Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
45 Eskbank Road Eskbank, Dalkeith EH22 3BH Scotland
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About
#1 of 4 B&Bs in Dalkeith
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Value
BUS ( no. 3) to Edinburgh Royal Mile - 24 hra ( every 7 mins weekdays) from Rathan House driveway. Cost £1.50/ bus journey.Family Rooms - 2 doubles 3 twin 1 single 1 ( all ensuite)Airport ( 12 miles...95% dual carriageway) 16 minutesFamily holiday oriented upmarket Scottish Tourist Board quality rated 4 star guesthouse - with Parking in the Grounds - set in the leafy Eskbank conservation area with large sheltered peaceful 3/4 acres beautiful walled garden - with a croquet lawn. In an ideal location for park and ride to Edinburgh Scotland. . 7 all en-suite rooms with great memory foam medium firm mattresses. 1 very large and 1 smaller family room. 3 doubles and 1 twin . Near to Dalhousie Castle, Roslin Chapel, Dalkeith palace Adventure Playground and Country park & The Butterfly Farm. Well behaved dogs welcome. 13 Miles from Edinburgh Airport - along A720 (dual carriageway) making Dalkeith a great base for getting quickly to and from the airport for an Edinburgh fly/drive visit. It is also true that the road route into/out of Edinburgh is quicker than from any other direction. There are 6 restaurants/pubs within 2-5 min walk. 1 excellent - ITIHAAS - is 140 yds away. Bus runs every 10 mins to central Edinburgh from stop 30 meters from the driveway. Edinburgh Airport is a 14 minutes drive - 90% of which is dual carriageway...which makes Dalkeith a great base for Flydrive Edinburgh visits. Breakfasts:-Edwardian/ Highland in style - 10 cooked options including 5 seafood dishes - 3 courses - the opposite of an Ulster Fry. Signature dish - "Spealtragan" which few will have tasted. Curious? Let the fairy pipers DE-STRESS you at Rathan House in Eskbank! Dalkeith EH22 3BH
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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Breakfast available
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Room features
Flatscreen TV
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, French, German
Location
48Car recommended
Grade: 48 out of 100
24Restaurantswithin 0.75 miles
13Attractionswithin 0.75 miles
45 Eskbank Road Eskbank, Dalkeith EH22 3BH Scotland
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323Reviews1Q+A43Room tips
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Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
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This place is an under-the-radar gem. Not only is it convenient to Edinburgh and the Lothians, the breakfasts were marvelous. Two blocks away from shopping and the park. I heard the Indian restaurant nearby is very good. If I am ever in the area, I hope to return for more wonderful stories. Thank you, kind hosts.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
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Room Tip: The bus stop is just two doors away. Skip the car.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Stayed 4 days at Rathan house in the single room. It's small (which was fine) but thoughtfully and warmly furnished. The owners Ewan and Irene are a lovely couple, who are together the best of the entire reason to stay at BnBs and small family run hotels. Came back with stories for days. Breakfast was good and filling including goodly helping of seasonal fruit, which I appreciated. The bed and pillows comfortable with an electric blanket to boot in this moment as the season is just turning. The water pressure was excellent. All round good vibes. Accessible to different parts of Edinburgh/its suburbs via a few different buses. I made the unfortunate mistake of booking an early flight out but Ewan was kind enough to help me organise a taxi. My enduring thanks! Book direct on their website if you can.…
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ewan MacRae, Owner at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
Responded 8 Oct 2023
If all our guests were as nice as you..............
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Room was clean and well decorated, plenty of room in the family room. Owner friendly and informative about local places to visit , transport etc. breakfast was quirky - as it was Hebridean, based on fish. Nice to try for one day , but would have preferred to have eaten a breakfast of choice rather than a surprise breakfast.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ewan MacRae, Owner at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
Responded 27 Aug 2023
We totally understand your point......and we used to give menus. The first course is fresh fruit salad ( berries peaches etc) ..and then cereals. Bread is straight from the bakers oven every day. Guests comment on this to us and appear to love that......however our 3rd course is as you say 75% fish. We have 6 different trad fish dishes . With a menu Finnan Haddy or Spealtraggan & even fishcakes were almost zero choices. WE hope people like to try local food . If we just give people dishes they dont know . according to our survey of guests .....80% say we should continie to do it as we do. Clearly there will be 10% not too keen and we expect them to tell us and A we can quickly rustole up scramboed egg and plan for something different on day 2. We do try to please and are senitive to those who dont want to go there. That said most have eaten plenty by the time the cooked course arrives.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a fabulous stay at Rathan House. Beautiful clean and comfy room with comfy beds and a great shower. Breakfast experience is fantastic. No rushing, excellent food and full of surprises. We loved it and will definitely go back again. Perfect for getting in and out of Edinburgh by bus and easy walks for dining out in Dalkeith. Loved it!
