Author: Roseate Hotels & Resorts

Part of successfully running a luxury boutique hotel is being consistent, from the service you provide to the food, even to the design of each room in the hotel.

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 was important that the design reflects everything The Dunstane Houses are about.

Having just finished decorating The Stroma Lounge, we’re delighted with how it looks; 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.

Using a combination of rich blues, various shades of cream, a hint of yellow in places, beautiful artwork and stained wood, we believe The Stroma Lounge 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.

The addition of 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.

Are you the sort of person who enjoys exploring the history of your surroundings? We’re blessed here at The Dunstane Houses with having people visiting from all across the world just to experience the fascinating history that Edinburgh has. Conveniently for our guests, The Dunstane Houses are perfectly placed to allow exploration of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 30 minute scenic walking trail, created by Edinburgh World Heritage, will guide you from our hotel to the heart of the site. Copies are available at reception.

STOP 1: THE DUNSTANE AREA
The two facing buildings which make up the Dunstane Hotel, 4 West Coates (Dunstane Villa) and 5 Hampton Terrace, were completed in 1866 and 1869 respectively.

From the beginning the houses were linked. Thomas Gill, a wealthy silk merchant, lived in Dunstane Villa with two servants, while his sister, Margaret lived at number 5 with her husband Archibald Shearer (music seller), their three children and two servants.

Later owners of Dunstane Villa included Sir Henry Ross, a distiller, and in the mid twentieth century the Royal Bank of Scotland who used the villa as a training centre. Following their departure in the 1970s the villa was converted to become a hotel.
Look out for: The church at 7 Hampton Terrace. Constructed in 1868 and was originally the Roseburn Free Church. It is now ‘Bible House’ and is the headquarters of The Scottish Bible Society.

Turn left towards the city centre, following the line of the old turnpike toll road from Glasgow.

STOP 2: DONALDSON’S
Through the railings on your left you can see a magnificent building that looks like a great palace standing in extensive grounds. It was originally known as Donaldson’s Hospital.

Its construction was funded by a legacy from James Donaldson of £210,000 to build and endow an ‘orphan school’. The accommodation for 300 children was designed by William H Playfair one of Scotland’s greatest architects. It became a pioneering school for the deaf. The school is now relocated in modern premises elsewhere and the building has been converted to residential use.

Look out for: On the east corner of the property at the corner of Magdala Crescent, a disused Police Box with classical embellishments to reflect Edinburgh’s status as Athens of the North!

West Coates becomes Haymarket Terrace. Continue to the crossroads known as the Haymarket.

STOP 3: HAYMARKET
This busy crossroads, formerly known as the Hayweights, was once a market for the auction of animal feed and other agricultural items. It is now best known as the location of central Edinburgh’s western train station linked by tunnel to the main station at Waverley.

Refurbished in the early 21st century the modern station retains the original railway station building as its entrance hall. This was built in 1840 for the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway.

Its pillared entrance pays lip service to the classical architecture of the New Town. The clock atop the building was crafted by the prestigious Edinburgh clockmaker James Ritchie.

Look out for: The Haymarket Clock In the middle of the crossroads is a memorial to Hearts football players who lost their lives in World War 1. An annual memorial service is held here on Armistice Day, November 11.

Ryrie’s Bar, a traditional railway tavern established in 1868, which has original stained glass windows advertising their products from Edinburgh’s historic breweries and distilleries.

Walk along West Maitland Street and turn left into Palmerston Place. Walk to:

STOP 4: ST MARY’S EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL
A massive Gothic style cathedral begun in 1874 and financed by a legacy from the Walker sisters of East Coates, It’s three spires dominate the western skyline of Edinburgh – the western spires were completed in 1917. If you have time, add 15 minutes to your stroll by viewing the interior.

Look out for: The family pew of the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. A brass lectern with a pelican and its chicks. The beautiful marble altar of the Lady Chapel.

Exit via the main door and turn right to view the buildings in the northern grounds of the cathedral.

STOP 5: OLD COATES HOUSE
Dating from around 1615 this is one of the oldest dwelling houses in what is now the New Town.

Look out for: The carvings in the pediment above one window include the date 1615 and the initials IB. These are the initials of John Byres (Iannes Byris) the original owner.

Retrace your route past the cathedral door then turn left into the footpath to the south of the cathedral until you reach Manor Place. Cross to William Street and enter this charming lane.

STOP 6: WILLIAM STREET
Dating to 1824 this was a street of shops, artisan dwellings and also byres for the local dairy. It retains many original features and Edinburgh World Heritage has worked with the shop owners to preserve the original shopfronts.

