Dalhousie Castle

Edinburgh, Cockpen Road55.860782,-3.082178(Show on Map)

8.4

Very Good

+4 Photos

+ 2 Photos2

Checkin - Checkout datesWed, 28 Oct - Thu, 29 Oct28 Oct - 29 Oct

Info

Dalhousie Castle Hotel, located just eight miles from Edinburgh, is a historic fortress offering a relaxing escape from city life in a serene, private parkland and wooded valley setting. Guests can enjoy Scottish hospitality while participating in noble sports like falconry and archery, relaxing in the oak-paneled library with a glass of whisky or exploring the castle estate. The hotel features 29 unique en-suite guest bedrooms, adorned with Scottish fabrics and period furniture, along with modern amenities like Egyptian cotton bed linen, flat-screen TVs and tea and coffee-making facilities. The Aqueous Spa offers rejuvenating treatments with Ytsara products, and the castle provides five impressive function and conference suites for business meetings and events.

Summary of reviews

Summarized by AI

Dalhousie Castle is a unique and historic castle hotel located near Edinburgh, surrounded by stunning scenery and beautiful grounds. While some guests found the location slightly far out from the city, the view from the hotel was lovely and the castle grounds were gorgeous. The breakfast and dinner received mixed reviews with some guests finding the food exceptional and others disappointed with the limited choice and poor organization. The themed rooms were a highlight for many guests, although some found certain areas lacking in detail and cleanliness. The staff received rave reviews for their exceptional service, although some guests encountered inexperienced or unhelpful staff members. The spa facilities were generally well-received, although some guests found them cramped or disappointing. Despite mixed feedback, the hotel is recommended for those who want to experience staying in a real-life castle with a magical atmosphere and authentic feel. It is a perfect choice for a romantic getaway, birthday, anniversary or just to spoil yourself and your loved ones.

Categories

Castle

Located just minutes outside Edinburgh, Dalhousie Castle was built in the 13th century and belonged to the Ramsay clan for centuries. After a rather turbulent past and many renovations, the castle was turned into the award-winning hotel that it is today, providing guests with excellent service and a magical atmosphere that will make them feel like they have travelled through time.

Historic

AI-generatedThis is Scotland's oldest inhabited castle, with parts dating to the 13th century. It has hosted historical figures like Edward I, Henry IV, Oliver Cromwell, Mary Queen of Scots, and Queen Victoria, and features significant 15th-century architecture.

Honeymoon

Indulge yourself and your significant other by spending your honeymoon in this historic castle-hotel's Castle Suite, an utterly romantic room which will make the both of you feel like true royalty.

Romantic

This fascinating, romantic castle hotel offers luxurious accommodation, spa and leisure facilities and award-winning fine dining.

4 Star

AI-generatedThis historic castle offers a unique and luxurious experience. Guests can enjoy a spa, fine dining in the dungeon restaurant, and explore the beautiful grounds. The castle's rich history and stunning architecture provide an unforgettable stay.

Haunted

Dalhousie Castle does not only boast a centuries-long history but also a rather spooky past. The property is said to be inhabited by many different ghosts, the most well-known one being that of Sir Alexander Ramsay. According to the story, in 1342, he was starved to death and he is left wandering around ever since. Another famous ghost is that of Lady Catherine or the Grey Lady, who haunts the castle's dungeon.

Free Wi-Fi

Luxury

Golf

Family

Business

Parking

Check-in - Check-out

Check In:

15:00

Check Out:

11:00

Facilities

Parking

Restaurant

Room service

Meeting/banquet facilities

Bar

24-hour front desk

Golf course (within 3 km)

Garden

Terrace

Non-smoking rooms

Dry cleaning

Family rooms

Breakfast in the room

Ironing service

Free parking

Internet services

Chapel/shrine

Tour desk

Heating

Fax/photocopying

Luggage storage

WiFi

Free WiFi

Non-smoking throughout

Concierge service

Special diet menus (on request)

Daily housekeeping

Parking on site

WiFi available in all areas

Board games/puzzles

Kids' meals

Wine/champagne

Fruits

Outdoor furniture

Archery

CCTV in common areas

CCTV outside property

Food can be delivered to guest accommodation

Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities

Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas

First aid kit available

Cashless payment available

Invoice provided

Room Types

Superior Double RoomDiscover more of Dalhousie Castle's unique history in our Castle Deluxe Rooms. Offering additional space and enhanced character, these individually designed rooms blend modern luxury with unique architectural features that make a stay in the castle truly memorable. Deluxe Rooms showcase a range of distinctive castle features: original stone walls, elevated window seats, striking high-set windows and captivating views across the castle estate and surrounding parkland. Individual layouts, hidden nooks and historic details reflect the castle's centuries-old heritage, ensuring no two rooms are the same. Thoughtfully furnished with elegant interiors, luxurious amenities and sumptuous bedding, these spacious rooms provide a refined retreat combined with the intrigue of castle living. Ideal for those seeking a little extra space and a deeper connection to the castle's remarkable history.

