Edinburgh is a city full of character. The cobbled back-alleys, meandering stairways past rows of tenements, grand, gothic buildings that look plucked straight from Harry Potter. It's a city steeped in history, with a certain unquantifiable sense of magic in the air. A city so special, that it deserves an equally special stay, and the opulent Prestonfield House hotel is just that.
Built as the private residence of Sir James Dick by Palace of Holyroodhouse architect Sir William Bruce in 1687, Prestonfield House was turned into a hotel in 2003 by restauranteur James Thomson. It's been lovingly restored and renovated, with sumptuous baroque interiors and a "more is more" design aesthetic. The aesthetic is unashamedly maximalist, with plenty of historical touches evocative of the property's rich history.
I enjoyed two nights at the hotel in January 2024, staying in the Winston Churchill suite. I've put together this Prestonfield House review to share my experience, from rooms and facilities to dining and drinking.
Press stay, however all opinions entirely my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you choose to purchase a product or experience listed I may make a small commission, at no cost to you. Purchasing through my links helps me pay for the costs of running my blog, so it's greatly appreciated!
Prestonfield House 101
- Getting There: If you're flying into Edinburgh, you can take the 100 bus into the town centre, from which it's a short 10/15 minute cab ride to Prestonfield House. Similarly if you're coming by train into Waverley station it's a short cab ride. If you'd rather stick to public transport, you can also take the 14, 30, or 33.
- When to Visit: I loved our cosy January retreat, however Prestonfield House also looks extra special at Christmas when it's decked out in it's festive finery.
- Location: Despite being just a ten minute drive from the city centre, Prestonfield House feels like it's in the heart of the countryside. Set in over 20 acres of gardens and parkland, it looks on to dramatic views of Arthur's Seat and the ruins of Craigmillar Castle.
- Facilities: Prestonfield House is home to the Rhubarb restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are several areas to enjoy drinks, as well as afternoon tea in the tapestry room. Whilst there's no spa or gym, you can enjoy the nearby golf course, or walks up Arthur's Seat. There's even a helipad if you're feeling particularly bougie!
- Other details: Children aren't allowed in the restaurant past 19:30. Personally I would recommend the hotel more for couples than families. The hotel is dog friendly, in fact you'll spot many local dogs been walked on the grounds.
Prestonfield House Hotel Overview
Prestonfield House is easily one of the most unique stays in Edinburgh, if not the whole country. It's a feast for the senses, with opulent furnishings adorning every available space. There are countless rooms to explore, from cocktails in the whisky room, afternoon tea in the tapestry room, to dining in one of the two private dining rooms.
All in all, it creates the unique sensation that you've stepped back in time into the country home of the rich, flamboyant Aunt in an Austen novel. It's definitely not an experience for the minimalists, but if you like your hotel stays with a touch (okay, a generous dollop) of theatricality, you'll feel right at home.
The setting is dramatic, allowing you to feel far removed from the city centre. It's not a hotel for exploring, though with a ten minute drive to the centre of town, you easily could. It's a hotel for settling in, getting cosy, and basking in a luxurious staycation.
Of the two nights we spent here, we barely left the property. On a brisk winter's day, it was far more appealing to cosy up by one of the many fireplaces, or snuggle under the duvet with the room service and TV (equipped with Sky, so we could keep updated on our shows!). We'd occasionally venture out to explore the grounds and say hi to resident Highland cow Treacle, or try to catch a glimpse of the hotel's peacock and cat Raven. If we'd had another day it would have been lovely to do one of the Arthur's Seat walks, or take in a game of golf - two nights is just not enough!
The service at Prestonfield House is faultless. Staff are welcoming and intuitive, always on hand to help with any queries. We turned up bedraggled in the morning after taking the overnight sleeper from London, but were well looked after despite being several hours too early for check in, offered coffee and ushered into our room as soon as it was available.
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Rooms and Suites at Prestonfield House
The hotel houses 23 rooms, including bedrooms and lavish suites starting from £375 a night. Each room is individually decorated, with themes taking inspiration from historical figures. We stayed in the Winston Churchill suite, a luxurious two room suite divided into a bedroom and sitting room space, as well as two bathrooms. The decor is sumptuous, with rich tapestries fighting for attention next to heavy brocade wallpapers and ornate soft furnishings. Antique furniture and military memorabilia line the walls, further cementing the theme.
It's not all decoration, though. Rooms come equipped with all the essentials, including a hair dryer, iron, nespresso machine, and plentiful toiletries. You'll also receive a complimentary bottle of champagne if you've booked directly through the hotel, as well as treats like tunnock's teacakes and some very moreish biscuits. The attention to detail is everything you'd expect from a luxury stay, and then some.
Dining at Prestonfield House
You can't stay at Prestonfield House and not book a meal at the hotel's Rhubarb restaurant. Serving up classic Scottish fine dining, with a focus on local produce, it's a real experience and one of my favourite meals of the whole trip. We stewed over a lazy lunch in one of the two extravagant dining rooms overlooking the grounds. For starters we tucked into crab and pigeon breast, followed by scotch beef en croûte and roe deer. Everything was beautifully cooked and presented, highlighting the quality of the ingredients.
Breakfast is also served at Rhubarb, with a menu ranging from a Full Scottish (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options), to eggs prepared in a multitude of ways. Really all the breakfast classics! We also enjoyed breakfast in bed one morning, because it's not a holiday without a little extra indulgence...
We didn't try the afternoon tea, however it's available in the tapestry room, or in the grounds on warmer days. Drinks are served throughout the property's many drawing rooms. A standout is the Whisky Room, showcasing rare whiskies in surrounds suggestive of a traditional hunting lodge.
Overall Prestonfield House Review
For a truly unique luxury retreat, Prestonfield House is hard to beat. It has all the hallmarks you'd hope for a 5 star hotel, with exemplary service and a first class dining experience. For a space brimming with sheer drama, it's surprisingly peaceful, offering an unconventional city break experience. The location is a real perk, accessible enough, yet with the space of a country retreat. On a bright day, I'd recommend waking up to catch the sunrise colours over Arthur's Peak. It's a truly special sight.
It won't be for those who like to be in the heart of the action, or prefer modern, minimal interiors. Equally, if you're a 7am gym bunny, it might not work. But if like me, you love all things theatrical, and are looking for a slow, relaxing staycation, it'll be a dream stay.
I hope this Prestonfield House review has been helpful! Please feel free to leave a comment or DM me on Instagram if you have any questions.