Look out for: The wrought iron platforms in front of the windows which were used originally to give potential shoppers closer access to view the products on display.

From William Street turn right into Walker Street and thereafter turn left into Coates Crescent.

STOP 6: COATES CRESCENT
This is a beautiful New Town crescent which was built from 1813, and designed by architect Robert Brown.
Look out for: The splendid wrought iron balustrades which give a sense of unity to the street. Fan lights above doorways to flood entrance halls with light – no. 3 is particularly fine. Original iron boot scrapers at some of the entrance bridges.
From Coates Crescent walk along Shandwick Place to the ‘West End’ at Princes Street.

STOP 7: WEST END (BENEATH FRASER’S CLOCK)
Standing here in the heart of the New Town you can get a wonderful view of Edinburgh Castle which is on the western side of the Old Town. From here you can begin your exploration of the World Heritage Site.

The time of year people are full of love. The heart-eye emoji gets massively over used and your Facebook is full of posts of people declaring their undying love in huge long rambles that you give a like or heart reaction to (let’s be honest here…) without really edinburgh! So we’ll skip the epic love story part and, simply tell you that Edinburgh is the city of love and if you think Valentine’s at the Dunstane was good last year, wait till you experience it post-refurb!

L – LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE…
We have to start with what we all really want for Valentine’s…a lie-in! A morning where we can wake up slowly, perhaps turn on the smart TV, or link our phones and Spotify accounts to the stylish Roberts radio, or order a full Scottish breakfast to your bedroom door. Then flip the sign to “Doonie” (please do not disturb!) and while away the morning in peace and quiet. Using any excuse possible to remain in the world’s comfiest bed. OK, we made that accolade up, but personally we think it’s true!
Regardless of what Valentine’s Day means to you, book our Lover’s package or a Valentine’s treat-for-two (new 2021 offers coming soon) and enjoy the company of your loved one in luxurious surroundings.

O – ONLY WANT TO BE WITH YOU…
Explore the city together. Get lost down historic streets, wander round the Botanic Gardens or hit the bars! There are plenty of bars and cocktail venues to visit on your romantic break, and Edinburgh is never short of a little table for two. Try the Jolly Botanist, a midway point up to Princes Street, for an incredible selection of Gins. Consider Copper Blossom, The Dome or Le Monde for a high-class cocktail on George Street. If you’re looking for less Valentines and more craic, many in Edinburgh are currently celebrating the return of live-music Irish bar Malones! Or head down the Grassmarket to BrewDog Edinburgh or any of the great bars in that area. There is something to suit any night out. Our team are always happy to recommend places too, so just ask.

V – VERY, VERY, EXTRAORDINARY…(SIGHTS)
With Edinburgh being one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it isn’t hard to find a spot to fall in love along our cobbled streets. Paris may be the city of love, but we’re titling Edinburgh the city of romance, where the love happens. Swap the Eiffel Tower for the even more beautiful, and interestingly historic Scott Monument. Climb to the top here, visit the esplanade at Edinburgh Castle or head up Arthur’s Seat. As dusk falls, you’ll the perfect romantic atmosphere, perhaps the perfect setting for those 4-words on Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh – just saying, Champagne is waiting back in your room after all…

E – EVERYTHING I DO, I DO IT FOR YOU…
So treat your loved one. Wine and dine your Valentine and enjoy our candlelit dinner for two on the 14th February. Or toast each other any time, with our all-day dining a menu. The Dunstane is the perfect setting for your Valentines evening, whether it’s on the 14th or not! The Dunstane has the perfect recipe for a Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh. Take a look at all our offers and book your stay here.

Part of visiting Edinburgh isn’t just about seeing the sights, eating and drinking, Scotland is a country rich in history and culture, plus much, much more. To help get you started here’s a short blog on just some of the fascinating literary history in Edinburgh.

Scotland is known around the world as the country that exported some of the best inventors like Alexander Graham Bell, top musicians like Lulu and The Proclaimers and of course writers! There are so many writers we could talk about, this could end up being a very long blog…so let’s look at one or two and take a quick dip into the fascinating world of Literary Edinburgh.
The Classics

When you get off the train at Waverley and wander along Princes Street, you might not realise it, but you’ve already witnessed two examples of the unwavering legacy of Sir Walter Scott. Published in 1814 “Waverley” was Scott’s first venture into Fiction, was published anonymously and was so successful that his later novels were advertised as being by “the author of Waverly”. So, Edinburgh has what could be the only station in the world named after a book. The everlasting tribute to Scott is standing tall on Princes Street – the Scott Monument. Following Scott’s death on 1832, a competition was held to design a monument to honour him. The winning architect was joiner and self-taught architect, George Meikle Kemp. The statue has a statue of Scott and his dog between the four supporting columns and the monument is decorated with the likeness of 93 people, plus a dog and a pig! The people are all characters from Scott’s novels such as, Flora MacIvor from Waverley, Rob Roy the title character of Rob Roy and Jock Dumbie from Heart of Midlothian. Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) is the name of a professional football team from the west of Edinburgh. Another way Scott’s works are living on.

