The Dunstane Houses: Boutique Hotels in Edinburgh with an Orcadian Twist

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The Dunstane Houses are a pair of beautiful boutique hotels in Edinburgh with a special connection to the Orkney Islands. Luxury, home comfort and technology are woven together to deliver a fabulous and faultless guest experience.

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This post contains affiliate links to experiences which I love, and may make a small commission from, at no extra cost to you. 

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Dunstane House is one half of the dreamy duo which are collectively known as The Dunstane Houses; the equally beautiful 4* Hampton House sits just across the street.  I’ve passed these Victorian mansions many times when travelling to and from Edinburgh Airport, and couldn’t have anticipated the memorable staycation I would have there; in the best room in the house, I might add.

When I say special, it really is – and don’t just take my word for it. Dunstane House was awarded ‘Scotland’s Boutique Hotel of the Year’ at the Scottish Hotel Awards in 2018. As soon as you step inside, you understand why.

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‘The Spirit of Orkney, in the Heart of Edinburgh’

Shirley and Derek, owners of The Dunstane Houses, moved to Edinburgh from Orkney thirty-one years ago, and they brought a wee bit of the islands with them. Shirley’s accent still holds a subtle Orcadian lilt, and there are lots of lovely references to Orkney throughout both properties; from Orkney gin, single malt whisky and island produce, to the artwork and names of the luxurious rooms. I was in my home city, immersed in luxury, island-themed surroundings. Happy days.

COOL FACT: As well as being a hotelier, Derek is also a classic car dealer and a keen pilot, who has recently taken up aerobatics. Not your average hobby!

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The Dunstane Houses app.

To enhance the guest experience before and during the stay, The Dunstane Houses have their own smartphone app., developed by the innovation wizards at Criton. Guests are encouraged to download the app. once their booking is confirmed, so that they can have access to a wealth of information about the hotel and Edinburgh itself.

I browsed the various sections on the app. as part of my ‘let’s get excited’ ritual the day before my stay, and I used the contact buttons to phone ahead and enquire about car parking. FYI – there are two small (and free) car parks behind the hotel.

The app. was particularly handy when I needed to remind myself what time breakfast finished and when I needed to check out. This was discovered from the comfort of my bed; I didn’t even bother sitting up. I had thoroughly studied the breakfast and dinner menu ahead of the trip, and decided exactly what I was going to order. Standard behaviour.

 

Guests can take advantage of the practical information about the city on the app., including the transport network, places of interest, shopping, where to withdraw and exchange money, and the weather forecast.

The hotel has chosen not to integrate a booking function into the app., for services like dinner or a late check-out, however this isn’t detrimental to the experience. Dunstane House is such a small and intimate property, it’s easy to locate or contact a member of staff.

I think the app. is a nice touch, and it’s really positive to see tourism businesses embracing technology like this, for the purpose of improving the visitor experience.

Would you use an app. during your hotel stay?

• Find out more and download the app. by visiting the Criton website

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The Dunstane House Experience.

Dunstane House has been home-sweet-home to an interesting range of residents, with creative and academic backgrounds, since it was built in the 1860s. Shirley and Derek purchased Dunstane House in 1998, and have since renovated the property to an impressively high standard, with meticulous attention to detail. The statement furniture, bold patterns, and gorgeous fabrics create a perfect blend of classic and contemporary.

 

In the Ba’ Bar, there’s a collage of sketches by students from Edinburgh Art College, featuring Orkney’s scenery, standing stones and main town of Kirkwall. In the hallways, you’ll find photographs of Derek’s classic cars, as well as old black and white photographs of Orcadian families in years long ago. Shirley and Derek have forged a personal, human feel throughout their properties; something which is often lost in super-stylish hotels. Dunstane House has nailed the style, and the substance.

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Inside The Dunstane Suite.

The Dunstane Suite is pure perfection. I’m sure my whole flat could comfortable fit into the floor space in the room – and that’s not including the room’s massive bathroom. The elaborate interior is pleasantly overwhelming; my eyes were immediately drawn to the stunning peacock feather wallpaper on the feature wall, before wandering to the patterned rug, the vintage-style radio, and the wee traces of Harris Tweed in the accessories.

 

Like the rest of the hotel, the room smelled of Noble Isle Whisky & Water toiletries, and there is an espresso machine and homemade shortbread for your tasting pleasure. The Vispring bed was super-comfy, and there were a couple of wee extra surprises on the pillow when I returned to the room before dinner.

The best bit about the suite? The freestanding copper bath with views of the Pentland Hills, which were dusted in snow during my visit. You know: a) it’s a good bath when you’re sitting upright and the water is still up to your chest b) it’s a good bed when you can’t get out of it.

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Eating & Drinking at Dunstane House.

First you see Orkney, then you taste it. Orkney produce is featured throughout the menu, including cheese, salmon and hand-dived scallops. Consistent with the whole experience, the food menu is high-quality and unpretentious. Guests can choose from a selection of ‘Wee Bites’ and platters, as well as a selection of mains and sides.

Having a wee bit of everything is my style all over, so we opted for the haggis bon bons, cheese fritters, mackerel pate and chicken skewers. My sidekick had the Scottish cheese board and I had the Orkney fudge cheesecake; my saliva glands still instantly activate when I think about it!

Breakfast is a continental buffet, as well as cooked-to-order hot items, including a Traditional Scottish Breakfast and Oak Smoked Whole Kipper. I had the Orkney Smoked Salmon and Free Range Scrambled Eggs. It was perfect.

Now for the liquid delights. I had read about the hotel’s impressive whisky collection, and it certainly did not disappoint. Even from a distance, I quickly spotted the green labelled bottle of Highland Park 15 on the shelf behind the bar. I tried to express my excitement in the most composed manner, but could hardly contain myself.

Why, you ask? This is my favourite whisky ever, and it is now discontinued. It’s not even available at the distillery, and I have never seen it behind a bar on my travels. I celebrated my discovery with a few drams, obviously. As well as the ‘water of life’, you’ll also find a selection of artisan Scottish gins, including those from Orkney’s three distilleries. If you’re partial to a quality, Scottish beverage, the Ba’ Bar has got you covered.

• Check out the food & drink menus for Dunstane House here

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Final Thoughts.

Now, if you’re familiar with my style of travel, you’ll know that I’m typically a ‘glamping’ kinda girl. This means I sometimes find it difficult to relax in opulent surroundings, and my clumsy tendencies tend to overcome any attempt to be ladylike and sophisticated. Not on this occasion, though (apart from the mess I made of myself and the table at breakfast).

Dunstane House feels like exactly that; a house, and a home. The cosy surroundings, comfortable rooms, and attentive staff strike a perfect balance of luxury and homely. I loved it.

• Prices start from £125 per night for a Luxury Wee Double at Dunstane House
• Prices start from £365 per night for the Dunstane Suite
• To check availability and book click here

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This post is sponsored by Criton. As always, all content, opinions & chaotic behaviour are my own.

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Happy travels!

Kay