The Eskbank Hotel - Rathan House - 4-Star Hotel in Dalkeith

Breakfast is served as a communal event around a single large table, encouraging guests to share stories and local history provided by the hosts. The morning meal features a surprise selection of Scottish specialties, including smoked haddock with poached egg, salmon, or oat-breaded herring, often garnished with rose petals and marjoram. A buffet of cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurt, and pastries supplements the hot course, with dietary requirements accommodated on request.

Each guest room is accessible via private entrance and includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a flat-screen TV, and bed linen and towels. Beds are fitted with memory foam mattresses, and rooms overlook the Victorian-walled garden or the patio area with outdoor furniture. The property offers family rooms, twin rooms, and single rooms, all equipped with tea and coffee making facilities and a shoe polish kit.

The Eskbank Hotel - Rathan House is located 4.4 km from Dalhousie Castle and within 10 km of the University of Edinburgh. A bus stop directly outside the property provides a 30-minute ride into Edinburgh city centre, and Eskbank train station is a short drive away with free parking. Guests can walk to Dalkeith Country Park and Dalkeith Palace exhibition venue, while Rosslyn Chapel and Edinburgh Castle are easily reached by bus or car.

The property sits in a secluded garden setting that includes a croquet lawn and a picnic area with outdoor furniture. The garden is enclosed by Victorian walls, providing a quiet space for relaxation and play with the two resident dogs, Flora and Rowan. Guests can use the sun terrace and shared lounge/TV area, and bicycles can be stored safely in a covered shed.

The guest house welcomes children and offers family rooms that can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children, with patio doors opening directly onto the garden. Dogs are allowed free of charge, with pet bowls provided, and the hosts' own dogs are friendly and supervised. Car hire is available on-site, and the area supports cycling, hiking, and bowling, with a bowling alley accessible to guests.

Dining: Surprise Hebridean breakfasts served communally with local history stories

Rooms: Memory foam mattresses and private garden-facing rooms

Location: 30-minute bus ride to Edinburgh city centre

Gardens: Secluded Victorian-walled garden with croquet lawn

Pet Policy: Free dog stays with pet bowls provided

Awards: Scotland-wide Thistle competition award