Sir Walter Scott isn’t the only historic Scottish writer from Edinburgh. Our city was also the birthplace of Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde author, Robert Louis Stevenson and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The man we have to thank for bringing Sherlock Holmes into our lives. There is a statue to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on Picardy Place, close to where he was born. There is also a pub named after him. Stevenson also has a statue in Colinton village, where his Grandfather lived, and Stevenson used to go to church.

Modern Masterpieces
If I ask you to name a book written in Edinburgh, I’d be willing to bet there’s one author that jumps straight to your mind. Local resident and National treasure – J.K Rowling! The success of Harry Potter was phenomenal, am sure many people can remember waiting impatiently at the bookshop for the latest Potter adventure to be released and then devouring the book in a day. We are so in love with Potter and his world, there is an upcoming stage show of Harry, Ron and Hermione in their later years and this year sees the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, starring Eddie Redmayne. It’s been well documented that J.K Rowling sat in the back room of the Elephant Cafe and wrote much of the earlier Harry Potter books there. From the cafe she could see the roof tops of George Heriot’s School – the inspiration for the Hogwarts Castle. The Elephant Cafe has also frequented by other Scottish writers, including Edinburgh’s favourite crime writer, Ian Rankin.

We were slightly disappointed when the rumour that Edinburgh Airport was to be re-named Ian Rankin Airport in his honour, was nothing more than an April Fool’s joke – thanks Forth1! Regardless, the Rebus novels are perhaps Rankin’s most famous and there are now 20 to get your teeth into. Though Edinburgh like to claim Rankin as their own, if you’re being picky he’s from the great Kingdom of Fife, he graduated from Edinburgh University and then spent three years writing novels, when he was supposed to be working on his PhD!

Literary Edinburgh Book Tours
As you can imagine, Edinburgh is not short of fascinating book tours. We are still trying to find time to go on one (or all!) of these tours but with so many to choose from which will you do first? The Edinburgh Book Lover’s Tour , the Rebus Tours or how about the Potter Trail? The Edinburgh City of literature has a huge list of tours and a wealth of information about Literary Edinburgh. After all that walking you’ll be exhausted, so we’ll get the chefs in The Ba’Bar to rustle up some delicious food and then you can snuggle up in one of our king-sized beds with a good book or get inspired to write your own perhaps…

It’s not surprising that after last years performances, fans are feeling optimistic about Scotland’s chances in the 2018 RBS 6 Nations. It is looking to be another record breaking Scottish rugby year, with 6 Nations tickets pretty much all sold out already!

RECORD BREAKING SCOTTISH RUGBY
Tickets for both 6 Nations home-games at Murrayfield are selling out in record time once again. That’s 67,144 seats filled faster and faster each year! Scotland are opening their 2018 6 Nations campaign against Ireland on the 11th February. With so many excellent players available to play, and many who are new to the international team, it’s sure to be a 6 Nations to remember!

It’s the first 6 Nations tournament for head coach Gregor Townsend, who coached Scotland to great results in his first home games in the Autumn Tests 2017.

GUINNESS PRO12
Last year, one of the big stories in rugby was the change in format of the Guinness PRO12…or what is now, the Guinness PRO14! The format of the competition has changed and it is now a cross-continent championship. Two South African teams, the Toyota Cheetahs and the Southern Kings (who both lost their Super Rugby status), have joined. PRO14 bosses say, this makes the competition even more competitive on the field, opens up new territories and attracts more broadcast and sponsorship interest. A win-win, surely?

The new conference style set up sees the 14 teams split into two seven-team conferences. Each is made up of two Welsh teams, two Irish and one from South Africa, Italy and of course Scotland. The teams in each conference will play each other, home and away, before all teams from conference A play each team from conference B. That’s 19 matches. Additionally, each team will play derby fixtures against teams in the same nation, but different conferences (are you still with me?!). That takes the match total to 21, with the derby games meaning Edinburgh and Glasgow will face each other three times in the regular season. Not a bad thing, who doesn’t love watching those two go toe-to-toe! If you want to see the conference splits for this year, and read more on the set up (and how to win!) check out this BBC report.

