“We are from Germany and we stayed at the B&B of Reta McLennan (Violet Bank House) in Edinburgh. It was fantastic. The landlady Reta and her husband was very lovable hosts. The B&B was very clean and very comfortable. The breakfast was very good. Every day fresh fruit and many different things. The table was always beautifully set. When we had a wish or a question always we got help - the more so as my English isn't so good. For us it was a perfect Holiday in Edinburgh and we are sure to come back to Edinburgh and back to Reta and John McLennan in Violet Bank House. Stefan and Gudrun Werner from Berlin ”

“Comments about Lothian Bus drivers are often negative, but as a new and now frequent user of No 26, I have to commend the driver today who got off the bus, crossed the busy road and helped an elderly lady across to board the bus. This is one of several instances of random kindness/extra mileness I have seen recently on No 26 from Seton Sands.”

“This is the best guest house that we have ever stayed at. Reta and John go out of their way to make your stay memorable.They cannot do enough for you, the rooms are superb and if you don't want to take your car into the city centre there is a bus direct to Princes Street across the road. This is the third year running that we have stayed here and we have already booked for 2008 and 2009. What more can we say! Chrissie and Tony Wright Peel, Isle of Man”

“Violet Bank House is an outstanding B&B home with competent landlords in every respect. The house is tastfully furnished,spotlessly clean with all facilities necessary.Detailed travel information, restaurant reservations etc are given in a most competent way - better than in many 5 star hotels. Breakfast variaty is outstanding. The best B&B place in 40 years travelling.Very personal atmosphere.”

“Violet Bank House was fantastic, Great rooms, Fantastic food and very helpful and accommodating hosts. Would highly recommend staying here for either short breaks or longer stays. ”

“Having just returned from a one day tour of the Scottish Highlands with this small company I feel sure that I will return for a longer trip with them as my group found this tour to be so entertaining and informative. Our guide, Will, said that they had recently gained a five star award and it's easy to see why when you have actually been on one of their tours. ”

“Having agreed to meet a friend for lunch on Wednesday in The Gallery Restaurant, but remembering a previous and unsatisfactory visit, albeit when it first opened several years ago, I was absolutely delighted with the ambience, service, food and value for money which included a real napkin spread with a flourish across one's lap and delicious fresh bread, a starter and a glass of house white for c £10. Not bad and ideal for 'ladies who lunch' ... I will return! ”

“We stayed at the Open Arms, Dirleton in March this year and we were very impressed with the hospitality we received from our hosts. Lyn & Chris Hansen have taught their staff well that it costs nothing extra to be friendly and helpful. This probably explains why the place is so popular and why it honestly feels like home from home (without having to wash the dishes afterwards).”

“We knew that Violet Bank House was a 5* bed and breakfast so we already had high expectations. However we were blown away by the extraordinary range and quality of the facilities on offer. This was like a 5* hotel but better. Reta and John have definitely gone the extra mile with everything they have provided and with the magnificent breakfast (everything you could wish for AND stewed rhubarb freshly picked from their garden that morning) but their hospitality and friendliness (including carrying our cases upstairs and waving us off at the gate) went the extra mile too. ”

“It’s the city, it’s Friday, it’s busy and by chance our b & b is near this place. We hesitantly wander in. Have we booked? No, but that doesn’t matter; two bar stools are quickly produced by the manager and we’re installed at the end of the bar. He comes back to give us menus, then explain the menus, make recommendations. Undivided and prompt attention. All this is going on in a busy, atmospheric pub/restaurant at one of their peak times. The food arrives and it’s really well cooked and presented - unpretentious and very competent. When we arrived we were uncertain if we would even be able to get a meal, but instead we were made welcome and given the impression our custom was appreciated even though it was peak time in a city pub. This was a really good example of ‘service exceeding expectation’. Our thanks to Chris Wood. We definitely left with a warm glow! ”