There are only two games at Murrayfield in the Rugby World Cup, but both feature Scotland, with one match against New Zealand. There won't be an empty hotel in the city

Scotland start their 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign on September 18th with a match against Romania, which they will be expected to win. Five days later they face a much tougher challenge when the All Blacks thunder into Murrayfield, with their eyes set firmly on the trophy. Only two teams qualify from this Pool C group for the quarterfinals, so when Scotland play Italy on September 29th in St-Etienne, it could be make or break time.

It's make or break for the fans, too, trying to find not only tickets but accommodation as well. Edinburgh has plenty of hotels, and even if you don't have a ticket you'll be able to watch the matches in Edinburgh's famous rugby bars or on big screens around the city.

The best place to be is right in the city centre. You can easily get a bus out to Murrayfield, although many fans walk, stopping off in some of the excellent old rugby bars along the way. Here are some recommendations of more budget places to stay during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

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Ibis Edinburgh Centre

6 Hunter Square

One of the cheaper chain hotels, nothing fancy but inexpensive and a very central location, close to the Royal Mile.

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Premier Travel Inn

82 Lauriston Place

Slightly south of the city centre but close enough to walk, and another budget and safe option with its own bar/restaurant, though there's no hotel parking.

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Travelodge Edinburgh Central

33 St Mary's Street

Another budget chain hotel option, also close to the Royal Mile, it won't win any beauty prizes for the outside but the rooms are simple, comfortable and cheap.

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Budget Backpackers

39 Cowgate

This terrific hostel was recently voted 2nd best in the world by people from the hostelworld.com website, and with views of Edinburgh castle from the cool chill-out room with the plasma TV, it's hard to beat. There's a pool table, kitchen and a separate place that provides longer-term accommodation too.

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Castle Rock Hostel

15 Johnston Terrace

Another great Edinburgh hostel, close to the castle, and there are two others in the MacBackpackers group. One's the Royal Mile Hostel and the other the High Street Hostel, which dates back to 1564. Fortunately the facilities have been improved since then. If you're looking for cheap and cheerful, and central, all three fit the bill.

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For some more Edinburgh hotel choices, including the spa where the Scotland team go to ease their aches and pains, click here.

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Those Edinburgh World Cup Fixtures

EDINBURGH – Murrayfield Stadium

Sep 18 Scotland vs Romania

Sep 23 Scotland vs New Zealand

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And a reminder of who's in this pool:

POOL C

New Zealand – Scotland – Italy – Romania - Portugal

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