When you think of Edinburgh, Scotland, you can’t help but conjure up pictures of Edinburgh Castle and bagpipers dressed in kilts. At B+B Edinburgh you won’t find anyone dressed in kilts, but you’ll discover plenty of history inside these walls.
A little history on this elegant bed and breakfast. The Victorian mansion was originally a private home, built in 1883, and then served as residential accommodations for young ladies attending Queen Margaret College in 1930. In 2011 the B+B Collection acquired the property and completed an extensive refurbishment. During the renovation, the original doors to the Morning Room were found in storage and have since been reinstalled.
Getting to B+B Edinburgh
The family-friendly city center hotel is easily accessible by bus from the Edinburgh Airport to Shandick Place. There is plenty of street parking at the B&B and the property offers a 50% discount for private parking access.
Once at the bed and breakfast you’ll be checked into your room, be it a family-friendly suite or a pet-friendly room. Our room was a comfortable double with a view of Dean Village. Each room is a little different, however, all include en-suite bathroom. Our bathroom included a shower/tub combination with quality bath amenities and a hair dryer.
For those of you not familiar with the city of Edinburgh, it is divided between Old Town and New Town. Edinburgh B+B is located in New Town and is easily accessible to Edinburgh Castle and city center shops.
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We were delighted to discover the charming Dean Village behind our lodging establishment. As I mentioned, our room offered a view of Dean Village and the dining room, where breakfast is served, also offers a view of the peaceful village. Make time to walk along the Water of Leith to see this little village and its old buildings for yourself.
Speaking of breakfast, this B&B does a great job with the breakfast buffet. Additionally, guests receive a complimentary, cooked-to-order hot breakfast with their stay. My husband ordered the Eggs Benedict and I enjoyed scrambled eggs with bacon. The B&B will pack a to-go breakfast for you if you have an early morning departure. The staff is friendly and accommodating with restaurant suggestions and things to do in the area.
If you want to try Afternoon Tea, B+B Edinburgh offers this quintessentially British experience in the library. This needs to be reserved in advance and is also available as a children’s option with juice or hot chocolate. By the way, I love that all of the rooms have an electric tea kettle with instant coffee, a variety of tea and a Scottish biscuit, as well as a writing desk. I keep the tradition of afternoon tea (sans pastries) going in my house when I come home from a UK holiday. My husband prefers real strong coffee, so he always opts for the coffee served in the dining room.
The Findlay Room, on the second floor, served as the original dining room and would be a lovely location if you were traveling with a large group and wanted a meeting space. I went inside when the room was empty and admired the two fireplaces, stained glass windows and ornate ceiling. The wooden banister on the staircase outside the Findlay Room is also worth a look. You’ll notice a wood gargoyle carved into the top of the ground floor banister; the animal is holding a shield with the family crest. The detail in the hand-carved woodwork throughout the townhouse is delightful.
If You Go: Room rates start at £90. The B+B Collection offers a Belong & Benefit package for frequent visitors or those guests staying at sister properties in London, Wickham, Weymouth & York. We stayed at the Belgravia B+B location in London and would happily return. You can also compare rates and book through Trip Advisor.
Review and photos by Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown. I received a media rate during my stay, however, all opinions are my own.
