The Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh Exterior photoThe Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh Room photoThe Ben Doran Guest House Edinburgh Room photo
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From85US$ /night
Check-in
18Apr2026Select date
Check-out
19Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Castle Hotel

11 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH9 2AX
-
Near the Royal Mile
Very good
7.7
7.7
/10
4.0
4.0
/5

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.”
Hotel logo
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
Executive Double Room
2 persons
36 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Single Shared Bath
2 persons
15 m² 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Double Shared Bath
2 persons
20 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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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
Map view
11 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, EH9 2AX
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.

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