Author: Roseate Hotels & Resorts

Edinburgh’s Dunstane Houses is delighted to announce that the hotel has, once again, been recognised by TripAdvisor in their annual Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Based on traveller reviews, ratings and saves from around the world, Trip Advisor’s annual Best of the Best awards celebrate venues of outstanding merit and customer service and now place The Dunstane Houses amongst the top 10% of hotels worldwide.
Upon receipt of the award, owner of the Dunstane Houses, Shirley Mowat, commented: “We are delighted to receive this award as recognition of our team’s hard work and dedication over the course of the last year. Whilst these last months have been challenging, we are so grateful to have been able to reopen our doors and welcome back friends of the Dunstane Houses once again”.

The awards come just a month after the Dunstane Houses reopened on the 15 July. Spread between two recently restored Victorian townhouses, the hotel’s 35 rooms and suites celebrate the owners’ Orcadian heritage and the hotel’s location in neoclassical Edinburgh.

YOUR EDINBURGH HOME-FROM-HOME
Refined and relaxed; our 35 rooms and suites, inviting Orcadian spirit, all-day lounge & honesty bar mean you’ll immediately feel at home.

AN URBAN SANCTUARY
Named after places in our owners’ homeland, Orkney, our suites are amongst the biggest in Edinburgh. All with sweeping views, four have roll-top baths overlooking the Pentland Hills and Edinburgh’s iconic cityscape – the perfect sanctuary to retreat to after a day out.

TAILORED STAYS
Our newly introduced pre-arrival questionnaire means we can completely tailor your stay from the get-go. From scheduling housekeeping to your in-room drinks preferences and dining options; we’ll do our very best to make sure your stay is everything you want it to be.

FAMILY-RUN
Our welcoming, neighbourhood spirit and family-run approach creates a unique hotel experience in the heart of Scotland’s capital. For years, the heart and soul of the Dunstane has thrived thanks to our dedicated team of long-standing employees who help make the hotel what it is today and look forward to welcoming you to their home.

THE SPIRIT OF ORKNEY IN THE HEART OF EDINBURGH
Subtly mixing the old and the new, our evocative interiors combine the neoclassical design of old-town Edinburgh and the rugged, neutral tones of Orkney. Throughout the hotel, artworks curated by local artist, Nicky Brooks, of the iconic Red Door Gallery on Edinburgh’s Victoria Street, depict scenes of Edinburgh and Orkney, with a special Orkney collection curated by students of Edinburgh College of Art on show in the lounge.

YOUR GATEWAY TO SCOTLAND
Our unique location means you are both a moments’ walk from the city centre and a short drive to some of Scotland’s most sought-after beauty spots with complimentary parking included in all stays meaning we’re perfect for road trips or small car rallies. Indulge in afternoons exploring our magnificent surrounds; from the fabled peaks of the nearby Pentland Hills to the mystical shores of Cramond Beach, Gullane or Elie, all within an hour’s drive of the hotel. Plus, our owner Derek has one of the biggest collections of prestige and classic cars in Edinburgh which means you can even explore the city James Bond style. Check out our Dunstane Drive experience for more details.

SCOTTISH PRODUCE, WHENEVER YOU WANT
Our celebration of Orkney goes beyond our interiors and here at The Dunstane Houses our guests can have a taste of our homeland throughout their stay. Try our Orkney kippers for breakfast or our ‘Taste of Orkney Platter’ for dinner which comes with a choice of over 100 whiskies. Plus, our Ba’ Bar is home to over 30 Scottish gins, an impressive selection of craft Scottish beer and we’re the only hotel in Scotland to off the 40-year old Highland Par whisky. Yum!

FLEXIBLE BOOKING
We want to welcome back as many old and new friends as soon as possible. That’s why, for the rest of this year, we’ll be offering fully flexible rates, a 24-hour cancellation policy and no prepayment required, plus 30% off stays in July and August. We are ready when you are…

THE DUNSTANE EXPERIENCES
Over the course of your stay, our team are on-hand to organise a number of exclusive Dunstane experiences just for you. From personal shopping to insider-led city tours and bespoke dining experiences at some of the city’s best restaurants, we’re here to help you experience the best of our city and our surrounds. Just let us know what you need.

