Explore Ben Cruchan Guest House
Where It All Began: A Family-Run Boutique Guest House in Edinburgh Since 1985...
High-Speed WiFi
Communal Lounge & dining
Peaceful Garden
Smart TVs with Streaming Services
In-room Tea & Coffee
Triple-Glazed Windows for a Quieter Stay
Fully Equipped Kitchen & Laundry Facilities
Complimentary Nespresso, Cereals &Scottish Treats
Daily Room Service
Luggage Storage & Early Check-In
Our family-run, room-only boutique guest house combines contemporary comfort with distinctive Scottish design. Each bedroom features carefully chosen wallpapers and fabrics by local designer Mairi Helena, creating a stylish and individual setting in which to relax.
High-quality mattresses, complimentary welcome trays and toiletries from Scottish Fine Soaps add thoughtful touches to every stay. Each room also includes a smart TV with streaming services and access to superfast Wi-Fi. Selected rooms can be arranged with either a super king-size bed or two twin beds, subject to availability.
Guests are welcome to enjoy our beautifully designed communal kitchen, lounge and dining areas, with complimentary Nespresso coffee, cereals and Scottish treats available throughout their stay. There is also an honesty whisky bar, where your first dram is on us, and a peaceful rear garden offering another comfortable space in which to relax.
Explore Our Rooms
Ground Floor
Rainfall Blooms
- 121 ft2
- 2 People
- King Bed
Ground Floor
Island Botanist
- 202 ft2
- 2 People
- Twin or Superking
Ground Floor
Hebridean Homeland
- 155 ft2
- 2 People
- Twin or Superking
Ground Floor
Mirrored Storm
- 160 ft2
- 2 People
- King Bed
lower-ground floor
Summer Thistle
- 132 ft2
- 2 People
- King Bed
Located on the lower-ground floor, this is one of our smaller rooms, but it benefits from a particularly large and luxurious shower. Featuring Summer Thistle wallpaper by Scottish designer Mairi Helena, the room overlooks our peaceful rear garden, offering a quiet and relaxing outlook.
Lower-Ground floor
Summer Isle
- 191 ft2
- 2 People
- Twin or Superking
Edinburgh's Cultural Quarter, On Your Doorstep.
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.