I really enjoyed staying at this hotel with my husband the night before Christmas. Upon arrival, we were offered mulled wine and mince pies. Our room (feature room) was really spacious and up to MacDonald standard with lovely views to the garden and a huge bathroom. I also went for the Mother to be treatment at the Spa- and it was the best value for money and the most wonderful treatment I had in a long time. Excellent therapist. My husband enjoyed the sauna, pool and steam room while I went for my treatment and he found it very relaxing as well. I really liked the bar area with the old fashioned features and the lovely fireplace. Dinner was very delicious. The grounds are spacious and beautiful and I like the old fashioned features of the building. In the morning we got a stocking delivered to our door filled with Christmas goodies. All the staff are really friendly and helpful too.

MacDonald Houston House is excellent for a short break. We stanigh two nights at the end of December 2011. The hotel is a great base if you want to visit Edinburgh which can be reached by train in 15 minutes. It has a lot of character and it dates back to the 15th century. We stayed in the original building where Mary Queen of Scots resided, mixing old with new. It was like stepping back in time. We loved the room which had a very comfortable kingside bed, plasma tv, open fire, couch and chair. The bathroom had a bath with separate shower. Our family stayed in a newer part of the hotel as this hotel has been built in stages. They had very nice double rooms. The leisure centre was great. It had fantastic spa and wellbeing facility, steam room, small sauna and nice pool. There was also a fitness centre for those looking to lose a few pounds. One of the best features was the open coal fire in the leisure centre near the reception. in he main hotel the bar also had a lovely open coal fire and original features with a stag head on the wall. The young barman was very friendly and provided us with a small tray of nibbles with our drinks. The drinks can be a bit expensive! We had dinner in the Tower restaurant which has adjoining rooms with period features and added to the ambience. There was a good choice of food which was well presented hence the two rosettes. Breakfast in the same restaurant was excellent
with great variety and choice. Would definitely go back.

Attended this function with a group of friends.
The Room was beautifully prepared.
Staff were welcoming, friendly and attentive.
The meal was superb.
The Ceilidh Band had everyone up laughing and dancing after Dinner. The Disco after the "Bells" kept everyone there also.

Altogether, well organised, very enjoyable and good value. The best Hogmanay Function we have attended.

John Rafferty

My husband and I stayed at Houstoun House for two nights in October 2011. This place is steeped in history! We absolutely loved it.
Our room was beautiful and in keeping with the ambience of the whole place. The meals were very enjoyable and the staff were extremely friendly. The beautiful surrounding gardens were well maintained and we enjoyed walking through them and feeling the "history" of the atmosphere-it took our breath away. It was also very close to the train station to catch into the city to explore Edinburgh each day.We will definately be back.