The Ben Doran

Not in the center of town but very accomodating

The Ben Doran was a very quaint and quiet "home-like" bed and breakfast. A lovely spiral staircase up to a room with a very comfortable bed and heavy curtains I could draw was just the thing I needed upon my arrival from the States. They also offered a lovely breakfast in their dining room the following morning. Charming, and quiet - I would stay again.

nice hotel

This was a nice little hotel, located near bus stops though it’s only about a 15 minute walk to the typical vacay destinations: travel center, edinburgh castle, holyrood park/palace, monuments, museums, pubs, currency exchanges, waverly train station, etc. great location! Rooms are small but suitable for those who spend the day out and about and just need somewhere to sleep.

A quick trip to a grocery store, tesco, pick up some bagels, apples, etc. for a cheap breakfast and snacks. Splurge a little on supper. I liked Canon’s Gait and The World’s End pubs on the Royal Mile.

Taste of Scottish Hospitality

While a large hotel offers more in the way of amenities, the Ben Doran offered comfortable rooms (tho’ small) in the friendly, family-run setting of a Scottish guest house. The generous breakfast buffet was a great way to start a long day of tourist activities. Their manager, Carol was warm and accommodating beyond our expectations, and we would definitely return for another stay at the Ben Doran.

Great Service, Great Breakfast

I agree with the other reviewers that it was really nice waking up to the smell of the full Scottish Breakfast every morning. The breakfast was wonderful, with every option you could want. The staff and service was wonderful as well. They were very warm, inviting, and eager to help. The hotel is quite old, so I’m sure that decorating and upgrade options are limited. It could use some renovations, but despite that, it was clean and cozy. The bed was rather lumpy, and I feel that was only major drawback. We would stay there again...

Traveler's tip on dining

There was a great Indian Restaurant down the street...

Hotel Ben Doren

This hotel is close to frequent bus transportation and is a friendly and comfortable place to stay.

Warm, quiet, relaxing, beginning-and-end-of-day haven

Concierge service was outstanding and complimentary. Small, well-trained, friendly staff. Loved waking up each morning to mouth-watering scents of freshly-made sausages, ham, eggs, porridge, toast, and coffee from the traditional Scottish breakfast each morning. Fruits, yogurt, cereals, pastries, juice, and milk available. I could make my breakfast different every day. A great way to start our day. Lunch and dinner menus were available in the intimate dining room but we were always away from the hotel for those meals. Wireless access available but not always a strong signal due to the old structure of the property. The Ben Doran is not a typical hotel. The style is more like a cozy guesthouse. Certain amenities you would expect in a hotel are not available at the Ben Doran. No microwaves or refrig.’s in the rooms but there was a hair dryer. A fully stocked coffee, tea, and hot chocolate service was right outside the door available anytime with china and silver--no styrofoam or plastic. Our room was on top (3rd) floor (no elevator) with quiet, (backside of property) eastern views. Never heard traffic or sirens from our room. Comfortable King-size bed. Loved having window that opened. Paid extra for the ensuite bathroom and enjoyed that privacy. No complaints on housekeeping service--efficient and consistent. If we’d had a rental car, off-street parking was available right at the front entrance. We stayed seven nights.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Approx. 1-2 mile distance from all the sights of Edinburgh. Easy walking. Dining and pubs all along the route to Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle areas. Quiet, residential areas just to the east or backside of property. Easy, close access to public transit system. Ben Doran concierge service helped arrange tours and had a wealth of useful advice and information.

Lovely home away from home

The staff at the Ben Doran couldn’t be nicer or more helpful. The facility itself is easily accessible by bus or cab. I recommend it enthusiastically.

Traveler's tip on dining

Most restaurants and shopping are about a ten minute walk from the Ben Doran.

Great location for great price

Good location within easy walking distance to the Royal Mile and plenty of food choices. Spacious, nice room. Parking is a bit away and not free but reasonable. We ate breakfast elsewhere because it is a bit pricy here.

Worth the walk

This lovely hotel/bed and breakfast is located approximately 1 mile from the train station. The room was comfortable and the staff was very nice. You do share a bathtub/shower, but you have a sink in your room. I really enjoyed my stay and highly recommend it for the price.

Would stay there again

Very nice stay at the Ben Doran! We had a toilet problem that was resolved relatively quickly with a change of room. The breakfast room was quite nice with a good selection of food. Although they accept American Express, they balked at us leaving it for miscellaneous charges and preferred VISA or MasterCard.

Traveler's tip

Although the distance on the map shows the Ben Doran pretty close to the Royal Mile, take the bus (it’s easy and convenient)! Maps don’t show how hilly Edinburgh is!

Worth staying at again

It was in a nice part of town, on a main street but not noisy, bus stop across the street going right into the city, Wonderful!!! breakfast, feels like a bed and breakfast more than a hotel, small and personal. Bathroom was extremely small. They surcharge 3 percent on credit card.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Would be great for one or two night stays.

