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From268US$ /night
Check-in
26May2026Select date
Check-out
27May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Details

17 Mcdonald Road Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH7 4LX
-
Near Calton Hill
Perfect
9.2
/10
4.9
4.9
/5

Ben Cruachan Guest House - A garden-view EDI hotel with Scottish breakfast and complimentary sherry service

Located near Calton Hill (0.3 miles), Ben Cruachan Guest House features rooms with flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and electric kettles. Guest accommodations showcase a smart saffron, charcoal, and soft brown color scheme, with twin basins and dressing areas in the bathrooms. The à la carte breakfast includes traditional Scottish options, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and porridge served with whisky, honey, and cream. Dining tables display white linens and crystal glassware, while rooms offer complimentary sherry or whisky upon request. Ben Cruachan stands a 20-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley station, with Palace of Holyroodhouse and St Giles' Cathedral both 1 mile away. Multiple dining options surround the property, including The Walnut, Tailend, and Bodega Leith within 0.3 miles.

Pros

Garden and terrace available for summer relaxation

Several restaurants and cafes within 0.3 miles walking distance

Complimentary WiFi throughout the property

Some rooms feature private patios

Cons

Edinburgh Castle and Scottish National Gallery are 1 mile away

Airport is 6 miles from the property

“In my opinion, this guest house focuses on quality. Its location proves ideal for the Playhouse and for reaching the airport via tram. I particularly appreciate the attentiveness of the hosts and the whisky-infused porridge.”
Hotel logo
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
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Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.
King Room
2 persons
1 King-size bed

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Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location
Facilities: Perfect
9.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • No pets allowed
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Ben Cruachan Guest House Location

17 Mcdonald Road Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH7 4LX
Map view
17 Mcdonald Road Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH7 4LX
Nearby
St. Andrews House 2 Regent Road
Calton Hill
1000 ft
Gallery
Collective Gallery
1000 ft
Restaurants
Twelve Triangles
600 ft
90 Brunswick St
Word of Mouth Cafe
1000 ft
3A Albert Street
Muzzicuni
700 ft
9 Albert Place
Dine Thyme
500 ft
99 Brunswick Street
Embo Delicatessen
700 ft
29 Haddington Place
Sicillian Pastry Shop
1000 ft
14-16 Albert Street
Coffee Tepuy
1000 ft
2 Crighton Place Lochend butterfly way
Simply Greek
1100 ft
12 Crighton Place
Jiuding
1200 ft
30 Albert Street
Curry Cafe
1100 ft
30 Elm Row Curry Cafe Oppisite Youth Hostel
Cafe Bellina
1100 ft
33 Elm Row
Taste Of Italy
1900 ft
9 Baxter's Place
Explore Edinburgh
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Calton Hill
4 minutes' walk
Scenic hill offering panoramic views of Edinburgh and notable monuments like the National Monument. Ideal for photography.
National Museum of Scotland
20 minutes' walk
Extensive collection showcasing Scotland's history, culture, and natural world. Free admission with guided tours available.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
20 minutes' walk
Official residence of the monarch in Scotland. Features historical exhibits and stunning gardens, perfect for history buffs.
Scott Monument
20 minutes' walk
Victorian Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, featuring an observation platform with views across the city.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25 minutes' walk
Thrilling hike providing breathtaking views of Edinburgh from an ancient volcano. Trailhead accessible via public transport.
Wellness at The Retreat
14 minutes' walk
Relaxing spa offers treatments, yoga classes, and wellness workshops, perfect for rejuvenating after a busy day.
Muzzicuni
3 minutes' walk
Charming eatery serving delicious Italian dishes with a cozy atmosphere. Vegetarian options available, reservations recommended.
Word of Mouth Cafe
4 minutes' walk
Popular cafe known for its brunch and hearty meals. Offers local ingredients and gluten-free options to cater to dietary needs.
The Stand Comedy Club
18 minutes' walk
Energetic venue hosting stand-up shows and open mic nights. Great for a fun evening with friends or family-friendly shows.
The Queen's Hall
20 minutes' walk
Iconic concert hall featuring a range of performances, including classical music, jazz, and folk. Check schedule for events.
Getting around
City Centre
Edinburgh17 min  ·  4600 ft
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)24 min  ·  9.6 mi
Glasgow (GLA)135 min  ·  55.9 mi
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station15 min  ·  4000 ft
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:30
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
6

