Celebrate New Year with us at The Dunstane

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Come New Year’s Eve The Dunstane Hotel will be right in the centre of all the fun, excitement and fireworks. After all, it wouldn’t be a Scottish Hogmanay without the proper festivities and celebrations, would it?? The Dunstane proudly opens its doors every year to millions of visitors and guests and Hogmanay is no different. In fact, Hogmanay is more of a reason to open our doors and invite new people in, to share and enjoy the experience of our hospitality.

Four Star Service and a Friendly Smile

The Dunstane is proud of its placing in the local community and the ability to bring guests and new business to the area. After all, tourists who come for Hogmanay stay for the scenery, the excitement and the brilliant Edinburgh shopping. We can promise you elegance and boutique style accommodation, our award winning restaurant—Skerries—where we serve freshly caught Blue Shell Shetland Mussels, Arran Salmon and some amazing cuts of Orkney beef that will literally melt in your mouth.

Hogmanay Menu and More

Amuse Bouche and celeriac soup are just two of the incredible starters you will find on our Hogmanay dinner menu. If you fancy getting your teeth into a juicy Angus Beef Tartare with quail’s egg, then go ahead; or how about a Poached Halibut or an Angus Beef Fillet for your main course? It’s all there just waiting.  Oh, and let us not forget the whole reason for the meal—the dessert—and you can let your taste buds water with the idea of Chocolate and Highland Park Whiskey tart. If chocolate isn’t your thing, you can finish with a selection of world class cheeses, served with crackers, grapes and fig jelly. End the night with a lovely rich cup of coffee or tea, which are served with a tasty selection of Petit Fours.

Hogmanay like no other

For the highly competitive price of £120 per night, per person, you can enjoy luxury accommodation and all the choices on the Hogmanay menu, plus so much more. You can’t beat Hogmanay in Scotland, so why try? Just come to the Dunstane, stay for the duration and have a Hogmanay that you will not forget for many years to come.       

The Dunstane girls go to the Scottish Hotel Awards!

The Dunstane Does The Scottish Hotel Awards!




The Dunstane team were out in force on Sunday night at the 2014 Scottish Hotel Awards which took place at The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa. This was our first year at the awards and what a great start we had! Shirley Mowat, Director, Samantha Wright, Sales & Revenue Manager and Laura Taylor, Head Housekeeper went along to join in the celebrations - not at all expecting any awards in our first year attending!

What a great evening put on by the Sheraton with good food, champagne flowing and great entertainment - including the vocal talent of Scotland's own Jai McDowall, Britain's Got Talent winner 2011.

Partnered up with another hotel from up north we sat patiently to congratulate others on their awards and wait to see who had won hotel of the year. Little did we expect to be congratulating our very own team!





Skerries Restaurant and Head Chef Martin Collins picked up a Gold Medal and a Highly commended award and Samantha Wright, Sales & Revenue Manager was a awarded a Gold Medal for Business Management. Jamie Trousdale, our newest member of Management, was also awarded a Rising Star award.






Well done to all involved! Looking forward to more of the same next year!!

The Dunstane - our new wine list launches next week!

At The Dunstane and in Skerries we have always been passionate about our wines, selecting only the finest and most diverse from around the globe. With the help of Wine Importers, a local company who fully support small independent businesses, the owners and managers of Dunstane personally taste and select each wine based on its individuality and quality.

The bi-annual event at Gleneagles Hotel where Wine Importers showcase their latest acquisitions and long standing favourites is the starting point in our search for the perfect wine list. The Directors, Derek and Shirley, along with Managers Samantha and Jamie went along to Gleneagles to begin the process of designing the new list in March this year.


Our new list has some surprising new entries - one to mention is the Stobi Vineyard in Macedonia which bowled us over at the tasting and now has two spots on the list! Other old favourites are back and still going strong - our friends Torres from Catalonia still have pride of place with their rose and they wonderful Muscat white - Vina Esmerelda.



To help our staff better explain our offering to your when you visit Skerries our Wine Importers friend - Neil Renton stopped by to train the staff on the new wines and refresh our memories of some of our favourites - although we cannot forget stories like the story of The Aberdeen Wine Company who make Capercaillie - one of our top sellers and highest quality Shiraz'. We all had a blast at the tasting and learned loads! Cant wait to pass it all on!!

Book your table now at www.thedunstane.co.uk or give us a call on 01313376169

The Dunstane - Meet the Senior Receptionist!

MEET THE…..SENIOR RECEPTIONIST - Dayne Hart

So Dayne…..you have been at The Dunstane over a year now…..time for an up close and personal look at you and your role!