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ewan MacRae, Owner at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
Responded 9 Aug 2023
We do try and it is great when our lovely guests are pleased.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Booked here as the guest house was very close to the golf club where we were attending a series of family get togethers. Absolutely nothing wrong with the room. Clean and comfortable. Cannot comment on the breakfast as we did not have breakfast. Only met the host on check in and check out. Lots of restaurants close by and bus stop outside the guest house.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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We ejoyed the time and effort at the breakfasts, fresh food and comprehensive meals. The gathering round the giant table each morning is memorable. Private off street parking for all occupants. Thank you Ewan and Irene for a lovely and friendly stay!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Room Tip: Expect a landlord who will make your stay interesting, informative, friendly and somewhat...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ewan MacRae, Owner at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
Responded 13 Jul 2023
If everyone in Norway is as nice as you then we should holiday there. Haste ye back
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Having read various reviews prior to arrival we thought our overnight stay could be interesting and were very much looking forward to the healthy Hebridean breakfast menu as advertised. Disappointing is an understatement……..served a handful of fresh fruit followed with a fried fish cake with no choice given. As per their website we decided to book directly to save ourselves a small amount and also save the hosts paying fees. This was a costly mistake as when paying I trusted I was being charged as quoted by phone and on website, but was charged an additional £16.00 for breakfast which made the booking much more expensive than going through booking.com. I have emailed the host twice to question this and have received no response.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Room Tip: Do not book direct with owners
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Ewan MacRae, Owner at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
Responded 3 Jul 2023
We are sorry you did not enjoy youtr stay. Do note that when you book with us ( Through Booking ,com or direct) or with the Premier Inn the price quoted does not include breakfast. If, as we used to do we included breakfast in our prices , we would appear to be far less competitive as compared with hotels. It makes sense for the prospective guest to compare like with like I am sorry you only got a handful of fruit salad. On the dining room sideboard theer was a full bowl of it and most was left. There was Actimel ( for gut bug health) and yoghurts made in Scotland. Fresh breaa from the bakers every morning and home grown home made jams ( and marmalade from the Highlands made by Irene4's brother. ) You must have noted that our prices are £50-200 / night cheaper than nearby hotels / alternatives and £400/ night less than one Edinburgh Guesthouse. I apologise for having to charge what we do, but our 3 housekeeping heplers have seen their rate go up 42 % in 6 years and this year we calculate our breakfast food costs are up by 38%. Clearly out prices had to rise. It does not work to run a B&B at a loss. ( Obviously)_ Incidentally our clenaerss have twice as much time in the roo housekeeping tassks as compared with a local chain hotel group. Our rooms also benefit from being aired every day, ( unlike some chain hotels wher aparently some seeking a freebie woukd climb in an unlocked window ) You seem rto not have had enough grub or notyed that there were lots of different offerings, Normally there are 5 different fish offerings and those who dont look as if they are confident about the likes of smokies or finnan haddy we usually start them wwwith a fish cake ( which is fish cheese and potato......and on day 2 -3 we usually find english guests being more adventurous, There are 7 fish choices. There are those who prefer fried up death on a plate and w eshall never please them. On day one those who look as if they wont prefer what the doctor ordered ( Healthy grub) have a smoked haddock and cheese fishcake. Sometimes that leads to interesting scottish grub on day 2 or someone looking daggers. The notion of getting all your daily need of opmega 3 , fruit and veg at breakies pleases most. The fact that they taste great is a bonus. Bear in mind that B&B's have just had 2.5 years of 15% of normal income. One result is that 38 B&B's within 5 miles of Rathan have closed down, If you do book through Booking.com we still charge breakies separately but 16.5% commission has to be costed in to the price. We do have a "TASTE of SCOTLAND" award from the Scottish Tourist Board and we do advertise the fact that we do not fry or serve english breakfasts. You miss the fibre yoghurt fresh baking and cheese elements. A breakfaster at Rathan should be able to have all 5 of the food elements a doctor would recommend for every day. I do have to say that while we are the cheapest for miles ariound - we do not try to compete on price. WE do try to have the best hebridean breakies there is but we do understand that those brought up on ulster fry type breafasts may be disapointed, So on value a one star rating seems unfair ( how can you get one star when you are the cheapest). 5 stars on location thank you but being in a leafy conservation area helps. On service.....as a B&B we offer parking bed plumbing and breafast but definitely dont offer other services. We do the best we can in our idiosynchratic way, There are not too many who know what a hebridean breakies looks like.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Not the most welcoming of places! We both thought the owner had a strange manner about him, making us both a bit unsettled. However, the guest house itself was lovely, the breakfast was 'interesting', nice to try traditional foods. Our room was fairly basic, towels could do with an upgrade and we both decided the room was only 'just' clean. Ironically, there was also a note to check no makeup would be left on the pillows!! Wouldn't rush back............worth reading some of the negative reviews as some certainly ring true.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Room Tip: Read the reviews!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Ewan MacRae, Owner at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
