Welcome to 28 York Place

Guest Information

Opening Hours

Out of hours: use the call point at the front door or phone +44 (0) 131 524 0110, selecting option 2.

Check Out

Please check out by 11am. Our team will be happy to store your luggage on your departure day free of charge until 8pm. If you are checking out prior to reception opening, simply leave your key card in the ‘Key Returns’ box at reception and leave any luggage in your room with a note of your return time, and it will be stored securely.

Reception

Our reception is available 8am until 10pm daily. A member of staff is always in the hotel. In the event of an out of hours emergency, please use the call point at the front door or phone +44 (0) 131 524 0110, option 2.

Porterage

If you are spending time touring Scotland after visiting Edinburgh, we can store your luggage until your return to Edinburgh. We charge £12 for each item left with us for up to four days, with additional days charged at £3 per item, per day.

Taxis

We recommend using City Cabs, who can be called on +44 (0) 131 228 1211. Alternatively, you can download the City Cabs app. Edinburgh is also served by Uber.

Buses and Trams

The city is served by a network of local buses and trams. The easiest way to check your route and the best transport to use is by downloading the Edinburgh Bus and Tram app. Please note tram tickets must be purchased prior to boarding, tap-on tap-off is also in place. Search Edinburgh Trams for more details.

Trains

Waverley station is the closest railway station, linking you to the rest of Scotland and Great Britain, and is a five minute walk from 28 York Place. More information can be found on the ScotRail website or app.

Your Room

In your room you will find the following items, provided for your comfort and convenience.

• Arran Sense of Scotland toiletries*
• Brodies tea and coffee making facilities
• Hairdryer
• Iron and tabletop ironing board
• Bedside travel adapter
• Bedside USB charging hub
• Bedside and tower fans

*See our Gift and Travel Accessories list for prices if you’d like to take these items home.

Still Dreaming…

For a long lie or some peace and quiet, simply place Hamish, our Highland Coo mascot, outside your room to let us know you’d rather not be disturbed.

Cooling

A desk and a tower fan are provided in your room, usually located in the wardrobe. Our windows can also be opened, please ask our team if you require any assistance. Unfortunately, as the building dates from the 18th century, we do not have air conditioning.

Heating

To adjust the heating in your room, turn the dial on the radiator anti-clockwise to lower the temperature or clockwise to raise the temperature. If your radiator doesn’t heat up within 30 minutes, please let our team know.

Our heating is turned off over the summer for environmental sustainability as part of our journey to net zero. If you’d like a heater, just ask a member of the team.

Extra Comfort and Amenities

Pillow Menu

Please ask a member of the team if you’d like to request softer or additional pillows.

Forgotten Something?

A small guest amenities cupboard is available on each landing, along from the Muirfield and Forth rooms. This has a selection of popular items and is available 24/7. We can provide the following free of charge:

• Additional tea, coffee and bottled water
• Ear plugs and eye mask
• Hair comb
• Nail kit
• Razor
• Sewing kit
• Shower cap
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Vanity kit

Please ask a member of the team for the following:

• Anti-slip shower mat
• Blanket
• Cutlery, crockery and glassware (from the bar)
• Fresh milk
• Ice bucket
• Makeup wipes or facecloths
• Mini fridge
• Shaving cream
• Slippers
• Standing ironing board

Books and Games

Browse our Little Library while you are with us. On each floor you will find a selection of books celebrating Scotland’s famous landscapes, history and culture. We also have an assortment of board games for you to enjoy during your stay.

Laundry

The nearest launderette can be found at: The Launderette, 342-346 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5BR, tel: +44 (0) 131 554 2180. For more information, ask reception.

Gifts and Travel Accessories

The following items are available to purchase from reception:

Bar28

Our bar is open until 10pm daily, offering a carefully curated selection of Scottish whisky, gin, hot drinks and bar snacks. The perfect spot for a mid-morning coffee, pre-dinner drinks or a quiet drink before retiring for the evening in your room.

