8/10 Very good
Excellent breakfast
Pete
Pete, 1-night trip
The Ben Doran Guest House
Guesthouse convenient to Royal Mile
Choose dates to view prices
Located close to University of Edinburgh, The Ben Doran Guest House offers a warm welcome with a breakfast buffet, library, and business center. Stay connected with in-room WiFi and take advantage of express check-in and out. Multilingual staff are on hand to help plan your day.
8.2
Very good
Popular amenities
- Parking available
- Free WiFi
- Non-smoking
Main amenities (11)
- Daily housekeeping
- Room service
- Business center
- Library
- Computer station
- Front-desk safe
- Multilingual staff
- Concierge services
- Luggage storage
- Limited hour front desk
- Tour/ticket assistance
Feel at home (6)
- Television
- Daily housekeeping
- Coffee/tea maker
- Premium bedding
- Limited onsite parking
- Free toiletries
$171 nightly
$206 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Total with taxes and fees
Room options
Showing 4 of 4 rooms
Standard Double Room, Shared Bathroom
- 323 sq ft
- Sleeps 2
- 1 Double Bed
Standard Single Room, 1 Twin Bed, Shared Bathroom
- 161 sq ft
- Sleeps 1
- 1 Twin Bed
Standard Double Room
- 377 sq ft
- Sleeps 2
- 1 Double Bed
Executive Double Room, 1 King Bed
- 431 sq ft
- Sleeps 2
- 1 King Bed
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About the neighborhood
11 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH9 2AX
What's nearby
- National Library of Scotland - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
- University of Edinburgh - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
- Royal Mile - 5 min drive - 2.4 km
- Grassmarket - 5 min drive - 2.4 km
- Edinburgh Castle - 6 min drive - 2.7 km
Getting around
- Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 28 min drive
- Slateford Station - 9 min drive
- Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 28 min walk
- Edinburgh Waverley Station - 30 min walk
Restaurants
- Haldi - 3 min walk
- Pizza Hut - 7 min walk
- Bar @ JMCC - 12 min walk
- Southpour - 9 min walk
- The Salisbury Arms - 10 min walk
About this property
The Ben Doran Guest House
When you stay at The Ben Doran Guest House, you'll be just a 5-minute drive from Royal Mile and University of Edinburgh. Guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails and downhill skiing, and free perks include WiFi and buffet breakfast daily between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Also, Edinburgh Castle and Grassmarket are within a short drive. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff.
At a glance
Hotel size
- 11 rooms
- Arranged over 3 floors
Arriving/Leaving
- Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 AM
- Contactless check-in available
- Express check-in/out available
- Minimum check-in age: 18
- Check-out time is 10:30 AM
- Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
- The property charges GBP 50 for credit card payments
- The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 7:00 PM
- Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; front desk staffed during limited hours
- To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
- Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Required at check-in
- Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
- Government-issued photo ID may be required
- Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
- Children (12 years old and younger) not allowed
- No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
- Pets not allowed
Internet
- Free WiFi in public areas
- Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
- Onsite parking limited
Other information
- Smoke-free property
- No stag/bachelor or hen/bachelorette parties
Property amenities
Food and drink
- Free buffet breakfast each morning 8:00 AM–9:00 AM
- Room service (limited hours)
What to do
- Bicycle rentals nearby
- Golfing nearby
- Hiking/biking trails nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Downhill skiing nearby
Working away
- Business center
- Computer station
Services
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Concierge services
- Tour/ticket assistance
- Luggage storage
- Multilingual staff
Facilities
- 1 building/tower
- Built in 1800
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Library
Room amenities
Be entertained
- DVD player
- 22-inch LCD TV
- Digital TV channels
Home comfort
- Heating
- Coffee/tea maker
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
Sleep well
- Hypo-allergenic bedding
- Premium bedding
Freshen up
- Designer toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Towels
Stay connected
- Free WiFi
- Phone
More
- Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Optional extras
- Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge of GBP 50
Renovations and closures
The property is closed between December 24 and December 27.
Policies
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB International, Eurocard, Barclaycard
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property. The policies listed are provided by the property.
National rating
This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.
