The Dunstane - Meet our Head Housekeeper - Laura Taylor

Another instalment of - MEET THE…..Head Housekeeper – Laura Taylor

Hi Laura, so you have been at The Dunstane for over 8 years now…. Tell us….

1. You have covered so many different areas of the hotel and learned so many different roles….what do you like the most?

I have enjoyed all my roles at The Dunstane, all of them are different but I love the guest interaction you get when working in the bar and restaurant. I do like helping out when I can in any department as I learn more about the hotel that way. But definitely my favourite department is my own as I am very passionate about maintaining the high standards of cleanliness throughout the hotel that we are well known for! The rooms are my babies! I have a great team too that also makes my job easier.

2. Did you like the guest interaction in your role at the Townhouse?

The interaction with the guests was definitely the best part of working a the Townhouse. Finding out about our guests and what they were doing her in Edinburgh - especially getting to know the regulars was great. I always had a story or two to tell them myself and I now have a long list of place son my list to visit as a result of their recommendations.

3. You briefly did Revive at the Dunstane, tell us about that. Was it a rewarding experience?

I am also a trained beauty therapist and I love working at the Dunstane so I thought it would be a great idea to combine the two roles! I transformed one of the bedrooms into a beauty therapy room for guests and outside clients. Although in the end it didn't work out at the time it was rewarding I am an so glad I had the opportunity to try it.

4. What is your favourite memory in the hotel?

My favourite memories from the Dunstane have to be the Christmas staff parties! Everyone who knows me knows I get a little excited as each one gets close. I have been to 9 parties now and every one has been so much fun! All staff here get on so well which makes them so much better. I think if I ever leave The Dunstane I will keep coming to the parties!!


5. What is your favourite room in the hotel?

My favourite room has to be room 108 the deluxe double room in the main building. Especially after the refurb - the colour scheme is just so me!

6. Do you prefer the Townhouse or the main building?

I love them both! they are both so different in style, but I would have to say probably the main building as that is where I started all those years ago!

7. What’s the funniest things that’s ever happened to you in Housekeeping at Dunstane?

Has to be when a young couple were staying for their honeymoon - they were obviously in high spirits and decided to play a practical joke. They went out for the day and left a plastic poo in the middle of the bathroom floor. One of the housekeepers came to get me armed with rubber gloves and bags etc and was absolutely mortified. you should have seen her face when she went to pick it up and realised it wasn't real!!


8. If you could make one change to the hotel, what would it be?

A lift! Although I actually don't think I would be as fit as I am now! I have always said I would love to have a conservatory built on to the front of the hotel for the guests to enjoy a glass of wine or two as well. If I had to pick though I would love a god run built somewhere so my dog could come to work with me and I would never be away from the hotel!

9. What is your Housekeeping worst nightmare?

Definitely running out of laundry when we have a full hotel and lots of arrivals! I have never made beds so fast in my life!

10. Describe your perfect day in Edinburgh.

My perfect day in Edinburgh would have to be a nice hot sunny day in August during the Edinburgh Festival. It would start with a walk down to the Royal Yacht Britannia and afterwards I would find a little restaurant with tables outside for a bite to eat and a nice chilled glass of wine. then a stroll up to the Royal Mile to soak up the festival atmosphere and see some street entertainers. Then in the evening maybe a show or two!!

Thanks Laura - its good to see a bit of Dunstane behind the scenes! We really appreciate all your hard work - it wouldn't be the same without you and I am sure our guests agree!

The Royal Highland Show

Edinburgh; the city of history and romance, of excitement and year-round entertainment.  If you are considering coming for a weekend break, Edinburgh has a range of festivals and events to suit every taste.  Throughout the year Edinburgh is a source of romance, entertainment and joy and visiting us at any time of year is a treat that no one will ever look back on with anything other than wonderful memories.

Image Credit: Creative Commons

A touch of Royalty

With summer well and truly arrived the City is filled with anticipation and excitement about the upcoming start of the Royal Highland Show, this year taking part on the long weekend of 19^th- 22^nd June. The Royal Highland Show—as it is known now—began in 1822 and was, in those days, a nomadic show which travelled between various cities in each year. Only in 1959 did it finally become static in Edinburgh, putting down roots as the Royal Highland Show, after it was bestowed the title in 1948 by King George VI.  Some of the main attractions of the Royal Highland Show are the Livestock shows, where people exhibit their cattle, sheep, ponies, horses, goats and many other breeds, hoping to win prizes.  There is also the Rural and Agricultural part of the show where visitors can view the huge variety of machines used in the farming world. There are equine supplies, sporting goods for outdoor sports, apparel and so much more. The weekend—Thursday through Sunday—is a plethora of exhibitions, food, music, children’s events, entertainment and so much more to entice all visitors.

