A Quaint Scottish Gem: Our Stay at Braid Hills Hotel, Edinburgh
Nestled in the rolling hills just a short bus ride from Edinburgh’s bustling city centre, the Braid Hills Hotel offers the perfect balance between peaceful rural charm and easy urban access. This Victorian-era hotel, with its warm Scottish welcome, sweeping hilltop views, and refined dining, proved to be the ideal base for our recent Edinburgh weekend getaway.
From the moment we arrived, we realised this wasn’t any old generic city hotel. The Braid Hills has an old-world charm that feels genuinely Scottish – not the tartan clichés of tourist shops, but an authentic home away from home. Set in beautifully kept grounds, the hotel commands panoramic views over the Pentland Hills, yet sits just a 15-minute bus ride from the heart of the city. For visitors during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, it’s a dream, close enough to dive into the action, yet far enough to retreat to tranquillity when the day’s excitement winds down.
One of the most striking things about our stay was the warmth and attentiveness of the staff. In many hotels, service either feels perfunctory or overly rehearsed; here it was neither. Every interaction felt genuine and like you were chatting to a friend; from the front desk to the 1886 Restaurant. The restaurant team, in particular, struck that delicate balance between attentive fine-dining service and the kind of friendly warmth that makes you feel instantly at home. It’s not often you get service of this calibre at such reasonable prices. While the experience felt high-end, there was nothing stuffy or pretentious about it – just genuine good hospitality.
Our room was standout. In an age where “spacious” can mean little more than space to walk around the bed, the Braid Hills Hotel gave us an enormous room with tall windows framing spectacular views over the hills. From dawn light spilling across the Pentlands to the golden glow of sunset, it felt like a constantly changing painting, just outside of our window. The décor matched the building’s heritage – traditional yet comfortable, with cosy touches that made it a joy to return to after a day of exploring Edinburgh.
Adding to the charm is the hotel’s unofficial mascot: a gorgeous, friendly cat who seems to know exactly when to appear to cause mischief. Whether lounging in the reception area or padding around the garden, this kitty added an unmistakably homely touch. It’s the sort of detail that makes you remember a place long after you’ve checked out – we took lots of photos with him.
The heart of our stay, and arguably the hotel’s jewel, was our dinner at the 1886 Restaurant. With its elegant yet relaxed setting, the restaurant champions Scottish produce with a menu rooted in local provenance. The hotel proudly states: “All our key ingredients are well sourced from reputable local suppliers. Provenance is important to us and we aim to showcase great Scottish produce throughout our food offering. Our team of chefs are dedicated to producing well balanced, simple food with great flavour. Presenting amazing dishes with a keen eye for detail and flare is our passion.”
We began with haggis bonbons served with grain mustard mayonnaise – our first ever taste of haggis, and an enjoyable one at that. Crispy on the outside, rich and peppery within, it was a dish that immediately made us question why we hadn’t tried it sooner – it’s not a common feature on London menus that’s for sure. The steamed Scottish mussels with garlic and white wine cream were plump, tender, and perfectly complemented by crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of the velvety sauce.
For mains, we chose the pan-seared chicken breast with compressed leek terrine, dauphinoise potatoes, and white wine sauce- beautifully cooked with a balance of richness and freshness. The 6oz rump steak was equally impressive, paired with onion rings, roast vine tomatoes, mushrooms, and the indulgence of both peppercorn and whisky sauces. Dessert brought a prune and crème brûlée tart with glazed banana, a clever pairing of textures and flavours that rounded the meal perfectly. To accompany all this, we sampled a couple of cocktails – each creative, vibrant, and a pleasant surprise for such a rural location, where you don’t always expect the best mixology.
Breakfast was served in the same airy dining room, with those sweeping hill views as a backdrop. The spread was generous, with both cooked Scottish options and lighter continental fare. A word of advice: get there early. While the quality was excellent, the later you arrive, the busier it gets, and the more you risk missing out on some of the best items fresh from the kitchen.
Our journey north set the tone for the whole trip. We travelled first class with Avanti West Coast direct from London – a 6–7 hour journey that felt like a fraction of the time thanks to excellent service, delicious food, and a steady flow of drinks. It was a reminder that sometimes the journey itself can be part of the holiday. Starting fares to Edinburgh are from as little as £48.00 – so always worth comparing against flights.
In a city brimming with accommodation choices, the Braid Hills Hotel stands out not through flashy gimmicks, but through a simple, compelling formula: location that combines rural charm with city access, atmosphere that feels quaint and authentically Scottish, service that is both friendly and attentive, rooms that are generously proportioned and beautifully appointed, and dining that celebrates Scotland’s best produce with skill and flair. Little extras, like the presence of the hotel cat or thoughtful touches in the room, give it personality and heart.
If you’re looking for a stay that blends the romance of rural Scotland with the convenience of Edinburgh’s city life, the Braid Hills Hotel offers the best of both worlds. It’s a hotel where the welcome feels personal, the food celebrates Scottish heritage, and the views stay with you long after you’ve left. Whether you’re here for the Fringe, a romantic weekend, or simply a peaceful getaway, this is the sort of place you find yourself recommending to friends.
Find out more > www.braidhillshotel.com
