.24 mi
- Armstrong's - 0.63 mi
- Edinburgh and Scotland Information Centre - 0.78 mi
- The Filmhouse - 0.26 mi
- St Cuthberts Church - 0.48 mi
- Parliament House - 0.64 mi
- Lady Stairs House - 0.74 mi
- Bruntsfield Links - 0.34 mi
- Castlehill Golf - 0.62 mi
- Edinburgh Castle - 0.39 mi
- Geoffrey Kiltmakers and Weavers - 0.39 mi
- Scott Monument - 0.62 mi
- George IV Bridge - 0.72 mi
- Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 0.76 mi
- Princes Street - Edinburgh - 0.66 mi
- Edinburgh College of Art - 0.68 mi
- University of Edinburgh - 0.72 mi
- Greyfriars Kirk - 0.71 mi
- Princes Mall - 0.74 mi
- Edinburgh Farmers Market - 0.39 mi
- Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre - 0.62 mi
- Charlotte Square - 0.62 mi
- The Meadows - 0.64 mi
- Institut Francais DEcosse - 0.68 mi
- The Happy Gang - 0.68 mi
- Magdalen Chapel - 0.69 mi
- Royal Mile - 0.71 mi
- Gladstone's Land - 0.74 mi
- Edinburgh Christmas Market - 0.78 mi
- Canongate Ballet - 0.78 mi
- Dance Base - 0.79 mi
Airports Show all on map »
Museums
Art Galleries Show all on map »
Transport
Train stations Show all on map »
Other attractions
Theatres Show all on map »
Things to do Show all on map »
Historical Buildings Show all on map »
Golf Courses Show all on map »
Monuments and Landmarks Show all on map »
Famous Streets Show all on map »
Colleges and Universities Show all on map »
National Parks Show all on map »
Shopping Center Show all on map »
Other Show all on map »
The Four Sisters Boatel - Houseboat
Lochrin Basin Union Canal Lower Gilmore Bank Fountainbridgeold Town, Edinburgh, City Of Edinburgh - Scotland, EH3 9NY, United Kingdom