Themed Double Room with Four Poster BedFor a truly memorable castle experience, our Castle Four Poster Rooms offer an elegant blend of history, romance and modern luxury. Among the most distinctive rooms within Dalhousie Castle, each is individually designed and celebrates the unique character and heritage of the castle. Showcasing impressive original features, many rooms include exposed stone walls, deep-set windows, inviting window seats and thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect the castle's remarkable past. Rich in personality and architectural detail, no two Four Poster Rooms are alike, with each offering its own story. Spacious and beautifully appointed, these rooms feature luxurious furnishings, comfortable seating areas and generous bathrooms, creating a refined retreat within the historic castle walls. Perfect for romantic escapes, special celebrations or simply experiencing authentic castle living, our Four Poster Rooms promise an unforgettable stay steeped in history and character.

Classic Double RoomSet within the historic walls of Dalhousie Castle, our Castle Classic Rooms offer a unique blend of modern luxury and timeless character. Individually designed, each room celebrates the castle's rich heritage while introducing a light, airy and elegant style that feels both inviting and refined. Many rooms feature original architectural details, from centuries-old stone walls and deep-set windows, creating an authentic connection to our castle's remarkable history. Thoughtfully curated furnishings, sumptuous bedding and sophisticated finishes provide a comfortable retreat, balancing modern luxury with the distinctive atmosphere of Scotland's oldest inhabited castle. Ideal for romantic escapes, weekend breaks and unforgettable Scottish adventures, our Castle Classic Rooms offer a truly memorable castle stay.

Lodge SuiteOffering enhanced space and comfort, our Castle Junior Suites combine the historic character of Dalhousie Castle with the luxury of a spacious, thoughtfully designed retreat. Individually styled and rich in personality, these suites provide the perfect setting to relax and unwind within Scotland's oldest inhabited castle. Featuring generous bedroom accommodation alongside a dedicated seating area, each Junior Suite offers additional room to spread out and enjoy your surroundings. Original architectural details, elegant furnishings and carefully curated interiors create a seamless blend of modern luxury and centuries of history. With spacious bathrooms and inviting living areas, our Junior Suites are ideal for longer stays, special occasions or family getaways, offering both comfort and flexibility without compromising on style. Whether exploring the castle grounds or discovering nearby Edinburgh, these suites provide a refined and memorable base for your stay.

King SuiteThis spacious suite features 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The suite has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as heating. The unit has 2 beds.

Deluxe Double Room with BalconyA seating area with a flat-screen TV, a desk, a terrace and a private bathroom are offered in this double room. The unit has 1 bed.

Superior King RoomProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The double room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as heating. The unit offers 1 bed.

Standard King RoomProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as heating. The unit offers 1 bed.

Deluxe RoomFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as heating. The unit has 1 bed.

Junior SuiteThis spacious suite consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath or a shower and free toiletries. The suite features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as heating. The unit offers 1 bed.

Superior SuiteThis spacious suite comprises 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath or a shower and free toiletries. The suite features carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as heating. The unit offers 1 bed.

About Dalhousie Castle

Dalhousie Castle Hotel, nestled just eight miles from Edinburgh, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This ancient fortress, set within eleven acres of private parkland and wooded valleys, is a place where guests can create memories while enjoying Scottish hospitality. The hotel provides an opportunity for guests to participate in noble sports like falconry and archery, take a leisurely stroll through the castle estate or unwind with a glass of whisky in the oak-paneled library. The castle houses 29 unique en-suite guest bedrooms, each adorned with rich Scottish fabrics and period furniture, perfect for a royal visitor. Despite the historic surroundings, the rooms cater to the discerning modern guest, featuring soft Egyptian cotton bed linen, fluffy towels and robes, slippers and Temple Spa toiletries. In addition to these amenities, all rooms have an en-suite bathroom, flat-screen digital TV, direct-dial telephone, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities. Please note that due to the property's 13th-century origins, navigating the castle can be challenging for those with mobility issues. The Aqueous Spa at Dalhousie Castle Hotel offers a range of relaxing and therapeutic treatments designed to invigorate and rejuvenate the body and mind, using products from the holistic, vegan spa brand Ytsara. Use of the hydro pool and spa facilities is by appointment only, with pre-booked time slots to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. Guests under the age of 16 are not permitted to use the spa. For business meetings and events, the castle offers five impressive function and conference suites, with experienced event planners on hand to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

