The Ben Doran Guesthouse

8.0
Excellent
(160 reviews)

11 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh EH9 2AX, United Kingdom

+44 131 667 8488

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Hotel Description

The Ben Doran Guesthouse is a welcoming bed-and-breakfast located at 11 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh EH9 2AX, United Kingdom. Set in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, this charming guesthouse offers a comfortable and homely atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat just 15 minutes south of Edinburgh's vibrant city center. Guests are greeted by the elegance of its traditional architecture and the warmth of its cozy interiors. The guesthouse’s prime location also places it in close proximity to several of Edinburgh's top attractions. Just a short 4-minute drive away is the scenic Holyrood Park, where guests can enjoy outdoor activities and stunning views. For those seeking more cultural experiences, Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Royal Mile are all just a short drive or bus ride from the guesthouse. Guests are sure to feel at ease with the spacious rooms that feature classic design, comfortable armchairs, and city views. Most rooms come with en-suite bathrooms, ensuring a private and relaxing stay. Each unit is equipped with essential amenities, including a washbasin, a TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities, which enhance the overall comfort. For dining, the guesthouse boasts a white-tablecloth dining room that serves a hearty Scottish breakfast, included in the room rate. Guests can also enjoy complimentary hot drinks available throughout the day, and packed lunches are available upon request. For those needing to stay connected, the guesthouse offers Wi-Fi access at a daily rate. While there is no fitness center, spa, or swimming pool, guests will appreciate the quiet, smoke-free environment and the warm hospitality offered by the staff, who are always ready to assist with any requests. Transportation options are plentiful, with a number of bus stops and transit lines located within a short walking distance, including the nearby Mayfield Gardens stop, just 2 minutes away. Edinburgh Waverley station is a mere 10-minute taxi ride, offering direct links to major attractions in the city. For international travelers, Edinburgh Airport is a 34-minute taxi ride away, providing convenient access to flights across Europe and beyond. After a day of sightseeing or business meetings, guests can unwind in the peaceful ambiance of the guesthouse, enjoying a restful night in the heart of Edinburgh’s beautiful cityscape.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. 4 min drive to Holyrood Park for outdoor activities and scenic views

2. Located in a Georgian townhouse with traditional charm and city views

3. Complimentary Scottish breakfast served in a white-tablecloth dining room

4. Free hot drinks available all day for guests' comfort

5. Convenient public transport options with easy access to the city center

6. Walking distance to Mayfield Gardens bus stop (2 minutes)

7. Private parking facilities available for guests with vehicles

8. Short 10-minute taxi ride to Edinburgh Waverley station

9. Traditional rooms with en-suite bathrooms and comfortable amenities

10. Health and safety measures in place for guest well-being


7.0 Very Good

Location rating

Top sights

Edinburgh Castle
13 min
Arthur's Seat
17 min
National Museum of Scotland
9 min
Palace of Holyroodhouse
9 min
Royal Mile
9 min

Nearest locations

Blonde Restaurant
4 min
Sambuca Italian Restaurant
4 min
Whiski Bar & Restaurant
8 min
Paolozzi Restaurant & Bar
9 min
The Outsider Restaurant
10 min
Le Bistrot
11 min
Howies Restaurant
11 min
Howies Restaurant
12 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out10:30
Location rating7.0
Nearest airportEdinburgh Airport
Travel time to airport34 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Fri, Dec 06
Check-out: Sat, Dec 07
    Official Hotel

    $193

    Agoda

    $120

    Vio.com

    $120

    Bluepillow.com

    $120

    Priceline

    $122

    goseek.com

    $120


Location

11 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh EH9 2AX, United Kingdom

Airports:

Edinburgh Airport

Taxi: 34 min

Transit: 52 min

Glasgow Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 20 min

Transit: 1 hr 42 min

Transit:

Haymarket

Taxi: 16 min

Walking: 50 min

Edinburgh Waverley

Taxi: 10 min

Walking: 33 min

Mayfield Gardens

Walking: 2 min

Brunstane

Taxi: 16 min

Walking: 1 hr 14 min


Nearby locations

7.0

Very Good Location

This straightforward bed-and-breakfast in a Georgian townhouse is a 15-minute drive south of the city centre.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Pets

No pets

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Food & drink

Restaurant

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Internet

Wi-Fi

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

No air conditioning


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

7.6

10 reviews

Wonderful
3
Excellent
4
Good
2
Below Average
0
Not Good
1
Cover Image for Raj Sudan

Raj Sudan

3/5
Ben DoranFor a solo traveller this Guest House was not bad for a one night stay. When I checked in I was told that they had a shared bathroom for two rooms. However, I felt no one was there to occupy the adjoining room. There was a wash basin inside the room that proved very convenient. There was an electric kettle, a TV, and a chair and a wardrobe in the room. The bed was comfortable. Breakfast was very nice too. Recommended.

