Prestonfield House
Gothic-Baroque maximalism. Opulent, theatrical, romantic. Think velvet drapes, ancestral portraits, roaring log fires, and peacocks wandering the grounds. No minimalism here — every inch is layered with centuries of history and deliberate drama.
Book direct via prestonfield.com and receive a complimentary bottle of champagne on arrival
Why It Matters
One of Scotland's most decorated hotels: Michelin Key 2025/2026, AA 5 Red Stars (Inspector's Choice), Forbes Travel Guide recognition, Relais & Chateaux member, and named Best Hotel in Scotland 2025 by the Good Hotel Guide. The building dates to 1687 and has hosted Benjamin Franklin, Winston Churchill, Sean Connery, and Elton John. The rhubarb still grown on the estate — Scotland's first — gives its restaurant its name.
A Baroque-meets-Georgian mansion from 1687, Prestonfield House operates as Edinburgh's most theatrical hotel. Set within 20 acres of gardens and parkland in the shadow of Arthur's Seat, it feels like a country estate — and yet you're just five minutes by taxi from the Royal Mile. Owner James Thomson (also of The Witchery by the Castle) has filled the rooms with antiques, gilded leather walls, Mortlake tapestries, and four-poster beds to create a place that is genuinely unlike anywhere else in Scotland.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Classic Room
From GBP425 / nightTucked away on the ground and first floors. A romantic cocoon of velvet textures, antique furnishings, and warm lighting. Each room is individually styled with rich character — no two are alike.
Estate Room
From GBP475 / nightPrestonfield's largest bedrooms, with double-aspect views over the full 20 acres of gardens and parkland towards Arthur's Seat, Royal Holyrood Park, or the adjacent golf course. The most commanding standard rooms in the house.
Luxury Bedroom
From GBP375 / nightLocated on the top floor with French-style Mansard ceilings and fairytale dormer windows overlooking the lawns. Warm, rich colours, statement antiques, and fine linens throughout.
The Allan Ramsay Suite
From GBP575 / nightOne of Prestonfield's largest suites, named after the painter Allan Ramsay who visited Prestonfield in 1736. Overlooks the lawns and grounds. The painted Italian Room still commemorates Ramsay's Grand Tour with the estate's owner.
The Benjamin Franklin Suite
From GBP575 / nightNamed after the founding father who stayed at Prestonfield in the 18th century. Exuberant bedroom with en-suite, a sitting room, antique chaise-longue, trompe-l'oeil drapery walls, and a guest bathroom lined in Venetian glass mosaic.
The Lord Provost Suite
From GBP525 / nightRichly decorated in dramatic reds with an antique mahogany four-poster bed lavishly hung with red and gold velvets. Two bathrooms. Named after Edinburgh's equivalent of a Lord Mayor.
Four-posterThe Owners Suite
From GBP625 / nightPrestonfield's most opulent suite. Entered via a private turret stair and hallway. An entrance lobby, bedroom with a library-style bathroom, and a large separate sitting room with exceptional views over the lawns and gardens in three directions.
The Winston Churchill Suite
From GBP525 / nightAn elegant tapestry-hung tester bed, red velvet walls, a gothic day bed, and an antique-filled sitting room with a collection of militaria. Two bathrooms, including one lined in Venetian glass mosaic. Churchill himself dined at Prestonfield.
Tester/canopiedThe Property
Eat & Drink
7 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Annual Burns Supper event held at Prestonfield, celebrating Scotland's national poet Robert Burns in January.
Cycling available from the estate, with routes into Holyrood Park and beyond.
20 acres of historic parkland, rose gardens, woodland thickets, and lawns to explore. Routes pass the beehives, the Gothic Tea House, the Highland cows (Treacle, Brachan, Ella, and Helga), and free-roaming peacocks. Arthur's Seat is visible throughout.
Arthur's Seat is a short walk from the estate — a relatively manageable climb with panoramic views over Edinburgh and beyond. The hotel is uniquely positioned to make it a morning walk from your front door.
Helicopter access available for onward trips to iconic Scottish courses — Gleneagles, Turnberry, and St Andrews are all reachable by air.
On-site mini golf available on the grounds.
The hotel grounds adjoin the Prestonfield Golf Course, visible from the Estate Room windows. Guests can arrange access.
The Whisky Room features a curated collection of rare single malts and distinguished blends. Guests can enjoy a self-guided tasting experience or guided sessions from the knowledgeable bar team.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Private dining rooms double as meeting spaces. The Stables event venue accommodates up to 500 guests for large events, award ceremonies, and corporate dinners.
Full Scottish breakfast included with all room bookings. Honey from the hotel's own 14 beehives features on the menu.
Three historic public drawing rooms for guests: the grand Baroque Tapestry Room (1687) with ancestral portraits and Mortlake tapestries; the intimate Leather Room with gilded 17th-century Cordoban leather panels; and the Yellow Room with golden velvet walls and antique Chinese cabinets.
A standalone Gothic-style tea house in the heart of the estate's rose garden, planted to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday and her visit to Prestonfield. Available for afternoon tea.
Grand elevated terrace off the Baroque Tapestry Room, overlooking the entrance drive and 20 acres of gardens. Surrounded by historic stone balustrades and topiary. Popular for afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks.
Dogs are welcome at Prestonfield House.
Complimentary parking in the hotel's grounds for all hotel and restaurant guests. Also available for Witchery diners during their Edinburgh stay.
On-site electric vehicle charging station available for guests.
Airport shuttle service available at £150 per saloon car per way. Must be arranged directly with the hotel.
The hotel does not have a swimming pool.
There is no on-site gym or fitness centre.
BUILD YOUR PRESTONFIELD HOUSE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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