1. What part of your new role as senior receptionist do you enjoy the most?

The added responsibility! Each and every day I am faced with a new challenge and I feel working so in-depth within both Reservations and Reception enables me to really go the extra mile for our guests on all fronts of their visit. Right from their booking, throughout their stay, until (sadly) they eventually have to check-out. Being so involved on all fronts allows me to really get to know guests which is the most enjoyable part of my role.

2. What part of the City Supervisor role do you really miss?

The Dunstane City, now our luxury townhouse, felt like my own little project. I felt almost entirely responsible for all guests who arrived and I quite enjoyed that. I knew the building inside-out and it was my first real taste of real responsibility within a work environment so it will always hold a special significance for me. Although the bar area was a lot smaller than our new Stroma Lounge, so it has definitely improved a lot since our refurb!

3. What’s the most challenging part of your role?

I think balancing my time.  On any given day I could be taking bookings, processing reservations, checking reservations, answering phone calls, making orders, serving breakfast, replying to e-mails, checking guests in, checking guests out, serving drinks and often helping with dinner service, so it can be quite a challenge to find a good balance between departments, although I always find time for our wonderful guests!

4. If you could change one thing at The Dunstane what would it be?

Some would suggest swimming pools and spas etc. but personally the thing that would really complete The Dunstane for me would be a comfortable Library with an open fire where guests could relax with a drink, sit back and loose themselves in classic novel. We used to have a Library before our refurb a number of years ago, who knows, maybe one day we could see it return?

5. What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you at Dunstane?

Well one night at around midnight I was closing up the bar and reception. The hotel was eerily quiet as we only had a few guests staying on this particular night. I locked up the front door and as I walked through reception I noticed that the door to the corridor at the top of the landing was wide open. I quickly looked to check if anyone was staying in that corridor on this night, when suddenly the door slammed closed with a loud bang which echoed throughout the hotel. Now I’m not a big believer in the Paranormal, but that made every hair on my body stand on end… 

6. What event are you looking forward to the most this year at The Dunstane?

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival! I have lived in Edinburgh for most of my life, now I am excited to experience a different dimension of it in a working capacity. Last year I was unable to work much during the month of august after sustaining a nasty injury playing football, which was such a let-down as I was really looking forward to the atmosphere within the hotel. All the guests are so excited during the festival and there is a real energy around Edinburgh which makes it an incredible place to be.

7. What’s your favourite dish on the menu?

The Haggis Bon-Bons with Home-made Chilli Jam is to die for, however I must say the Traditional Fish and Chips is my very favourite dish. The fish is cooked in a very light Tempura Batter which just melts in the mouth and the Home-made, Hand-cut Chips are like no other I have ever tasted! That question has really made me hungry!

8. Which is your favourite room at The Dunstane?

 It is very difficult to choose a favourite room. For a long time I would have answered room 205 at our Luxury Townhouse, largely because of the Super-king size bed and Jacuzzi bath! However I think the Blue Room, room 120 just wins it for me. The décor is so unique, and the bathroom is large and matches the blue of the bedroom. I had the pleasure of spending a night in the Blue Room one time and I was devastated to be leaving the room in the morning.

9. What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh in your spare time?

Golf! Scotland is just perfect for anyone who, like me, loves Golf. There are so many beautiful, picturesque courses in and around Edinburgh. If you are a keen golfer, I strongly urge you to bring your clubs with you the next time you visit Edinburgh… You will not regret it!

Thanks Dayne! Enjoy the rest of your shift!

The Dunstane Meet the Operations Manager!

The Dunstane – Edinburgh’s Boutique Hotel



Our ‘Behind the Scenes with the Staff’ series kicks off with Meet the Operations Manager – Jamie Trousdale.

So Jamie…..you have been at The Dunstane Hotel for a little over 6 months now…..time for an up close and personal look at you and your role at Edinburgh’s Boutique Hotel!

What is the most challenging part of your week?

I absolutely love getting to know our guests during their stay. I like to find out all about their plans and experiences of Edinburgh’s Tourist attractions! Whether they enjoyed their trip to Edinburgh Castle, whether they bought fudge on the Royal Yacht Britannia and whether they saw the Panda’s at Edinburgh Zoo! Without a doubt, the hardest part is saying goodbye when it is time for them to leave!

What part of your new role as operations manager do you enjoy the most?

I love being able to welcome our guests personally to the hotel, and being back on the frontline helping every individual person. We are strongly guest focused at The Dunstane and it is really important to me to make sure that all of our guests are looked after in the best possible way by our dedicated staff.