EXCLUSIVELY-YOURS
Both our houses are available for private hire – either individually or as a pair. Perfect for that much-anticipated reunion with loved ones, private parties, a celebratory dinner or an intimate wedding; you’ll have up to 35 bedrooms, private bar lounges and a team of dedicated staff. Go on…

Part of successfully running a luxury boutique hotel in Edinburgh is being consistent, from the service you provide to the food, and of course, the design of each room in the hotel. With this in mind, we’re delighted to be coming to an end of refurbishments at The Hampton House and we are very pleased with the result.

The Dunstane Houses have stood at the gateway to old-town Edinburgh since the 1860s. Variously occupied by merchants, musicians, doctors, distillers, bankers and newspapermen over the last 150 years. With such a rich history it is important that the design of our buildings reflects everything The Dunstane Houses are about.

We’re delighted with the design of both The Hampton House and of course The Dunstane; characterful and evocative, inspired by the neoclassical design of old-town Edinburgh, the Dunstane Houses’ rich history, and our own Orcadian roots. Uniquely styled to balance timeless tradition and modern comfort.

These Hampton House rooms are great for a short stay in the city with each room being very newly refurbished, there’s free WiFi, a smart TV, bottled water and Noble Isle toiletries, plus a kettle and Nespresso machine – all the necessities for a well-earned break.

The Stroma Lounge in The Hampton House truly reflects our style and gives our guests a warm and inviting place to relax with their meal or with their dram of an evening. Using a combination of rich blues, various shades of cream, a hint of yellow in places, beautiful artwork and stained wood.

The addition to that, our honesty bar in the shape of a Vintage Fridge Company piece is a stunning focal point of the room – unique and made just for us by this wonderful company who take traditional ice boxes (ours is Brazilian!) and make them into working fridges.

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS
Want the hotel to yourself? Both Dunstane House and Hampton House are available for private hire – either individually or as a pair. Book exclusive use of one or both houses and you’ll have up to 35 bedrooms to spread yourselves around, along with private bar lounges and dedicated staff, and bespoke dining menus at your fingertips.

LUXURIOUS MEETING SPACE IN EDINBURGH
Looking for a luxurious meeting space in Edinburgh? If so The Dunstane Houses brings boutique hotel character and family-run warmth to corporate functions and business meetings and should definitely be your first port of call. Our hotel is conveniently located being only a 5-minute walk from Haymarket station, 10 minutes from the city centre, the bus stop is right outside our front door, we have onsite parking, our Ba’Bar has a fantastic selection of food and drinks and the coffee is excellent- what more could you possibly ask for?

With The Hampton House having just been refurbished, our meeting rooms and private-dining space make for an ideal venue for corporate events with character – whether that’s a conference, a workshop, boardroom-style gatherings, seminars or presentations, and we can supply reliable projection equipment, WiFi, flip charts, stationery and – critical to the success of any meeting or conference – delicious artisan biscuits.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is nearly upon us and guests at the Dunstane Houses can look forward to an action-packed August in Edinburgh. The hotel is only a 10-minute walk away from the heart of the city centre, where artists from around the globe gather on this occasion and create “the world’s greatest platform for creative freedom”. It is indeed the largest festival in the world, featuring more than 55,000 performances throughout the month.

August also sees the return of another sell-out event in the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which takes place on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle. It is one of the most iconic events in the Edinburgh calendar. Performers from 48 countries are going to touch your heart and soul during this annual celebration of music, entertainment, and fireworks – a truly unforgettable experience. Taking place every evening between August 5th and August 27th, tickets are on sale and selling fast with prices ranging from £25 to £90, with premier seats and hospitality packages from £130.

To set you up right during your festival break, enjoy a great night’s sleep in one of our luxury rooms, followed by our famous full Scottish breakfast. Our team at the Dunstane Houses will ensure you have everything you need to make the most out of your stay, and your Fringe adventure.

Want to push the boat out? Why not treat yourself to our exclusive Jubilee package which includes a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia? It is the perfect addition to make your Edinburgh Fringe experience one to remember. Our package includes a two-night stay in one of our luxury King rooms or Orkney suites, full Scottish breakfast, glass of champagne prior to dinner, a private chauffeur tour of Edinburgh, as well as a trip to the Queen’s former yacht, to enjoy scones and tea.

