The Bonham Hotel, Edinburgh
More photosThe Bonham Hotel is one of Edinburgh’s most distinctive boutique hotels, occupying a collection of elegant Victorian townhouses in the city’s prestigious West End. The buildings were originally designed in the 1870s by Scottish architect John Lessels, who helped shape this fashionable residential district. Although the property now welcomes guests from around the world, much of its historic character remains intact, giving the hotel a sense of old Edinburgh grandeur that is increasingly rare.
One of the hotel’s most appealing features is the way it blends heritage architecture with contemporary design. Behind the classic sandstone façade, guests will find stylish interiors, original fireplaces, sweeping staircases and large sash windows that frame views across the city. Many rooms overlook leafy Drumsheugh Gardens, creating a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere despite being only a short walk from the city centre.
The Bonham is also known for its unusual layout. Because it occupies several interconnected townhouses rather than a purpose-built hotel, the corridors, staircases and room configurations have a unique character. No two rooms are exactly alike, which adds a sense of individuality that chain hotels often lack.
History enthusiasts may appreciate that the surrounding West End was developed during Edinburgh’s Victorian expansion, when affluent residents moved into grand new terraces beyond the medieval Old Town. Staying at The Bonham offers a glimpse into this period of the city’s architectural and social history.
The hotel’s location is another major draw. It is within easy walking distance of landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Dean Village and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Guests can also reach the shops and restaurants of Princes Street in just a few minutes, making The Bonham an excellent base for exploring both the historic and cultural sides of the Scottish capital.
Expert reviews
“The Bonham manages a successful fusion of Victorian interiors with bold, modern colors and contemporary design. Cool, crisp bedlinen, luxury bathrooms and friendly but unobtrusive service make for a memorable stay.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Boutique style
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Friendly staff
Location
Recent guest reviews
21 May 2026
Very pleasant stay, great staff
Quiet and clean
Limited hours for restaurant
20 May 2026
Welcoming very comfortable exceptionally helpful staff
Perfect location for city Breakfast was well presented abd offered plenty of choice
16 May 2026
Such a comfortable stay, a lovely place full of history
The room with a view (topfloor backside of the building), the area, near Dean Village, the breakfast!
It is quite chic, in a stiff way, personnel can be a bit more cheerful in their contact.
13 May 2026
Traditional , grand style venue ,good size rooms
Quality venue
Nothing
13 May 2026
A real old fashioned 5 star stay, would 100% return.
A true 5 star hotel, very traditional.
Drinks service is quite slow.
12 May 2026
Grand Hotel with a classic appearance
The Bonham is a grand hotel, it has the look of an old Scottish mansion with wood paneling and stylish classic furniture. The rooms are comfortable and large. The location is the more quiet upscale part of Edinburgh but then center is in walking distance.
The breakfast service is a bit chaotic, sufficient wait staff is around but they came across as inexperienced and had trouble with fast attendance and understanding what was ordered.
11 May 2026
Excellent Hotel Edinburgh
Bonham was a lovely hotel and had a carpark behind the hotel. Good location to walk to restaurants and the castle. The room was good not Hugh. Restaurant for breakfast was very good. Service at the hotel was excellent. I’d stay at the BonHam again.
9 May 2026
Relaxing and enjoyable
Classical decor with great spaces to sit and relax.
Our room had a skylight which caused it to be very light in the room, we didn’t get a good sleep unfortunately because of this.
7 May 2026
Luxury, plush and an amazing hotel to visit!
The hotel was absolute luxury.. all 5 stars were shining!!!
28 April 2026
All in all, an excellent stay in a very accessible location. Great property, very friendly staff
The room was excellent. The breakfast had limited options but it was still fabulous.
The breakfast spread could have been better
27 April 2026
Magnificent, decadent, comfortable stay, enjoyed every single second and didn't want to leave.
Such friendly accommodating staff. We stayed in a Junior Suite which was so comfortable and spacious. The location was superb for walking into the city or to other areas like Stockbridge. We didn't have breakfast or a meal in the hotel as we were meeting friends etc. but the lounge and bar area looked divine.
Quite pricey maybe, but I wasn't disappointed by the hotel and the friendly staff. We arrived quite late the first night and food options were limited, although they do allow you to order food in.
