Category: Travels

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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…