The team at the Dunstane Houses love sharing their top tips and hidden Fringe gems with you to make your stay in Edinburgh that extra special. Here are some of the theatre, comedy, and dance acts you shouldn’t miss:

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Edinburgh. The leaves are changing colour, the air is crisp and clean, and the city seems to take on an even more magical quality than it does in summer. Here at The Dunstane Houses we love the longer nights, colder mornings and the carpet of leaves covering the pavements. To celebrate one of our favourite seasons, we have put together our must-see list of the seven best things to do in Edinburgh this autumn.

DOWN IN THE DUNGEON
The Edinburgh Dungeon is a great day out for families or groups of friends, who can explore the city’s dark history. The tour takes you through an underground maze where you will come face to face with gruesome characters and hear spine-tingling stories about their lives in medieval Scotland.

TAKE A WALK
Autumnal walks are one of our favourite things to do when the paths are covered in cold, crisp leaves. Hop on the Number 26 bus to Edinburgh’s hidden gem, Corstorphine Hill. The walk will take you through beautiful woodland, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and listen to curlews calling their haunting song over the wind-swept hills. Just behind the hotel, take a walk down the stunning Water of Leith all the way to one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods at the Shore.

SEE THE EDINBURGH OF OLD
The Real Mary King’s Close is a fascinating part of Scottish history and offers you a unique opportunity to see the Edinburgh of the 17th century. Meet the residents and walk the streets of Edinburgh as it was during the great plague epidemic of the Black Death. The one-hour guided tour of Mary King’s Close is a great way to celebrate spooky season.

COSY UP IN A PUB
Edinburgh is world-renowned for its hundreds of pubs and bars which boast centuries of history. Many of these have open fires providing you with the perfect place to cosy up on the cooler days with a pint of something local. Teuchters and Whighams in the West End are just a short walk from the hotel and a couple of our favourites.

VISIT YOUR FAVOURITE FILM LOCATIONS
From cult favourites like Trainspotting and Restless Natives to international blockbusters such as the Harry Potter series, many of your favourite films have been shot in Edinburgh. Visit some of these locations or take a tour with Movie Tours Scotland who offer regular trips around several popular film spots. Just ten minutes from The Dunstane Houses on the tram you will find some of the locations used in The Avengers: Infinity War – a must see for any Marvel fan! A walk around Edinburgh’s Old Town is truly like walking around a film set!

HIT THE SHOPS
Edinburgh is a shoppers’ paradise, and with the new St James Quarter you will find a huge number of global brands and independent boutiques all within a short walk of each other. Whether you are looking to start your Christmas shopping early or splurge on yourself, Edinburgh is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy. While visiting the new shopping centre, make sure to pop up to Bonnie & Wild to sample some delicious Scottish fayre and warm up with a cocktail or two.

SAMHUINN FIRE PARADE
This annual parade marks the transition into winter and is a spectacular procession of fire and light through the city streets. The event celebrates the ancient Celtic festival of Samhuinn, which takes place on 31st October each year and is a dramatic celebration of light over darkness. The route and timings are typically released 48 hours ahead of the event to those who have registered.

There’s truly no better time to visit Edinburgh than in Autumn. Stay at The Dunstane Houses and enjoy free parking, 5-star luxurious rooms, delicious food and drink as well as our renowned Scottish hospitality. If that’s not enough to entice you, those staying before the end of November and booking our Ultimate Dunstane Experience will get a complimentary bottle of gin as well as a complimentary Orkney gin tasting. We look forward to welcoming you this autumn to our The Dunstane Houses.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city to visit at any time of year, but especially so during the Christmas season. There are lots of festive activities and events taking place in the city over the coming weeks, so if you’re looking for some ideas on what to do in Edinburgh this Christmas then look no further.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS
There are several Christmas markets taking place in Edinburgh over the next few weeks, all of which offer a delightful festive atmosphere in the heart of the city centre. With over 200 stalls selling a huge range of unique gifts and decorations, you are bound to find that unique present for that special someone. Edinburgh’s Christmas runs from late November to 4th January.

CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS
Warm the cockles with a hot cocktail. The Winter Garden at The Dunstane Houses offers a range of festive cocktails, including Mulled Wine which is the perfect accompaniment to a range of sweet treats including Orkney marshmallows and liquid hazelnut chocolate. Cosy up under the heaters with a blanket and hot water bottle and soak up the relaxed, festive atmosphere with friends and family.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by enjoying some of the best festive entertainment? The Usher Hall, Edinburgh Playhouse and Festival Theatre are all hosting a range of concerts throughout December. Entertain all the family with the spectacular, toe-tapping production of Irving Berlin’s classic musical, White Christmas while fans of the panto can enjoy Sleeping Beauty at the King’s Theatre.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world at Christmas time, thanks to its amazing Christmas lighting displays. Book yourself a ticket to the spectacular lighting trail which winds its way through the Royal Botanic Gardens or just take a wander and visit some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful lights at places like The Dome and, Edinburgh’s own Castle of Light.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
Peruse the boutiques of Edinburgh’s West End or meander through the St James Quarter with its selection of global fashion houses and well-known brands. Scotland’s capital is the perfect place for some festive retail therapy. Some of our favourite independents include Iolla for Scottish-made eyewear, Frontiersman and Frontierswoman for high-end clothing and Rosie Brown for beautiful handmade jewellery.

CHRISTMAS SKATING
Get your skates on and head to George Street to take advantage of this year’s Christmas ice rink. With a uniquely shaped rink and a spectacular light show, this is one of Edinburgh’s most popular festive attractions. Skate right up to the bar to enjoy festive drinks and nibbles before heading out on the town.

CHRISTMAS STAYCATION
Want to get away from it all and give yourself a well-earned rest before the madness of Christmas? Why not book our Romantic Night In package for you and your other half? Spend the night in one of our incredible Orkney suites and soak up the luxury with a bottle of Joseph Perrier Champagne, an intimate dinner and a host of decadent perks to make this the perfect pre-Christmas staycation.

Whatever the weather, there is something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas. If you are looking to visit our wonderful city from further afield, why not stay at The Dunstane Houses?

Scotland and Whisky is a long-established partnership, however, there is no denying that gin is one of the world’s fastest growing spirits, with Scottish gin in particular undergoing a massive revival.

This has in turn led to a passion from consumers for exploring new brands and new ways of enjoying the spirit, be it with garnishes, tonics or in cocktails. The flexibility of the recipes, and relative simplicity of its production, makes gin the perfect spirit for those looking to create and sell their own brand.

Believe it or not, last year alone, British drinkers consumed around the equivalent of 1.12 billion G&Ts, according to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

With that we’re pleased to report that Scotland is leading the way in distillation, with over 70 per cent of the production of the gin consumed in the UK occurring in our backyard, and according to market research site Euromonitor, sales of the white spirit could soon overtake the sales of blended whisky in the UK this year.

Have you been Swept up in the Ginaissance and Eager to combine an Edinburgh escape with a visit to the wonderful world of craft gin? Or do you simply Just fancy a high-spirited weekend away this springtime?

SPRINGTIME GIN-TIME
Spring is a wonderful time of the year to visit Edinburgh. You get to see the capital city filled with all the stunning colours from all the flowers and gardens, reds, blues, greens and everything in between- a perfect place for a G&T I should add.
Not only is it beautiful outdoors but there is also plenty of other things going on in Spring to make your stay one to remember, to see more about Edinburgh in the Spring, please click here. Otherwise, if you fancy experiencing Gin in Scotland properly then we’ve got the perfect package for those of you wanting to put a cultural twist on your Gin-filled weekend.

Book this special two-night break at our luxury boutique hotel in Edinburgh and enjoy a host of gin-based experiences guaranteed to warm your cockles and hone your palette

Your stay includes:
• Two nights’ accommodation in Dunstane House or Hampton House, with full Scottish breakfast each morning in the Ba’ Bar
• Afternoon tea in the Ba’ Bar on arrival – enhanced by a craft G&T
• A tour of Pickering’s Gin distillery to discover how handcrafted spirits are made
• A guided private tasting of Orkney’s Kirkjuvagr craft gins with Dunstane’s resident spirit specialist
• A bottle of our very own house spirit – DunGin – to take home with you.

