The Dunstane Houses

The Dunstane Houses is a boutique hotel made up of two Victorian villas at 4 West Coates, in the Haymarket area of western Edinburgh, Scotland. Haymarket station and the tram stop are about ten minutes on foot, and the West End and Princes Street can be reached in roughly the same time. The Murrayfield area, home to Scotland's national rugby stadium, lies a short distance west, which makes the hotel popular on match days. The villas are built of the grey sandstone typical of the city, and their tall windows, ornate cornicing and spacious rooms have been preserved and combined with contemporary furnishings. A garden and a relaxed lounge give the property a residential feel that contrasts with the larger hotels in the centre. Rooms are offered in several categories, with larger rooms and suites for those who want extra space, and free Wi-Fi is included. Dining takes place in an on-site restaurant serving Scottish-influenced dishes, and there is also a bar with a good selection of whiskies and cocktails. Breakfast is generally cooked to order, with Scottish options alongside lighter choices. The hotel does not have a spa or pool, and guests who want these usually use facilities nearby. Service is friendly and personal, and the smaller scale allows staff to help with taxis, restaurant bookings and travel suggestions. The Dunstane Houses suits couples, rugby visitors, business guests visiting nearby offices and travellers who want a quieter base but still need quick transit into the centre. Rates sit at the mid to upper boutique level and rise noticeably for major rugby fixtures, the August festivals and Hogmanay, so booking early is sensible.