Also known as
Ben Doran
Ben Doran Edinburgh
Ben Doran Guest House
Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh
Ben Doran Hotel Edinburgh
The Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh, Scotland
Ben Doran Guest House Guesthouse Edinburgh
Ben Doran Guest House Guesthouse
The Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh
The Ben Doran Edinburgh
The Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh
The Ben Doran Guest House Guesthouse
The Ben Doran Guest House Guesthouse Edinburgh
Frequently asked questions
Is The Ben Doran Guest House currently open?
The property is closed between December 24 and December 27.
Does The Ben Doran Guest House offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Ben Doran Guest House does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at The Ben Doran Guest House?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Ben Doran Guest House?
Yes. Parking spots may be limited.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ben Doran Guest House?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 AM. Check-out time is 10:30 AM. Express check-in and check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at The Ben Doran Guest House and nearby?
Have fun with activities like cycling, hiking, and sailing, and practice your swing at the nearby golf course.
What's the area around The Ben Doran Guest House like?
The Ben Doran Guest House is a short 17-minute walk from University of Edinburgh and 15 minutes' walk from Holyrood Park.
Have a question?
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The Ben Doran Guest House Reviews
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.0
Cleanliness
7.8
Location
8.6
Staff & service
8.2
Property conditions & facilities
What guests liked
- Breakfast was good, freshly made, and excellent with plenty of food and great service. (6 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.Popular mentions
RoomBreakfastService staffBathroomGuesthouseBusLocation10/10 Exceptional
The manager was super friendly and the breakfast was great. Plenty of food and the eggs were amazing.
Kate
Kate, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Staff was very friendly! Close to many different things to do if you just want to take a day from being downtown. Highly recommended!
Patrick
Patrick, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
Great B&B in old Edinburgh mansion. Great hot breakfast and super friendly staff ( Odette was engaging, charming and very helpful).
Not glamorous but highly recommended.
Alexander
Alexander, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Dated but very clean & perfect for overnight stay
A very honest Guesthouse. Doesn’t try to be anything but a pleasant overnight stay. Rooms are dated but facilities are very clean and accessible. Breakfast was very good with excellent service
Shaun
Shaun, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Ben doran
Great spot. Close to the royal mile. Very comfortable rooms. Fantastic breakfast in a quaint dining room. Very welcoming and helpful staff. I definitely recommend staying here
Warren
Warren, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
The Ben Doran is a 300 year old mansion converted to a hotel. The ceilings are like 16 feet tall. The walls are really thick. So it is really quiet. The owners and personnel are so nice and friendly. Odette is a sweetheart. The location is awesome. You can walk if you want or take a bus from close by or uber. Loved our stay!!
evelyn
evelyn, 6-night trip
2/10 Poor
Think twice
Shared shower and toilet in the corridor
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sorry that there was no elevator, but because it is an historical property, it can not be installed. Staff was wonderful and breakfast and the room it was served was beautiful. Well worth the money if you can do 47 steps to the top floor. Were in our late 70’s and we did it!!!! Great spot and great people running it.
Anita
Anita, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
Room was clean,bed comfortable but the traffic noise was awful even with window shut all through the night
toni
toni, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
This is a classic structure with loads of personality. Well maintained and comfortable. Beautiful gently curving spiral staircase. Staff and owners were very helpful. They focus on guests’ needs. Broad choice of breakfast foods. Bus stop very close by. Don’t bother with a car in Edinburgh - it’s too congested and the streets are narrow. Walk or take the bus. We did!
Robert
Robert, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
I was up on the 2nd floor so had to go up a lot of stairs with my heavy suitcase. The shower didn't function well. The water was either very hot or very cold.
Cheryl
Cheryl, 3-night trip
4/10 Fair
This is not a 4 * hotel!!!
It is not more than a 2½ *.
The Guest House do not have elevator and rooms are 1 or 2 floors upstairs and nobody helps you at the arrival.
Some rooms are sharing bathroom.
No front desk with employees.
Only 1service: breakfast Is included.
Verified traveler
4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
I had problems with the TV the lady on duty was more than helpful in resolving the problem and getting me a replacement nothing seemed too much trouble just what you need to be , looked after
larry
larry, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Not really a four star hotel….
