11 Mayfield Gardens,
Edinburgh,
United Kingdom,
EH9 2AX,
Edinburgh
-
Near the Royal Mile
Very good
7.7
7.7
/10
4.0
4.0
/5
Loved by The Ben Doran Guest House guests
Friendly staff
Clean bathrooms
Comfortable bed
Good breakfast
Convenient location
"Before our arrival we asked for a room without carpet because of my sensitivity and we had a lovely big room."
Chiara from Italy
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"When you arrive there is free parking on the drive which is an absolute godsend in Edinburgh, key safe with your key (code texted previously) we were on first floor with an en-suite room was clean and quiet."
Mrs R from United Kingdom
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"Very clean, friendly staff, excellent location for bus routes across the whole city."
Kathleen from Netherlands
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Accommodation Options
The Ben Doran Guest House offers a variety of room types, including Standard Single with shared bathroom and Deluxe Double ensuite. Each room is thoughtfully designed to provide a mix of original character and contemporary convenience. With views of the beautiful hillside or the city of Edinburgh, guests can enjoy scenic surroundings during their stay.
Breakfast Offerings
Breakfast at The Ben Doran is served in an elegant dining room every morning, featuring a full Scottish breakfast buffet. The hotel sources the best Scottish produce to ensure quality in every meal. Continental options, along with accommodations for vegetarians and various dietary requirements, are also offered.
Location & Access
Situated on Mayfield Gardens in central Edinburgh, the guest house is just 1.5 miles from major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. The hotel benefits from a central bus route, making it easy for guests to explore the city and nearby areas. Additionally, the journey to Edinburgh Airport takes approximately 30 minutes by taxi.
Hospitality & Services
The Ben Doran aims to provide a warm Scottish welcome with a focus on guest satisfaction. The hotel offers packed lunches for those planning a day of sightseeing. Guests can also benefit from free private parking available on-site.
Nearby Attractions
Guests at The Ben Doran can easily visit iconic sites such as Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Zoo, and the Museum of Scotland. The local area features numerous restaurants and pubs, enhancing the culinary experience for visitors. Easy access to city tours and ghost tours of Edinburgh's historic districts adds to the adventure.
Highlights
Location: 1.5 miles from Edinburgh Castle
Breakfast: Full Scottish breakfast buffet
Accommodation: Standard Single with shared bathroom
Services: Packed lunches available
“The Ben Doran's Georgian bones certainly set a scene, and its central Edinburgh location makes it easy to reach key sights like Arthur's Seat and Edinburgh Castle. I appreciate that they have retained the historic charm, even if the stairs might challenge some. The hospitality, particularly the breakfast, seems to leave a lasting impression.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Castle-hotel
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Choose your room
Castle hotels provide room choices such as doubles, family chambers, and grand suites—often with breakfast, free cancellations, and exclusive offers
Deluxe Ensuite Double
2 persons
25 m²
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Executive Double Room
2 persons
36 m²
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Standard Single Shared Bath
2 persons
15 m²
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Standard Double Shared Bath
2 persons
20 m²
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
room details
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Facilities
Each castle hotel provides features designed for both comfort and memorable moments
Facilities:
Very good
7.4/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Adults only
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Golf course
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Housekeeping
Dining
Special diet menus
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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The Ben Doran Guest House Location
11 Mayfield Gardens,
Edinburgh,
United Kingdom,
EH9 2AX,
Edinburgh
Map view
11 Mayfield Gardens,
Edinburgh,
United Kingdom,
EH9 2AX,
Edinburgh
City landmarks
Museum
Edinburgh Castle
2.4
km
Landmark
Arthur's Seat hike
2.2
km
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
1.9
km
Landmark
Royal Mile
2.2
km
Palace
Palace of Holyroodhouse
2.1
km
Landmark
The Real Mary King's Close
2.1
km
Gallery
Scottish National Gallery
2.4
km
Museum
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
2.2
km
Store
Edinburgh Old Town
2.1
km
Landmark
Calton Hill
2.5
km
Park
Princes Street Gardens
2.6
km
Church
St Giles' Cathedral
2.1
km
Park
Holyrood Park
2.7
km
Monument
Scott Monument
2.4
km
Landmark
Princes Street
2.5
km
Museum
Dynamic Earth
2.5
km
Landmark
Nelson Monument
2.4
km
Landmark
Surgeons' Hall Museums
1.7
km
Castle
Craigmillar Castle
2.2
km
Museum
Museum of Childhood
2.0
km
Museum
The Writers' Museum
2.2
km
Landmark
The Scotch Whisky Experience
2.2
km
Museum
Gladstone's Land
2.2
km
Cemetery
The Robertson Mausoleum
2.1
km
Public Building
The Scottish Parliament
2.1
km
Landmark
The Meadows
1.7
km
Square
Grassmarket
2.1
km
Landmark
Summerhall
1.0
km
Art object
Greyfriars Bobby's Grave
2.1
km
University
University of Edinburgh
2.6
km
Nearby
St Marks Unitarian Church
370 m
Restaurants
Kwok Restaurant
350 m
44 Ratcliffe Terrace Causewayside
Leslies Bar
400 m
45-47 Ratcliffe Terrace
The Old Bell Inn
500 m
233-235 Causewayside
Thaisanuk
470 m
142-144 Dalkeith Road
Pataka
620 m
190 Causewayside
The Greenhouse Edinburgh
620 m
158 Dalkeith Road
Voujon
560 m
107 Newington Road
Explore Edinburgh
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Museum of Scotland
25 minutes' walk
Museum showcasing Scotland's heritage with diverse exhibits and free admission. Perfect for family visits.