2018 FIXTURES AND BEYOND…
There are no fixtures for Scotland’s Autumn Tests released as yet. But, for the organised among you, there are fixtures for the 2019 6 Nations here. With all the PRO14 action and this years 6 Nations to distract you, the Autumn Tests will be here before you know it! There is something more exciting ahead for 2019 though…the Rugby World Cup! Scotland will be keen to put the drama of the previous World Cup behind them and go all the way in Japan 2019. We are in Pool A this year, with Ireland, Japan and two other still to be confirmed.

WARM UP AT THE DUNSTANE
Each time Scotland are playing at Murrayfield we’ll be here with Orkney Steak Burgers and Beer, as well as plenty of other alcoholic and soft drinks. Whatever the weather we’ll set you up right for the match and you never know who you might see here as Rugby greats past, present and future have been known to make an appearance at The Dunstane…!

Whilst many of us are still waiting to complete 2017’s New Year’s resolutions, the rest are looking ahead to 2018 with a fresh, positive outlook. We are always looking to help our guests and so have created, just for you, Dunstane Hotel inspired New Years Resolutions!

We wish we could tell you not to drink so much coffee or alcohol, but we’re all self-confessed caffeine addicts here and have an innate ability to sniff out a good G&T from a mile away, so we’d be completely hypocritical there, so here’s how can we actually help…

EAT WELL
Choose light bites from our all-day dining or kick-start your day with a smoothie. The all-day dining menu also includes lots of fish and game, which are low in…yeah OK, sorry we can’t keep up the pretence any more! Whilst we’re sure many of our dishes do have health benefits, not many of us go out for dinner and calorie count! So just come join us for dinner in 2018, sample our incredible Orcadian-inspired food and indulge in a chocolatey dessert or treat yourself to a luxurious Champagne Afternoon Tea. There’s a great selection of wine to go with it all too!

GET FIT
There are conditions to us helping here. If by “Get Fit” you mean taking up a new sport, we can’t help. Unless by “taking up a new sport” you mean walking 10 minutes down the road to BT Murrayfield Stadium. There you can watch Scotland beat play England in the 2018 Six Nations on the 24th February and then we take on France on the 13th March 2016. Or there are lots of stairs at The Dunstane so we’ll put you on the very top floor perhaps?

Joking aside, if you do actually want to get fit when you’re on holiday, save your bus fare and walk up to Princes Street! In around 25 minutes (depending on your walking speed) you’ll be at the foot of the famous Scot Monument! It’s pretty much a straight line to Princes Street from the Dunstane so you can’t get lost and there is so much to see on the way. Though, on second thoughts, getting lost in Edinburgh isn’t always a bad thing – you can find some amazing wee gems hidden down cobbled side streets.

GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Now THIS is what we’re best at! Our vispring beds are so ridiculously comfy you’ll be struggling to drag yourself out of our stunning new rooms in the morning. Whether you’re in one of our single beds on a quick business trip or splashing out on a romantic weekend in a luxury suite, we doubt you’ll get a better night sleep anywhere, except in your own bed of course!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL !

Coming to Edinburgh for your Christmas shopping will be rewarding in so many ways. With some of the best boutique stores, chains stores, high street brand stores and independent stores Edinburgh cannot be missed this Christmas.

When it comes to Christmas markets, Edinburgh’s is up there with the best. From 18 November, for six weeks in the run-up to the big day, Princes Street Gardens are lined with stalls selling crafts, artwork and all manner of unexpected delights, sure to please even the pickiest on the Xmas list.

Your shopping trip continues with all the wondrous stores along Princes Street and George Street and everything in between. You will find M&S, Harvey Nichols, Topshop and many other leading stores all within walking distance. You can also look for those winter warmer bargains down the Royal Mile, just off Nicolson Bridge where you will find tartan, tweed and wool shops in abundance.

Shopping Breaks in the Scottish Capital
Book a two-night stay this December and, as well as specially reduced rates, we’ll include a nip of whisky to warm your cockles on arrival, a champagne-enhanced (and suitably festive) afternoon tea on one day of your stay, and of course, the full Scottish breakfast each morning.

Meanwhile, Back at The Dunstane
Once you’ve had enough Christmas shopping we will be waiting to serve you with the perfect evening meal in The Ba’Bar If you so wish, you can shut the winter outside and relax in your room with a nice long bath. Go ahead, spoil yourself, it’s Christmas.

Hotel booking websites have revolutionised the way we book holidays and getaways. We love the way they make it easy for guests to find a competitive deal and in many cases facilitate trips that otherwise might be unaffordable. However, here at the Dunstane Houses we are bucking the trend by offering our guests some fantastic offers when they book their room directly with us.

