Fodor's Expert Review The Bonham

35 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH3 7RN, Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland See on Map Fodor's Choice

There's a clubby atmosphere throughout this hotel, which carries on a successful, sophisticated flirtation with modernity. Contemporary furnishings nicely set off the late-19th-century architecture, and the hotel, which is located on a pleasant square, manages to give off a quiet, hideaway vibe despite being just minutes from Princes Street. Staff are very friendly.

Rooms at the back of the hotel have amazing views over the city as the hill drops away behind you. Worth asking when you book.

room

The high-ceilinged rooms are typical of an Edinburgh town house and have gorgeous architectural features mixed with dark wood furnishings, crushed velvet floors and light greys, browns and blues. Even standard rooms have chandeliers.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Sizes of the rooms can vary a little - check with reception when you book if this is an issue.

Bed reflected in mirror
Photo: Bed reflected in mirror
Superior Twin Room
Photo: Superior Twin Room
Eco Boutique Bathroom Amenities
Photo: Eco Boutique Bathroom Amenities

bathroom

Bathrooms have eco-boutique toiletries and soft towels in white and grey.

Eco Boutique Bathroom Amenities
Photo: Eco Boutique Bathroom Amenities
Main Entrance to The Bonham
Photo: Main Entrance to The Bonham

lobby

The lobby is a high ceiling-ed, welcoming affair, with wing-backed chairs and a carpet that apes traditional black and white tiles. There's free water and shortbread.

Main Entrance to The Bonham
Photo: Main Entrance to The Bonham
Slate of Sweet Treats
Photo: Slate of Sweet Treats

dining

The chic, unadorned restaurant focuses on beautifully presented modern classic cuisine starring quality Scots produce.

Slate of Sweet Treats
Photo: Slate of Sweet Treats

drinking

The cosy bar is often busy with punters treating themselves to afternoon tea, and has a good selecion of drinks plus a convivial vibe.

LOCATION

Getting Around

The hotel is a brisk walk from most of Edinburgh's main attractions, or a host of buses run from nearby Princes Street.

Restaurants

For a top-end treat, La Pompadour (8-minute walk) is a gorgeous French-style restaurant within the Waldorf Astoria - The Caledonian hotel. Or The Purslane (18-minute walk, 12-minute bus, or 8-minute drive) offers fresh, delicious Scottish game and seafood by candelight.

Bars

Go full Scots and try a ceilidh (a Scottish country dance) at Ghillie Dhu (9-minute walk) every Friday and Saturday night; they are a lot of fun, we promise. Or Harry's Bar (5-minute walk) is a nice bar that's also a social enterprise.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Want an exclusive-feeling hotel with friendly staff, good food, and sleek design, often at prices that seem like a steal for this kind of restrained luxury and elegance? The Bonham's got your name on it.

QUICK FACTS

Hotel
Quiet
Central
$$$

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 0131-226–6050

What’s Nearby

People also liked

The Dunstane Houses

$$$ | 4 West Coates & 5 Hampton Terrace, Haymarket Edinburgh, EH12 5JQ, Scotland

A gem of a boutique hotel in a city strangely not overly blessed in th... Read More

Barony House

$$$ | 20 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh, EH9 2BZ, Scotland

It's hard to imagine a couple better suited for running a B&B than... Read More

Hotel Ceildh-Donia

$$ | 14-16 Marchhall Crescent, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH16 5HL, Scotland

More like a small hotel than a B&B, the Ceilidh-Donia is a welcomi... Read More

Radisson Blu Edinburgh

$$ | 80 High Street, The Royal Mile, EH1 1TH, Edinburgh, Scotland

Right on the Royal Mile, in an old stone building that's a little remi... Read More

14 Hart Street

$$ | 14 Hart Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3RN, Scotland

This excellent B&B is in a quiet, picturesque Georgian neighborhoo... Read More

The Principal

$$$ | 19-21 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PB, Scotland

A historic hotel on elegant George Street, the Principal Edinburgh is... Read More