Cocktails

Head down to the bar and enjoy one of our handcrafted cocktails. We have something for every taste, from light and refreshing spritzes to rich, spirit-forward classics.

Bar28 occasionally plays host to private events. If Bar28 is closed or has limited availability during your stay, you’ll find our bar recommendations below. Room service is also available, order at reception.

Breakfast

You are warmly invited to join us for a continental style breakfast from our breakfast table in the bar, from 8:30am until 10am daily. Breakfast is £14 per person and is not included in our rates.

From the Breakfast Table

A selection of Brodies Scottish teas or freshly brewed Highlander Roastery coffee, served alongside fresh orange juice and chilled water.

Local Breakfast Recommendations

Price guide: £ = under £10 per person  |  ££ = £10–£20 per person

Explore Like a Local

Restaurant price guide: £ = under £15 pp  |  ££ = £15–£30 pp  |  £££ = £30–£50 pp

Broughton Neighbourhood Restaurants

The streets around the hotel are a foodie haven, home to local favourites serving quality seasonal food and drinks.

Restaurant Recommendations from Our Team

Bar Recommendations

Our Neighbourhood Boutiques

Head into any of these for a curated selection of Scottish products to savour during your holiday or to take home.

Green Tourism

At 28 York Place, we’re proud members of Green Tourism and are currently working towards accreditation.

As a small independent hotel, we believe some of the best experiences come from supporting local makers, growers and producers. We’re proud to showcase the best of Scotland’s larder. We work with a Scottish dairy, coffee roastery, local brewery and Scottish distillers, and partner with a range of small local suppliers wherever possible. By choosing local products, we reduce transport miles, support independent businesses and help keep more value within Scotland’s communities.

As part of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact, we have pledged to achieve net zero by 2045. To learn more about our sustainability journey, visit our website and explore our Net Zero Journey.

Small actions can make a big difference. During your stay, we invite you to join us in helping reduce our environmental impact:

Recycle With Us

Separate recycling and general waste bins are provided in your room. We also recycle glass, so please leave any empty bottles separately for collection.

Reuse Towels and Linen

To help conserve water and energy, bed linen is changed on request. If you would like fresh towels, simply leave used towels in the bath or shower.

Reduce Energy Usage

Our central heating system operates seasonally to avoid unnecessary energy use. If you require heating during warmer months, please contact reception and we will be happy to provide a portable heater. Please turn the lights and any appliances off when you leave your room.

Save Water

Choosing a shower instead of a bath and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can significantly reduce water consumption.

Support Local Businesses

Edinburgh is home to an incredible range of independent restaurants, cafés and shops. Many of our recommendations feature local businesses that champion Scottish produce and help reduce food miles.

Enjoy Scotland’s Tap Water

Scotland’s tap water is amongst the finest in the world. It is perfectly safe to drink, so we encourage you to refill your water bottle throughout your stay.

Explore on Foot

Many of Edinburgh’s most famous attractions are within walking distance. You can also ask our team for our walking map, with a selection of curated walks to help you get the most out of your visit.

Browse Our Library

Our Little Library is filled with books about Edinburgh and Scotland, helping you plan your visit without the need for printed leaflets and guides.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics

We have significantly reduced single-use plastics throughout the hotel. Additional amenities are available upon request.

Our Arran Sense of Scotland toiletries are provided in refillable dispensers to reduce plastic waste. Inspired by the scents of Scotland, these products are handmade on the Isle of Arran. Should you wish to take them home, they are available to purchase from reception.

Thank you for helping us make hospitality more sustainable. Together, we can preserve Edinburgh and Scotland for future generations to enjoy.

Our Rooms… More Than a Name

A Short Break in Edinburgh

Enjoy our suggested itinerary to make the most of a short stay in Edinburgh. The city can be very busy throughout the year, so we recommend booking attractions and restaurants in advance.

