I was keen to learn more about The Bonham Hotel, Edinburgh, because I’d been told it was a lovely hotel, well located, beautifully styled, with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
This well established, boutique hotel, is located in Edinburgh’s bustling west end, within easy reach of the many attractions this magnificent capital city has to offer. However, guests also benefit from peaceful surroundings because the hotel stands in a quiet, elegant, crescent surrounded by tree-lined gardens and fine Georgian and Victorian architecture.
A short taxi ride from Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station brought me to the hotel. Had I been driving, I would have used The Bonham’s free, private, car park at the rear of the hotel. For air travellers Edinburgh airport is seven miles from the hotel and linked to the city by a direct tram service.
The four star Bonham Hotel has 49 individually styled bedrooms including: Standard Rooms, Superior Rooms, Suites, and a disabled accessible room. Bedrooms at the front of the hotel overlook Drumsheugh Gardens, rear rooms have city views.
Genuinely friendly reception staff greeted me. Soon I was shown to my superior, double room at the rear of the hotel on the fourth floor. (Lift access available)
Stepping into my room I noticed how spacious and light it was and how the deep red furnishings created a warming feel. However, it was the absolutely fabulous views from the large bay windows which instantly grabbed my attention. These breathtaking views stretched for miles and included gardens, city streets, the areas of Stockbridge, Leith, New Town and The Firth of Forth.
Armchairs and a coffee table filled the bay window area providing me with the perfect place to sit and admire the wonderful views.
My room was very comfortable, immaculately clean and equipped with all the standard extras expected of a four star hotel. The rich textures and good mix of bold colours worked together well to create a rather unique upbeat but yet relaxing atmosphere. The cream walls contained paintings from local artists.
The bathroom had quality fittings, including a bath and over bath shower, grab rail, toiletries from The White Company, robes and ultra soft fluffy towels.
The hotel’s public rooms are ground floor. The cosy bar named The Consulting Room is a homely place to enjoy pre dinner drinks or a light meal.
Whereas the bar is cosy, the restaurant, is spacious with a minimalist style. It runs from the front to the back of the hotel, the sense of space being enhanced by high ceilings and large bay windows. It is stylishly decorated using beautiful wood panelling and has comfortable leather seating.
Head Chef Maciej Szymik uses the best of locally sourced seasonal Scottish produce (which means the restaurant menu changes daily). The menus are inspired by classical flavours with a modern twist.
A leisurely breakfast can be enjoyed between 7 am and 10 am, with a choice of Continental, Scottish or vegetarian breakfasts. My Scottish breakfast was delicious – Cairnhill farm sausage, Ayrshire back bacon, haggis, eggs (cooked to my preference), potato scone, tomatoes, mushrooms. Service at breakfast was good as it also was for my bar meal the previous evening.
Accessibility
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis which at times can impair my mobility to differing degrees so I’m particularly interested in disabled access in hotels. I was delighted to find staff at The Bonham Hotel have received disability awareness training. The hotel welcomes the disabled/less mobile by facilitating disabled car parking with ramps from the car park. Disabled friendly public toilets, ground floor public rooms, lift access throughout. A wheelchair accessible designated disabled bedroom with other ground floor bedrooms available for the less mobile who do not need a wheelchair. For the deaf, under pillow vibrating fire alarms are provided. In the restaurant I noticed sufficient space between tables to allow wheelchair users to dine in comfort. Dietary needs catered for. Assistance dogs welcome.
Local attractions
Locally, there are a good choice of quality independent retailers. The Royal Botanic Gardens are a 15 minute walk from the hotel. Central Edinburgh attractions such as the Castle are around a 20 -25 minute walk away (but walking times, of course are ability dependent). Frequent bus and tram services run from near the hotel to the centre of Edinburgh.
The Bonham Hotel has a relaxed check out time of 12 o’clock. All too soon it was time for me to leave. This well located, beautiful stylish hotel with a friendly relaxed atmosphere is indeed a lovely place to stay and I can’t wait to return.
Bonham Hotel
35 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh
Scotland EH3 7RN
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