94DR

21st-century guesthouse with easy access to Edinburgh city centre, whose owners tread a perfect line between fabulous and fussy service

With its moody architecture, dramatic history and lively year-round cultural scene, it’s little wonder Edinburgh is a classic weekend destination. The problem, until recently, was where to stay. Yes, there are more luxury hotels in the city than you can shake a can of Irn Bru at, but they tend to fall into two camps: slightly stuffy tartan wonders, or the hospitality equivalent of style bars, packed to the rafters with the Footballers’ Wives crowd.

Thankfully, there is now a third way, in the shape of 94DR’s contemporary boutique B&B (the name comes from the address: 94 Dalkeith Road). Run with friendly attention to detail by former restaurateurs and marketeers, Paul Lightfoot and John MacEwan, this seven-bedroom townhouse, in the city’s just-out-of-town Southside (part of the elegant Blackett conservation area), is as well suited for a romantic love-in as it is for a family to set up their base camp.

A Victorian tiled entrance hall, high ceilings and fresh flowers set a sophisticated tone, but the overall feel is unpretentious and willing. The B&B’s real USP, however, is the owners’ enthusiasm. Paul and John are obviously in the business because they get a buzz from it and guests leave feeling cherished rather than chided.

Highs

• Sumptuous bedrooms with period details but bold design touches
• The bathrooms are truly decadent, with underfloor heating and White Company toiletries
• We loved the designer teddy bears, honesty bar and other homely touches
• Access to insider knowledge of Edinburgh’s bars, shops and, particularly, restaurants, comes as standard
• Fantastic breakfasts are cooked to order and always include imaginative daily specials

Lows

• The location is slightly out on a limb, but a short one; buses will get you into the city centre in 10 minutes (or a taxi costs around a fiver), and you're near the base of Arthur's Seat if you need some fresh air
• It’s set on a busy road but is well-shielded from traffic noise, especially the back rooms
• My room had no full-length mirror
• There’s no fresh milk or coffee in the bedrooms, but guests can help themselves to both (and to a Nespresso machine) in the lounge, or request a jug of fresh milk
• Breakfast is pretty early but if you want a lie-in you can order a breakfast box to be delivered to your room