Edinburgh’s little secret
The Dunstane Hotel is one of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets; a luxurious bolthole in the heart of city, perfect for seasonal breaks, birthday treats and romantic winter weekends. We always offer a tempting series of discounted rates on our sumptuous rooms and suites that you won’t find on any bookings website. To make a stay with us even more attractive, we’ve put together a great offer we know you will love. However, it is only available on direct bookings made by phone or through our website.

So, here are five good reasons you should log onto our website and book your stay direct with us today:
• Best rates – we’re never cheaper elsewhere, guaranteed.
• Free room upgrades for stays of 3 nights or more (between November –March)
• Bottle of Joseph Perrier champagne with suite bookings, because who doesn’t like Champagne?
• Flexible cancellation policy, just to keep things easy.
• Reduced rates for local attractions and partnerships with local bars and restaurants giving you the best deal.

What are you waiting for? Get yourself online and book into one of our outstanding rooms to take advantage of our exclusive direct booking offers. We look forward to welcoming you to The Dunstane Houses.

‘Sing me a song of a lass that is gone’, the beautiful opening lyrics of The Skye Boat Song. A Scottish folk song, well known now thanks to it’s use as the theme tune for Outlander. If you haven’t been caught up in the incredible story yet, there’s time to catch up. It’s a tale that brings together romance, adventure, history and science fiction – and it is a magical combination.
The epic love story begins with Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 being mysteriously swept back into 1743. She’s forced to marry the handsome, brave and romantic Highland warrior, James Alexander Malcolm Mackenzie Fraser – Jamie to his friends. They fall in love in the midst of the Jacobite Rebellion and the dangers that come with those times. The sweeping Scottish scenery is another reason to watch too.

Now, Outlander took an extended break after it’s last series, leading to a difficult period of time known as droughtlander. It was a dark time for many of us, missing Jamie from our lives…OK, Claire too we suppose! So here at the Dunstane Houses we figured we’d need something in case a tragedy like drought-lander ever struck Edinburgh again. Then we found Andy. One of Jamie Fraser’s kin who, with his unique insider knowledge of the TV show, it’s filming locations and the history of the Highlanders, is perfect to fill the Outlander shaped hole in your heart.

This is no “box-ticking” tour that Andy has laid on for us. This is a tour that sees you picked up from the hotel, by Andy, in full Highland dress, and transported around Edinburgh and more to filming locations and some of Scotland’s most infamous sites.

The full Highlander package includes:
• Two nights Bed and full Scottish breakfast in one of The Dunstane Houses newly refurbished luxury rooms
• Andy! He will pick you up in full Jacobite dress including Lallybroch plaid, swords, dirks, targe, pistols, and flintlock musket – just in case you encounter any marauding rival clans!
• Transportation – pickup and drop off from Dunstane House
• Whisky to toast the day on the steps of Lallybroch
• As many photos as you like with Andy
• Bottled water and snacks

Prices start from £399.00 per person for our two night break and you can book

Hogmanay is a traditional three-day Scottish winter festival to welcome in the New Year. Every year, thousands of people flock to Scotland’s vibrant capital to toast the bells, dance until the wee sma’ hours and celebrate the age-old tradition of Hogmanay in Edinburgh.

BRING THE FESTIVITIES TO LIGHT
Watch the festivities get underway on the 30th of December in the annual Hogmanay Torchlight Procession. Join over 30 000 torch-wielding Hogmanayers shed some light on the Hogmanay festivities as they snake their way through Edinburgh’s city centre. Lighting the way from George IV Bridge to Calton Hill in a blazing river of fire, the procession ends with a spectacular fireworks display over the city.

TAKE THE PARTY TO THE STREETS OF EDINBURGH
On the 31st of December, Princess Street comes to life in preparation for Edinburgh’s famous Hogmanay Street Party. Set beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, Musicians, DJs and live bands rock the streets in one of the biggest outdoor parties in the world. Four different stages are set up throughout Edinburgh’s city centre, featuring the best alternative, traditional and party music. And big screens broadcast the festivities to the rest of Edinburgh and the world. As the only festival to appear in the ‘Discovery Channel’s Top 25 World Travel Experiences’, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is one of the greatest New Year celebrations in the world.

ENJOY THE BIGGEST CONCERT IN THE GARDENS
Every year over 80 000 people celebrate Hogmanay in Edinburgh with the annual Concert in the Gardens. This year, Rag N Bone Man will be headlining and an all-Scottish line-up will be rocking revellers from around the world. Although Garden Tickets and Enclosure Tickets are already sold out, you can still rock the night away in the Street Party arena.