aUNIQUE MEETING SPACE IN EDINBURGH

Home > Blog > UNIQUE MEETING SPACE IN EDINBURGH

Unique Edinburgh Meeting Space
Attending meetings or corporate events is part of everyday life for many modern business people, so unique Edinburgh meeting space is in high demand.

We offer flexible and functional facilities for your conference and our rooms are equally adaptable for seminars, training events, business workshops, meetings and more.

We stand out from other Edinburgh conference venues and with the additional extra of luxury accommodation in our boutique hotel rooms you can be assured that all your needs are met.

Quick, Easy and Stress-Free
From the moment you contact us with your enquiry you’ll be in touch with a dedicated member of our team. They will be with you throughout the planning and on the day of your event. In Edinburgh meeting space is in high demand and we are pleased to be able to offer a venue which meets the needs of both smaller and medium size groups.

Our event space is a perfectly equipped, practical meeting environment and we welcome all local and visiting businesses to take advantage of our conference facilities. Choose from our overnight accommodation options if required or just book a meeting area with a coffee breaks and lunch packages.

Our practical meeting rooms provide everything you will need for your conference in Edinburgh. Discussing your needs with your event manager in advance, will give you a clear picture of what we can do for you.

Food for Thought
No one can work on an empty stomach! We have a great selection of lunch and coffee break packages for you to choose from. Enjoy refreshments in your meeting room or use an additional area, such as the Ba’Bar or the Garden Conservatory. If you’re lucky enough to get summer weather when you’re here, why not move your refreshments outside to our private garden?
Our Head Chef has designed our menu with you in mind. From a simple sandwich selection to tide you over till dinner to gourmet sandwiches, goujons and sharing platters. Our menus can be tailored to your dietary requirements, so feel free to speak with our team and we’ll do our very best to accommodate your requests.

If you’re staying with us overnight perhaps you’d like to organise a dinner? From small table in the Ba’Bar to exclusive use of the Restaurant and bar areas, your event manager will work closely with you to find the best option to suit you and your party.
Dinner menus will be expertly created by our Head Chef, as always taking into consideration your personal preferences and dietary requirements. All inspired by our “other home” in the Orkney Islands, dinner is sure to be one of the highlights of your time with us.

Please click here to see our Events Me
Overnight Accommodation
The Dunstane offers luxury accommodation in Edinburgh with 38 uniquely decorated and designed hotels rooms offering luxurious facilities; just what’s needed after a busy day brainstorming, taking part in workshops and training.

Our hotel accommodation in Edinburgh guarantees a comfortable night’s sleep with a range of rooms available for different types of traveller, from single rooms to petite and deluxe double rooms. Each of our rooms is finished to the highest level of luxury and we are pleased to offer boutique accommodation in the heart of Edinburgh.

Our beds are supremely soft and comfortable, topped with the finest Egyptian cotton bedding. The rooms are designed with space to work, if needed, as well as TVs for relaxation and recuperation after a busy day’s work. The bathrooms are recently refurbished and equipped with high quality fittings, including power showers and luxurious toiletries, fluffy white towels and dressing gowns ready for your use.

Booking event accommodation at The Dunstane at the same time as organising your event reservation will help to avoid the headache of finding rooms for your delegates. Our friendly and professional reservations team are available to discuss your needs and provide further information.

aTHE CALEDONIA JOB

Home > Blog > THE CALEDONIA JOB

EVERYBODY IS GONNA SIT IN THE BACK OF THE MOTOR!
Hang on lads, we’ve got a great idea. Here’s the plan: rendezvous at the Dunstane Houses; we’ll hook you up with Rowan and Andy, and they’ll whisk you off in their motors for a two-hour tour of Edinburgh. You’ll go off the beaten track, you’ll clock the sights as the locals see them, and you’ll come back with a few tales to tell. This, as it were, is an inside job.