Guest Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Review Summaries

Summarized by AI

Location

Dalhousie Castle is an exceptional destination located near Edinburgh. The hotel is situated in lovely grounds surrounded by rivers, forests, hills and mountains, making it a magical location for a Scottish castle experience. However, some guests did find the location slightly far out from the city and not really accessible. Moreover, some visitors did have trouble finding their way to the hotel as the signs need improvement. Nevertheless, the view from the hotel was lovely and the scenery was stunning. Being in a castle with the beautiful setting was an amazing place to see for some guests. The castle grounds were gorgeous and there were long woodland walks for visitors to enjoy. Although there wasn't a restaurant around, the hotel had a great location for guests' needs in a secluded area. The parking provided was also convenient for guests with cars.

Breakfast

Guests at Dalhousie Castle had mixed experiences with the breakfast. Some found the food to be great, amazing, exceptional and of very good quality. Others, unfortunately, were disappointed with the limited choice, overcooked or dried-out options served from a Bain Marie, cold buffet dishes and poor organization. Some guests had to wait for food to be brought out, for plates to be replenished or for tables to be cleaned due to understaffing. Some also had issues with the spa facilities and a lack of vegetarian options. However, a few guests enjoyed the breakfast in the light Orangerie with great views across the pasture and woods. In summary, while some guests had a great breakfast experience, there were also those that found it to be mediocre, poor or a joke.

Dinner

The dinner at Dalhousie Castle received mixed reviews from guests. Some described it as the highlight of their stay, while others found it disappointing. The dungeon restaurant was a unique setting for dining and created a great atmosphere. The service was fantastic for some guests, while others found it slow and lacking initiative. The limited variety on the menus was a downside for some guests and the room service menu was described as being more suited to a child's taste. Several guests experienced mix-ups with their orders with one steak being full of fat and gristle. Despite the issues, the food was generally well received and some guests called it amazing with an excellent quality of dining experience. However, the dinner scheduled for 8 pm left some diners waiting until nearly an hour past their reservation time. Overall, while it was not up to standard for some guests, others had a great experience dining in the castle's dungeon restaurant.

Rooms

The Dalhousie Castle is a unique and historic castle hotel with beautiful surroundings that have been well-maintained. Guests can wander around the great property and admire the old books in the library which is a great place to relax during the day. The themed rooms were the best part of the castle and very clean and comfortable. However, some of the rooms were lacking in detail with things like pictures missing on the walls and some furniture being old and tired. Some guests even reported ant infestations and broken items like kettles and fans. While some of the lodges were lovely, other guests were disappointed not to be staying in the main castle itself. Despite these issues, the castle is stunning and full of history and many rooms were spacious and comfortable. Guests who had breakfast in bed said it was delicious and the staff couldn't have been more helpful with every request. Overall, the Dalhousie Castle is a great option for those who want to experience staying in a real-life castle.

Beds

Guests of the Dalhousie Castle have shared mixed reviews about the beds in the rooms. While some guests have found the beds to be comfortable with divine bedding, others have described them as horrid, terribly uncomfortable and old with mattresses that had holes. One guest also reported a bed that was too hard and made loud noises with movement. However, despite the varied opinions on the bed comfort, some guests noted the poorly located outlets for personal electronics.

Cleanliness

Visitors to Dalhousie Castle had mixed reviews regarding the cleanliness of the property. Some guests found the accommodations to be beautiful, comfortable and well-maintained with clean and comfortable rooms and well-kept common areas. However, others mentioned that certain areas needed attention, such as cracked tiles in the bathroom, broken fan and tired decor in the breakfast room. Some guests also noted that the property feels old and has mold on the walls in places. Some complained about dirty cutlery or rooms that weren't cleaned despite signs, while others experienced an ant infestation or found hair in their shower. On the other hand, most guests expressed satisfaction with the cleanliness of the rooms, although some noted the need for more thorough cleaning or repairs. Despite some mixed feedback, the hotel aims to keep the property clean and tidy for guests.

