The Dunstane Houses is a boutique hotel comprising two Victorian villas in a peaceful residential area of Edinburgh. Individually designed rooms combine traditional Scottish character with contemporary comforts. The Ba'bar cocktail bar offers a fine selection of Scottish gins and whiskies, and the hotel has a warm, personal atmosphere.
The Dunstane Houses is an award-winning boutique hotel comprising two adjacent Victorian villas at 4 West Coates in Edinburgh's Haymarket district, approximately one mile west of Princes Street. Dunstane House and Hampton House, connected by a private garden, together provide 35 individually designed rooms and suites that have consistently earned the property recognition as one of Edinburgh's finest independent boutique hotels. The two buildings, dating from the Victorian era, have been thoughtfully restored and appointed to combine period architectural character with genuinely contemporary hospitality. Each room in both villas is individually styled using Scottish craft traditions and locally sourced materials. Deep carpets, bespoke furniture, Scottish woollen textiles, and carefully selected original artwork create an atmosphere of warm, considered luxury that distinguishes the Dunstane from both chain hotels and the many anonymous bed-and-breakfast properties in the area. Rooms range from compact Cosy Rooms with original Victorian features to the larger Superior Rooms and Suites with private sitting areas and generous bathroom suites. The Ba'bar is the hotel's undisputed centrepiece — a cocktail bar stocking one of Edinburgh's most comprehensive selections of Scottish gin and Scotch malt whisky. With over 100 gins alongside an equally impressive malt whisky range, and a team with deep knowledge of both categories, the Ba'bar draws not only hotel guests but discerning Edinburgh drinkers from across the city. Regular gin and whisky tasting events are hosted here throughout the year. Breakfast at The Dunstane Houses is consistently praised for its quality, featuring produce from carefully selected Scottish suppliers, home-baked breads, and a freshly prepared hot menu. The hotel does not operate a lunch or dinner service, but the concierge team maintains a curated list of Edinburgh restaurant recommendations and can assist with reservations. The Dunstane's West Coates location offers a residential calm that contrasts with the bustle of the Old Town, while Haymarket Station three minutes' walk away provides excellent rail connections.
Amenities
- Bar
- Lounge
- Garden
- Parking
Location
4 West Coates, Edinburgh EH12 5JQ
Highlights
- Boutique Victorian villas
- Ba'bar cocktail bar with Scottish gins
- Personal service
- Quiet residential setting
- 15 minutes from city centre
Tips for visiting
- The Ba'bar is the hotel's defining attraction; even non-staying visitors can usually access it for a gin or whisky tasting — advance booking is recommended at weekends.
- Haymarket Station, three minutes' walk from the hotel, has direct ScotRail services to Glasgow Queen Street (approximately 50 minutes) and connections to Edinburgh Airport via Waverley.
- The hotel does not serve dinner; the concierge team maintains a curated restaurant list and can make reservations at Edinburgh's best dining options across all price points.
- Edinburgh city centre is a 20-minute walk along Princes Street or a five-minute ride from Haymarket on the Edinburgh Tram, which stops at the western end of Princes Street.
- The hotel accepts dogs in designated bedrooms, making it one of Edinburgh's more welcoming boutique properties for guests travelling with pets.
Accessibility
The Dunstane Houses occupies two Victorian period buildings where some architectural features, including steps between floors in certain areas and traditional thresholds, may present challenges for guests with limited mobility. Lift access is available in both buildings. Guests with specific accessibility requirements are advised to contact the hotel directly before booking to discuss the most suitable room allocation and access routes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Ba'bar at The Dunstane Houses?
Ba'bar is the hotel's cocktail bar, specialising in Scottish gin and Scotch malt whisky. It stocks over 100 gins and runs regular tasting events. The bar is open to hotel guests and non-guests and is widely regarded as one of Edinburgh's best gin and whisky bars.
Is The Dunstane Houses in a convenient location in Edinburgh?
The hotel is in the Haymarket district, approximately one mile from Princes Street and Edinburgh city centre. Haymarket Station, three minutes on foot, provides excellent connections; the Edinburgh Tram also stops at Haymarket for the city centre and airport.
Does The Dunstane Houses serve dinner?
The hotel serves breakfast only. The concierge team provides curated restaurant recommendations and can assist with reservations across Edinburgh's full dining spectrum.
Is The Dunstane Houses pet-friendly?
The hotel accepts dogs in designated bedrooms and the private garden shared between the two houses. It is considered one of Edinburgh's most welcoming boutique hotels for guests travelling with pets.
How many rooms does The Dunstane Houses have?
The Dunstane Houses has 35 rooms and suites spread across Dunstane House and Hampton House, two adjacent Victorian villas. Each room is individually designed with a distinct character and furnishings.