B+B Edinburgh

Refurbished in 2011, B+B Edinburgh is housed in a historic building erected in 1883, which was the home of wealthy newspaper owner John Ritchie. The inn displays a painting of Ritchie and various clippings from his newspaper. The inn's interiors have a well-designed contemporary feel, but many of the original elements such as door handles, faucet handles, a marble staircase, and several wood-burning fireplaces were kept. The B+B Edinburgh attracts a largely leisure travel crowd, who gather in the light and airy breakfast room with hardwood floors and fireplace, or in the elegant library lounge with newspapers and free coffee, tea, and biscuits.

B+B Edinburgh is on Rothesay Terrace in the upscale West End, the cultural center of the city and home to many historic Georgian terraced houses. The city center and Princes Street shopping are a 10-minute walk east, so this inn's location is good for travelers who want city center access without the commotion and noise of staying there. The West End – Princes Street tram is a five-minute walk southeast and Haymarket train station is a 10-minute walk or three-minute drive south. Located within a 10-minute walk north, the charming and historic Dean Village area is a terrific place for a stroll. Northeast of Dean Village is Stockbridge, which has an excellent Sunday market. The National Galleries Scotland are a 10-minute walk north, and Usher Hall concert hall is a 15-minute walk southeast. Old Town and Edinburgh Castle are a five-minute drive east of the inn, while Edinburgh Airport is a 20-minute drive west. 

Situated on four floors, the 27 non-smoking rooms at B+B Edinburgh have an upscale, modern vibe. There are no notable smells or noise problems, and rooms are in excellent condition. The color palette is largely white, beige, and brown, and rooms feature plush white cotton beds, many with tartan plaid throw pillows and large-scale original paintings or prints serving as headboards. Some double beds are two single beds pushed together. Most rooms are large, except for those in the Petite category Rooms. All come with free national calls, coffee/tea makers, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen digital TVs with satellite channels. Some rooms have views of Edinburgh Castle. Rooms do not have safes, minibars, hairdryers, or irons, although the hairdryers and irons are available at reception. Bathrooms are clean, modern, and done in all white, with old-fashioned handles on the sink, and premium bath products. There's not much counter space, but the sinks have glass ledges under the mirrors. Some bathrooms have only showers, no tubs. Up to two well-trained dogs are allowed in each room, but guests must pay a refundable deposit. The hotel also has two ADA-adapted rooms, which many older hotel buildings in Edinburgh do not. 

The breakfast part of the bed-and-breakfast at the inn is excellent, with a free spread of cereals, toast, and fruit, plus a full cooked-to-order Scottish breakfast with haggis, black pudding, eggs, square sausage, and more. The hot meats are grilled in a way to make them healthier than typical fried fare. Fresh tea and coffee are available all day. Located in the drawing room overlooking Rothesay Terrace, the cocktail bar offers a wide selection of beer, wine, and malt whiskies. Featuring a fireplace, bookshelves, soft sofas, a laptop, and daily newspapers, the library lounge offers coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and biscuits 24 hours a day. The hotel also has parking (for a fee), a business center and free laptop rental (depending on availability). As a small inn, the B+B has no swimming pool, sauna, steam room, spa or fitness center, but it lets guests borrow bikes for jaunts around Edinburgh. There is no full restaurant for lunch and dinner on-site, but several restaurants are within walking distance of the inn.