Kildonan Lodge Hotel

The Kildonan Lodge Hotel is a charming family-owned boutique hotel housed in a lovingly restored home dating back to 1874, located south of Edinburgh's city center. The beautiful sandstone building is flanked by a small, grassy front lawn and situated on a tree-lined street full of other similar homes. The elegant Victorian-era interiors include damask wallpaper, gilded mirrors, decorative ceiling molding, and hammered tin wainscoting. The lounge has a lovely fireplace, chandelier dangling from a ceiling featuring rich decorative molding, large bay windows, and an honesty bar stocked with Scottish whiskies and local beers. There's ample seating in this sunlit space, though couches and armchairs are a bit worn. The elegant dining room is a peach-hued, high-ceilinged space with crystal chandeliers, large windows framed by apricot drapes, herringbone wood floors, and fresh flowers on white tablecloth clad tables.

The hotel also comprises an additional Garden Lodge situated in the rear of the property with a private garden. This smaller property consists of three bedrooms, as well as a common lounge room and sunlit conservatory, and caters to larger groups and parties that desire more privacy. The decor is toned down and not as intricate as the interiors in the main house, but the spaces are pleasant and comfortable. The cozy lounge has a fireplace, flat-screen TV, and selection of board games, and the glass conservatory looks out over the garden and is full of wicker furniture.

The Kildonan Lodge Hotel is located on a fairly busy, tree-lined street full of residential homes and a few other inns and hotels just outside of the city center in the Newington area of Edinburgh. Though there is not much in the immediate area, the Cameron Toll shopping center is a six-minute walk from the hotel and the University of Edinburgh King's Buildings Campus is nearby as well. The Old Town, though not within walking distance, can easily be reached by bus in seven minutes and there is a bus stop directly across the street from the hotel that serves several different lines. The Edinburgh train station is a 15-minute bus ride or 10-minute taxi ride away. 

There are several types of rooms available at the Kildonan Lodge, including standard Double Rooms, spacious rooms with four-poster beds and spa tubs, and Family Rooms. Rooms are individually decorated in a mix of elegant, traditional decor and modern style. Many rooms have lovely damask wallpapers (some with a tasteful metallic sheen that complements bedspreads), velvet armchairs, mirrored vanities, chaise lounges, and marble fireplaces. Most rooms feature soft colors with jewel toned accents courtesy of bedspreads and pillows, but Executive Rooms are decorated in darker earth tones. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi, but lack mini-fridges or minibars. Rooms also come stocked with free shortbread and sherry. Bathrooms are spacious and are stocked with toiletries from the local Scottish Fine Soaps Company. Most have shower/tub combos and smaller bathrooms have walk-in showers. Travelers should note that rooms underneath the kitchen and breakfast room may get noise in the mornings when employees begin preparing breakfast.

The Garden Lodge is an additional, smaller property located in the rear of the main house with its own private garden. The lodge has three bedrooms, as well as a cozy lounge and glass conservatory, and is suitable for large parties or families who desire a bit more privacy.

The Kildonan Lodge has an elegant restaurant that serves various dishes with fresh, Scottish ingredients (though restaurant is not open every day). A full Scottish breakfast is included in the room rate and can be delivered to the room for no extra charge. The lovely lounge has an honesty bar and plenty of seating around a fireplace. The Garden Lodge also has its own cozy lounge, with fireplace, flat-screen TV, and board games, as well as a glass conservatory. There is ample parking space around the hotel. The hotel hosts various events and weddings, and is able to cater small receptions of up to 36 guests. Freebies include daily newspapers, in-room shortbread and sherry, and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.