Picolo recommends · Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland
Prestonfield House
Peacocks on the lawn, Arthur’s Seat rising behind the trees, and inside, candlelight, deep red walls and gilded frames.
A peacock crosses the drive as you arrive, and the hill of Arthur’s Seat fills the sky behind the house. Prestonfield is a historic mansion set in its own parkland on the south-east side of the city, yet only a short taxi ride from the Royal Mile.
Inside, it is all theatre: dark panelling, rich fabrics, tapestries and antiques, with rooms lit low in the evening. Rhubarb, the restaurant, carries the same dramatic style into dinner.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Prestonfield House
We chose Prestonfield because nothing else in Edinburgh feels quite like it. You get a country house with grounds and a hill on the doorstep, but the city centre is close enough for an evening out. It is a strong pick for a romantic weekend.
The style is dark, dramatic and very much its own, and minimalists will feel smothered. You are outside the centre, so plan on taxis or a fair walk, and anyone who wants to step straight onto Princes Street should stay in town.
What you get
- Parkland with peacocks
- Rhubarb restaurant
- Historic mansion with opulent interiors
- Richly decorated bedrooms
- Free of city noise, close to the centre
A day at Prestonfield House
- Morning
- A walk across the grounds with peacocks for company.
- Midday
- The climb up Arthur’s Seat for views over the city and the sea.
- Afternoon
- Down into the Old Town and the Royal Mile.
- Evening
- Dinner at Rhubarb by candlelight.
Location
Priestfield Road, near Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland
Open in MapsQuestions about Prestonfield House
Where is Prestonfield House?
In its own parkland on the south-east side of Edinburgh, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat. The Royal Mile is a short taxi ride away.
Is Prestonfield House good for a romantic trip?
Yes. The candlelit, opulent rooms, the restaurant and the quiet grounds make it one of the most romantic places to stay in Edinburgh.
Are there peacocks at Prestonfield House?
Yes. Peacocks roam the lawns and grounds around the house, and they are part of the welcome when you arrive.
Other hotels nearby
Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
How Picolo chooses
Our editors pick every hotel themselves, and most of them we have stayed at. No hotel can pay to be included or ranked higher. When you book through our links, Hotels.com pays Picolo a small commission. It never changes the price you pay, and it never decides what we write.
