Prestonfield House is one of the most romantic hotels in Edinburgh, made for couples who like a bit of theater. It is a 17th-century mansion, hosting guests since 1687, set in about 20 acres of gardens and parkland at the foot of Arthur's Seat. Inside, the rooms are dressed like a stage set: deep reds and golds, antique furniture, tapestries, candlelight and four-poster beds. Outside, peacocks strut across the lawns.
It has just 23 bedrooms and suites, each decorated differently, so it feels more like staying in an eccentric country house than a city hotel. Yet the Old Town and the Royal Mile are only about five minutes away by taxi. Rhubarb, the hotel's restaurant, serves all day in a dramatic dining room. Drinks in the drawing rooms by the fire are an evening ritual.
It suits couples who want an atmospheric, indulgent base for a few nights in Edinburgh, with room to breathe after a day in the busy center. The hotel is owned by James Thomson, the restaurateur behind The Witchery by the Castle. It shares that famous gothic flamboyance.
Highlights at a glance
- A mansion hosting guests since 1687
- 23 individually decorated rooms and suites
- About 20 acres of gardens below Arthur's Seat
- Rhubarb restaurant and candlelit drawing rooms
- Five minutes from Edinburgh's Old Town
Why Couples Love Prestonfield House
Prestonfield is pure romance in the old-fashioned sense. Interiors are opulent and unapologetically over the top, with rich fabrics, gilded mirrors, oil paintings and candles in every corner. It is the kind of place where you dress for dinner because it feels right, not because you have to.
The setting is unusual for a city hotel. With 20 acres of grounds and Arthur's Seat rising behind, it feels like the countryside, but you can be on the Royal Mile in minutes. Peacocks wander the gardens. Highland cattle graze nearby. In the evening, after a day in the crowded center, coming back to a quiet country house is a real pleasure. Staff are warm and polished. The small size makes the welcome personal.
Rooms and Suites to Book
All 23 rooms and suites are individually designed, with antiques, plush fabrics and theatrical touches. Many have four-poster beds and views over the gardens or toward Arthur's Seat. Bathrooms are generally large and well appointed, often with deep baths.
For a honeymoon, a suite is worth the upgrade if the budget allows, since the extra space and drama add to the experience. Ask for a room with a view of the grounds and a large bath. Since every room is different, it pays to tell the hotel what matters most when you book. Booking direct has come with perks such as Champagne in the room; check what is offered when you reserve. Rates jump in August during the Edinburgh Festival, when rooms book up months ahead.
Rhubarb and the Drawing Rooms
Rhubarb is the hotel's restaurant, open every day from noon until late, with a dark, dramatic dining room of red walls and candlelight. It takes its name from the house's history with rhubarb, said to have been grown in Scotland here for the first time. The menu leans on Scottish produce such as beef, lamb, game and seafood, with an extensive wine list.
The drawing rooms are where Prestonfield really shines. Sink into a velvet sofa by the fire with a whisky or a cocktail before dinner. Afternoon tea is a popular treat and an easy way to experience the house even if you are staying elsewhere for part of your trip. Private dining can be arranged for a special evening.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Edinburgh is a compact, walkable city. Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse sit within the Old Town. The New Town's elegant Georgian streets have the best shopping and some excellent restaurants. Climbing Arthur's Seat for the view over the city is easy from the hotel, best at sunrise or sunset.
One of you might want a whisky tasting at a bar in the Old Town while the other explores the National Museum of Scotland. Leith, the port district, has some of the city's best restaurants. Day trips go to the Highlands, St Andrews or the castles of the Borders. Edinburgh weather changes fast, so pack layers and a waterproof jacket. The Old Town's cobbles and steep closes call for comfortable shoes.
Getting There
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is about 30 minutes from Prestonfield by car or taxi, depending on traffic. It has nonstop flights from several US cities in summer and connections through London and European hubs year-round. Edinburgh Waverley station has frequent trains from London King's Cross, taking about 4.5 hours.
From Waverley, Prestonfield is about ten minutes by taxi. Once there, taxis are the easiest way into the center. The hotel can call one at any time. You do not need a car in Edinburgh. Parking is available at the hotel for couples continuing on a road trip to the Highlands or Skye.
Is It Worth It?
For couples who love atmosphere, history and occasion, yes. Prestonfield is unlike any other hotel in Edinburgh. The combination of a country setting and a five-minute ride to the Old Town is hard to beat. Rates are comparable to the city's other luxury hotels.
It is not the choice for couples who want sleek modern design, a spa or the option to walk everywhere. The decor is dramatic and dark, which some find cozy and others find heavy. Couples who want to step straight out onto Princes Street should look at The Balmoral or Gleneagles Townhouse. For an even more theatrical stay in the Old Town, The Witchery by the Castle, under the same ownership, is the alternative.
Insider tips
- Book direct and check what extras are included with your stay.
- Climb Arthur's Seat from the hotel at sunrise for views over the city.
- Book Rhubarb for dinner on your first night to settle into the mood.
- Reserve early for August, when the Edinburgh Festival fills the city.