As some of you may know, here at The Dunstane Houses we like to go above and beyond to make sure that here at our Edinburgh boutique hotel, we do things the right way. Whether it is keeping the hotel up to date, changing the menu in the Ba’Bar, organising activities for guests or just simply offering good old-fashioned Scottish hospitality, we take a lot of pride in what we do.

In 2018 we had a fantastic year with regards to awards, receiving 5* by Visit Scotland, Boutique Hotel of the Year 2018 at the Scottish Hotel Awards and more.

In 2019 so far we are delighted to have won Edinburgh’s Most Romantic Hotel and Bar Dining Hotel of the year and we can only put it down to the passion and enthusiasm shared by the team.

With this in mind, we are delighted The Dunstane House has just been invited to become a part of the exclusive travel club Mr & Mrs Smith.

MR & MRS SMITH
For those of you who don’t know, Mr & Mrs Smith is the travel club for hotel lovers: an award-winning, boutique-hotel booking service, specialising in the world’s most seductive stays. Founded in 2003, there are now more than 1,000 boutique and luxury hotels in the collection, all hand-picked and anonymously reviewed. With Smith you’ll get the best prices guaranteed, free extras on arrival and round-the-clock service from the Smith24 team of in-house travel specialists. The collection now also includes luxury villas, bespoke itineraries and unique experiences, too.

EDINBURGH
Edinburgh is a beautifully fascinating and charming city, rich in heritage and culture. Sure, the weather is slightly unpredictable to say the least, but we can’t have it all, can we? With Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s seat, Princes Street Gardens, the shopping, the architecture, the food, our colourful history and much more, there’s certainly no shortage of fun things to do in Edinburgh.

Although Edinburgh isn’t a particularly large city, you’ll still definitely want accommodation that’s conveniently located to the Edinburgh city centre, especially after a long day of sight-seeing.

THE DUNSTANE HOUSES
The Dunstane Houses are a pair of independent, family-run, four- and five-star luxury boutique hotels that offer guests the best of the Scottish capital-Set in two heritage buildings in a peaceful corner of Edinburgh’s West End. Conveniently, The Dunstane Houses are only a 10-minute walk from the City Centre.

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED
Getting to and from the airport is also an important factor when booking accommodation, travelling can quite easily drag on and eat into your precious holiday time. Getting to The Dunstane Houses only takes 15 minutes by car from Edinburgh Airport, or 20 minutes with the CityLink bus which conveniently stops right outside our front door, meaning, you have the most amount of time to enjoy yourself whilst in our exciting city.
If you’re wanting to visit Murrayfield stadium (Home to Scotland’s Rugby Team) during your time in Edinburgh, then you’ll only need to walk 5 minutes down the hill from our front door- ideal after a few pints at the rugby or a few glasses of wine at a concert.

A PROPER SCOTTISH EXPERIENCE
It’s not all about convenience however, here at The Dunstane Houses, we pride ourselves on our welcoming Scottish hospitality and giving our guest a complete Scottish experience. We also offer the finest seasonal Scottish produce in our all-day dining room and lounge, the Ba’ Bar – home to one of the widest and best selections of rare and vintage whiskies in Edinburgh.
Our 35 comfortable and contemporary bedrooms are spread between the two buildings, including 16 newly refurbished rooms in The Dunstane House have each been beautifully styled to balance timeless tradition and modern comfort.
Our hotel is conveniently located for many other main attractions as well, so if you’re looking for somewhere luxurious to stay that is conveniently located with proper Scottish soul then The Dunstane Houses is definitely for you. We have plenty of offers on at the moment, for more information please click here or to book now please click on the Book Now & Save button at the top right of this webpage.

WALKING DISTANCES FROM HOTEL
• Haymarket train station – 5 mins
• Murrayfield Stadium – 5 mins
• Edinburgh City Centre – 10 mins
• Edinburgh International Conference Centre – 10 mins
• Edinburgh Castle – 20 mins

Other places of interest all just a short bus ride away or walking:
• The Palace of Holyrood
• The Royal Yacht Britannia
• The National gallery of Scotland/Modern art
• The Edinburgh Dungeons
• The Botanical Gardens
• Scotch Whisky Experience
• Edinburgh Zoo