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The Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh Exterior photoThe Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh Room photoThe Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh Room photo

THE BEN DORAN GUEST HOUSE, Edinburgh

•
7.7|Very good
Check rooms and rates
From$85 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
23Oct
Check-out
24Oct
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

11 Mayfield Gardens, Newington, Edinburgh, EH9 2AX
-
Near the main attractions
Very good
7.7
7.7
/10
4.0
4.0
/5

4-star Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh with free private parking

Amenities

The Ben Doran Guest House offers free private off-street parking, a rarity in central Edinburgh. Guests benefit from daily housekeeping, 24-hour security with CCTV in common areas, and a convenient code entry system for check-in. Express check-in and check-out are available, along with allergy-free rooms and designated smoking areas.

Accommodations

The 11 bedrooms include tea and coffee-making facilities and offer hillside or city views. Standard rooms with shared bathrooms are available, while deluxe and executive rooms have en-suite facilities. The hotel is adults only and provides heating throughout.

Dining

A complimentary Scottish breakfast buffet is served daily from 8 to 9 AM (until 9:30 AM on Sundays) in the dining room. The 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.

Location

The guest house is within walking distance of Arthur's Seat and less than 2 miles from the Royal Mile attractions. Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse are nearby, and Princes Street and Waverley Railway Station are a 5-minute drive away. A bus stop opposite the hotel offers regular services to the city centre.

Services

Staff are responsive to special requests and provide local dining recommendations. Daily housekeeping ensures room servicing each day, and the property features smoke alarms and fire extinguishers for safety. Key access and key card access are used for room entry.

Highlights

Parking: Free private off-street parking

Breakfast: Complimentary Scottish breakfast buffet with espresso

Location: Walking distance to Arthur's Seat and Royal Mile

Rooms: 11 rooms with hillside or city views

Services: Special dietary breakfast accommodations

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

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden for serene green spaces.
  • Savor haggis at the Tolbooth Tavern for a true Scottish meal.
  • Visit the Scottish National Gallery for stunning art collections.
  • Explore the hidden Dean Village for picturesque walks by the Water of Leith.
  • Discover local crafts at the Grassmarket on weekends for unique souvenirs.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Deluxe Ensuite Double
    2 persons
    25 m²
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Executive Double Room
    2 persons
    36 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Standard Single Shared Bath
    2 persons
    15 m²
    1 Single bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
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

Guest Parking

  • Private parking is possible on site for free.

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
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The Ben Doran Guest House Location

11 Mayfield Gardens, Newington, Edinburgh, EH9 2AX
Map view
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
Explore Edinburgh
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
25 minutes' walk
A journey through Scotland's history and culture with diverse exhibits. Free admission and interactive displays make it family-friendly.
Edinburgh Castle
25 minutes' walk
Historic fortress atop Castle Rock, offering stunning views. Explore its rich history and daily events year-round.
Holyrood Park
35 minutes' walk
A large park featuring scenic walking trails and Arthur's Seat. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a nature escape.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
25 minutes' walk
Interactive exhibits and panoramic views of Edinburgh await at this unique attraction. A fun choice for families and couples.
Arthur's Seat hike
25 minutes' walk
A popular hike to an ancient volcano offering breathtaking views. Suitable for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking adventure.
The Hermitage of Braid
30 minutes' walk
Serene walking trails through beautiful woodlands perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature. A great escape from the city bustle.
Kwok Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
Cozily serves authentic Asian dishes with a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for casual dining or family meals.
Thaisanuk
6 minutes' walk
Thai cuisine in a charming setting, known for its flavorful curries and friendly service. Reservations recommended for busy evenings.
Leslies Bar
5 minutes' walk
Local bar with a relaxed vibe, offering live music and quiz nights. Great for a casual night out with friends.
Scottish National Gallery
25 minutes' walk
Art gallery hosting classic and modern exhibits, suitable for all ages. Free admission; perfect for a cultural outing.
Getting around the city
  • 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 ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Ben Doran Guest House from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Ben Doran Guest House is often praised for its convenient location, with a bus stop right across the road providing easy access to the Royal Mile and city center in about 10 minutes. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms and the availability of free coffee and tea. While some have noted that the breakfast could be improved with a wider variety of cold cuts like ham or cheese, many find it wonderful, with fantastic cooked-to-order options. Parking is available off-road, adding to the convenience.
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Review score
Based on 2 verified reviews
8.3 /10
Great
100%
Recommend
Staff
8.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Value for money
7.1/10
Facilities
7.4/10
Pros
Clean room
Comfortable bed
Friendly staff
Good room
Delicious breakfast
Cons
Shared bathroom
Poor pastries
Guest reviews
based on 2 reviews
8.3/10
based on 280 reviews
3.5/5
based on 558 reviews
7.7/10
Sebastian from Germany
Single
Deluxe Ensuite Double
3 nights in June 2026
|
Reviewed: September 12, 2025
7/10

a decent STAY

bus access convenient location average breakfast dated room
The location worked well for bus access. Buses were AVAILABLE right outside the door every few minutes. It was QUITE convenient. The room was big and clean.
The room was dated.
0 Helpful
Mark from United Kingdom
Single
Deluxe Ensuite Double
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 14, 2026
9.5/10

Charming Stay!

convenient location friendly staff good breakfast comfy room
The location suited my needs perfectly. A bus stop was very near. It made travelling simple. The staff was so friendly and helpful. I felt welcome. Breakfast each morning provided a good start to my day. The room was clean! and very comfy.
The shower pressure was a little low.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast included options like english breakfast items, cereals, and pastries. The breakfast service operated smoothly, and the staff kept the area tidy and well-stocked. It was really nice.
Rooms
10/10
My room included a large bed and fresh linens. The bathroom had clean towels, and the temperature was easy to adjust. The room was very quiet and comfy, perfect for sleeping well.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About The Ben Doran Guest House
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Ben Doran Guest House?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
How far is The Ben Doran Guest House from Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station?
The hotel is 2 km from Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station.
What are the nearest attractions to The Ben Doran Guest House?
Nearby attractions include the Palace of Holyroodhouse (3 km), Arthur's Seat (3 km), and Edinburgh Castle (2 km).
What kind of breakfast is served at The Ben Doran Guest House?
Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, sausages, cereals, yogurts, pastries, toast, and fresh fruit.
Are there restaurants near The Ben Doran Guest House?
Restaurants located within 0.5 km include The Pacific Fish Bar, The Old Bell Inn, and Mango Tree Edinburgh.
What room amenities are offered at The Ben Doran Guest House?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Is The Ben Doran Guest House an adults-only accommodation?
Yes, The Ben Doran Guest House is an adults-only accommodation.
What is the distance from The Ben Doran Guest House to the city center?
The hotel is approximately 2 km from the city center.
What languages are spoken by the staff at The Ben Doran Guest House?
The staff primarily speaks English.
What additional services does The Ben Doran Guest House provide?
The hotel offers daily housekeeping and room servicing.
How can I travel from Edinburgh Airport to The Ben Doran Guest House?
The hotel is approximately 20 km from Edinburgh Airport, taking around 22 minutes by car.

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