CLEARLY SOPHISTICATED TYPES…
The tour is not the end of it. Because you’re clearly the sophisticated type, we’ll welcome you to the Dunstane Houses with a vintage afternoon tea (starring 3D Cakes’ famous rose gold cupcakes and, of course, Joseph Perrier Champagne). After you get back from your madcap Mini adventure (assuming no one blows the bloody doors off), we’ll treat you to a whisky and cheese tasting with our resident specialist (knows his stuff, but a bit partial to the liquor). And to save you having to make a quick getaway, you’ll get late check-out too. Find out more here.

JUST REMEMBER THIS.
We have plenty of other offers to complement your Mini Mack Tour, as well as an all-day dining menu full of modern Scottish dishes and seasonally changing light bites. From Breakfast to a late-night bar snack, we’ve got something for you. The vintage whisky cabinet is yours to take a dram from and we have enough artisan Gins, that you could stay for a week and not have the same one twice! Craft beers, hand-selected wine list, great food and a home-from-home environment. What more could you want?*

*except weather like in the actual Italian Job…unlikely in Scotland, but we’ll do out best, just for you!

aWHISKY TASTING IN EDINBURGH

Home > Blog > WHISKY TASTING IN EDINBURGH

Whisky is the national drink of Scotland. We have been producing it since the 15th century and we’ve become rather good at it! The earliest written reference to ‘Aqua Vitae’ came from a monk at Lindores Abbey, which is now a working distillery again, and not too far from us in the Kingdom of Fife! Whisky is exported all over the world, old and rare bottles are sold for many thousands of pounds and there is certainly an art to tasting it. Whether you’re a beginner or a connoisseur, Edinburgh is the place to start your whisky journey!

THE DUNSTANE BAR
We have an impressive range of over 70 single malts in the Ba’ Bar, including some of the rarer bottles displayed in one of the most beautiful whisky cabinets in the city! Our staff are specially trained to find a dram to suit your palate, and they may also introduce you to some new flavours along the way.

SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE
This is one of Edinburgh’s top visitor attractions. Become a one-hour-expert and view their collection of over 3000 bottles of Scotch, including many rare and unusual items. You can upgrade your tour to include additional drams or take part in a more in-depth masterclass.

SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY

The society, with venues in the New Town and Leith, is a club for whisky lovers. You can become a member to gain access to their private members areas and receive special prices on their bottlings and events. Most tasting events are open to non-members too and are an excellent opportunity to enjoy a drink with fellow enthusiasts.

THE CALEDONIA JOB
Combine your (new) love of whisky with a tour of Edinburgh and some Scottish cheese, booking a tour with our friends at Mini Mack Tours! Fuel yourself with a luxury Afternoon Tea, before zipping around on two-hour tour of our historic city, bringing you back to the Dunstane Houses for the whisky and cheese tasting. Not to worry, there’s a late check out the following day, so you can spend as much time at the bar as you please…!

aDISCOVER OUR FOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO THIS AUGUST IN EDINBURGH

Home > Blog > DISCOVER OUR FOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO THIS AUGUST IN EDINBURGH

August is upon us and the last of summer has arrived. For those who are yet to visit our wonderful city, August is truly the month where Edinburgh comes alive. While you may not see the Capital in all its usual Festival glory, with some of the larger events either cancelled or scaled back, it still promises to be an amazing month for locals and tourists alike. We have handpicked four Edinburgh events we are most excited about this August.

FRINGE BY THE SEA
Just 20 miles east of Edinburgh lies North Berwick – a beautiful seaside town that is a favourite day trip for many Edinburgh locals. This picturesque town plays host to Fringe by the Sea – a more rural instalment of the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Showcasing a wide range of culture, arts and events from 6th-15th August, this year promises to be its biggest yet. Highlights from the star-studded lineup include Lulu, Basement Jaxx and Janey Godley.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
Bookworms will be delighted to hear that the International Book Festival will return this August, with an incredible lineup of over 300 authors and writers who will descend on the Capital for edinburghs, conversations and signings. After the festival went fully digital last year in response to the global pandemic, it has found a new home at the Edinburgh College of Art where it will stay for the longer term.

