Last updated: February 10, 2025
Nestled in a picturesque crescent within Edinburgh’s prestigious West End, The Bonham Hotel in Edinburgh is a brilliant choice if you’re looking for a luxury stay in the Scottish capital.
Created from three Victorian townhouses, The Bonham strikes the balance between classic Scottish charm and contemporary style and when we’re welcomed into the lavish lobby with its statement sweeping staircase and dark luxurious wood, it’s nice to see the staff wearing traditional tartan as they greet us warmly and check us in.
The History of The Bonham Hotel
The Bonham Hotel has a remarkable and well charted history which adds to the overall charm of this lovely hotel. This sought after street with its grand buildings and distinctive architectural features quickly became sought-after residences for the city’s elite in the 19th Century. Over the years, the townhouses changed hands with each owner leaving their mark on the property, becoming a private clinic delivering hundreds of babies, then a halls of residence for medical students and finally a luxury hotel in 1998 after being snapped up by the The Town House Company. Retaining its rich history, there’s nods to the Bonham’s past everywhere you look including period details, ornate fireplaces, intricate design features and incredible portraits in the hotel’s restaurant.
Superior Rooms and Suites
With 49 rooms and suites which are all individually styled, we loved our spacious room towards the top of the Bonham Hotel. With a built in closet style wardrobe there was ample space to hang our clothes and coats, while our room also featured a dressing table, huge Hypnos bed, and a table with plush comfy chairs positioned right by the bay windows. With views which included the pretty private gardens on the street below, we could also see right across Edinburgh and out to the Firth of Clyde, while the vintage telescope, crystal chandelier, studded pelmets and textured wallpaper really added the wow factor. The gleaming white bathroom with deep soaking tub, glistening tiles, fluffy dressing gowns and Gordon Castle toiletries added to the overall luxe experience.
No. 35 at The Bonham
No. 35 at The Bonham is a stunning restaurant with lavish interiors which compliment the original Georgian features of the original room with its wood panelled walls. With a cosy table by the window, we enjoyed gigantic fresh Orkney scallops with a sweet pea pannacotta, mango, dashi gel and oyster leaf, and slow cooked leven duck egg with salted cod brandade to start. It’s fancy food, but stays true to the ingredients – which are all locally sourced. My chunky halibut with crispy skin was simple yet delicious, while the shrimp butter with capers, and chervil and parsley mash lifted the dish with salty and herbaceous goodness. Amedei chocolate ganache was rich and decadent owing to the premium artisan chocolate used in the dish which is made with rare cocoa beans, while the duo of Scottish cheeses was equally delicious as we loaded up oat biscuits with Arran apple and plum chutney. The restaurant has an exquisite wine list with rare wines and a range of Pol Roger Champagnes which is a real treat for wine lovers, while you can also purchase some of these rare wines to take home with a 10% discount on the menu price.
After dinner, The Bonham Hotel’s beautiful lounge and bar areas are perfect for kicking back with a cocktail – you’ll feel like you’re retiring to the very grand rooms of a stately home.
Meanwhile, breakfast is also served at No. 35 and our traditional Scottish breakfast really hit the spot with a hearty serving of black pudding, haggis and tattie scone in addition to the usual bacon, sausage and eggs. There’s also a full buffet selection, coffee, tea and toast, yoghurts, fruits and pastries.
The Bonham Hotel – Location
The Bonham’s prime location in Edinburgh’s West End makes it the perfect base for exploring the city’s many attractions. The hotel is just a short walk from Princes Street, as well as the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the historic Royal Mile. The city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous theatres, museums, and galleries are all located nearby. We discovered an excellent bar after dinner called Downstairs at Betty’s which is only a five minute walk away – this piano bar offers singalongs and cocktails with acapella style renditions of classics and current hits. You’re literally spoiled for choice when staying at The Bonham because everything is on the doorstep.
With its rich history, luxurious rooms, exceptional dining options, and prime location, The Bonham Hotel is in a class of its own. As one of Edinburgh’s first boutique hotels, no doubt it will one of the city’s last! from £149 B&B for a double room. Book here.
