Prestonfield House, Edinburgh

• History is palpable at Prestonfield House, with ornate architectural details and lavish (centuries-old and restored) decor, worthy of the estate's long guest list—including Benjamin Franklin, David Hume, and Samuel Johnson.
• The extensive grounds are beautiful and atmospheric, complete with grazing Highland cows and roaming peacocks, historic stables, and large swathes of manicured gardens.
• Modern in-suite conveniences, like safes and minibars, are thoughtfully camouflaged so as not to detract from rooms' historic character.
• You can expect exceptional service at every interaction, with past kimkim travelers singing the staff's praises, including personalized recommendations and insights from Oskar, Prestonfield's very own whisky sommelier.
• A complimentary a la carte Scottish breakfast is included in your room rate and served in-room or at the on-site restaurant, Rhubarb, with seasonal Scottish ingredients sourced from local farmers, foragers, and artisan suppliers on the menu. (While open to the public, it's best to book in advance.)

• It's not especially walkable to Edinburgh's main sights; you'll likely rely on taxis or rideshares.
• The traditional, maximalist decor and dimly lit interiors won't appeal to all travelers.

Authenticity

Fit-for-royalty Prestonfield House was built in 1687 by the king's architect behind nearby Holyroodhouse for Sir James Dick, provost of Edinburgh (his portrait still hangs here today). Remaining in the family until 1958, the estate was later restored as a hotel and preserves its Baroque interiors and centuries-old finds, including Córdoba leather wall panels, Mortlake tapestries, ornate plasterwork, Chinoiserie cabinets, antique oil portraits, and velvet-draped rooms full of theatrical flair. The property has even welcomed notable guests like Benjamin Franklin, among others, while Rhubarb continues to serve fine seasonal Scottish produce with rhubarb, originally cultivated on the estate (the first ever in Scotland) by Sir James' grandson, still grown on-site and a regular feature on the restaurant's menu.

Location

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms and suites are individually styled in mostly red jewel tones, with toile de Jouy wallpaper, heavy drapes, and antique furnishings, and views over the gardens, parkland, Arthur's Seat, or Craigmillar Castle. Even the entry-level categories feel spacious and atmospheric, with king beds, mood-adjustable lighting, and marble bathrooms lined with Venetian glass mosaic and stocked with Bamford products, robes, slippers, and Dyson hairdryers. Larger Estate Rooms add double-aspect views and complimentary valet parking, while all suites offer separate sitting rooms, guest bathrooms, statement beds, and more historic character, including oil paintings and ormolu antiques. All offer complimentary snacks, online access to international newspapers and magazines, a selection of fine teas, and Nespresso coffee machines.

Amenities

Prestonfield's public rooms are a major part of the experience, from the Baroque Tapestry Room and Córdoban-leather-paneled walls in the Leather Room to the cozy Whisky Room, with its rare drams and on-call whisky sommelier. A bar menu is available throughout the premises, wherever you choose to settle. Open all day, the elegant Rhubarb Restaurant serves Scottish seasonal produce, including estate-grown veg, herbs, and locally sourced game and Angus beef, as well as an impressive a la carte breakfast, a six-course tasting menu, vegan and vegetarian menus, and 24-hour room service. You can also enjoy lavish afternoon tea by the fire or in the gardens, concierge, turndown, and laundry services, and complimentary shoe shines. Dogs stay for free and are welcome in most public rooms, though not inside Rhubarb.

Family-Friendliness

Families of 3-4 members are welcome with The Winston Churchill, The Allan Ramsay, The Benjamin Franklin, and The Owners suites able to accommodate two extra beds. All other rooms—Luxury, Classic, and Estate—and The Lord Provost Suite allow for one extra bed for a maximum of three guests. (Extra beds are suitable for children up to 16 years old, and charges apply.) And if you're traveling with your pet, dogs stay free, with beds and water dishes provided. Dining options are plentiful, though gourmet, while a 24-hour room service can satisfy those late-night cravings. Kids aren't allowed in Rhubarb after 7:30 pm. 

Wildlife

While it's not uncommon to see red deer on Prestonfield's 20-acre (8 ha) estate, you will find free-roaming peacocks and grazing Highland cows—a pleasing taste of country life so close to central Edinburgh.