THE FRINGE
The authentic Fringe experience would not be the same without rushing between venues across the city, trying to cram in as many shows as possible. After last year’s cancellation due to COVID, it is much to our collective relief that the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe is back this year with an incredible lineup of comedy, music and theatre. According to the latest figures, there are as many as 670 different shows scheduled between August 6th and August 30th meaning there is something for absolutely everyone. As is customary, there will be some household names and fan favourites making a return across the various venues where the Fringe is taking place.

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Edinburgh International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in the Scottish capital, running between August 18th-25th this year. The festival has been running since 1947, and gives cinema-goers around the world an opportunity to see new films from Scotland and abroad. So what can you expect? Well, it’s not just about watching movies – there will be discussions with filmmakers, workshops on filmmaking skills, Q&A sessions with actors and more. There will be free screenings of classic films in St Andrew Square while film buffs can enjoy intimate screenings of new films at the Filmhouse on Lothian Road and the Festival Theatre over on the Southside.

So we have convinced you that Edinburgh is the place to be this August and now you’re thinking about accommodation. Well look no further! The Dunstane Houses’ location makes us the perfect place to stay while visiting the city as we are within easy reach of all the main venues whilst also offering our guests a calm and quiet retreat from the madness of the festivities. Book your Edinburgh staycation with us today and take advantage of everything August has to offer. With the warm weather set to continue, enjoy pre-show drinks and food out in our Garden – named by CNN as one of the best al-fresco dining spots in Europe – before heading out on the town!

aCELEBRATE THE DUNSTANE HOUSES WAY

Home > Blog > CELEBRATE THE DUNSTANE HOUSES WAY

A special occasion deserves a special location. The Dunstane Houses is that place. A 5-minute walk from Haymarket station, and just a short taxi or bus to the centre of Edinburgh, we are ideally located for all your celebratory plans.

EXCLUSIVELY YOURS
Our exclusive use packages are perfect for that family celebration or the mother of all get-togethers! Take all 35 bedrooms across the Dunstane House and Hampton House, or just one, with breakfast included and a dedicated team to help your stay run smoothly. You’ll feel like the Lord of the Manor (though we hope we’re included as extended family and not the servants…!) and your guests will enjoy all the luxuries the Dunstane Houses have to offer. Find out more here.

WEDDING LUXURY
Every bride and groom deserve a night of true luxury, on the night before their wedding. Lucky for you, we have two houses, so there’s no chance of seeing each other before you’re down the aisle! Though we’ll let you decide who gets the Dunstane Suite…! For your guests, you can block book rooms for anyone attending the wedding. We can lay on intimate drinks and canapé parties, night-before dinners and or morning-after breakfast gatherings. Find out about weddings at the Dunstane Houses here.

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES
Do you really need a reason for a party? We are the perfect location for your celebration. Choose from the Ba’ Bar or the recently refurbished Stroma Lounge and host anything from an afternoon tea to a Champagne reception. Get in touch with our team to find out more.

GET IN TOUCH
Whatever your needs, we would be delighted to hear from you to see how we can help. You can take a look at our events brochure online, email us or call us on 0131 997 6169. The only thing we love more than a good party, is making sure you have one.

a5 REASONS TO HOLIDAY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Home > Blog > 5 REASONS TO HOLIDAY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

Looking for something new to do in 2018? Why not visit the UK? Although we have a reputation for not having the best weather we do have a history rich in culture, art and much more. With each corner of the British Isles being completely different from the next, you are guaranteed a different experience from every part. So why now?

1.It’s more affordable than ever
You can get a good exchange rate on the pound right now, so those coming from other countries should take advantage

2. Amazing scenery throughout
In the UK, you’re never far from a beautiful landscape – stunning mountains, gardens, rivers, even the coastline is all stunning. Being a small country, you can get from place to place quickly, so plan a road trip! The famous journey from John o’ Groats in the far north of Great Britain to Land’s End at the most southerly tip can be achieved in around 15 hours driving time – and there’s so much to see along the way.