Day 1

Get your bearings. Take a wander from the hotel to the Castle Esplanade. En route you can enjoy St Andrew Square, the Scott Monument (287 steps to the top, if you’re brave) and the small boutiques and eateries on Cockburn Street. Why not stop at St Giles’ Cathedral to gaze in awe at its wonderful interior?

Enjoy legendary Edinburgh fine dining at the Witchery, with an award-winning wine list and the most atmospheric dining rooms in all of Scotland. Step inside and be transported to a bygone era. Or, if you fancy something more informal, why not try Makars Mash Bar on the Mound.

Take a step back to the 17th century and visit Mary King’s Close, a perfectly preserved 17th-century street under the City Chambers on the Royal Mile. It’s also a great wet weather option.

Day 2

Start your day with a stroll to the village of Stockbridge. Enjoy breakfast at The Pantry, setting you up for a day exploring the city. Wander along the Water of Leith to Dean Village, taking in the sights and sounds of this iconic landscape. As you return from Dean Village, visit the boutiques and charity shops in Stockbridge.

Enjoy a stroll through Inverleith Park to the Botanic Gardens, where you can explore one of the largest and richest plant collections on Earth. Their Garden View Deck & Bar is the ideal spot for some afternoon refreshments whilst taking in unbeatable views of the Gardens.

Hop on the number 8 bus from Inverleith Row at the east entrance of the gardens to take you back to Leith Street in the city centre. Take a wander up Calton Hill, using the steps from Regent Road. A lot of stairs, but we promise the view is worth it!

Dine at one of the many restaurants on Broughton Street, a short stroll from 28 York Place.

Day 3

Start your day with a continental breakfast at 28 York Place.

Wander through the city streets to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland. You can explore the magnificent State and Historic Apartments, the beautiful ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and remarkable royal gardens, all with a complimentary multimedia tour available in 10 languages.

Across from the Palace, take in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood. Designed by Enric Miralles and opened in 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II, the parliament building is the home of devolved government and democracy in Scotland.

Enjoy a light lunch in the family-run Rocksalt Café on Jeffrey Street. Then continue your wander up the Royal Mile, along George IV Bridge, to visit Greyfriars Bobby and Greyfriars Kirkyard (which provided the inspiration for the names of many characters in Harry Potter).

The National Museum of Scotland offers a unique window into Scotland’s history. With free entry, the museum is the perfect spot to hide from the rain.

Take a stroll along Forrest Road, turning right onto Lauriston Place, before taking a right just past George Heriot’s School, along Heriot Place. As you wander along this cobbled street, a breathtaking view of the castle will suddenly appear atop The Vennel (from the French, ‘little street’). You might recognise this from the Netflix series One Day.

Walk down Miss Jean Brodie Steps to the Grassmarket. Here you can enjoy a well-earned refreshment in one of the many pubs, or an ice cream from the world-famous Mary’s Milk Bar. As you walk up Victoria Street, taking in the colourful boutiques which provided the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, we recommend stopping for dinner in Bertie’s. Here you can enjoy some of the best fish and chips in Edinburgh!

Day 4

Start your day with a Bombay-inspired twist on breakfast at Dishoom on St Andrew Square. Their breakfast naans are our favourite! Before you head out, leave your luggage with our team at reception. We’re happy to store it free of charge until 8pm, so you can make the most of your final morning without the bags weighing you down.

If you have time, visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street, a stunning neo-Gothic palace dedicated to exploring various aspects of the Scottish story.

Our History

The building you are staying in has stood since the earliest days of Edinburgh’s New Town. Before it welcomed guests from around the world, 28 York Place was a private mansion, a military drill hall, an armoury, and a social club. This is the story of 28 York Place and the city that grew up around it.

Jacobites and German Geordie

For hundreds of years there was conflict between Scotland and England. This continued despite the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland succeeded to the throne of England as James I, uniting the two crowns under the Scottish House of Stuart. In 1701, the Act of Settlement altered the line of succession, barring Catholic claimants and directing the crown to the German House of Hanover. Stuart monarchs continued to reign until the death of Queen Anne in 1714, when George I of Hanover took the throne.