Edinburgh Castle
25 minutes' walk
Historic castle with stunning views over Edinburgh. Rich in history, it also hosts the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Royal Mile
25 minutes' walk
Iconic street filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. Ideal for a leisurely stroll and local souvenirs.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
25 minutes' walk
Official residence of the monarch in Scotland. Offers guided tours of the beautiful state rooms and gardens.
Arthur's Seat Hike
25 minutes' walk
Thrilling hike with panoramic views of the city. Popular for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenge.
The Hermitage of Braid
30 minutes' walk
Relaxing nature reserve ideal for leisurely walks and picnics. Home to scenic trails and native wildlife.
Kwok Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
Charming eatery specializing in Asian cuisine. Known for its fresh ingredients and welcoming atmosphere.
Pataka
8 minutes' walk
Casual spot offering delicious Indian dishes. Popular for takeout and vegetarian-friendly options.
The Old Bell Inn
7 minutes' walk
Traditional pub serving hearty British meals. Great for family dining with a cozy, rustic ambiance.
Leslies Bar
5 minutes' walk
Lively bar with a laid-back vibe. Hosts trivia nights and is popular for its extensive drink selection.
Cameo Cinema
15 minutes' walk
Historic cinema screening a mix of classic and contemporary films. A charming venue for film enthusiasts.
Local transport options
City Centre
Edinburgh26 min
·
2.1
km
Airports
Edinburgh (EDI)34 min
·
22.3
km
Glasgow (GLA)144 min
·
95.5
km
Train
Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station28 min
·
2.3
km
Bus
Bus stop14 min
·
1.1
km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel The Ben Doran Guest House serves a full breakfast for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic
Number of rooms:
11
Former name
Ben Doran
Guest reviews & ratings
Guest impressions & feedback from past stays
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Ben Doran Guest House is often praised for its convenient location, with a bus stop right outside offering quick access to the city centre. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms, some of which are located downstairs for added privacy. The breakfast is a highlight for many, though some guests have noted the absence of certain Scottish breakfast staples. Off-road parking and the availability of free coffee and tea add to the overall value.
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Review score
Based on 326 verified reviews
7.5/10
Very good
74%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.4/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
7.1/10
Facilities
7.4/10
Pros
Convenient location
Clean rooms
Good breakfast
Comfy room
On-site parking
Cons
Filthy rug
Guest reviews
based on 280 reviews
3.5/5
based on 722 reviews
7.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About The Ben Doran Guest House
How far is The Ben Doran Guest House from the center of Edinburgh?
10 November 2024
The Ben Doran is approximately 1.6 kilometers from the city center, easily accessible by foot, bus, or taxi.
What are the breakfast and checkout times for guests?
22 January 2025
Breakfast is served from 08:00 to 09:00, extending to 09:30 on Sundays. Checkout is at 10:30.
Is there a secure parking option available for motorcycles?
03 March 2025
Off-road parking is available; however, it's important to note that parking is at your own risk.
Are children allowed to stay at The Ben Doran Guest House?
18 December 2024
The Ben Doran is an adults-only establishment, and unfortunately, children are not accommodated.
What is the earliest time for check-in?
14 January 2025
Check-in begins at 15:00. Early check-in cannot be guaranteed.
Could you explain what a shared bathroom entails?
27 February 2025
A shared bathroom means that while there is a wash basin in the room, the toilet and shower/bath facilities are outside the room and shared with one other room.
Can an assistance dog stay at The Ben Doran?
05 April 2025
Regrettably, assistance dogs cannot be accommodated due to staff allergies to dogs and cats.
Is there parking available for larger vehicles like campervans?
11 March 2025
Parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis; however, there may be street parking nearby.
What type of breakfast options are offered?
19 November 2024
A continental breakfast delivered to the room by 08:00 is currently served.
Is there a chance of late checkout if needed?
09 August 2025
The latest possible checkout time is 11:00; late checkouts beyond this cannot be accommodated at the moment.