Prestonfield House, Edinburgh
Prestonfield House is a stunning 17th-century mansion that feels worlds away from the city, despite being just a five-minute taxi ride from the Royal Mile. Built in 1687 by Sir William Bruce—the same visionary architect behind the Palace of Holyroodhouse—the estate was originally a private residence for the Lord Provost of Edinburgh.
Today, it is a luxurious boutique hotel set within 20 acres of lush parkland. The grounds are famous for their unique, peaceful atmosphere where you might spot peacocks wandering the gardens or Highland cows grazing nearby. It’s an incredibly atmospheric place, filled with opulent period furniture, rich fabrics, and historical treasures like ornate Cordoba leather panels and ancient tapestries.
One of the most interesting local facts is the origin of the hotel’s restaurant name, “Rhubarb.” Sir Alexander Dick, a former owner of the estate, is credited with introducing rhubarb to Scotland back in 1746. The plant still thrives on the property today and remains a staple ingredient in the kitchen’s farm-to-table menus.
Nature lovers will adore the location, as the hotel sits right at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, an iconic extinct volcano offering panoramic views of Edinburgh. Holyrood Park, with its rugged hills and historic ruins like St. Anthony’s Chapel, is essentially on your doorstep.
Whether you are enjoying an elegant afternoon tea or relaxing in the whisky room, Prestonfield House provides a deeply authentic and regal Scottish experience that balances total seclusion with easy access to the city’s most famous landmarks.
Expert reviews
“If the blond wood and brushed steel of modern boutique hotels leave you cold, then this is the place for you. A 17th-century mansion set in 8 hectares of parkland, Prestonfield is draped in damask and packed with antiques.”
“The cattle grazing on the hotel’s 20-acre grounds let you know that you’ve entered a different world, even though you’re ten minutes by car from the Royal Mile. Inside this 1687 mansion, baroque opulence reigns in the well-restored public rooms; there are plenty of gilt treasures to relax among as you sip a whisky.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Edinburgh.
“James Thomson’s leanings towards the theatrical were given free reign in his second hotel and mini country estate on the outskirts of the city. He rescued this 17th-century baroque pad in 2003 and turned it into a lavishly opulent five–star boutique hotel with 18 rooms and five suites in his signature overblown style.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Edinburgh.
“Tuck into the Prestonfield House Edinburgh, a boutique property that looks as if it could have served as a setting in a Jane Austen novel. Each room boosts beautiful antiques, rich brocade fabrics, textured wall paper, soft lighting and bespoke furniture.”
“Hidden in lush grounds a short drive from the city centre this is the swankiest, most swoon-some country house hotel imaginable. Riotously rococo, with bedrooms straight from the pages of bodice-ripping romance, every comfort catered for and one of Edinburgh’s favourite restaurants.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Free parking
- Comfortable beds
- Friendly staff
- Free Wifi
Location
Recent guest reviews
23 June 2025
Excellent family event. Staff very helpful
Very good. Excellent variety. Good quality food and service.
All fine.
20 June 2025
Fabulous
From the second I arrived I felt looked after. The staff are amazing. The place is beautiful and I felt my dog was a very welcome guest too
Only thing I would suggest is all the pillows were very soft - it would be nice to have a couple of firm ones
13 June 2025
Exceptional
Everything!!! The rooms, the food, artwork, the gardens, the service, the peacock, the attention to detail, and certainly everyone there. This is a must do when we return to Scotland.
Leaving was the only downside. Wish we had booked longer.
29 May 2025
Exceptional
Our stay here was nothing short of exceptional. We loved. Prestonfield is a luxury countryside escape in the middle of the city. We will be back!
14 May 2025
Exceptional
The accommodation at Prestonfield House and the quality of service is out of this world. From the rooms, decor, setting and grounds to the quality of the service, food and staff, I would say a rating of 10/10 is too low. My girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay and it will go down as a special moment in our memories. And we are definitely planning to return.
10 May 2025
Luxury in beautiful surroundings - a real treat
Simply superb on every level - from the staff to the accommodation to the excellent food - a real treat
Nothing
28 April 2025
Enjoyed every moment and will be back !
Beautiful historical setting. Exceptional service. Exclusive decor and attention to detail. Quiet location.
Didn’t know where and where not to go. Lots of areas to explore so maybe a more informative greeting would be good.
15 April 2025
Beautiful Relaxing Hotel
A beautiful hotel in a lovely quiet location, just far enough from the busy capital city.
Unfortunately, stayed while renovation work was being carried out in the adjacent and opposite rooms. But this was well managed and caused minimal inconvenience.
16 March 2025
Relaxing luxury
All the themed public rooms.
