Even from outside, we could tell that these fine, warm-stone, gabled Edinburgh mansions, located across the road from each other, were going to be a treat. Stepping inside, we knew for sure. Interiors were imbued with gorgeous natural colours, from copper rust to dark inky blue, and heather-pale tweed fabrics gave it a comforting sense of place. If there's a hint of the Orkneys, it's because the Mowat family – who oversaw the 2017 restoration of what were then called The Dunstane Houses – hail from those islands. The hotel is now in the hands of the Roseate Group, who have proudly preserved the heritage and history of the buildings and their previous owners.
In The Roseate Building there's the restaurant with an intimate bar and lounge, and a garden terrace out front for sundowners when the weather is fine. In The House across the road, it's mostly suites and rooms, with a communal lounge area at the back. The rooms have kingsize beds with signature wallpapers and soft rugs, and the suites feature show-stopping bathtubs and sweeping bay windows. As is so often the way, the smaller details make it all the more memorable. Like piles of pillows you dissapear into, underfloor heating in the bathrooms, and classy tweed key rings. We also enjoyed browsing the illustrations and Orkney mementos on the walls of the common rooms, including black and white photos of fishermen and local characters – and, by coincidence, a portrait of this writer’s grandmother as a child. How's that for personalised service?
Highs
- Beautiful decor and character in the rooms, along with fabulous showers and Fired Earth copper bathtubs
- A friendly welcome extended to families and dog-lovers by a warm, helpful staff
- We loved the specialist whisky and gin bar
- A modern take on Scottish classics in the restaurant
- The airport bus stops right outside
Lows
- It’s a 20-min walk to the centre of town, but it's very well connected with a bus stop right outside and a tram station down the road
- The hotel is set back a bit on a busy road, so there is some noise in the front rooms
- Rooms in The House are across the road, but just as plush and comfortable
Best time to go
There's plenty going on in Edinburgh year round. You may want to book well ahead for the summer festivals, and Hogmanay and the Christmas build up are also popular times. We loved coming in the autumn, when there were fewer crowds and the city feels like a Harry Potter set.
Our top tips
There's an entrance to the Water of Leith walk just down the road from the hotel (the concierge can point you in the right direction). If you're after a quieter exploration of the city, take the morning to stroll through picturesque Dean Village, past St. Bernards Well, and stop for a coffee in lovely Stockbridge. Then walk on to pretty Leith for lunch.
Location
The Roseate Edinburgh is in the Haymarket area of central Edinburgh, just outside the West End.
By Air:
Fly into Edinburgh Airport (9km) then take the airport bus, which stops outside the hotel, or a taxi. Or hire a car; the hotel has a private car park. There's no EV charging at the hotel, but there are charging points nearby.
By Train:
Edinburgh’s Haymarket station is 10 minutes' walk from the hotel.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- Edinburgh 9.0 km EDI
Other:
- Beach 6.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
We enjoyed our stay and thought the bar atmosphere and service was excellent too. The food and menu choices were very good as well.
I had an attic room which was on the small side, with a minuscule bathroom (no bath). Great bed though.
Breakfast was terrific, however we felt that dinner wasn't as good. Prawn cocktail and Christmas dinner nice enough but not really anything special. Staff were charming and very efficient. Overall it was a nice place but the room wasn't big enough for a comfortable stay. If there had been a lounge which wasn’t the restaurant/bar, that would have helped.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape