About the Ben Cruachan Collection
Make Our Pride & Joy Your Home In Edinburgh.
Born and raised in Edinburgh, Ollie purchased Ben Cruachan Guest House in 2019. A keen golfer with plenty of local knowledge, he is always happy to offer recommendations to help guests make the most of their time in the city. His twin sons also occasionally help out, making Ben Cruachan a true family-run business.
Ella joined the business in 2020 and, as the more youthful member of the team, is well acquainted with Edinburgh’s lively social scene. She is always happy to recommend activities, events and places to visit. In her spare time, she enjoys folk music and outdoor sports.
Ewa, our housekeeper, has been part of Ben Cruachan for more than 16 years. Her care and attention to detail help ensure that every room is kept beautifully clean, comfortable and welcoming throughout your stay.
We are here...
Ben Cruachan Guest House . 17 McDonald Road . Edinburgh . EH7 4LX
Ben Cruachan Guest House is set on a peaceful street close to Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Walk, both known for their independent shops, welcoming cafés, excellent restaurants and characterful bars. The St James Quarter, Princes Street and many of Edinburgh city centre’s leading attractions are within easy reach, including Calton Hill, the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
Our well-connected location makes the guest house an ideal base for exploring Edinburgh on foot or by public transport, as well as enjoying day trips beyond the city. Discover the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, visit historic towns and castles, or travel to the beautiful East Lothian coast, renowned for its beaches, seaside villages and world-famous golf courses.
Travelling to Ben Cruachan Guest House
Ben Cruachan Guest House is conveniently located on McDonald Road, close to Edinburgh’s city centre and vibrant Leith Walk. Our central position makes us easily accessible by tram, bus, train or taxi.
From Edinburgh Airport
Tram: Take the Edinburgh Tram from the airport directly to McDonald Road Tram Stop. From there, it’s just a 2-minute walk to Ben Cruachan Guest House.
Bus: The Airlink 100 express bus runs from the airport to the city centre. From there, you can continue to McDonald Road by tram, local bus (our closest stop is “Shrubhill”) or taxi.
Taxi: A taxi from Edinburgh Airport takes around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
From Edinburgh Waverley Train Station
Walking:Â From the Princes Street exit at Waverley Station, Ben Cruachan Guest House is around a 15-minute walk away.
From Edinburgh Bus Station
Walking:Â Ben Cruachan Guest House is within easy walking distance of Edinburgh Bus Station, or you can take a short tram journey from nearby Picardy Place to McDonald Road.
Local Transportation
Our location close to Leith Walk makes getting around Edinburgh easy. McDonald Road Tram Stop is just a 2-minute walk away, providing convenient connections to the city centre and Edinburgh Airport. Many of Edinburgh’s main attractions, shops, restaurants and bars are also within comfortable walking distance, with excellent local bus services available for exploring further afield.
What amenities are available at Ben Cruachan Guest House
Ben Cruachan Guest House is designed to offer a relaxed and comfortable stay, with a range of thoughtful amenities available throughout the property. From complimentary refreshments and high-speed Wi-Fi to shared spaces, kitchen facilities and luggage storage, everything is intended to make your time in Edinburgh as easy and enjoyable as possible.
High-Speed Wi-Fi
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the guest house, making it easy to stream, work or stay connected during your visit.
Communal Lounge and Dining Area
Guests are welcome to relax in our comfortable communal lounge and dining area, a welcoming space to enjoy a meal, plan the day or unwind after exploring Edinburgh.
Peaceful Garden
Our quiet rear garden provides a peaceful outdoor space away from the bustle of the city, ideal for enjoying a morning coffee or relaxing at the end of the day.
Smart TVs with Streaming Services
Every room includes a 43-inch smart TV, allowing guests to access popular streaming services using their own accounts.
Triple-Glazed Windows for a Quieter Stay
Our new aluclad, triple-glazed windows feature acoustic glass in the street-facing rooms for extra quiet, with tilt-and-turn opening so you can enjoy fresh air whenever you wish.
In-Room Tea and Coffee
Each room includes tea and coffee-making facilities, with a complimentary selection of drinks available throughout your stay.
Fully Equipped Kitchen and Laundry Facilities
Our fully equipped communal kitchen provides everything you need to store food and prepare or cook meals during your stay. A washer-dryer is also available should you need to wash clothes while you are with us.
Complimentary Nespresso, Cereals and Scottish Treats
Start your day with a complimentary selection of cereals and freshly made Nespresso coffee. We also provide a carefully chosen selection of Scottish treats for you to enjoy during your stay.
Daily Room Service
Rooms can be refreshed daily on request, except Saturdays, with towels, toiletries and refreshments replenished as required.
Luggage Storage and Early Check-In
Complimentary luggage storage is available by arrangement, allowing you to enjoy more of Edinburgh before check-in or after checking out. Early check-in may also be available where possible, subject to availability.
Additional Information & FAQs
To help you plan your stay at Ben Cruachan Guest House, we have answered some of the most common questions about parking, age restrictions, nearby shops and our location within Edinburgh.
Parking
There is no private parking available at the guest house. Nearby on-street parking is either permit-controlled or pay and display, with some spaces limited to a maximum stay of four hours.
At weekends, permit and pay-and-display restrictions are currently lifted from 5:30pm on Friday until 8:30am on Monday morning. We recommend checking local signage when you arrive, as parking restrictions and charges may change.
Alternatively, Q-Park OMNI is around a 10-minute walk from the guest house. Please check the Q-Park website for the latest opening information and parking rates.
You may also wish to search for nearby private parking spaces through JustPark.
Age Restrictions
Due to licensing restrictions, Ben Cruachan Guest House can only accommodate guests aged 12 years and over. Unfortunately, the property is not suitable for babies or infants.
Convenience Stores and Local Shops
There is a good selection of convenience stores and food shops within a minute or two of the guest house, making it easy to pick up groceries, snacks and everyday essentials during your stay.
Distance from Edinburgh City Centre
Ben Cruachan Guest House is approximately a 20-minute walk from Princes Street and around 25 minutes on foot from the Royal Mile, making many of Edinburgh’s main attractions easily accessible.
Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios . 21 McDonald Road . Edinburgh . EH7 4LX
Our rooms and studios are situated on a quiet street close to Broughton and Leith Walk, two of Edinburgh’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Independent cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs and local shops can all be found nearby, while the St James Quarter and the attractions of Edinburgh city centre are also within easy reach.
Princes Street and the Royal Mile are around a 20-minute walk away, and the nearest tram stop is just two minutes from the property, providing direct connections across the city and to Edinburgh Airport. The location also offers an excellent starting point for exploring further afield, from the beaches and golf courses of East Lothian to day trips into the Scottish Highlands.
Travelling to Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios
Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios are situated on McDonald Road, just outside Edinburgh city centre and moments from the shops, cafés, restaurants and bars of Leith Walk. With excellent public transport links nearby, reaching us by tram, bus, train or taxi is straightforward.
Travelling from Edinburgh Airport
Tram:Â Edinburgh Trams run directly from the airport to McDonald Road Tram Stop. Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios are just a 2-minute walk from the stop.
Bus: The Airlink 100 express service connects Edinburgh Airport with the city centre. From the centre, you can complete your journey to McDonald Road by tram, local bus (our closest stop is “Shrubhill”)Â or taxi.
Taxi: The journey by taxi from Edinburgh Airport typically takes around 25–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Travelling from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station
Walking:Â Leave Waverley Station via the Princes Street exit and Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios are approximately a 15-minute walk away.
Travelling from Edinburgh Bus Station
Walking:Â Edinburgh Bus Station is within comfortable walking distance of Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios. Alternatively, walk to nearby Picardy Place and take the tram one stop to McDonald Road.
Getting Around Edinburgh
With Leith Walk nearby and McDonald Road Tram Stop just a 2-minute walk away, Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios provide a convenient base for exploring Edinburgh. The tram offers easy connections to the city centre and Edinburgh Airport, while frequent local buses and walkable routes make it simple to reach many of the city’s attractions, shops, restaurants and neighbourhoods.
What Amenities Are Available at Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios?
Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios offer a comfortable and convenient base for your stay in Edinburgh, with useful amenities designed to help you relax, stay connected and make the most of your visit.
High-Speed Wi-Fi
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, ideal for streaming, working online or simply keeping connected while you are away.
Smart TVs with Streaming Services
Every room and studio features a 43-inch smart TV, giving you access to popular streaming services using your own accounts.
Pre Check-In Luggage Storage
Guests are welcome to drop off and store their luggage from 12 noon on the day of arrival, giving you the freedom to start exploring Edinburgh before check-in.
Additional Information & FAQs
Here you will find some useful information to help you plan your stay at Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios, including details about parking, age restrictions, nearby shops and walking distances to Edinburgh city centre.
Parking
Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios do not have private on-site parking. Parking on the surrounding streets is generally permit-controlled or pay and display, with some spaces restricted to a maximum stay of four hours.
At weekends, permit and pay-and-display restrictions are currently lifted from 5:30pm on Friday until 8:30am on Monday morning. Please always check the relevant street signage when parking, as restrictions and charges can change.
Q-Park OMNI is another option and is approximately a 10-minute walk from the property. We recommend checking the Q-Park website before travelling for current opening information and parking rates.
Private parking spaces in the surrounding area may also be available through JustPark.
Age Restrictions
Due to licensing restrictions, guests must be aged 12 years or over. Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios are therefore not suitable for babies or infants.
Convenience Stores and Local Shops
A variety of convenience stores, food shops and places to pick up everyday essentials can be found within just a minute or two of the property.