CK

Carrie K

4/5
We stayed over the weekend for a little get-a-way. First the bad. The beds are hard- could use a mattress topper. And the king is two beds pushed together so a bit of a crevice. Again, a mattress topper would help. …

Cover Image for Jennifer Shields

Jennifer Shields

5/5
Very friendly staff! Tasty breakfast. I had a room with a shared bathroom which of course is not preferred, but it was cleaned and a sink in the room made it not too burdensome. About a 15-20 minute to the city center. There are frequent busses that go downtown near the Guesthouse if you're feeling lazy after a day of walking around.

Room 5

Service 5

Location4

Charlotta Å

1/5
The stuff was very friendly! But the room was cold and the breakfast was terrible. Its not worth the money. The area was good a nice walk to the center of Edinburgh took about 20 minutes or catch a bus. Lots of good resturants and bars near the hotel.

Cover Image for Menny

Menny

4/5
Nice b&b. The room was clean, a little bit on the older side but charming. Only stayed here for one night.Great location. You have a busstop in front of the house.

Cover Image for Victoria

Victoria

4/5
The Ben Doran is a beautiful Georgian townhouse, with convenient access to Edinburgh's city center via bus transportation right outside its doors. During our three-night stay in March, despite our initial request to our French travel agency for a quiet room away from the main road, the initial room we were allocated lacked soundproofing, leading to disturbance from passing traffic, and showed signs of wear and tear, necessitating refurbishment.However, the following morning, our experience took a positive turn when we interacted with Odile, a courteous staff member, during breakfast. Promptly responding to our request, she arranged for a room at the back of the guesthouse, offering tranquility for the remainder of our stay. The improved room provided a comfortable haven, allowing us to enjoy two peaceful nights. Each morning, we were greeted with a delightful breakfast buffet featuring a variety of options.Throughout our stay, Odile ensured a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the premises were consistently well-maintained. Despite the initial hiccup, I would consider returning to the Ben Doran Guesthouse, opting to book directly to ensure a quieter room at the rear of the property. Additionally, I would recommend confirming the availability of an ensuite bathroom, as some rooms may have shared facilities.

Cover Image for Lucas clover alcole

Lucas clover alcole

3/5
Positives - Amazing cooked breakfast, lovely staff and good locationNegatives - No double glazing and many rooms (including all the single ones) are next to a busy road which means it sounds like all the traffic is right in your room. This combined with thinnish walls and old pipes, which make it sound like there's a waterfall in your room whenever anyone is having a shower, mean it's impossible to sleep without earplugs and sleeping pills. The fact breakfast is only served from 8-9 is also bizarre.Neutral - The bathoorms are shared, unless you pay a lot extra for an ensuite, and the place as a whole is a bit dated.Conclusion: I can't recommend this place unless you make sure you are not in a room facing the street and you get a good deal.

C

CateK63

5/5
Great location, we did catch a taxi into town as it was raining and we didn't really know where we were going. We did find a great pub in the next block for dinner on both nights. Our accommodation was nice, we had the executive double room. |Breakfast is sufficient. |Clean room.

n

nicci20man

4/5
Really cute place to stay, had a nice size room was very comfortable. Easy and doable walk to the city centre, such friendly staff and the accompanying breakfast was a godsend. …

Cover Image for Steve Davies

Steve Davies

5/5
Stopped here for a couple of nights while in Edinburgh to see the Military Tattoo. Absolutely perfect for me. Clean, comfortable and a nice breakfast that set me up for the day. There's a bus stop opposite although I chose to walk which took about half an hour. I was in a single room so had a shared bathroom which again was clean and had a decent shower. Planning my next visit now and will definitely use the Ben Doran again. Highly recommended to anyone visiting the wonderful city of Edinburgh.