Staff

The staff at Dalhousie Castle have received rave reviews from guests. Many guests commented on the exceptional service and how staff went above and beyond, making them feel welcome from the moment they stepped in. However, there were a few instances where guests encountered inexperienced or unhelpful staff members. Despite this, the majority of the reviews were overwhelmingly positive with guests highlighting how staff provided a warm and friendly service from reception to the restaurant and spa. Some guests even went as far as to praise named staff members who had made their stay extra special. Overall, the staff at Dalhousie Castle were described as accommodating, professional and friendly, creating an unforgettable experience for guests.

Wi-Fi

While the historic Dalhousie Castle boasts beautiful grounds and luxurious amenities, the WiFi provided to guests may leave something to be desired. Several guests reported a lack of connection or patchy service with some even stating that the WiFi was not accessible in the small cottages or lodges. There were also reports of poor internet overall with some guests expressing frustration with the inconsistent service. However, one guest did commend the staff for their diligence in resolving WiFi problems. If dependable internet access is a priority for your stay, it may be worth considering alternative options.

Spa

The Dalhousie Castle offers a luxurious accommodation experience that includes exquisite food and faultless service. Guests can enjoy an excellent combination of a historical building and spa service with the small but good range of offers. The spa facilities are excellent with guests able to enjoy additional spa services such as foot baths, whirlpools, salt scrubs, steam rooms and cool showers. The lovely atrium room off of the spa provided relaxation and comfort. However, some guests found the spa to be a bit intetsigende, cramped or disappointing due to the absence of certain amenities like a sauna or cool showers. Despite this, most enjoyed the spa and its well-run facilities and organized staff and saw it as a perfect place to escape and relax. The only downside was the robe provided which wasn’t very soft and lacked a waist tie. Spa treatments were fabulous, superb or wonderful, however, water pool was out of order leaving an overall feeling of disappointment. Regardless, the free access to the spa was a nice touch and some guests found that the spa was a comfortable added value.

4 Star

Dalhousie Castle is a beautiful castle filled with charm and character, located in picturesque surroundings that are well worth the money. The hotel has a pleasant atmosphere and although some aspects of it could be improved, it is still rated as a very good hotel. Guests have mixed thoughts on whether the hotel deserves its 4-star rating, but all agree that the castle is lovely and exceptional. Some guests had issues with the price of the hotel or the spa facilities, but overall, it is deemed as an empfehlenswert (recommended) place to stay. It is a perfect choice for those who appreciate historical buildings and want to experience staying in a castle for themselves.

Historic

If you want to experience the thrill of sleeping in a real, ancient castle, Dalhousie Castle is the perfect destination for you. This Scottish castle, which is more than 850 years old, has been meticulously converted into a hotel that doesn't lose its unique qualities. Staying here means indulging in the castle's authenticity, historic details and beautiful, old-style furnishings. The castle is steeped in history and the interiors are authentically beautiful. You can feel the weight of history on every creaky stair and in every rambling corridor. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate about their castle's history and they ensure that guests have a great experience every time. The hotel offers great amenities such as a wonderful spa and brilliant breakfast. The whole property is simply gorgeous with a magical atmosphere that will transport you back in time. This is an unbeatable place for a romantic getaway, birthday, anniversary or just to spoil yourself and your loved ones.

Romantic

Dalhousie Castle is a stunning location that provides a magical experience of staying in a castle that is steeped in history and maintains its original charm. The individual rooms have an atmospheric and relaxed non-stuffy atmosphere making it a perfect honeymoon paradise. The Schloss Hotel is beautifully idyllically located and maintains a stylish ambiance and is only a short distance from Edinburgh, which makes it a perfect choice for that romantic getaway. The castle provides a real authentic feel and everything from the rooms to the views is amazing. Visitors can expect quality ingredients for breakfast and dinner and a spa on site makes it a perfect place to unwind and disconnect for the weekend. Although getting a table at the dungeon restaurant can be challenging, the dinner inside the castle is definitely worth the wait. Dalhousie Castle is a brilliant place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or spoil a friend or partner.

FAQ

No, Dalhousie Castle doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Dalhousie Castle.

No, Dalhousie Castle doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Dalhousie Castle.

No, Dalhousie Castle doesn't have a gym.

Location

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