In 1707, with Scotland’s economy weakened by the collapse of the Darien scheme and England applying considerable political and economic pressure, the Act of Union created the United Kingdom. There were riots in the streets of every major city in Scotland opposing that Union.

Conflict continued for some years, but the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden in 1746 finally brought an end to the Jacobite cause. The end of conflict brought with it a feeling of security previously unheard of.

City planners, forever frustrated by the need to build within secure walls, were at last able to envisage a time when cities and their occupants no longer had to cower behind walled defences. The forfeited estates of Jacobite supporters were redistributed to southern landowners and the finances raised contributed to the wealth of cities like Edinburgh.

City Development

City planners in Edinburgh took full advantage of this situation and looked to relieve the tensions and horrendous living conditions being experienced by the citizens of the city, then confined to the narrow ridge projecting east from Castle Hill. The architect James Craig won the competition to design the layout of the ‘New Town’ of Edinburgh and the plans were laid.

The plans made generous provision for open space, ensuring residents could enjoy fresh air and sunlight, so long absent in the cramped and congested conditions of the old city. And, just to prove that political spin is not a new thing, the streets of that new town were to bear names in recognition of the political union with England. Hence, George, Queen and Princes Streets are criss-crossed by Hanover, Frederick and Castle Streets. Even Thistle and Rose Streets commemorate the union. And of course York Place too owes its name to royal roots.

Where the layout of the new town was James Craig’s, the architecture of the city owes everything to perhaps Scotland’s greatest architect, Robert Adam.

Robert Adam set the standard with buildings such as Register House and Charlotte Square, and others were obliged to follow. As a direct result, Edinburgh is now privileged to be custodian of a World Heritage Site embracing both the Old Town and the New Town.

Good Neighbours

It was at a very early stage in the development of the New Town that the building at 28 York Place was constructed as a magnificent private dwellinghouse. Neighbouring houses included the house at No. 32, where portrait painter Sir Henry Raeburn had his studio from 1798 until 1809. He was the man who painted the Reverend Robert Walker skating on Duddingston Loch.

The accommodation in 28 York Place at that time was four storeys and it had a large private garden extending out to Dublin Street Lane at the rear. The rear exit door was located where the little flight of stairs presently runs up the passage from the function suite (Milne Suite) towards the ladies’ and gents’ toilets.

The garden is no longer there because the Territorial Army built a drill hall over it, and that drill hall would become the present Milne Suite function room.

Preparing for War

28 York Place fell into the ownership of the military in the early part of the 20th century, but by the 1930s the ground floor and basement levels were still occupied as a family home. The occupants now leased that part of the building from the Territorial Army and shared the building. What is now the wine cellar was a fully stocked armoury, and the upper two floors were used for army administration.

Somewhere to Call Home

After the Second World War there was a strong desire, and perhaps a need, for the men and women who had lived through that conflict to have a place where they could associate amongst friends and colleagues.

As a result, a number of military association clubs grew up in Edinburgh and elsewhere. A significant number of police officers were ex-servicemen, and it was perhaps a natural progression that they too would want to create their own social club. In 1968, members of Edinburgh City Police purchased 28 York Place. The property has remained in continuous private ownership since then.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, 28 York Place played host to many popular folk concerts, with entertainment organised by the esteemed Ian Green. We also hosted Billy Connolly, who finished his act to a standing ovation from the packed house, and the rest is history.

Moving into the 21st Century

28 York Place opened its doors as a hotel in 2008, welcoming guests from around the world.

28 York Place has been under the continuous management of Gordon Wilson since 2011, during which time we have seen many changes and refurbishment projects as we invest in the future. We are proud to be custodians of our 18th-century building and all its history. Thank you for playing your part in maintaining our wee New Town treasure.

Awards & Partnerships