Responded 13 Jul 2023
This review caused me some shock and to have a wee giggle. I showed it to the 3 housekeeping support ladies ( all approaching retirement age) and their reaction astonished me. I didnt know such refined ladies knew such words. You are right about the towels....on the lsit fro 2024.. 2 .4 years of govt closure and covid anti mixing religion has meant cash flow backwards by a 6 fig sum. Overall over 30 B&'s in east midlothian have closed ?died /retired in 10 years. Notwithstanding that we have new 6 fig borrowings to shore up and spent large on redecorating 4 of our 5 B&B rooms and their ensuites including a new shower/shower enclosures new wc's. Unfortunately this guest could not say everything sparkled, as she and her husband did not actually stay in any of our B&B rooms. He had a sore knee and so I reallocated them to a ground floor private room in our own house. She is right - not about cleanliness but it hadnt been redecorated for 7 years ( It is our own private spare bedroom so no need) - it does not obviously sparkle the way the redecorated rooms in the B&B do, It will teach me not to try to be helpful/kind but stick to the contract. On service. A B&B invariably lacks some of the services of a staffed up hotel. On Price we are the cheapest for miles. On me being me. Cant help being me! You have to hand it to the writer and her courage . I suppose the clue was in what she said about how surprised she was on her trip ( Good weather in scotland ...scots seem quite civilised ..??.....some do forget that Scotland had 4 universities when england had just 2.. Edinburgh was the font of the age of european enlightenment) Got the knife in and twisted it. Wow!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
An enlightening and refreshing experience! The room was lovely, clean, and comfortable. We had a lovely view of the garden, and the dog and the pup playing there. The bathroom was immaculate. It was easy to park at the property. We had breakfast twice, served by the eloquent owner Ewan. Not the usual breakfast, but a continental and Scottish mix (rowies are a must) - every day was a surprise. We were served fish, fruits, yoghurt, the works. All accompanied with a great chat with Ewan about Scottish history, politics, and economics, as well as his adventures and experiences. The house was beautiful with a rich history attached, a lovely garden, a peaceful environment, and two wonderful hosts! We would gladly return!
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Ewan MacRae, Owner at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
Responded 9 Aug 2023
It is almost embarassing to have such nice reviews. For what it is worth we love talking to guests........(but try to be sensitive when it isnt wanted.)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The building is just wonderful. Was shown to a downstairs room overlooking the back garden as we had the dog with us. Room was huge, loved the wet room. The owner explained he wouldn't be doing breakfast as he was getting the decorators in the next morning and that he almost cancelled our booking. I think we were the only guests.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Ewan MacRae, Owner at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
Responded 1 May 2023
4 Tradesmen had arrived for improvements / repairs / additions. I was concerned not to have your experience affected by what they were doing. You can never plan 100% for when tradesmen will arrive to do jobs. I could not promise that the gas checks would not be carried out on dining room gas fire or kitchen boiler. I did manage to transfer other guests to a friendly competitor at the last minute. It seemed like a good option to ask you to breakfast elsewhere ( just in case) . Pity however as we had some Arbroath smokies.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$73 - US$134 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandMidlothianDalkeith
NUMBER OF ROOMS
1
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Claim Your ListingRATHAN HOUSE - THE GUESTHOUSE AT ESKBANK - Updated 2023 (Dalkeith)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
Which popular attractions are close to Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank?
Nearby attractions include Newbattle Abbey (0.7 miles), Dalkeith Corn Exchange Museum (0.6 miles), and Dalkeith Palace (0.7 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, internet access, and breakfast.
What food & drink options are available at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank?
Guests can enjoy breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank?
Conveniently located restaurants include Itihaas, Bombay Lounge, and Lavender Coffee & Crumbs.
Is Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the centre of Dalkeith.
Are pets allowed at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, and German.
Are there any historical sites close to Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Gilmerton Cove (2.4 miles), Craigmillar Castle (3.8 miles), and Crichton Castle (4.7 miles).