I made the nest decision to book this room and I will certainly be back. While the room was quite small it was perfect for a solo traveler like me. The bed was very comfortable, the room and bathroom were super clean and the best part was the free breakfast that Richard would bring to the room every morning :D The location is also convenient if you don't wanna stay in the hustle and bustle of the city centre, it didn't take longer than 25 minutes by foot or 10 minutes by bus to make it to South Bridge.

We had an exceptional stay. The host is extremely kind, welcoming, attentive, and respectful. We felt like he was taking care of us and made sure we had a wonderful stay. Dorstan is located in a tranquil neighborhood, extremely accessible by bus or car, clean, beautifully maintained, and comfortable. There is a well-kept garden, and in the lobby, there are a lot of informative leaflets about attractions, things to do in Edinburgh, restaurants, etc. The rooms are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Even adapters for sockets - their attention to detail is wonderful. The view was gorgeous, the sun came into the room so pleasantly. The room had high ceilings, tall windows, extremely comfortable beds, and was well heated. Clean, beautiful, well-smelling linen, enough towels, including makeup towels, and hot water all the time. We found coffee, tea, and sweets in the room, which were replenished every day. Lots of options for breakfast and it is served in your room. We honestly felt spoiled. I recommend it 100% and we will definitely come back.

Dorstan House is managed and maintained solely by Richard and Maki, who strictly adhere to a contactless policy. Therefore, I recommend making full use of the messaging system on Booking.com before your stay. Should any issues arise during your visit, your only chance of face-to-face interaction will be when they deliver breakfast to your room or during the cleaning schedule. The location is relatively convenient for budget-conscious travellers, though you’ll need to take a bus or walk at least 30 minutes to reach Edinburgh Old Town Center. Situated in a residential area, the guest house is wonderfully quiet (though you won’t find any convenience stores or supermarkets within a 10-minute walk). Breakfast offers a variety of choices, starting from 8 AM. If you need to leave earlier, Dorstan House can provide a breakfast bag, but you'll need to hang your breakfast order on your door by 8 PM the night before. However, for those spending the entire day sightseeing, this might feel a bit early, as Richard and Maki depart from Dorstan House each night at 10 PM. All the doors at Dorstan House, including the private rooms on the ground floor, are equipped with keycode locks. You’ll need to enter a code each time you come and go. While this adds an extra layer of security, it can be slightly inconvenient—especially if, like me, you’ve booked a room with a private restroom that isn’t en-suite but located down the corridor. This also requires a keycode to enter. Richard and Maki are well aware of guests’ concerns, so there are notices in the rooms explaining how to navigate situations where frequent access might be needed without the keycode becoming a nuisance. Considering that only two people manage the entire property, prepare breakfast, and handle bookings from around the world, it’s no wonder they kindly ask guests not to bring takeout food into the rooms and to switch off all lights before leaving. I completely understand and respect these requests!

The self check-in process was convenient and easy and our room was more spacious than expected with a big window and very comfortable bed. Everything was very clean and amenities such as real ground coffee, a french press, electric kettle, and little packages of cookies/biscuits were a thoughtful touch. The owner, Richard, was so nice and we thoroughly enjoyed the delicious breakfasts he brought us each morning. We also really liked the location as the house is in a quiet neighborhood but only 15-20 mins from the city center by bus (and extremely close to several bus stops). Overall just a lovely little place and we were so glad we chose to stay here.

Always friendly communication, helpful and welcoming. Such personal messages make traveling worthwhile! Everything we found in the room matched the description. I liked the breakfast (in the room, as announced), everything was fresh and fine. Parking in the street was easy. A bus stop is nearby, to go to the town centre by bus is more convenient. Once we walked to the centre, which is also fine, but takes 30 mins. For dinner nearby, I recommend Haldi (Mayfield Gardens), exceptional dishes, very nice atmosphere.

Nothing to complain about!

Well kept older house, clean and simply decorated. I like the tartan carpet and spacious white staircase, with stained glass window. Delicious breakfast made to order and brought to room in the morning. Nice lighting with lamps with USB plugs to charge devices. Very nice tea and coffee service in the room, refilled when necessary. Comfortable bed and pillow. Nice view out the window and it was nice that the window could open for fresh air. The heater was easy to adjust. I appreciated the extra blanket in the closet, since the first night was a bit chilly. The gentleman who served my breakfast was quick and cordial, no chit chat, probably out of consideration for other guests in the morning, which was fine by me. I borrowed the steamer iron, which was very good. Shower was nice with good temperature, water pressure and was clean. Very easy to use the key code system and no keys to lose or remember to turn in on checkout. A well-thought out system!

Very thin walls, easy to hear other guests moving about and talking (the room I was in was near the communal bathroom), which woke me up several times. The other guests were fortunately quiet and considerate. Would have been nice to have been greeted personally by the host, but I understand that guests can arrive at all hours.

such a fantastic property ~ Richard & Maki were brilliant hosts, and the house itself had everything we needed for a short trip to Edinburgh. extremely comfortable beds inside large rooms, super clean facilities, the breakfast was a really lovely touch & the flexibility was really appreciated . location was great too , only a few minutes walk away from the bus stop and ten minutes later you were in the town centre !!!! would thoroughly recommend and we plan to return ! 🤗👍

can't think of anything ~ we felt really safe and had a lovely time .

Brilliant location for visiting my daughter at Pollock Halls . Very easy to walk or get a bus into the city . My room was described as a small single . It was plenty big enough and with an ensuite , which had lovely toiletries . Also a TV and a kettle with tea and coffee. If you like coffee there was instant , as well as some for the cafetière. The breakfast in the morning was also more than adequate - fruit juice , yoghurt with berries and granola and a fresh croissant with salmon and cream cheese - which had plenty of salmon . It was delivered exactly on time on a tray . Lovely hosts who allowed me to drop my bag off early at 8.30 am .

Nothing - but if really looking to find something - a couple of sachets of a herbal tea would be really great

First time staying in Edinbrugh, had my friend showing me around the place and we found this guest house by chance. First off all the couple who runs the place are so lovely and attentive to customers. Very clean and breakfast included brought to your room. We did have a little gas leak incident but it was quickly fixed in a matter of hours, keeping us very informed on the situation which we very much appreciated! It is on the quieter side of you like it quiet and not in the city, perfect place to stay!

Extremely convenient for the John McIntyre conference centre, and very close to a bus stop with regular buses into town. Breakfast delicious, and delivered promptly by the very friendly Richard. Comfortable bed, nice hot shower, quiet location. Fantastic to have the option of a single room (with the associated very reasonable price) given that I was travelling alone - much cheaper than any other option, including the 'budget' hotels.

I'm not a big fan of the contactless check in, but I knew about this in advance so not a problem. My next door neighbour had a private, not ensuite, bathroom, and banged the doors loudly in and out, on one occasion at 4:45am (!) and routinely late at night (after 11pm). Not the fault of Dorstan, but meant I didn't sleep as well as I could have done.