26 April 2026
Stunning staff food cocktails service all fantastic
Fabulous building and superb staff
Nil
25 April 2026
Great hotel for relaxing and visiting Edinburgh's old and new town attractions.
Beautifully furnished and decorated room. Breakfast was excellent.
Bed and pillows were a bit hard.
24 April 2026
Excellent hotel for an occasion!
Great from the moment of entering to leaving. Room was great, little extras such as Radio playing, telescope for the view all made the occasion.
Nothing
21 April 2026
Me Julie's Birthsay visit
Upon on arrival we were greeted from the reception staff and concierge. We arrived quite early before check in, asking if we could store our luggage. The staff obliged and even checked if we could access the room, but wasn't ready, which wasn't a problem .
When we returned to the hotel at reception we were greeted once again. Unsure of hes name, a very professional member of your team, ( French Man ) couldn't do enough for us and made the stay throughout a warm and comfortable stay.
I really can't find any negatives with the stay and will look forward seeing the team the next time we stay. All the team were accommodating, friendly and professional.
To add thankyou for the little gifts you provided celebrating my partners Bithday. Loved the plate, cake message.
John Williams
Na
21 April 2026
Warm welcome, excellent service, very comfortable room, varied, generous breakfast, quiet, convenient, pleasant situatio
Historic building with beautiful, tasteful, comfortable interiors and artwork.
Nothing
21 April 2026
Exceptional friendly staff, we had the best breakfast I’ve ever had in my entire life!!
Beautiful period property in a lovely leafy crescent.
Elegant public rooms, our bedroom was immaculate and comfortable with all we needed.
Nothing to dislike!
19 April 2026
If you want an upmarket hotel experience in Edinburgh look no further.
Elegant hotel in lovely upmarket area in Edinburgh. Deluxe double was a good size, spotless with a lovely comfortable bed. All staff were polite and very welcoming.
Tight car park at back. Not that many spaces.
18 April 2026
Went for one night for first visit to Endinburgh coming back from St. Andrews.
The room was excellent. Very comfortable bed and great shower.
18 April 2026
Excellent and will be back
Building & decor
17 April 2026
A comfortable stay in an ideal location
This is a period, quirky property that has its own charm. The location is perfect for accessing the sights of Edinburgh and the hotel is comfortable and welcoming.
14 April 2026
Great location with excellent cocktails!
room
breakfast
13 April 2026
Great deal in January but expensive for food and drinks
Fabulous old building full of character and charm
Difficult getting there by car due to all the one way systems now in operation
10 April 2026
Beautiful bed and breakfast feel in Old Town Edinburgh
Excellent location. Close to the attractions in the Royal Mile area, but away from all the noise. Beautiful Georgian architecture, with a bed and breakfast feel. The staff was gracious and accommodating. I recommend reserving a time for afternoon tea! Truly loved that experience. Comfortable and elegant rooms.
The bed was more of a full/queen size, and a king size would have been slightly more comfortable, but that was my mistake when choosing a room! Honestly, we slept quite well each night no matter what.
10 April 2026
It was our wedding anniversary and we couldn’t have spent it in a better hotel. Lovely memories!
The ambience. Wonderful views . Quiet location . Lovely comfortable room with all amenities.Excellent links to city centre. Staff were courteous and helpful. Breakfast was full of choice and of excellent quality.
We liked the property very much.
7 April 2026
The place was pure luxury
We loved everything about the hotel.
Nothing
7 April 2026
Great stay, positively surprised on arrival. Staff was very kind and facilities are very comfortable
Very comfortable clean and welcoming, great breakfast selection
N/A
3 April 2026
We had a great time and would definitely recommend our stay at Bonhams to our friends.
The location was great and the hotel was wonderful with very good food, especially the breakfast.
We could not find any fault at all.
2 April 2026
What a place - forget the balmoral etc etc
One of the best hotel rooms I have ever stayed in (Rothesay suite) alsonut was tremendously cheap for what it was ! Best value I have ever experienced.
It’s a small house hotel - don’t expect huge facilities
2 April 2026
Recommend the Bonham for a 1st class stay in Edinburgh
Breakfast was very good and service was exceptional.
No complaints.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
Services
- - Room service
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Packed lunches
- - Fax/photocopying
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Daily housekeeping
Outdoors
- - Garden
General
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
Parking
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
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