The Ben Doran Guest House

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Dates

December 2024

January 2025

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Very good

Popular amenities

Breakfast included

Room service

Housekeeping

Free WiFi

Business services

Explore the area

11 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH9 2AX

University of Edinburgh
17 min walk
Dehli Diner
3 min walk
Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station)
7 min drive
Edinburgh (EDI)
28 min drive

Room options

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Standard Double Room

35 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed

Executive Double Room, 1 King Bed

40 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Standard Double Room, Shared Bathroom

30 sq m
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed

Standard Single Room, 1 Single Bed, Shared Bathroom

15 sq m
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bed

Similar properties

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Breakfast available

Bar

for 1 night

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan

About this property

Guesthouse with free breakfast, near Edinburgh Castle

This smoke-free guesthouse features a business center, concierge services, and a computer station. Free buffet breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, a library, express check-in, and express check-out are onsite.

The Ben Doran Guest House offers 11 accommodations with DVD players and coffee/tea makers. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 22-inch LCD televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. This Edinburgh guesthouse provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Hypo-allergenic bedding and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Housekeeping is provided daily.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the helpful staff at The Ben Doran Guest House. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from National Library of Scotland. Features include free breakfast and free WiFi in public areas, plus a business center.

Free buffet breakfast served daily
Free WiFi
Services include a concierge, tour or ticket assistance, and luggage storage
Just a 2-minute drive from University of Edinburgh and a few minutes from Royal Mile

A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. You'll find a business center on site. Free breakfast is served daily. A library, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at The Ben Doran Guest House.

This 4-star Edinburgh guesthouse is smoke free.

Guests are served free buffet breakfast daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.

Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Languages

Arabic, English, French, Greek, Japanese, Polish, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and public transport

Limited on-site parking

Food and drink

Free buffet breakfast available daily 8:00 AM–9:00 AM
Room service available

Conveniences

Front-desk safe
Library

Guest services

Concierge services
Daily housekeeping
Front desk (limited hours)
Luggage storage
Multilingual staff
Tour/ticket assistance

Business services

Business centre
Computer station

Accessibility

This property does not have any lifts

Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

Bed sheets
Egyptian cotton sheets
Heating
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding

Bathroom

Designer toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels

Entertainment

22-inch LCD TV
Digital channels
DVD player

Food and drink

Coffee/tea maker

Iron/ironing board (on request)
Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 AM

Contactless check-in available

Express check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Contactless check-out available

Express 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

Renovations and closures

The property is closed between December 24 and December 27.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox, private entrance

Pets

No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 12 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 12 are welcome.

Rollaway/extra beds are not available.

Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of GBP 50

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted

Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

The front desk at this property is open daily from 7 AM - 7:00 PM.
To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property at least 24 hours prior to arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in information and lockbox information. Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance.

We should mention

Please note that this property can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
Children 12 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitScotland, the National Tourist Board for Scotland.

Property is 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

The Ben Doran Guest House Reviews

8.2

Very good

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Business traveller

14 Aug 2024

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Think twice

Shared shower and toilet in the corridor

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

larry

14 Jul 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

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

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

evelyn

30 Nov 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

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!!

Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

toni

29 Oct 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Room was clean,bed comfortable but the traffic noise was awful even with window shut all through the night

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Alexander, Savannah

Travelled with partner

7 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

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.

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Warren

7 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert

4 Aug 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

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!

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

10 Jul 2023

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller

28 Jun 2023

Liked: Staff & service

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.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Enrique

25 Jun 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maxine

23 Jun 2023

Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beverley

8 Jun 2023

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

7 May 2023

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Staff was very friendly! Close to many different things to do if you just want to take a day from being downtown. Highly recommended!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Shaun

Travelled with group

1 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Travelled with partner

31 Mar 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

The manager was super friendly and the breakfast was great. Plenty of food and the eggs were amazing.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Alexander

8 Jul 2022

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sara

6 Jun 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

2/10 Terrible

alastair

13 Dec 2021

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

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

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

13 Dec 2021

Liked: Cleanliness

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

ALEXANDER

17 Nov 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

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.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gavin

25 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

1st Class, Recommended

Great stay, very friendly

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

2/10 Terrible

Orlando

26 Feb 2020

Liked: Cleanliness

Disliked: Staff & service

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!!!

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

John

23 Feb 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Rugby weekend in Edinburgh

Friendly comfortable residence close to the city. My room was ensuite with all of the home comforts. Easy to access from the city centre - 15 minute walk to Royal Mile Will be back

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

4/10 Poor

yvonne

10 Feb 2020

Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Disliked: Staff & service

overpriced; poor cooked breakfast

looked forward to a cooked breakfast - but only 3 items - bacon, scrambled egg & black pudding. A couple more items from mushrooms, beans, tomatoes, sausage, hash brown are usually standard. Overpriced - at £144 per night .

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Ruth

22 Jan 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very pleasant

Owner went above and beyond to help and accommodate me when I was unable to manage the stairs. Big old townhouse on busy thoroughfare into Edinburgh with rooms on 1st and 2nd floors. Rooms spotless. Breakfast lovely and beautifully presented. Bus stop right outside with city centre and airport services.