Distance from Edinburgh City Centre
Ben Cruachan Rooms & Studios are around a 20-minute walk from Princes Street and approximately 25 minutes on foot from the Royal Mile, putting Edinburgh’s city centre attractions within easy reach.
Caledonian Apartments . 65/1 & 65/2 Caledonian Crescent . Edinburgh . EH11 2AT
Caledonian Apartments are located in Dalry, a lively and well-connected Edinburgh neighbourhood with an excellent choice of independent cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs and supermarkets nearby. Princes Street and the Royal Mile are both less than a 30-minute walk away, making our self-catering apartments a convenient base for discovering Edinburgh’s historic landmarks, shopping areas and cultural attractions.
Haymarket railway station and tram stop are around a 10-minute walk from the apartments, offering quick connections across the city and a direct tram service to Edinburgh Airport. Excellent rail, tram and bus links also make it easy to explore other parts of Edinburgh or travel beyond the capital for day trips.
Travelling to the Caledonian Apartments
Caledonian Apartments are located at 65/1 and 65/2 Caledonian Crescent, Edinburgh, EH11 2AT, in the lively and well-connected Dalry neighbourhood. Haymarket railway station and tram stop are around a 7 to 10 minute walk away, making the apartments easy to reach by tram, bus, train, taxi or car.
From Edinburgh Airport
Tram: Take the Edinburgh Tram from the airport directly to Haymarket. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes, followed by a 7 to 10 minute walk to the apartments.
Bus: Take the Airlink 100 express bus from the airport and leave the service at Haymarket Station. The bus journey takes approximately 25 minutes, followed by a 7 to 10 minute walk to the apartments.
Taxi: A taxi from Edinburgh Airport usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
From Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station
Train: Take a westbound train from Edinburgh Waverley to Haymarket, which is the next stop and takes approximately four minutes. The apartments are then around a 7 to 10 minute walk from Haymarket Station.
Taxi: A taxi from Edinburgh Waverley usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
From Edinburgh Bus Station
Bus: Regular westbound bus services connect the city centre with Haymarket and Dalry. Leave the bus near Haymarket or Caledonian Village, depending on the service, and continue to the apartments on foot.
Taxi: A taxi from Edinburgh Bus Station usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Arriving by Car
Enter the postcode EH11 2AT into your satnav or navigation app. One of our two apartments benefits from secure private parking. Please check the individual apartment details when booking to ensure that parking is included with your chosen accommodation.
Local Transportation
Regular bus services operate from nearby Dalry Road, providing convenient connections to Princes Street, the Old Town and other areas of Edinburgh. Haymarket railway station and tram stop also offer easy travel across the city, direct connections to Edinburgh Airport and rail services to destinations throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Journey times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, service changes and the time of day.
What Amenities Are Available at Caledonian Apartments?
Our Caledonian Apartments are designed to provide the freedom and convenience of a home from home, with practical amenities for family breaks, group visits and longer stays in Edinburgh.
High-Speed Wi-Fi
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout both apartments, making it easy to stream, work or stay connected during your visit.
Smart TVs with Streaming Services
Both apartments feature a 43-inch smart TV, allowing guests to access popular streaming services using their own accounts.
Pre Check-In Luggage Storage
Pre check-in luggage storage is available from 12 noon on the day of arrival, allowing you to drop off your bags before heading out to explore Edinburgh.
Secure Parking
Apartment 65/2 benefits from its own private, secure parking space, providing added convenience for guests travelling to Edinburgh by car.
Nespresso Coffee
Enjoy freshly made Nespresso coffee during your stay, with a complimentary selection of capsules provided for your arrival.
Additional Information & FAQs
Here you will find some useful information to help you plan your stay at Caledonian Apartments, including parking options, facilities for younger guests, nearby shops and walking distances to central Edinburgh.
Parking
Apartment 65/2 has its own private, secure parking space available for guests.
For guests staying at Apartment 65/1, or those travelling with additional vehicles, nearby on-street parking is generally permit-controlled or pay and display, with some spaces limited to a maximum stay of four hours.
At weekends, permit and pay-and-display restrictions are currently lifted from 5:30pm on Friday until 8:30am on Monday morning. Please check the relevant street signage when parking, as local restrictions and charges may change.
Free on-street parking can also be found around Russell Road, approximately a 15-minute walk from the apartments. Availability cannot be guaranteed, so we recommend checking local signage before leaving your vehicle.
You can also search for private parking spaces in the surrounding area through JustPark.
Families and Young Children
There is no minimum age requirement at Caledonian Apartments, making them suitable for families travelling with children of all ages. A travel cot is also available for babies and infants.
Convenience Stores and Local Shops
There is a good choice of supermarkets, convenience stores and food shops within just a few minutes’ walk, making it easy to pick up groceries and everyday essentials for your stay.
Distance from Edinburgh City Centre
Caledonian Apartments are approximately a 20-minute walk from Princes Street and around 30 minutes on foot from the Royal Mile, providing a convenient base for exploring central Edinburgh.