Rathan House - the Eskbank

As a family of 3, we've stayed 7 days at the Eskbank – Rathan House and overall, we've had a very pleasant stay. Although seemingly located far away from Edinburgh, the city center is only around 30 minutes by bus #3, with a stop located just next to Rathan House. From this stop, you can also reach Rosslyn Chapel and Musselburgh with bus #140. In Dalkeith town center, only 5 mins away by walk, you'll find supermarkets, restaurants and all other stores and services you may need during your stay. Although we did not stay in one of the most newly renovated rooms available, our room was spacious and all appliances were working properly. Nothing was missing for a comfortable stay. The neighborhood is very quiet and the house's garden makes for a perfect place to rest and play with the two family dogs, Flora and Rowan. The breakfast is a typically Scottish one, with salmon, smoked fish or fish croquettes on the menu. While eating, your host Mr. McCrea, will surely treat you to a couple of Scottish pirates tales from the seven seas. Mr. and Mrs. McCrea have been warm and thoughtful hosts, making Rathan House a great lodging for anyone wanting to explore Edinburgh and its surroundings.

We had a great stay at the Eskbank Hotel! The breakfast was delicious every morning, and the hosts did a great job with my gluten free diet needs. The bedroom was comfortable, and we spent a lot of time in the backyard garden patio. Only about a 45 minute bus ride into the city depending on what time of day you leave. The bus stop is not even 3 minutes from the B&B. Only about 25 minute Uber from the airport. Would come again and would recommend to others!

Eskbank Hotel is a great choice if you're after something with more personality than a typical chain. It has the feel of an old manor house, with traditional charm and a very comfortable room that made us feel right at home. The location is ideal – just a short drive to Portobello Beach, which was perfect for a seaside walk during our stay. We were first greeted by a lady on arrival, and then checked in by a gentleman who was genuinely friendly and welcoming – he left a great impression. Overall, a comfortable and characterful stay in a lovely setting. We'd happily return.

This was a very unfriendly place. Even tho we cleared early arrival via email Owner was surly about it. The showers are not only very difficult to operate, there is a high step in which makes it difficult to get out. And it's slippery. I didn't feel safe. Breakfast was awful. There was no choice and the food was almost inedible for our US stomachs. We never felt welcomed. The hot water wasn't available for a 2nd shower. Owner did not care.

The rudest host I have ever encountered. No answer when we rang the bell at 5.50pm; had to phone the guesthouse to get in as we learnt that he had been asleep. When he came out to let us in he questioned us about other vehicles parked on the driveway- how would we know who they belonged to? Once inside he threw the registration form and pen on the table towards me. He asked if we wanted breakfast and I politely said no thank you. He said ’I take that as a no then’. When I gave him the registration card back he said ’Now I know where to send the ashes when the house burns down’. Was he trying to be funny or was he in a bad mood because we woke him up? Either way I wouldn’t recommend this place.

Didn't get the chance to stay as after booking online, I later got the emailed message "Actually we have no rooms left. We are going to have to ask you to cance;l (sic)" No apology or explanation why they were taking bookings when the hotel was full.