The Scott Review

The Scott Hotel offers a sophisticated retreat located within Edinburgh’s historic Pollock Estate adjacent to Holyrood Park. A former 18th-century baronial mansion has been meticulously restored and is now a beautiful boutique hotel within tranquil landscaped University of Edinburgh grounds. The hotel features 36 individually styled bedrooms and junior suites along with a spectacular fine dining experience at Bonnar’s at the Scott alongside an intimate cocktail bar The Velvet Lounge. The Luxury Editor visited over the festive break. Read on to discover more.

The Scott Hotel has a fascinating history, originally built in 1750 by merchant Alexander Scott, it later passed through notable owners, including the Nelson family, renowned publishers who expanded the property in the 19th century. The estate also housed St Leonard’s, which served as a World War I Red Cross Hospital. In the 1940s, philanthropist Sir Donald Pollock purchased parts of the estate, donating land to the University of Edinburgh for student residences. Salisbury Green as it became known served as student accommodation before being converted into a hotel in 2006. After closing during the pandemic, it reopened as The Scott Hotel in July 2022.

As soon as I arrived I spotted the two Christmas Nutcracker Soldiers standing guard at the entrance and immediately thought this must be the work of Gavin MacLennan who is Group General Manager of the UOE Hospitality Collection. Gavin has been a personal friend of The Luxury Editor for many years now and throughout his career he brings with him great attention to detail which weaves throughout the entire property. Staff are down-to-earth yet highly professional, the interiors are truly stunning, made even more inviting by their elegant Christmas decorations and the creative restaurant and bar are a destination experience in themselves. Small finishing touches also don’t go unnoticed like a welcome nip of whisky, personalised one-to-one check-in and transfer of luggage to your room.

The Gallery

One of my favourite spaces in the property is the central Gallery, herringbone parquet flooring and 1950s muted green high-backed wing chairs paired with patterned cushions and lowrise marble topped coffee tables sit in juxtaposition to intricate wood panelling, elaborate cornicing and Regency pillars while light floods down from the central ceiling window, offering the ideal space for an afternoon coffee or early evening drink.

Location

So unobtrusive is The Scott Hotel from the main road that you could walk straight past and miss it completely which presents an air of exclusivity. Set back from Dalkeith Road it’s a short 20-minute walk into Edinburgh’s Old Town and the Royal Mile and a ten-minute walk to Newington and the Meadows which is brimming with local cafes, bars and boutique shops to explore. Being located within Pollock Estate offers a freedom almost unique to hotels in the city which is convenient parking, with hotel guests being provided with a permit afforing complimentary parking throughout a stay, and a bank of EV charging stations outside the hotel make charging electric vehicles a breeze.

Rooms and Junior Suites

36 individually styled bedrooms and junior suites offer design-led interiors that feel contemporary whilst still highlighting classic elements from the building’s history. Rooms are presented in five different categories starting with Petit Doubles, these are compact, yet well-designed featuring a small double bed and a cosy corner with sofa, while Cosy Double rooms maximise space with a snug layout and intimate feel.

Deluxe Doubles include a stylish table and chair ensemble and enhanced space, Classic Doubles though slightly smaller, exude warmth and refinement and the largest rooms Signature Doubles are spacious and feature junior suite style seating areas along with larger bathrooms and king-sized beds. All rooms come with complimentary amenities including unlimited WiFi, Novus teas, and an OPAL capsule coffee machine with compostable pods, robes & slippers, and Laura Thomas spa products.

Room 17

We stayed in Room 17 a Signature Double on the first floor and while I was being shown to the room the reception team member said it was their favourite room in the hotel and I can see why! At 40sqm it offers plenty of space and light with dual aspect views out of two windows. Muted grey and navy tones are accented by mustard highlights in the plush headboard and vibrant high-backed wing chairs armchairs, while geometric patterns in the textiles add visual interest. Contemporary artwork and carefully curated furnishings, including a navy-blue sofa and marble fireplace with candlelit lanterns (which turn on and off by remote control), and mirrored wall panels, enhance the sense of space and light while creating a warm and cosy ambience.