Nothing
8 March 2025
Prestonfield is fabulous and the memories of the hotel stay in your mind for all the right reasons - I have been recomme
The House , interiors and grounds were all beautiful and well maintained and the staff were so helpful from reception though to the manager . Also every meal we had (including breakfast )was amazing
Just one small niggle - the bedrooms are slightly dark during the daytime but nevertheless still very dramatic
2 March 2025
Exceptional
Exceptional property with exceptional staff! Dinner is the Rhubard was absolutely delightful.
17 January 2025
Exceptional
Prestonfield house was found completely by accident, but what an accident, just the grounds alone are stunning, my only regret is that I didn't come in the summer or spring time , which me and my partner plan to do, the staff are acceptinally polite and as a same set couple we was made to feel very welcoming and comfortable, so thank to the staff for this, this beautiful stay is highly recommended for a beautiful get away or just somewhere to relax, again myself and my partner thank you, for allowing us to feel comfortable. Also, may I add that the bed was acceptinally comfortable we had an amazing night's sleep.
There weren't more cats, ha ,we had the pleasure meeting and beautiful black cat we came with us on the first night walking around as if you are into photography is stunning at night-time. Other than the fact we wish there were more cats, we have nothing to say negative what so ever .
24 December 2024
Fabulous
interia & kind staff
The water tab is not comfortable - hot and cold water. Toilet is not so nice.
14 December 2024
Very enjoyable
Have stayed a few times and it never disappoints
Everything except the bill 😂
7 December 2024
Don’t hesitate, this hotel is wonderful!!
The staff go above and beyond to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Everybody was lovely to our little dog and we had breakfast in the drawing room with her every morning. The amenities in our room were replenished twice a day including complimentary chocolates, cookies, water and crisps. It is the only place to stay in Edinburgh and is close to public transport too.
29 November 2024
The most amazing place with the most amazing people.
Everything was excellent.
Nothing, I had been before and knew what to expect, all just perfect.
29 October 2024
Delightful stay in Edinburgh!
The ambience, beautiful rooms and setting. Extremely pleasant staff. Delicious food.
The shower is in a roll top bath which if you are not very tall is hard to negotiate.
7 October 2024
Best place to stay. Cancelled other accommodations to rebook here instead because the first day was so amazing
Perfect
Nothing
29 September 2024
Beautiful hotel and grounds , lovely peaceful oasis near to centre of Edinburgh
Fabulous hotel and grounds beautiful , decor magnificent. Very helpful friendly staff . Attention to detail excellent . Food at Rhubarb excellent and breakfast delicious with beautiful views .
Shower power and thermostat hot and cold intermittent . But clean relatively spacious bathroom plenty towels etc
15 September 2024
Fantastic hotel!
Fabulous hotel, exceptionally courteous and professional staff and a great venue for a huge function.
15 September 2024
Perfect short break
Delightful 5* property situated on the fringe of Edinburgh
Nothing
10 September 2024
Wonderful stay!
Love Prestonfields… alway stay there when in Edinburgh. I love the atmosphere, very friendly and professional staff. I always hate to leave .
8 September 2024
Exceptional
Everything was amazing. Staff were friendly and couldn't do more for you. The location is stunning, and the room was beautiful, clean, and comfortable. Breakfast was delicious.
Honestly, I can't think of anything we didn't like.
20 August 2024
Luxurious Edinburgh with space and a whisky room.
Beautiful hotel with amazing staff. Loved my stay here. This will definitely become my Edinburgh hotel. Staff followed me around grounds to help me park and walk me to my room. Proper old fashioned care and service.
If there was something I didn’t like (which there wasn’t) then if I asked them to fix it it would have happened in minutes. A truly luxurious experience with a focus on service.
14 August 2024
The PERFECT hotel !
Everything!!
The sink in bathroom
1 August 2024
Didn't stay there but had to pay for it!!
My daughter said it was excellent!
That after we lost flight connection from the US and asked for cancellation, this hotel was the only one of several we had reserved for our Europe trip that DID NOT ACCEPT a cancellation, even although we advised 14 days in advance, so I offered the rooms to my daughter and her friends who live in Edinburgh and had a great time at the hotel.
20 July 2024
Fabulous
The staff are superb
A pity in the context of the house that there is no dedicated bar
19 July 2024
Too brief , needed longer
Everything , the staff were all extremely friendly & helpful
The shower & shower curtain
17 July 2024
As above
In the centre of Edinburgh, here you find excellent attention to detail. Location was perfect. Surroundings peaceful. Food was outstanding as was service.
Nothing
17 June 2024
Exceptional
Prestonfield House is a stunning hotel placed in a beautiful garden. The main structure presents the traditional baronial architecture and the rooms inside are just faboluous. The kindeness of the staff at the reception was exceptional, and so was our room, with a view on the gardens. Unfortunately we spent there only one night, but we already plan to be back and stay longer.
Everything was just perfect.
