Accommodation

Finding a place to stay is a big consideration when bringing your show to the Fringe. It’s also going to be one of the biggest expenses in your budget.

You’ve got to balance the limitations of your budget against proximity (or decent transport links) to your venue; you may also need enough room to accommodate members of your company and, potentially, any props, costumes or equipment you need to store (your venue may only have limited storage space, if any).

Finding the right neighbourhood

Edinburgh is a small city and travel times and distances may appear greater than they actually are, so don’t be afraid to venture outside the city centre. This comes with many benefits: not only is it usually much cheaper, but you’ll also benefit from quieter neighbourhoods, parks and green spaces to reflect and recover, plus more space and larger properties for larger groups. You’ll get to experience the ‘real’ Edinburgh that most tourists miss, and you’ll generally still be within a 15 – 20 minute journey from the centre, whether you’re travelling on foot, by bike or on the bus.

Affordable options

As part of our support services for artists, the Fringe Society strives to negotiate affordable accommodation options. The accommodation offers we’ve secured in the past include student halls and university accommodations, hostels, hotels, campsites and properties run by local landlords. The offers are booked on a first-come, first-served basis so it’s good to look early. 

LOG INTO OUR ARTISTS’ ACCOMMODATION PORTAL

Protect yourself from fraud

No matter where you stay in Edinburgh, be safe! Given the scale of the Fringe, instances of frauds are thankfully quite low. Follow these tips to ensure any transactions you make are safe.

1. Always use a credit card or PayPal to make deposits on any accommodation, rather than transferring money from your bank account to a stranger’s bank account. This will ensure your money remains traceable and recoverable if it ends up in the wrong place. 
2. Do your research. Ensure you can find online evidence which corroborates what any company, agent or individual is telling you. Look for third-party, independent reviews online which support a positive reputation.
3. Visit Action Fraud for information on how to protect yourself and call their hotline if you suspect you’re engaging with a fraudster.
4. Use your instinct: if it smells bad, it’s usually bad. Don’t fall prey to bullying tactics. Don’t rush to commit to a situation because you've been told others are keen and you might lose out. Be aware of bad or odd behaviour – a genuine company, agent or individual will not use any of these tactics to secure an agreement.