The Ben Doran Guest House ➔ Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh Exterior photo

The Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh Room photo

Key details

About the Hotel

11 Mayfield Gardens, Newington, Edinburgh, EH9 2AX

Near the city center

Very good

7.7

/10

4.0

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 town house with free parking in central Edinburgh

Amenities & Services

The Ben Doran Guest House offers free private parking on-site, a rare convenience in central Edinburgh. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a complimentary Scottish breakfast buffet served daily from 8 to 9 AM, with a later start at 9:30 on Sunday. Daily housekeeping and express check-in/check-out are provided, along with tea and coffee-making facilities in all rooms.

Accommodations

Rooms at this Georgian town house include Deluxe Ensuite Double rooms, Executive Double rooms, and Standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities. All rooms have a TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and views of the hillside or city. Some rooms feature an ensuite shower and toilet, while others have a washbasin in the room with shared bathrooms in the corridor.

Location & Transport

The guest house is located on a main road with a bus stop directly across the street, providing frequent service to Edinburgh city centre. Princes Street and Waverley Railway Station are a 5-minute drive away, and the Royal Mile is less than 2 miles from the building. Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Arthur's Seat, all within walking or bus distance.

Dining

Breakfast is served buffet-style in the dining room and includes scrambled eggs, sausages, cereals, yogurts, cheese, pastries, toast, juice, dried fruits, bananas, and espresso drinks. Hot items are kept in heated containers with options such as mushrooms, beans, scrambled egg, and sausages. The hotel accommodates special dietary requests for breakfast with advance notice.

Hotel Building & History

The Ben Doran is a historic Georgian town house with traditional décor, high ceilings, and a characteristic staircase. The building is a 4-star property with a cozy, residential atmosphere and is restricted to adults only. Key-coded entry allows self-check-in, and the hotel has limited off-street parking for up to six cars.

Highlights

Parking: Free on-site private parking in central Edinburgh

Breakfast: Complimentary Scottish buffet with hot options

Location: Bus stop outside, 5 min drive to Princes Street

Rooms: Ensuite and shared-bath options with city or hill views

Access: Keyless entry and express check-in/check-out

Target: Adults-only, leisure travelers and couples

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.

Location: Great

8.2/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

BedroomCozy Retreat

The downstairs basement room was spacious, quiet, and featured a large, incredibly comfortable bed.

Mark from Canada

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Guest ParkingParking Solved

Conveniently found free parking right on the drive outside, a real relief in this city.

Sarah from Australia

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DiningBreakfast Bliss

The breakfast spread was generous and delicious, offering a wide variety of hot items, cheeses, and pastries.

David from United States

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BathroomRefreshing Start

The en-suite bathroom was sparkling clean, providing a fresh and welcoming experience each morning.

Emily from United Kingdom

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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

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Ben Doran Guest House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Adults only
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Services

Housekeeping

Dining

Special diet menus

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Ben Doran Guest House Location

11 Mayfield Gardens, Newington, Edinburgh, EH9 2AX

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

Edinburgh Castle

2.38 km

Landmark

Arthur's Seat hike

2.2 km

Museum

National Museum of Scotland

1.85 km

Landmark

Royal Mile

2.18 km

Palace

Palace of Holyroodhouse

2.14 km

Landmark

The Real Mary King's Close

2.12 km

Museum

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

2.22 km

Gallery

Scottish National Gallery

2.4 km

Store

Edinburgh Old Town

2.15 km

Park

Princes Street Gardens

2.62 km

Landmark

Calton Hill

2.47 km

Church

St Giles' Cathedral

2.09 km

Park

Holyrood Park

2.66 km

Landmark

Princes Street

2.49 km

Monument

Scott Monument

2.44 km

Museum

Dynamic Earth

2.5 km

Castle

Craigmillar Castle

2.21 km

Landmark

Surgeons' Hall Museums

1.67 km

Landmark

Nelson Monument

2.4 km

Landmark

The Scotch Whisky Experience

2.2 km

Museum

Museum of Childhood

2.02 km

Museum

The Writers' Museum

2.2 km

Cemetery

The Robertson Mausoleum

2.06 km

Museum

Gladstone's Land

2.18 km

Public Building

The Scottish Parliament

2.07 km

Landmark

Royal Yacht Britannia

5.42 km

Square

Grassmarket

2.1 km

Landmark

The Meadows

1.68 km

Art object

Greyfriars Bobby's Grave

2.08 km

University

University of Edinburgh

2.57 km

Nearby

St Marks Unitarian Church

370 m

Restaurants

Kwok Restaurant

350 m

44 Ratcliffe Terrace Causewayside

Leslies Bar

400 m

45-47 Ratcliffe Terrace

The Old Bell Inn

500 m

233-235 Causewayside

Thaisanuk

470 m

142-144 Dalkeith Road

Pataka

620 m

190 Causewayside

The Greenhouse Edinburgh

620 m

158 Dalkeith Road

Voujon

560 m

107 Newington Road

Explore Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

25 minutes' walk

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

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:

Former name

Ben Doran

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ben Doran Guest House from previous guests about their experience.

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Comfort

8.0/10

Facilities

7.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.5/10

Location

8.2/10

Staff

8.8/10

Value for money

7.1/10

Pros

Hospitable owners

Breakfast quality

Room cleanliness

Cons

Ineffective heating

Traffic noise

Shared bathrooms

based on 280 reviews

3.5/5

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.