Basement accomodations

We stayed at the Ben Doran for 5 nights, the people very nice, room clean BUT our accomodations were in the basement which didn’t make us too happy. The room clean and modern BUT something is lost going to a Victoria B&B with spiral staircases, vaulted ceilings and your in a sheet rock room with no beautiful crown moulding and you have to ring a bell to get into the lobby. We recommend if you book tell them you don’t want the basement.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

As for site seeing take the buses, nothing is in walking distance. The bus service is excellent, buy an all day pass for 2.50 its well worth it.

Clean, Comfy & Convenient

Clean, comfortable bed & breakfast. Although I did not have my own bathroom, there was a sink & mirror in the room which was convenient. The Ben Doran is about a 20 minute walk south of the Royal Mile and there are several restaurants, bars, and stores along the way. The shower in the shared bathroom was not working and I had to resort to baths, but other than that I had no complaints. The morning breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, bangers (sausage), rashers (bacon), toast, and sometimes black pudding. Bus stops are nearby and the Ben Doran is in a safe neighbourhood surrounded by other B&Bs.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Don’t miss Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, and don’t be afraid to try haggis ... it is delicious!

Very Nice B&B, not walking distance to the city center

The BEn Doran was a very nice bed and breakfast we stayed at for three nights. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is a 10-15 minute bus ride to get into town if you don’t have a car. Also, there are no lifts, so you may be hauling luggage up the stairs. Other than that, it was a great place to stay and well worth the money.

Traveler's tip on shopping

There isn’t much in terms of shopping or dining within several blocks. If traveling by bus, get the 2.50 all day pass so you can freely get anywhere in the city easily.

Very Friendly and accomodating

The staff at this hotel were very friendly and accomodating. There were four in our party and we decided that we wanted another room. They had one other room available with a bathroom ensuite. They were nice about the change and helped. They treat you like family and get to know you. Hotel rooms are very clean. The shower is a little confusing but they will explain if you have problems.The castle is amazing and a must see. The bus stop is across the street. The bus system is a little confusing the first time. It is a pound per trip. The bus stop coming from town is not the same place that picks up, but is only about a block away. If driving into town, the hotel is located on Mayfied Gardens. This is the A701 also and it changes names as you are driving up it. The Ben Doran is in the middle of alot of other guest houses. #11. Getting a map of the city streets helped us before we attempted to drive in the city. Alot of traffic also. I would not drive in the city due to parking and traffic. Park you car and take the bus. I would stay here again.

Traveler's tip

Getting a map of the city streets helped us before we attempted to drive in the city. Alot of traffic also. I would not drive in the city due to parking and traffic. Park you car and take the bus. I would stay here again.

Excellent hotel

A very good, clean and welcoming place.

Convenient location, friendly staff

This was a charming bed and breakfast. I stayed in a room with the bath detatched, but this was not an imposition. The room was small, but quaint and clean, and the bed was comfortable. The staff went above the call of duty, making me a boxed meal when I had to leave without breakfast due to my schedule, and they scouted around for a cab which would accept American Express. I would stay there again on my next visit.

Would stay again in a heartbeat.

My family and I really enjoyed out stay at the Ben Dorn. The hotel was clean and the food was great....would definitely stay again!

A Hidden Gem

The service was exceptional, the food was beyond compare and the quiet welcome afer a long day! The owners of the Ben Doran made the trip to Scotland worth the effort and price. Centrally located within walking distance of Edinburgh and Craigmiller Castles,(~ 2.5 miles from each) and Holyrood Palace (~ 1.5 miles if you the path through Holyrood Park, though the path is steep), with a bus stop right across the street for those who don’t want to walk, the Ben Doran is ideally located. The condition of the room, flexibility of the staff, exquisite service and food, the Ben Doran truley offers the best of Edinburgh - I would go back to Edinburgh just to stay in the Ben Doran!

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Local transportation was easy (with unlimited day tickets on the buses for L 2.50 per person) and Cheap Day Tickets on the trains (cannot be used during rush hours)all of Scotland is accessable easily accessable. Of particular note are the day tours, especially Rabbies (located on High Street). Strongly recommend them for their local knowledge and friendly staff.

Wonderful Service

The staff, especially the manageress, were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was fantastic. It’s close to all sorts of attractions, especially, close to Holyrood Park. The bed was slightly hard, but the room was, overall, very clean and comfortable. They offer some en suite bathrooms, well worth it.

Traveler's tip on local attractions

Holyrood Park is worth a visit. There’s an entrance to the park next to the main Edinburgh police offices. There are historical sites in the park and it’s a great place to jog in the morning.

Great B&B in Edinburgh

This was a terrific B&B to stay in for a week. The staff were outstanding. We had a nice breakfast every morning. The bus stop is right across the street or you can walk to Downtown Edinburgh in ten minutes. I would go back.

Magic experience

Would highly recommend this B&B. It is a beautiful place close to the bus stop which takes you to the center of town. No need to rent a car. The breakfast was yummy with plenty to eat and chose from. Internet available for small fee. My room had a bathroom, some others did not. Everything immaculate with highly professional staff. Go to the Scotland travel center on Princes Street first and get a bus itinerary and ideas on sightseeing. There is an ATM about 3 blocks from the Inn where you can exchange money. It was a wonderful place to stay and I will be going back soon.