What part of Sales & Revenue do you really miss?

There’s just so much to learn about it is a constantly changing and developing market. Edinburgh Hotels especially are really exciting to be involved with. I really miss the Social Media side of the job – I love interacting with our guests on Facebook, Twitter and Google + and I just love keeping them up to date with our daily shenanigans on Pintrest so they can see life at the Dunstane Hotel behind the scenes.

If you could change one thing at the Dunstane what would it be?

A swimming pool would be absolutely fantastic – but I don't think the boss will go for it!! We do have some great links with local spa facilities though so our guests can take advantage of great discounts and special packages.

What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh in your spare time?

I have lived in Edinburgh for almost 5 years and still don't get bored of walking along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The old buildings completely fascinate me and I could do it for hours! There’s so much to see up there – not just Edinburgh Castle (which obviously dominates) but there’s some real hidden gems. Whisky shops, amazing restaurants, The Scotch Whisky Experience, Camera Obscura……too many to name!

What's the strangest thing that's happened to you at Dunstane?

The Dunstane is almost 200 years old. Being alone in this amazing Victorian mansion house at Christmas is one the most terrifying experiences of my life! Many staff believe there are ghosts, I'm not so sure but I was shaking anyway!

What event are you looking forward to the most this year at Dunstane?

Our Easter Family Fun day is going to be amazing! We have organised bouncy castles, face painters, wine tastings – something for everyone really! There’s also a fab Easter Sunday Lunch in Skerries that shouldn’t be missed!

What's your favourite dish on the menu?

I am a simple country boy – so love the new Stane Menu! The steak baguette is to die for with Chef’s home made mayo and the best Orkney beef cuts to set it off – perfection!

Which is your favourite room at The Dunstane Hotel?

All of our luxury rooms are gorgeous. My favourite is actually one of the deluxe doubles. Room 108 sits at the top of the hotel and makes me feel a little like a king! I like that. All the rooms are personally and individually designed so you can never get bored! A whole new experience every time you come and stay with us. If you have a particular favourite room we will always try and make sure you get it!

To book your room at Dunstane call us on 0131 3376169 or email our friendly team – reserve@thedunstane.co.uk

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Romantic Breaks at The Dunstane Hotel in Edinburgh

Sometimes we could all do with a little romantic break away with our other half, what with the hustle and bustle of the festive period it is nice to remember what is truly important to us so why not celebrate your love with a romantic break away to the capital. Here at the luxury 4 star Dunstane Hotel in Edinburgh, you’ll find a warm and romantic bedroom to make an intimate evening with the person you love. The Dunstane hotel is different other 4 star hotels, it combines luxury and a friendly environment through 38 opulent bedrooms, with a mix of Victorian splendour and professional cheery staff.

The Dunstane Hotel is located in the heart of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, which offers a romantic landscape thanks to famous landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood, many fantastic museums, galleries, and theatres. With a castle, a cobbled medieval Old Town, parks and hills, Edinburgh is designed for romance. Scotland's capital has produced some of the world's best known Scottish poets and writers, each inspired by the city's beauty.
You can't have a truly romantic escape, without a delicious dinner, and The Dunstane has the fantastic Skerries Restaurant & Bar which will set the scene for the rest of your evening. Inspired by the owner's Orcadian heritage you will find Blue Shell Shetland Mussels, a trio of Isle of Aaron Salmon and selected prime cuts of Orkney beef. Our home made desserts are a treat not to be missed.
Dive in and discover the beauty of the Scottish Capital and treat that special someone for an unforgettable and romantic break. Book a Romantic Escape at Dunstane Hotels – the price starting from £168.00 per person.

Romantic Break includes:

• Two nights' accommodation in The Dunstane Hotel
• Continental breakfast each in bed each morning
• A complimentary chilled bottle of champagne in your room for your arrival, box of luxury hand crafted chocolates and rose petals sprinkled on your bed
• Three course dinner one evening in our Skerries Restaurant

These prices are based on two people sharing a double/twin in Dunstane Hotel. Superior and four poster rooms are available; please speak to reservations for pricing. This break is not valid during the Valentines period 2013- see our Valentines break over this period.
Why not treat yourselves and add on some extras to your booking?
Speak to reservations to upgrade to a Superior or Four Poster room add some wine with dinner, flowers for your loved one or a late check out to make the most of your Romantic Break at Dunstane. Add a Sunday night on to your stay for 25% off our normal B&B rate…..the choices are endless!