An Event for all Seasons

If you intend to visit for the entire Royal Highland Show you will probably want to book a weekend break in Edinburgh, starting from the Wednesday night, through to the Sunday night or Monday morning.  One of the best places to stay is the Dunstane Hotel; right at the centre of all the action! Our boutique hotel is stylish, classy and offers spring breaks from as little as £75 per night. Even if you are not staying just for the Royal Highland Show, but want to extend your stay for shopping, golfing or rugby breaks, you can arrange your stay there. How about a romantic weekend in Edinburgh to celebrate a milestone anniversary? You can spend the night in a period four-poster with room service and breakfast in bed. Give us a call today and book your room for a weekend to remember.

The Dunstane - Top 5 Edinburgh Attractions

The Dunstane - Top 5 Edinburgh Attractions

The Dunstane - Top 5 Edinburgh Attractions

Edinburgh boasts a fantastic array of exciting attractions which will make for an immersing and truly enjoyable visit. Indeed, the city’s variety of tantalising sights and culture soaked delights will ensure an excellent escape which guests of all ages will enjoy. Choose to explore these exciting attractions and stay at one the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh with The Dunstane!

Indeed, the National Museum of Scotland offers a fantastic display of the natural world, cultures, science and technology as well as art and design and Scottish history. Additionally, with a number of activities for younger and older guests, the National Museum of Scotland will truly make for an excellent attraction.

Choose to visit the dramatic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy breathtaking views over the city as well as an array of military and historical attractions. Dominating the city’s skyline, the Edinburgh Castle is a truly iconic sight and one that will ensure guests enjoy a range of exciting sights.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions offers guests truly unique panoramic views over the city from the camera obscura as well as from a rooftop terrace. The attraction also boasts an array of thrilling optical illusions, tricks and mazes across five floors with guests being treated to a truly exciting extravaganza of activities.

The Scottish National Gallery offers a national collection of fine art and is free to enter. Although some exhibitions may charge, the Scottish National Gallery boasts a fantastic display of art from a range of styles and artists. Indeed, guests will be able to discover an array of truly excellent art in a fantastic setting.

The Edinburgh Zoo is a fantastic attraction and offers a diverse range of animals as well as a programme of educational workshops and activities which guests of all ages will enjoy. Additionally, with a number of play areas and an excellent gift shop, Edinburgh Zoo will ensure an immersing attraction for all the family to enjoy.

Choose to explore Edinburgh’s excellent array of exciting attractions before retreating to one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh. Certainly, The Dunstane will ensure a relaxing and truly exclusive stay as you discover Edinburgh’s fantastic sights!

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Attractions

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Attractions

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Attractions

A city soaked in rich culture, history and tradition, Edinburgh boasts an immersing and truly excellent array of attractions and sights to discover. Choose to stay at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh and explore the city’s array of enticing delights as you relax in sheer exclusivity at The Dunstane.

Indeed, you will be able to immerse yourself in fantastic shopping before discovering the dramatic Edinburgh Castle and its array of thrilling sights. Additionally, choose to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia and indulge yourself with one of the country’s finest visitor attractions which guests of all ages will enjoy. Immerse yourself in beautiful royalty and discover an array of luxurious pleasures. Explore Edinburgh Zoo and discover an array of exciting sights and thrilling attractions which will facilitate in ensuring a truly fantastic visit. Edinburgh also boasts a number of excellent street markets where an array of unique items and tantalising treasures await in eager anticipation. Enjoy delicious hot street food and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of rapturous crowds exploring a range of enticing delights. Choose to visit Murrayfield and enjoy a thrilling rugby spectacle of fierce encounters and electric energy for all to enjoy.

Following the day’s forays choose to escape to one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh and relax in sheer exclusivity at The Dunstane. Treat yourself to scrumptious food at the excellent Skerries Restaurant where you will enjoy the finest local ingredients before escaping to our relaxing rooms. One of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh, The Dunstane will facilitate in ensuring you enjoy a fantastic escape in sheer exclusivity.

With that being said, don’t hesitate to discover Edinburgh’s array of excellent attractions and treat yourself to a relaxing retreat at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh. Certainly, The Dunstane will facilitate in ensuring you enjoy a truly unforgettable visit in sheer style! 

For more information contact The Dunstane on 0131 337 6169 and someone from our lovely team will get back to you as soon as possible.