We didn’t know that four star hotels had shared bathrooms. The water temperature regulator in the shared shower was on engineer level to get right. It was either ice cold or volcanically hot and nothing in between.
The walls might have been thick, which was good because you could barely hear the traffic from the busy street outside. But the door however was the weak spot. You could basically hear people two floors down as if they were in the room with you.
Service however was supreme and the included Scottish breakfast was very good.
John
John, 2-night trip
2/10 Poor
Förstår inte klassificeringen, 2-3, 3 är verkligen Max. Slitet, smutsigt, gammalt, ofräscht, säng för kortväxta, varmt, kvalmigt, fönstret gick inte att öppna, luktade unket.
Alexandra
Alexandra, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Super overnatning i Edinburgh
Dejligt sted, pænt rent, meget sødt og imødekommende personale. Nemt at komme til Edinburg Centrum.
Eneste forbedring kunne være en bredere dobbeltseng - 140 cm er lidt knebet som dobbeltseng til 2 voksne.
Susanne
Susanne, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Tres bien
Chambre sur cour tres propre et calme. 25 mns à pieds du centre. Sinon bus stop en face de l hotel tres bien desservi. Parfait pour visiter la ville.
nathalie
nathalie, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Great Guest House - Clean & Warm Room
The room was very spacious and clean. It seemed as it was recently refurbished.
They were really accommodating and provided us with a packed breakfast as we had an early tour one day and couldn´t stay for breakfast.
The buffet breakfast was good and freshly made.
The guest house is very well communicated, it is about 30 min walk from the city centre but has restaurants 10 minutes away. Also the bus stop is right opposite the house.
There was barely face to face service and the man I spoke to wasn´t very welcoming, but other than that it was a pleasant stay and I would recommend this place if you are visiting Edinburgh.
Sara
Sara, 2-night trip
2/10 Poor
Booked this for my daughter to stay for two nights. First night we couldn’t get access to hotel. Nobody answers the phone..
2nd day arrived 3pm. Hotel room freezing no heating on no hot water for a shower room not cleaned properly and smelt damp. My daughter returned home and drove back next morning.couldn’t talk to anyone as no staff present
alastair
alastair, 2-night trip
4/10 Fair
Honest Review
The city was beautiful and we chose this hotel as it was the perfect location and it offered a full
Scottish breakfast to prepare us for the day but that didn’t happen they served egg and sausage both of which were just topped up from the day before the cereal was stale and same as the bread. There was no body to greet you and the emergency number provided was in contactable on several occasions as we tried to get in contact as we had no front door keep and a problem with our bed.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Very good
The guesthouse was very tasteful and quiet.The hosts were excellent. The shower could have been better in the room and the switch for the kettle was broken though still usable. We would visit again.
ALEXANDER
ALEXANDER, 2-night trip
6/10 Good
Ok, men ikke det beste
Pent og rent, men eier ? ikke særlig vennlig.
English breakfast 😊. Tv virket ikke ettersom noen hadde tatt med seg kabelen ! 😩
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
1st Class, Recommended
Great stay, very friendly
Gavin
Gavin, 3-night trip
2/10 Poor
This place ough to be renamed Fawlty Towers!!
Room was acceptable if stuck in 70's.
On the other hand breakfast was like an episode of Fawlty Towers... We arrived at 8.30 (half way through the hour window for breakfast) to find that other than a handful of bacon rashers they were out of cooked breakfast options. When i asked for more, the owner/waitress checked each of the chafing dishes and announced 'there was still bacon'. I had to beg for an egg, i mean i almost had to drop to my knees...
We then discovered that the orange juice was bad. Informed the hostess who took my glass; returned a little later, took the jug and that was it. Had to ask what the outcome was, only to be told there was nothing wrong with it, but that she'd open a new one if i wanted.
There's more, a lot more... a full 10 minute wait for eggs and bacon (which all came on separate plates minutes apart); shoulders slumping and eyes rolling when any request was made (coffe, toast) ; noisiest clean up ever which began before we received our food....
Under no circumstances would i ever stay at this hotel again. But if they were to take their show on the road i might get tickets!!!
Orlando
Orlando, 1-night trip
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