A chevron-patterned carpet in neutral tones ties the space together, providing texture and sophistication while a sleek writing desk with an upholstered chair is equipped with a coffee machine, glassware, mineral water and biscuits sits at one side of the main bay window and wardrobe complete with safe, iron and ironing board at the other. Above the fireplace a sleek TV.

The bathroom in room 17 is stunning – with floor-to-ceiling marble tiling, centre piece freestanding double-ended bath with swan neck tap and large double-spaced walk-in glass-enclosed rainfall shower.

Whisky connoisseurs or even those looking to start their whisky journey will love these whisky flights. We had them as a welcome drink in the room but they are also available in The Velvet Lounge.

The Velvet Lounge

Start the night off in the Velvet Lounge, as its name suggests the room is covered in original deep red velvet, framed by gold-trimmed mouldings. They offer a selection of wines, whiskies and spirits along with a cocktail menu and the team can also guide you to find the perfect libation for your palate.

Bonnar’s at The Scott

The hotel’s restaurant Bonnar’s at The Scott was named after Thomas Bonnar a Scottish interior designer and architect born in 1770 who designed a plethora of buildings and interiors around the city including this room. The opulent space features an original vaulted ceiling adorned with intricate frescoes of cherubs and floral motifs, highlighted by softly lit coves of lighting emphasising the gilded detailing.

Tall sash windows, framed by floor-length drapery, provide views out to the gardens beyond, complementing the muted green wall panels edged with gold accents. The space feels exclusive seating around 20 guests with blush-pink chairs paired with modern black table settings and dainty table lights which contrast with the classical surroundings. While a white marble fireplace with a grand patina mirror backdrop serves as a focal point.

Led by Head Chef Pier Berretta, whose culinary pedigree includes time in the celebrated kitchens of Paris and Copenhagen’s Noma, Bonnar’s offers a refined fine dining (and great value for money) experience inspired by Scotland’s exceptional produce. With a focus on sustainability, the restaurant’s menus—both à la carte and a 5-course tasting option champion seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Hand-foraged elements, including estate-produced honey, herbs, and flowers, add unique touches to each dish, reflecting the estate’s connection to nature. I really can’t emphasise enough how spectacular the restaurant experience is (we have already been back it is so good!!).

The 5-course tasting menu which changes seasonally showcases the team’s incredible talent for balancing flavours and textures. We started with bread and butter and canapes which included Endive, Grape, & Lovage Beurre Blanc, a vibrant vegetarian opener.

This was followed by a rich Smoked Egg Yolk, Winter Chanterelle, & Truffle Broth, highlighting earthy, indulgent tones. The seafood course featured Monkfish with Walnut & Wild Garlic, delivering depth and freshness, while the main presented Lamb with Onion Fondant & Carrot.

The meal concluded with a decadent chocolate dessert featuring honey & coffee ice cream, celebrating local produce and sweetness from the estate’s own hives.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in Bonnars and offers a selection of cold buffet items, and a list of hot menu items ranging from a full Scottish breakfast to porridge, smoked salmon and eggs, muesli and vegetarian and vegan options.

Gatehouse

For guests who desire extra space and privacy, the Gatehouse offers a standalone cottage experience complete with a fully equipped kitchen, lounge and bedroom.

Pet Friendly

The Scott Hotel also welcomes pets including dogs and any other furry family members that might be travelling with you, we decided to take our cats along for the night.

Final Thoughts

The Scott Hotel is easily one of Edinburgh’s most exciting boutique hotels, it offers all the charm of a historical period property whilst being contemporary styled, and Bonners at the Scot cements it as a pilgrimage for gourmets. Being set back from the never-ending throng of tourists in the city, yet still with a city centre postcode makes it the ideal choice for your next visit to the Scottish capital.

This Scott is included in our guide to the best luxury hotels in Edinburgh.