The Bonham

The Bonham shares history with Edinburgh University!

What is now instantly recognisable as The Bonham Hotel, was originally designed by John Lessels in the late 19th Century, as city centre town houses.

The Drumsheugh Gardens triangle was built between 1874 and 1882. The three storey residences were quickly recognised as "des-res" with one house being sold for what would seem by today's standards, as a mere Ł6000.

Title Deeds for the property show that numbers 33-36 were sold to Messer's Wade and Wilkie who were responsible for their development in the 1920's. By 1939, the three houses were collectively known as 'The Private Clinic' combined and operating as a medical practice under one roof, until 1951.

Currently, one of The Bonham's most unique bedrooms, distinctive with its oak panelled walls and copper bath, is firmly believed to have once been the main consultancy room in the surgery.

In 1951 'The Private Clinic' was sold to the University of Edinburgh for Ł30,000 as part of a plan to develop its Halls of Residences. Originally starting life as Muir Hall in George Square, the halls accommodated 62 students which was later reduced to more intimate homely surroundings for around 46 students.

It originally only took female medical students, but in the late 1970s it became a mixed hall. At the same time it changed from full board to self catering.

Originally it accommodated over 90 students, with up to four students in some of the very large rooms. There was also an annexe at 1 Rothesay Place. Latterly it took closer to 60 students, as rooms had to be converted to bathrooms and rooms for 4 students were no longer acceptable.

Former residents recount tales of the evening hot water trolley that was left out in the lower hall ensuring students would never be short of a cup of tea or coffee whilst studying long into the night. The girls fondly remember the bathroom units housing rows of baths in individual cubicles-perfect for catching up on the day's gossip, or for water fights on a Friday evening - perfect for letting off steam after a hard week poring over the books….

The Hall has had it share of famous visitors, even before becoming Edinburgh's coolest hotel…and was a resting place for those attending the International TV Festival, with celebrities such as Anna Ford and Michael Heseltine's daughter, making use of the University's facilities.

In 1997, the premises were bought by The Town House Company who took infinite care in a complete and historically sympathetic renovation of the buildings. Part of the renovation process involved the installation of luxury private bathrooms in each of the 48 contemporary designed bedrooms.

In 1998 The Bonham opened to great critical acclaim, winning national awards of excellence. One magazine has dubbed it "One of the Coolest Hotels of the Twenty First Century". A remarkable achievement indeed, given those very walls continue to stand proudly into their second century.

The Bonham is a boutique hotel in Scotland with a very contemporary spirit. It occupies a series of Victorian buildings in the West End of Edinburgh, whose soaring natural proportions have allowed us to create a truly dynamic set of rooms and public spaces.

At The Bonham hotel in Edinburgh, we have used bold colour, rich texture and contemporary art and photography to build an environment that is fun, upbeat, welcoming and with the unmistakable buzz of being part of a great Scottish city.

There are 48 boutique rooms and suites at The Bonham, each individually styled so that, among them, you will almost certainly find the one you have been waiting for.

The Bonham Hotel is home to a permanent contemporary art collection, featuring the works of approximately 30 local 'up and coming' Scottish artists. Each piece blends with the unique feel of the Bonham, standing well with the magnificent old features of this Victorian building. From the moment you enter the Bonham distinctive and 'one of a kind' features and collections are revealed to you, including a distinctive crimson spiral sofa-bench in reception, and original abstracts, artwork and collages throughout the hotel - offering you your very own private viewing during your stay.

Each room is individually designed by Janey Armstrong, who worked closely with Mhairi Taylor in order to develop our art collection. The dramatic and vibrant colours chosen in the rooms lending themselves to the exciting work which has been sourced. At the Bonham Hotel in Edinburgh, Scotland, size doesn't matter. Even in our most intimate rooms you get a queen-sized bed and a lot of contemporary flair and personality. These are the perfect hotel rooms if you're travelling solo or if Edinburgh is making you feel romantic, but we can offer rooms with a bit more space too, and a choice of double or twin beds. All Unique Rooms are fun, colourful, relaxing and expertly styled. They come with ensuite bathrooms that have showers over the baths.

The food at Restaurant at the Bonham in Edinburgh is rooted in the French tradition and given zest with expertly sourced, seasonal Scottish produce. Our chef, Michel Bouyer, has been awarded two coveted AA rosettes for the restaurant, in recognition of his creative flair and the skilful way in which he has reinterpreted classic French cooking using Scotland's abundant natural larder. The hotel also has an excellent, well-edited wine list to complement what Michel produces from the kitchen.

Restaurant at the Bonham is characterised by sophisticated urban styling which we think you will love, whether it's business or pleasure that brings you here or to the Bonham Hotel. Aside from some striking and dramatic art work by Tilo Stengel, we've designed the restaurant to be cool and minimal so that you can focus on the food, the company and the occasion.

For more information or to schedule your stay please contact:
Small & Elegant Hotels, International
801 Monroe NW, Suite 104
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
TEL: (616) 844-6000 / FAX: (616) 844-6042
E-Mail: res@smallandeleganthotels.com