Review of Come Ben the Hoose
Reviews from our community
1 review
1 helpful vote
»28 satisfied guests can't be wrong,« went through my mind while , in search of a suitable housing for our visit to Edinburgh, I was reading enthusiastic comments about Ann McDonald, the landlady of »Come Ben the Hoose«. And sure enough, Ann has proved to be a perfect hostess whose high priority is to make her guests feel at home.
The first sign of warm hospitality was the welcome pack, well assembled little food assortment that was more than useful as we didn't have time for grocery shopping , having arrived late in the evening. Bread, toast, butter, jam, milk, cheese, ham, ginger cake and a bottle of good wine were like a balm to our tired bodies after the all-day trip. Besides, Ann offered us a helping hand throughout our stay for every little thing we needed.
LODGINGS
The apartment is small but functionally and neatly arranged. It is ideal for putting up 3 people, an additional fold-up bed can be added for a fourth person but that makes the smaller bedroom somewhat crammed. Beds are very comfortable, we slept like lambs.
The bathroom is on the small side as well but it lacks nothing essential; only the washbasin is slightly undersized. When taking a shower you might have difficulties turning on the smooth faucet handles. Some practice beforehand is advisable.
The mini kitchen is well equipped. The well-stocked cupboard with basic food supplies was a nice surprise: spices and herbs, sugar, coffee, tea, jam, cereal – perfect. Cutlery, plates, glasses – neat and practical. There were sufficient pots and pans for even more demanding culinary exploits. If I wanted to split hairs I would suggest adding one bigger well-sharpened knife, a larger strainer and a cheese grater. The oven is less efficient than average ovens, you have to reserve some more time for baking.
LOCATION
Ann's house is situated about 5 km from the city centre and all the main sights of Edinburgh. Bus connections are frequent but you can take a lovely walk to the city through Holyrood Park instead. While at it, you can climb the mandatory Arthur's Seat. However, I would recommend that you choose a specially beautiful day for the latter and set out on a bright morning with some lunch in your bagpack to reach the sightseeing point offering you a spectacular view on Edinburgh and its surroundings. Portobello and the beach are 15 minutes walking distance, Figgate Park with a wide pond in the immediate vicinity of the house is an ideal destination for a relaxing morning walk.
There is a small store for urgent shopping round the corner and the first Morrison's supermarket within 15 min walk.
The neighbourhood is unbelievably quiet, in six days of our stay the occasional screech of seagulls from a distance was the loudest noise we have heard.
For a very reasonable price (no extra charge for late arrival or heating, no cleaning fee) we received a lot. Edinburgh is a fascinating city, Ann a splendid hostess, Scotland is beautiful and its people very friendly. We can't wait to return.
Andrej
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It was lovely having you and your family staying and will look forward to you your return visit. Haste ye back, Ann. (Auld Scott's Hurry back)
4 reviews
4 hotel reviews
We loved this little house - very comfortable and warm - and an excellent base for our visit to see friends and relatives in Edinburgh and nearby. Welcome pack was excellent. Ann was very helpful when we had a query about wifi - nothing was too much trouble for her.
We plan to return on our next trip north.
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Ann
1 review
1 helpful vote
We were warmly welcomed by the kind landlady Ann, although it was rather late in the evening. The house is small but neat, very well equipped and practically furnished. The tiny kitchen is astonishingly practical and functional. There was a welcome pack waiting for us and there were basic groceries (sugar, salt, spices, pasta, milk, fruits etc.) in the cupboards and in the fridge so we could start cooking on the spot. Many other little details made us feel at home right away (flowers, books on the shelves, toys for children etc.).
We were four adults but we could function surprisingly well in the little house. The smaller bedroom was a bit crowded though if the second bed was added.
The location is a good combination of a quiet neighbourhood at the foot of Arthur's Seat, near Duddingston Gardens, a walking distance to the beach and still close enough to the centre of Edinburgh. What we liked best is the friendliness and discreet helpfulness. We didn't really dislike anything - if the location were a little closer to the centre that would be ideal but almost too good to be true...
1 review
1 helpful vote
My friends and I stayed at Come Ben the Hoose while visiting a friend in Edinburgh over the holidays. Ann was a truly spectacular host! She took excellent care of us from the moment that we arrived, with a lovely welcome basket and plenty of helpful information to get around town. She really went above and beyond. The house itself was incredibly clean and comfortable and the location was very convenient -- a quick bus ride into downtown Edinburgh and all the sites. My friends and I would definitely stay here again!
1 review A perfect location for those looking to explore Edinburgh and it's surroundings! A very cosy stay with a very welcoming host who was always available to point us to the nearest landmark. We loved coming back to the little cottage after a busy day out exploring! Thank you for your hospitality!
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| Friends getaway | Older travelers |
| Families with young children | People with pets |
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- Would you recommend the location of this property?
- Was it a good value for the price paid?
- Did the property offer wi-fi/internet access?
- Was your security deposit returned on time?
1 review " Come Ben the Hoose " is a very nice, clean and comfortable house with very nice hosts . It is just 15 minutes away from Edinburgh City and public transport go from there every 5 to 10 minutes . The house is located in a quiet residential area , but after the hustle and bustle of the city , it was exactly what we wanted . One of the major supermarkets " Morrisons " can easily be reached on foot in 10 minutes and to Portobello Beach you need to walk only 20min . All in all it was the best two weeks previously and we will come to the " Come Ben the Hoose " and Ann and her husband will definitely be back .
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to you all. Ann and Gordon : }
2 reviews
2 helpful votes
Staying at Ben the Hoose was like being at home with friends next door. The accommodation was everything we required with a lot more included. Being from Edinburgh we knew the location was well suited to sightseeing and travelling around Edinburgh / Scotland. Ann & Gordon were the icing on the cake, thank you for your hospitality and nothing is a problem attitude. We will certainly recommend Ben the Hoose to our relatives / friends in Australia.
Christine, Colin & Lynsay Minors
Perth, Western Australia
| How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
| How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
| Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
| Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
| Service |
| Friends getaway | Families with young children |
- Was the property as advertised?
- Would you recommend the location of this property?
- Was it a good value for the price paid?
- Did the property offer wi-fi/internet access?
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