Highly rated by guests who stayed at The Ben Doran Guest House
Piped piano music
Self check-in
Take-away breakfast
Georgian townhouse character
Free tea stations
"The guest house is perfectly located in a residential area, in front of a bus stop at 20/30 minutes walk to the center."
Chiara from Italy
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"The staff were quite nice and the room was clean/cosy!"
Hannah from United States
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"The location was lovely with friendly staff and clean, well organised rooms."
Michael from United Kingdom
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"The best thing about this establishment is the location. Very convenient with bus stops close by."
Laurel from Australia
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4-star Georgian guesthouse with free private parking in central Edinburgh
Location & Parking
The Ben Doran Guest House is a 4-star Georgian townhouse located a 5-minute drive from Princes Street and Waverley Railway Station. Free private parking is available on-site, a rare find in central Edinburgh. Buses to the city centre stop directly outside the guesthouse, with Arthur's Seat less than a 20-minute walk away.
Rooms & Amenities
All rooms at The Ben Doran Guest House offer tea and coffee-making facilities and views of the city or hillside. Each room includes a TV and en-suite or shared bathroom options. The building is a historic property with no elevator; rooms are accessed by staircases with 47 steps to the top floor.
Breakfast & Dining
Breakfast is served in the dining room from 8:00 to 9:00 AM Monday-Saturday and until 9:30 AM on Sunday. The complimentary Scottish breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs, sausages, cereals, yogurts, cheese, pastries, toast, juice, dried fruits, bananas, and espresso drinks. Special dietary breakfast accommodations are available upon request, including gluten-free options.
Services & Accessibility
Check-in is via a convenient code-entry lockbox system, allowing guests to arrive at any time after 3:00 PM. Daily housekeeping and room servicing are provided, along with 24-hour security and CCTV in common areas. The guesthouse offers limited off-street parking for 6 cars and does not hold luggage for more than one hour after checkout.
Nearby Attractions & Transport
The Royal Mile is less than 2 miles from the guesthouse, and Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are within walking distance. Bus stops directly outside provide frequent services to the city centre. Local restaurants and pubs are a few blocks away, and the number 8 bus goes to the Botanic Gardens.
Location: 5 min drive to Princes Street, 20 min walk to Arthur's Seat
Breakfast: Complimentary Scottish buffet with dietary options
Rooms: Historic Georgian decor with hillside or city views
Access: Code-entry lockbox for flexible check-in
Security: 24-hour CCTV and smoke alarms throughout
Must-do experiences
Visit the Royal Botanic Garden for serene strolls and beautiful blooms.
Savor haggis at The Sheep Heid Inn, one of Edinburgh's oldest pubs.
Explore the hidden gems of Dean Village, a picturesque waterside area.
Tour the Scotch Whisky Experience to learn about Scotland's finest spirits.
Wander through the bustling Grassmarket for great food and local crafts.
Select your room type
The Ben Doran Guest House offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Ensuite Double
2 persons
25 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Executive Double Room
2 persons
36 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Standard Single Shared Bath
2 persons
15 m²
1 Single bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Ben Doran Guest House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Historic fortress offering panoramic views and fascinating exhibits, including the Honours of Scotland.
Arthur's Seat hike
25 minutes' walk
An iconic hill providing breathtaking city views, perfect for hiking amidst remarkable natural scenery.
National Museum of Scotland
25 minutes' walk
A vast collection of exhibitions showcasing Scotland's history, culture, and natural heritage across several floors.
Royal Mile
25 minutes' walk
The historic street connecting the Castle and Palace, featuring shops, cafes, and street performances.
Holyrood Park
25 minutes' walk
A large park with walking trails and scenery, suitable for both leisurely strolls and invigorating hikes.
The Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve
25 minutes' walk
Perfect for a serene escape, this nature reserve offers peaceful landscapes and well-maintained paths.
Kwok Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
Quaint spot for authentic Chinese dishes with a warm ambiance; try their dim sum and flavorsome curries.
Leslies Bar
5 minutes' walk
Casual pub atmosphere with traditional Scottish food; great for local craft beers and hearty meals.
Pataka
8 minutes' walk
A vibrant eatery specializing in Indian cuisine; known for its welcoming atmosphere and vegetarian options.
The Queen's Hall
15 minutes' walk
A renowned venue hosting concerts and performances; popular for its acoustic quality and diverse lineup.
Whistle Binkies
20 minutes' walk
Lively bar featuring local live music; perfect for a relaxed evening with a vibrant atmosphere and cocktails.
Getting around Scotland
City Centre
Edinburgh 26 min · 2.1 km
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI) 34 min · 22.3 km
Glasgow (GLA) 144 min · 95.5 km
Bus
Bus stop 14 min · 1.1 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 0.1 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic
Number of rooms:
11
Former name
Ben Doran
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Ben Doran Guest House from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 350 verified reviews
7.5 /10
Very good
73 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.4/10
Cleanliness
8.2/10
Comfort
7.9/10
Facilities
7.3/10
Free WiFi
8.5/10
Location
8.2/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.4/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
7.0/10
Pros
Hospitable owners
Breakfast quality
Room cleanliness
Cons
Ineffective heating
Traffic noise
Shared bathrooms
Guest reviews
based on 280 reviews
3.5/5
based on 610 reviews
7.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About The Ben Doran Guest House
What is the distance from The Ben Doran Guest House to the city centre?
20 January 2024
The Ben Doran is approximately 1.6 kilometers from the city centre. It's within walking distance or accessible by various bus routes and taxis.
What are the breakfast and check-out times at The Ben Doran?
23 February 2024
Breakfast is served from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, with extended hours to 9:30 AM on Sundays. Guests are required to check out by 10:30 AM.
Can you describe the breakfast options available?
14 April 2024
Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast delivered to their room each morning by 8 AM, prepared with care and using quality ingredients.
What does 'shared bathroom' imply for the facilities?
8 May 2024
A shared bathroom means that while there is a wash basin in the room, the toilet and shower are communal and shared with one other room.
Is parking available for motorbikes at The Ben Doran?
16 June 2024
There is off-road parking available, but it's important to note that parking is at your own risk, especially for motorbikes.
Are infants or children allowed at The Ben Doran?
11 July 2024
The Ben Doran is an adults-only establishment, so children and infants are not permitted.
What is the latest time to check out from The Ben Doran?
22 August 2024
The latest check-out time offered is 11 AM; unfortunately, late check-outs beyond that cannot be accommodated.
Is there Wi-Fi available for guests?
4 September 2024
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout The Ben Doran for all guests to enjoy.
How can guests access restaurants and attractions near The Ben Doran?
27 October 2024
The guest house is located conveniently close to numerous restaurants and attractions, all of which are easily reachable by foot or via public transport.
Are there laundry facilities accessible to guests?
30 November 2024
Unfortunately, The Ben Doran does not offer laundry facilities on-site for guests.