12 June 2024
Absolutely love Scotland and the accommodations were “brilliant”
Location was perfect if you want to be close to the city center but not in the city. The landscaping and serene grounds were amazing for a walk or to gaze at the beautiful view during breakfast or afternoon tea. The staff were so pleasant and accommodating. I truly loved everything about my stay. The room was spacious and clean.
9 June 2024
Absolutely to die for
Beautiful place!!
Nothing
31 May 2024
Treat yourself. This place is worth it.
Outstanding staff - very helpful and attentive, fantastic breakfast, beautiful grounds, lovely drawing rooms, epic views of King Arthur’s seat, highland cows. This is my favorite place.
23 May 2024
An elegant and sumptuous Scottish experience
The hotel is very pet friendly and the staff are particularly attentive. The hotel is beautiful with many artifacts, tapestries, and furniture that are several hundred years old. The setting is beautiful and there is a resident peacock, Colin, and a cat, Raven, on the property. There are a few highland cows in the farm adjacent to hotel. The hotel is in a neighborhood and is an easy 20 minute walk from the base of Arthur's seat.
The rooms were quite dark even with all the lights on. The rooms are on the small side.
16 April 2024
Great place to stay
Superb decor, safe quiet location and excellent staff service. .
Breakfast could be much better, too many items on the menu, perhaps giving the chef a hard time.
1 April 2024
We highly recommend Prestonfield House, and hope to come back!
Highly recommend Prestonfield House! The perfect get away for the castle like feeling - right next to Arthurs Seat, but also near the city. We hope to come back one day!
Everything was sublime! Wish we got more information about the estate (since there is a lot of history)/small tour of the recreational rooms.
14 March 2024
Exceptional
Very relaxing, the interior is beautiful and luxurious and the level of service was faultless. All of the food was brilliant too. Couldn't fault the place and we will defintely visit again.
12 March 2024
Exceptional
A fabulous quirky characterful hotel with lovely staff and excellent food.
Nothing
12 March 2024
Really excellent and beautiful place with wonderful personalised service
The property is beautifully decorated and very elegant place. And the team gave a very personalised service
Nothing
6 February 2024
One of the most enjoyable stays in many years of global travelling
Location Ambience Staff
There was nothing negative
25 January 2024
Would love to come back and would like to be notified of special rates
All the staff were excellent and very friendly. The facilities are amazing and the location is great.
Quite expensive for drinks. More options on the dinner menu.
13 January 2024
Original and very comfortable. First class attention to detail. Welcoming and knowledgable staff. We will be back!
Original and very comfortable. First class attention to detail. Welcoming and knowledgable staff.
Nothing to say.
29 December 2023
Magical and exceptional
There was nothing not to like it was mavelous
Nothing
22 December 2023
Beautiful house and amazing staff. A few things we didn’t like. Not sure we’d go back.
The location, house, welcome, food, decor and room were all wonderful.
The hot water in the room is blisteringly hot. We left our do not disturb tassel on the door but came back to find our room had been turned down and some very personal medical equipment had been moved around by someone. There is no soundproofing at all against the room above.
7 December 2023
Very welcoming staff, fabulous dinner breakfast. Christmas decor was amazing with obviously lots of time and effort put
Very comfortable, homely, beautiful furnishings, loved the hotel cat 🐈⬛
Nothing 🥰
7 December 2023
Very good
Everything
The room was a little bit small
29 November 2023
If you are looking for an extra special treat, book this hotel.
I had dined at the hotel several times before but had never stayed there - the room was sumptuous and met all expectations. Excellent, friendly service. It feels more like a country house than a hotel.
29 October 2023
Stunning decor, exquisite service, delicious food. Truly a five star experience at every turn.
The property is a world away but close to town. From the second you arrive to the moment you leave, the staff is attentive and informative, and they go out of their way to anticipate your needs. The grounds are nice, including a resident peacock and cow, with fox friends playing in the field. The decor is truly spectacular, with layer upon layer of antiques, interesting pieces and detail. The rooms are well appointed and comfortable with still and sparkling water, cookies and chocolates, as well as an available mini bar. Rhubarb, the restaurant, serves beautiful food - breakfast was absolutely delicious with many options to choose from. During the evenings we sat in different rooms enjoying the decor, fireplaces and a wee dram to top off the day.
It’s definitely a splurge, but worth every penny.
15 October 2023
Utter luxury in an historic house.
A unique aesthetic abounds. Sumptuous interiors, gorgeous flowers, steeped in history. Just beautiful!
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Golf course (within 3 km) (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hiking
- - Cycling
- - Mini golf
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Couples massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Live music/performance (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
- - Board games/puzzles
Cleaning services
- - Laundry
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Accessible parking
Miscellaneous
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers

More photos

23 July 2025
What a storybook place!!! Can’t say enough good things!