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The Ben Doran Guest House

4.0 star property
Guesthouse with free breakfast, near Royal Mile

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Photo gallery for The Ben Doran Guest House

Free daily buffet breakfast
Lobby
Exterior detail
Executive Double Room, 1 King Bed | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Meeting facility

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

Map
11 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH9 2AX
  • University of Edinburgh
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Royal Mile
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Edinburgh Castle
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Edinburgh (EDI)
    ‪20 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Standard Double Room

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

Standard Double Room

  • 377 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Executive Double Room, 1 King Bed

Executive Double Room, 1 King Bed | Living area | 22-inch LCD TV with digital channels, TV, DVD player

Executive Double Room, 1 King Bed

  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room, Shared Bathroom

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

Standard Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Single Room, 1 Twin Bed, Shared Bathroom

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

Standard Single Room, 1 Twin Bed, Shared Bathroom

  • 161 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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About the neighborhood

Edinburgh

Located in Newington within a mile (2 km) of University of Edinburgh, The Ben Doran Guest House is within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular sights such as Royal Mile. The 11 rooms at this 4-star guesthouse include coffee makers and LCD TVs and guests can enjoy free breakfast.
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What's nearby

  • University of Edinburgh - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Royal Mile - 4 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Grassmarket - 4 min drive - 1.5 miles
  • Edinburgh Castle - 5 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Princes Street - 5 min drive - 1.9 miles

Getting around

  • Princes Street Tram Stop - 5 min drive
  • Edinburgh (ZXE-Edinburgh Waverly Train Station) - 7 min drive
  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Southpour - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Pizza Hut - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Old Bell Inn - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪The Salisbury Arms - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪The Earl Grange Cafe - ‬4 min walk

About this property

The Ben Doran Guest House

Guesthouse with free breakfast, near Royal Mile
The Ben Doran Guest House features free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and a computer station. You'll find limited parking. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with tours or tickets, securing valuables, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a library, express check-in, and express check-out.
22-inch LCD TVs come with digital channels and DVD players, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport Egyptian cotton sheets and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. Coffee makers and phones are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

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

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Things to do

  • Library

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center
  • Computer station

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1800
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 22-inch LCD TV with digital channels
  • DVD player

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service

More

  • Heating
  • 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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children 12 and younger (only guests older than 12 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of GBP 50

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

You need to know

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 and a smoke detector
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:30 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking in and out are easy with express services. Driving? This property offers limited parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The guesthouse can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

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

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Ben Doran Guest House?

The Ben Doran Guest House provides free cancellation on some room rates. If you'd like to learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What can I see close to The Ben Doran Guest House?

This guesthouse is situated in Newington within a short 15-minute walk of Holyrood Park and also 12 minutes on foot from Queen's Hall. You'll also find Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle within a short drive.

Is there parking available at The Ben Doran Guest House?

Yes, though parking is limited.

Does The Ben Doran Guest House include a casino on the premises?

No, The Ben Doran Guest House doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Ben Doran Guest House?

No, there is no indoor pool at this guesthouse.

What do couples enjoy most about The Ben Doran Guest House?

Couples staying at this guesthouse will appreciate amenities like Egyptian cotton sheets as well as free breakfast and concierge services.

Does The Ben Doran Guest House have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this guesthouse.

Does The Ben Doran Guest House have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

The Ben Doran Guest House offers free buffet breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does The Ben Doran Guest House allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Ben Doran Guest House.

Does The Ben Doran Guest House have connecting rooms?

No, this guesthouse doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to The Ben Doran Guest House?

The closest major airport to The Ben Doran Guest House is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), which is 13.7 mi away (28 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Ben Doran Guest House?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at The Ben Doran Guest House.

The Ben Doran Guest House Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 175 out of 475 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 193 out of 475 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 65 out of 475 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 475 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 475 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Pete

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Excellent breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Cheryl

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Business traveler
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

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

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

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

Traveled with partner
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

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

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 traveler

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Business traveler
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

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maxine

Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beverley

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Patrick

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

Traveled with group
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

Traveled with partner
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

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sara

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

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 traveler

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

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

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

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

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