Prestonfield House
Priestfield Road, below Arthur's Seat · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: Prestonfield House
A 17th-century country house in twenty acres below Arthur's Seat, theatrically decorated and ten minutes from the city centre.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Prestonfield House
Prestonfield sits in twenty acres of parkland at the foot of Arthur's Seat, about ten minutes by car from the Royal Mile, and it feels considerably further out than it is. The house was built in 1687 to a design by Sir William Bruce and has been a hotel since the 1960s, though the current incarnation dates from James Thomson's takeover in 2003. He has decorated it in a deliberately theatrical style: damask, gilt, tapestries, low lighting and peacocks on the lawn. It is not subtle and does not try to be.
There are 23 rooms and suites, all individually done and most of them large. Original panelling and plasterwork survive in the older rooms; beds are four-posters or oversized, bathrooms are marble, and there are Bose systems, decanters of sherry and open fires in the grander suites. Windows look over the gardens, the Highland cattle in the paddock, or up towards the hill. There is no lift in parts of the house, which is worth checking when you book.
Rhubarb, the restaurant, occupies two circular rooms on the ground floor and is one of Edinburgh's better-known dining rooms — Scottish produce cooked classically, with a long wine list and an afternoon tea that draws a local crowd. The public rooms downstairs, particularly the Leather Room and the Whisky Room, are made for sitting in with a drink. Parking is free and plentiful, which is unusual for Edinburgh.
It suits couples after a romantic night or two, and anyone who would rather stay somewhere with grounds than on a city street. Walkers can go straight out into Holyrood Park from the gate. It is a member of Relais & Châteaux, and prices reflect that, but the sense of occasion is real.
What guests say
We attended a splendid Charity Dinner on Friday 13th February and reckoned there must have been 300-400 diners there. The three course dinner was excellent and we were most impressed with the efficiency of the table service for that number of folk and the attentiveness of the staff. The cloakroom facilities were run smoothly too, especially appreciated at the end of the evening when there were taxis ordered. A most enjoyable evening!
5 months ago · via Google
Simply amazing! My wife and I stayed 3 nights as part of our honeymoon and it was the best stay by far. The staff went above and beyond during our time to make us feel right at home and they tended to our every need. The food at the Rhubarb is excellent, the room service was just perfect, and we thoroughly enjoyed our beautiful tea time service. The grounds are great and the animals made the elegant experience feel cozy. Highly recommend for a stay or day visit. We will definitely be back!!
a month ago · via Google
We went to Prestonfield for a friend's milestone birthday and had an incredible time. The house is extraordinary - absolutely gorgeous, over-the-top interiors, lavish hospitality (the breakfasts are mindblowing) and a level of service that is on par with the best hotels in the world. The grounds are also beautiful and while only a few minutes from the city center, it feels like you in the country with all the peace and tranquility that comes with that. There was always chilled champagne in the room, along with homemade cookies and even cream in the fridge for your coffee!! Cannot recommend highly enough.
2 months ago · via Google
Amazing experience, our visit was incredible. The attention to detail by all staff was incredible, the level of service was amazing and all staff were super polite and friendly. Went to celebrate our wedding and it was worth every penny. We managed to use their march in to spring offer which was incredible value for money. The room was gorgeous and all the small touches really made the experience. Highly recommend and will be going back. Food in the rhubarb for both evening and breakfast was delicious! Thank you for an amazing experience and helping make our wedding day so special and memorable
3 months ago · via Google
Guests mention this hotel offers luxurious, spacious, and beautifully decorated rooms, along with delicious food and a wide selection of teas. They also highlight the stunning grounds, opulent decor, and peaceful atmosphere, making it feel like a special escape. Visitors consistently praise the staff for being professional, friendly, attentive, and providing exceptional service.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Priestfield Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5UT Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Priestfield Road, below Arthur's Seat
- Star rating
- 5 star
- Guest score
- 9.0 / 10 (1,400 reviews)
- Prices from
- £300 per night
- Good for children
- No
- Destination
- Edinburgh