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Macdonald Houstoun House

eeee - 0800 031 8416
Macdonald Houstoun House, Uphall, Livingston -0800 031 8416
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3.95
HOTEL RATING: 
GOOD
3.95 out of 5 (1617 Ratings)
6.4 miles Linlithgow Palace
v16 mins driving
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The Spotlight on Macdonald Houstoun House

Historic countryside stay with easy access to Edinburgh’s music scene

Macdonald Houstoun House is a classic 4-star hotel set in peaceful wooded grounds between Edinburgh and Glasgow. A former 16th-century tower house, it offers a romantic, tranquil vibe with elegant interiors, a top-rated restaurant, and a cozy bar. Just a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport and around 30 minutes from central Edinburgh, it's a perfect base for concert-goers who want a quieter retreat after the show.

The surroundings are rich in Scottish history, and the hotel’s impressive leisure club—complete with a pool, sauna, steam room, and gym—makes it a relaxing place to recharge after a night out.

Why Concert-goers love it

The location offers the best of both worlds: peaceful countryside vibes and easy access to city venues. With free guest parking and proximity to major roads, getting to gigs in Edinburgh or Glasgow is straightforward. After the concert, enjoy a quiet night’s sleep in a serene setting—far from the city noise. The 3:00 PM check-in and 11:00 AM check-out give you just enough flexibility for overnight stays.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to stay somewhere unique and comfortable
  • Solo travelers attending a special concert and wanting a peaceful base
  • Couples making a romantic weekend of it
  • Fans who want a quiet, post-concert recovery space
  • Budget-conscious music lovers open to staying a bit outside the city for more value

Food and Drink Options

The on-site Tower Restaurant serves elegant meals in a historic setting, and you can grab snacks, tea, or coffee at the cozy bar with its open fire and vaulted ceilings. While there’s no official late-night menu or 24/7 room service, the bar has a great whisky selection and relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast is available—perfect for those slow mornings after a late night out.

Nightlife Options

While the hotel itself is more about unwinding than partying, you’ll find local pubs and lounges a short drive away in Livingston or Edinburgh. The bar at Houstoun House is ideal for a nightcap and features over 100 malt whiskies—a highlight for any spirits fan.

What People Say

Guests love the peaceful setting, friendly staff, and charming historical atmosphere. Many highlight the comfortable rooms with garden views and the excellent leisure facilities. The location is praised for being accessible yet secluded—a surprising gem just outside the city.

Areas for Improvement

Some visitors mention that the Wi-Fi can be spotty in certain rooms due to the thick walls of the historic building. Also, if you're planning a very late return from a concert, keep in mind that it's a 30-minute drive back—so not ideal if you want to stay right in the city center.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for a peaceful, upscale retreat after a high-energy night of live music, Macdonald Houstoun House delivers comfort, character, and convenience just outside the city.
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1 room
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Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
j
Free Parking
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
w
Non Smoking
r
Pets Allowed
q
Accessible
x
Free Breakfast
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
Other Amenities
` Free Parking
` Swimming Pool
` Garden
` Golf Course
` Meeting/Banquet Facilities
` Room Service
` Bar
` 24-Hour Front Desk
` Express Check-In/Check-Out
` Coffee shop
` Packed lunches
` Heating
` Fax/photocopying
` Snack bar
` On-site parking
` indoor pool
` Accessible parking
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Hair/Beauty Salon
` Heated pool
` Massage services
` Restaurant(s)
` Daily Housekeeping
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Board games/puzzles
` Wine/champagne
` Fruits
` Outdoor furniture
` Yoga classes
` Fitness classes
` Personal trainer
` Sun loungers or beach chairs
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Mobile app for room service
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
` Contactless check-in/out
` balcony/terrace
` Daily disinfection
` Facilities for disabled guests available
` Fitness center
` Ironing amenities
` Kid-friendly dinning
` Laundry services
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Non-smoking property
` Restaurant (special diets available)
` Spa services
` Spa/sauna
` Tennis court & equipment
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Allergy-free rooms available
` Room service available
` Pets allowed (charges may apply)

Macdonald Houstoun House Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Good (3.95 out of 5)

Write a review

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Greg Tue, 1 July 2025

Fantastic characterful Hotel with great...

Liked: Great start insofar as I had booked the following weekend by mistake...not a problem, we were sorted out and the Receptionist said that she would also speak with Booking.com about the change. One of many friendly and helpful members of staff. Room was fabulous as was the bed. The spa facilities and pool was very nice and good quality. Food and drink very decent. It's a cracking venue, very old and full of character with lovely gardens.
Disliked: TLC needed externally and a bit of tidying up. A small issue however in what was a fab stay.

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Helen Sun, 29 June 2025

Superb

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

David Sun, 29 June 2025

Very good

Liked: Lovely location and staff were excellent
Disliked: TV was very squint in the room

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Lesley Thu, 26 June 2025

Very good

Liked: Very relaxing & had everything we needed for our short stay. You definitely need a car if you want to venture out from the hotel.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Anonymous Thu, 26 June 2025

We had a lovely peaceful...

Liked: Breakfast was excellent. We stayed in the main building not the annex which I always prefer. The staff are always pleased to see you and reception staff are first class.
Disliked: Could be more choices at dinner.

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Frances Thu, 26 June 2025

Superb

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Hazel Thu, 26 June 2025

Bad

1

Poor - 1.0 out of 5

Ian Wed, 25 June 2025

Not impressed won’t be back...

Liked: Nice gardens plenty room to park easily found
Disliked: Foyer looked lovely but there it ended corridor and room very uninviting dark dismal place

2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

Anonymous Wed, 25 June 2025

Pleasant staff . Needs updating

Liked: Location
Disliked: Only one bath towel and 1 hand towel for a couple. Room had smell from bathroom like stale water.

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

David Wed, 25 June 2025

Good

Liked: Impressive old grounds and hotel
Disliked: Stairs and more stairs,no help offered with luggage.We are in our 80s

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Macdonald Houstoun House Uphall, Livingston