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Ben Cruachan Guest House from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the guest house's attractive decor and cleanliness, especially appreciating the well-designed downstairs kitchen and lounge area. The location is ideal, offering convenient access to the tram and nearby attractions like the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage. Many find the beds very comfortable, though some have noted that sound isolation from the corridor could be improved. The recommended Brunswick Book Club for breakfast, offering dishes like salmon eggs Benedict, is a delightful find for many visitors.
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Review score
Based on 314 verified reviews
9.4/10
Perfect
98%
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Comfort
9.6/10
Value for money
8.9/10
Location
9.3/10
Pros
Delicious breakfast
Welcoming staff
Great location
Cons
Shower odour
Small room
No room service
Guest reviews
based on 314 reviews
9.4/10
based on 746 reviews
9.2/10
Ella from Australia
Couple
King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 20, 2026
9/10

Fantastic Spot with Excellent Breakfast!

room decorgarden spacefully equipped kitchen
The room decor and size were awesome (I loved the details!). I enjoyed the garden and the available kitchen, fully equipped and even had light snacks. The service provided was great.
I arrived in the city and was able to drop my luggage off early. Then I headed out to see the sights. The location was perfect! It was easy to find and conveniently located, but not too close to the busyness of the main tourist attractions.
0 Helpful
Elijah from Israel
Single
King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 19, 2026
6/10

Basic Accommodation with a Few Issues

corridor noiseshower rust
I found the noise isolation to be poor. I heard corridor noise clearly. some rust was present on the shower racks. This gave me some concerns about general maintenance.
0 Helpful
Paul from United Kingdom
Single
king room
2 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:October 29, 2025
9.5/10

excellent stay

helpful staffscottish experienceoats breakfastpoor sound isolation
The staff was helpful. Breakfast was awesome with a nice scottish experience. I had oats and the full Scottish, so i felt full for hours during my hike up arthur's seat.
The door to the room had poor sound isolation. I heard noise in the corridor outside and this leads directly to the front door. This impacted sleep.
Location
9/10
The location is good. It is close to the main places to visit and it is easy to check in and out. This provides convenience. There is easy access to key sites.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast was great. I chose from a menu and came at a convenient time. The meals are tasty. It creates a pleasant experience. The breakfast included porridge and a full Scottish.
Service
10/10
The staff was prompt when i needed to get in touch. Staff were communicative throughout my stay. Ollie was genuinely friendly. He gave loads of local information.
Facilities
10/10
the facilities are amazing and very clean. i loved the little touches. the new kitchen and lounge is great. it had everything i needed. this place made me feel very comfortable
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Juliet from United Kingdom
Single
King Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 10, 2025
9/10
easy check-inspacious roomcomfy bathroom
check-in was easy. the room had enough space. the bathroom was comfy and had enough space for luggage.
the door to the room didn't block sound well.
0 Helpful
Mark from United Kingdom
Single
King Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:July 14, 2025
9/10
easy processmodern styleupdated bathroom
the self-check-in process was easy. the room had a modern style. the bathroom seemed recently updated (i especially liked the shower).
the door to the room wasn't very soundproof.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Ben Cruachan Guest House
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Ben Cruachan Guest House?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is Ben Cruachan Guest House from Edinburgh Waverley station?
The guest house is located 1 km from Edinburgh Waverley station.
What are some nearby attractions to Ben Cruachan Guest House?
Nearby attractions include Calton Hill (0.5 km), Royal Mile (2 km), and National Museum of Scotland (2 km).
What amenities are available in the rooms at Ben Cruachan Guest House?
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, electric kettle, and private bathroom.
What dining options are available near Ben Cruachan Guest House?
Nearby restaurants include The Walnut (0.5 km), The Village (0.5 km), and Tailend (0.5 km).
Does Ben Cruachan Guest House offer breakfast?
An à la carte breakfast is available each morning, featuring options like traditional Scottish breakfast and porridge with whisky, honey, and cream.
How far is the nearest airport from Ben Cruachan Guest House?
The nearest airport, Edinburgh Airport, is located 10 km from the guest house.
What language is spoken by the staff at Ben Cruachan Guest House?
The staff primarily speaks English.
Are there any smoking areas at Ben Cruachan Guest House?
The guest house is a non-smoking property.

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