3. Bright city lights
There are some fantastic towns and cities to visit. Our favourite is Edinburgh (we’re a bit biased as that’s where you’ll find us at The Dunstan Hotel) but don’t just take our word for it… Scotland’s capital city is frequently listed as one of the best cities in the UK. There’s also London, Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow, York, Newcastle, the list goes on. Each place has its own unique history, architecture, attractions and events.

4. Rich History and Culture

The British Isles have a very long and fascinating history. Just walk around our oldest cities and you’ll find historic buildings, monuments and landmarks on every corner. You can learn more through an amazing choice of UK national and regional museums, covering every subject from ancient cultures to the latest scientific discoveries.

5. Unforgettable Festivals
There’s always a festival happening somewhere in the UK. Edinburgh alone has 12 official festivals on throughout the year, including the famous Fringe and International arts festivals which take over the city every August.

If you’re planning a trip around the UK, be sure to visit us here at The Dunstane Houses, we’ve got offers on all the time to help you choose when suits you best.

aMOTHER’S DAY IN EDINBURGH

Home > Blog > MOTHER’S DAY IN EDINBURGH

They say the most expensive part of having kids is all the Gin/Wine/Prosecco you “have to drink”. Well, this year we’ve got the perfect way for you to buy your Mum a drink to say thanks (or sorry!) on Mother’s Day, which is Sunday 11th March. It is our chance to say thanks to those very special ladies in our lives whilst being a perfect excuse to enjoy some family time, fabulous food and a great day out in Edinburgh.

SUNDAY LUNCH
We will be serving a delicious three course lunch, including Champagne, for £39 per person from 12.30pm-5.30pm on Sunday 11th March. Your Mum will receive a luxury gift with our compliments, but we won’t tell her it’s from us if you need a few extra brownie points! So treat Mum, and the family, to a selection of homemade savoury treats, a classic roast dinner and sweet treats to finish. A glass of Champagne is included, then you can choose from our extensive wine and Gin lists for the rest of the meal. More details here.

MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT!
Saturday 10th March is the last night of the incredible Blood Brothers, the legendary story of twins separated at birth and reunited with fateful consequences, at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Not fancy that? It’s also the last night of America’s premier Latino dance company, Ballet Hispanico, doing Carmen at the Festival Theatre. If theatre isn’t your thing, there are so many boutique shops to discover, hidden throughout the city and our team would be more than happy to give you a few ideas. Independent coffee shops and cafes will warm you up, if the weather isn’t ideal or just come back and courie in to the sofa in the Ba’ Bar with a Kirkjuvagr Gin in hand!

WHERE TO STAY?
With us, of course! Take advantage of one of our many fabulous offers and really give Mum a weekend to remember. A little extra sweetener for a break in Edinburgh, the Dunstane Houses are the perfect place to really spoil Mum. Warm and friendly as well as luxurious and special.

aTHINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH THIS EASTER

Home > Blog > THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH THIS EASTER

This Easter weekend, there is plenty to keep the kids (grown up and tiny!) occupied throughout Edinburgh. Whatever you get up to, make sure to check out our incredibly indulgent Easter Adventure offer!

KIDS ACTIVITIES
What better way to celebrate Easter than with an Easter Egg Hunt! Head to Craigmillar Castle and follow the clues in this year’s Eggsplorer Trail. Or follow a special Hatchimal themed trail around Edinburgh Zoo. Coincidentally entry to the Zoo is included in out Easter Adventure offer…!

For the brave parents with young kids (it actually hurts to recommend this) their favourite Justin Fletcher aka. Mr Tumble, is at the Playhouse on Sunday 1st April with his Big Band Show. Don’t worry, we will make sure the bar is fully stocked for your recovery afterwards!

FOR THE BIG KIDS
Book a tour of the Edinburgh Gin distillery or enjoy a bank holiday walk up the Royal Mile or hike up Arthur’s Seat for some stunning views.

If you want to catch a show this Easter, Madame Butterfly is showing at Edinburgh Playhouse from 30th to 31st April and The Stand Comedy Club is putting on a comedy night on 1st April.

EASTER ADVENTURE
Join us this Easter for a two-night break packed with sweet treats and indulgent extras – the most spoiling stay the Dunstane has to offer!

