Emma Kingsburgh House is a 5 star gold rated (rating from Visit Scotland) guest house in the Murrayfield district of Edinburgh; ideally located for Murrayfield stadium if you happen to be in town for the rugby, concert or other event. There’s a bus stop right outside offering easy access to Edinburgh city centre (10 – 15 mins away by bus) or Haymarket (5 mins) or the airport (about 15 – 20 mins) and there’s also free on-site parking should you choose to drive.
The building is a well looked after Victorian Villa with garden at front and side of the building – complete with a few garden gnomes!
Inside the hallway it is bright, clean and tidy with a stack of information for nearby attractions and contemporary lighting.
We were greeted by Alan and a bottle of wine! Well this a is a novel and most enjoyable way to check-in!
After a good chat about restaurants recommended by previous guests as well as Edinburgh attractions and features of the house, leaving to enjoy the wine and nibbles was a chore. Alan is a most knowledgeable and amiable host.
All rooms are en-suite and a few have four-poster beds and we were lucky enough to stay in one of these – the Kingsburgh suite no less! A spacious high-ceiling room with ornate cornicing, the room also had a large wardrobe, 2 sofas, TV, bedside lamps and a great selection of tea (numerous fruity flavours), coffee and hot chocolate…
But as if that wasn’t luxurious enough the room also came with a decanter of sherry, 2 bottles of local Deuchars ale, a box of Lindt chocolates, 2 Bells whisky minatures, 2 bottles of Strathmore mineral water, mint chocolates and a selection of cakes and muffins. Wow! Not one for a diet though!
Robes and slippers were also provided, and after taking one look at the en-suite bathroom knew I’d have to test it, it was huge; a good selection of toiletries was also provided. After an enjoyable toasty soak we got stuck into the chocolates!
Do not be put off by the Kingsburgh House being on a main road as there is secondary glazing – the building retains its Victorian character with sash windows on the exterior but there’s an extra glass on the inside to keep the heat in and traffic noise out. We slept soundly, and no wonder in such a large comfy bed. Ample pillows, cushions and even teddy bears to cuddle up to are provided.
Breakfast
A great selection of items awaited us in the morning…
Plenty of meat and especially cheeses…and this was the first time we’d ever tried Babybel goat cheese, which was surprisingly good!
A great selection of fresh fruit – the passion fruit was delicious, the berries were sweet and tart. Physalis – an unusual but welcome addition to the breakfast table.
Full Scottish breakfast – an absolutely enormous feed – 3 sausages! 2 potato scones! 2 rashers of bacon, 2 lovely tomatoes (and with a large sprig of basil), haggis, fried egg, beans and mushrooms. All tasting great and cooked to perfection – one of the best fry-ups we’ve ever had and so big we couldn’t finish it!
There’s a real fire in the dining room too, though when we stayed the weather was good so there was no need to light it, but I’m sure the room will be very cosy in the winter.
Check-out was quick and easy, we said goodbye to Alan and made the long walk to the old town to burn off the breakfast!
There really isn’t anything we can fault at Kingsburgh House as we had a fabulous time; it clearly warrants it’s 5 star gold rating! It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a decadent romantic getaway, a business trip or are attending an event at Murrayfield and don’t walk to walk too far and enjoy comfort!
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable; the welcoming is warm, the rooms are clean and spacious with comfy beds, they all have en-suites, complimentary drinks and snacks are provided, as are a good selection of toiletries, the breakfast is excellent and the guest house is in an attractive part of Edinburgh with decent pubs and cafes within walking distance, and a dis-used train line and Leith walk way are nearby for walking/cycling. The bus stops right outside, or if it’s a nice day Haymarket station is a 20 minute walk away. Would gladly stay here again!
