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Botel · Edinburgh · Edinburgh

Edinburgh - Houseboats

A quirky canal-side stay in Edinburgh, offering a one-of-a-kind houseboat experience with easy access to the city centre.

  • Unique canal boat experience
  • Walk to Princes Street and city centre
  • Family-friendly with bunk beds and cots
8.7 Great 214 reviews Booking.com 8.7 · 214 reviews

About

Edinburgh - Houseboats

The Four Sisters Boatel is a 4-star houseboat hotel moored at Lochrin Basin on the Union Canal, about a 10-minute drive from Arthur's Seat. It offers a distinctive stay with a range of amenities including free Wi-Fi, parking, and a welcome drink.

The boat features apartments and houses with kitchens, some with lake views and balconies. Families are well-catered for with cots, board games, and a children's play area, while pet owners can bring their furry friends along.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

4 reasons to book
  • Unique and memorable stay — Guests repeatedly highlight the novelty of sleeping on a houseboat, making it a standout experience in Edinburgh.
  • Great location for exploring Edinburgh — Within walking distance of Princes Street and the city centre, with restaurants and a supermarket nearby.
  • Family-friendly amenities — Bunk beds, cots, board games, and a children's play area make it easy for families to stay comfortably.
  • Attentive and welcoming staff — Natalie and the owner receive consistent praise for being friendly, helpful, and communicative.
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Worth weighing

4 to weigh
  • Small bathrooms — Some guests note that the bathroom is compact, though the shower is still good.
  • Heating can take time to figure out — A couple of guests mention needing to work out how the heating works before it gets warm and cosy.
  • Potential draught at the main entrance — One guest mentions a draught near the entrance, though the bedrooms remain warm.
  • Limited check-in window — Check-in is only between 16:00 and 18:00, which may be restrictive for some travellers.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Guest Room

Deluxe Double Room

  • 1 Double bed

Deluxe Apartment

Three-Bedroom House

  • 1 Double bed
  • Lake view
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Heating

Apartment

  • 1 King-size bed,1 Double bed,1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
  • Lake view
  • Shower
  • Coffee machine
  • Heating

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Key access
  • Paid shuttle service
  • Pet amenities available
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Grocery shopping service
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink

Room & Comfort

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities
  • Washing machine
  • Free toiletries
  • Electric kettle
  • Dryer
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
  • Electric blankets
  • In-room breakfast
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • BBQ facilities

Entertainment & Kids

  • Flat-screen TV
  • CD player
  • AM/FM alarm clock
  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's play area
  • Parquet floor

Activities

  • Cycling
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.7
Great 214 reviews

Guest-rated 8.7/10 from 214 reviews

Booking.com · 8.7 · 214 reviews
8.7Verified guest

“A cozy and well-equipped room, great for families with bunk beds and a double bed. The owner is friendly and welcoming, giving a personal touch. The location is convenient, close to restaurants and supermarkets. Robes, honesty bar, and foot spas add to the comfort.”

8.7Verified guest

“We had a fantastic time at this luxurious 4-star hotel. The hosts have thought of everything for comfort and quality service. The location is beautiful and tranquil, with amenities nearby. We walked to a Tesco Express and some lovely cafes. The boat is stunning inside and out, and the kids loved their bunk beds and the large windows with a picturesque view. A wide selection of DVDs made for a cozy movie night. We only wished we could have stayed longer.”

8.7Verified guest

“Loved the quirky boat stay in Edinburgh! Brilliant host, incredible location away from the hustle and bustle. The nearby facilities block was a bonus. Unique experience, comfy beds, and helpful hosts.”

8.7Verified guest

“The massage chair was a nice surprise and really helped me relax. Storing our bags after check-out was super convenient. The location was great, walking distance to all the main attractions. The whole experience of staying on a houseboat was unique and fun!”

8.7Verified guest

“The boatel's great location and unique boat stay made our stay enjoyable. The facilities on board were convenient for quick meals for the kids. We also appreciated the massage chair and the option to store our bags after checkout.”

8.7Verified guest

“Great value for money, and the room was luxurious and comfortable with all amenities. The location was perfect, within walking distance of the city centre and close to restaurants. The staff, especially Natalie, were helpful and responsive.”

04 — Location

Getting around Edinburgh

The property sits in Edinburgh.

Princes Street: A short walk from the boatel, Princes Street is Edinburgh's main shopping street and offers easy access to the city's attractions.

Arthur's Seat: About a 10-minute drive away, Arthur's Seat is a popular hike offering panoramic views over the city.

Union Canal: Step right outside and walk along the canal, where you can feed the ducks or even try fishing.

Local Dining: Nearby restaurants and cafes, such as Loudons, provide convenient options for meals and brunch.

Lochrin Basin, Union Canal, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH3 9NY, United Kingdom

Open in Google Maps

05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 16:00-18:00
Check-out
By 07:00-10:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Allowed

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 16:00 to 18:00, and check-out is from 07:00 to 10:00.

Is parking available at the houseboat?

Parking is available on site.

Are pets allowed on the houseboat?

Yes, pets are allowed, and pet amenities are available.

Is there Wi-Fi on board?

Yes, Wi-Fi is included in the amenities.

Can I cook meals on the boat?

Many rooms and apartments come with a kitchen or kitchenette, including cookware and utensils, so you can prepare meals.

Are there family-friendly facilities?

Yes, the boatel provides cots, board games, and a children's play area.

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The bottom line

The Four Sisters Boatel offers a genuinely unique canal-side stay in Edinburgh, ideal for families and those seeking something different. With a great location, attentive hosts, and a range of amenities, it is a memorable choice, though you'll need to be comfortable with a compact bathroom and a short check-in window.

8.7A distinctive houseboat experience worth trying for its character and convenience.

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