A hamper of hand-picked luxury extras waits in your room – including a luxury Easter egg, a bottle of Champagne, specially selected fudge and shortbread and Noble Isle bath products. Then, head down to the Ba’ Bar for afternoon tea with vintage Champagne and rose gold cupcakes. Down the road from the Dunstane Houses, the baking impresarios of 3D Cakes will share the secrets of rustling up show stopping bakes with an exclusive workshop.

Back to the Dunstane Houses, keep your eyes peeled:
if you find one of the Easter eggs hidden around the hotel, you can take it to the Ba’ Bar to be exchanged for a specially mixed Easter cocktail. If all that wasn’t enough, you’ll also get tickets to Edinburgh Zoo, a full Scottish breakfast each morning, and late check-out too.

aTHINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH IN SPRING

Home > Blog > THINGS TO DO IN EDINBURGH IN SPRING

Edinburgh is one of the most desirable places in the world to visit and you can easily see why. Throughout the year the city remains a beautiful, vibrant city, rich in heritage and culture (regardless of the weather). Spring is a wonderful time of the year to visit. 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- it’s heavenly. 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. Here’s a short list of things to look out for on your trip to Edinburgh in 2018.

PARKS AND GARDENS
Royal Botanic Garden
With 70 acres of trees, rare plants and specialist gardens, it’s easy to happily lose yourself. If it rains, shelter in the wonderfully steamy Victorian Palm House (the tallest in Britain), or, in the seashell and pinecone decorated stone pavilion in the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden.

Water of Leith Walkway
There are always six naked men standing in the Water of Leith — they are cast-iron sculptures by artist Antony Gormley. This designated urban wildlife site has woods and wildflowers, herons, kingfishers, roe deer and much more.

Dunbars Close
A few steps off The Royal Mile, is the beautiful 17th-century styled Dunbars Close Garden, filled with flowers, fruit trees and an array of unusual plants, one you can’t miss.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Edinburgh International Science Festival
April 4 – 18-A fascinating and fun look at all things scientific, with events and workshops for all ages. A great day out guaranteed.
TradFest Edinburgh – April 29 – May 10
A celebration of Scots and Gaelic folk arts through dance, music, drama, story-telling and traditional arts and crafts. Immerse yourself in our local culture.

Beltane Fire Festival
April 30 – Join over 300 performers marking the beginning of summer with a madly colourful procession and Beltane bonfire.

EXHIBITIONS
Game Masters
Until April 20 – Exploring the work of the video-game designers from early pioneers, such as Tomohiro Nishikado (Space Invaders), to the present day. Experience over 100 games at the event.

Beauty by Design: Fashioning the Renaissance
Until May 15
A fascinating contemporary response to fashion, beauty and cosmetics, inspired by renaissance art.

Stay at The Dunstane Houses this Spring and make the most of our exclusive Spring Special discounts!
Receive up to 25% off when you stay 2 nights or more from April 2018. That includes our Beautiful Suites!

a10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT EDINBURGH

Home > Blog > 10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT EDINBURGH

With a rich and diverse history, Edinburgh is home to a multitude of interesting facts and titbits. It’s why we’ve put together 10 interesting facts about Edinburgh you may not know you needed to know. To find out more about this riveting city and explore all it has to offer, please take a look at our whats on page on the website, which we update regularly with exciting things to see and do in Edinburgh.

1. REEKING OF HISTORY
Contrary to popular belief, Edinburgh’s well-know nickname, Auld Reekie, was not coined as a result of the stench of open sewers in medieval times. In fact, it refers to the smoke emitted by coal and wood burnt in the city’s buildings and homes.

2. TRIAL AND ERROR
Famed for its beautiful blooms, Princess Street Gardens was once a large body of water known as ‘Nor Loch’. Heavily polluted with sewage, the loch is thought to be the location of around 300 witch trials. Women suspected of practicing witchcraft were cast into the watery depths to determine their guilt. If they could float their fate was sealed and they were executed as witches. If they couldn’t, they were presumed innocent … even though they met the same bitter end.

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