Located on Cockburn Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Motel One Edinburgh Royal offers modern, design-led rooms at a budget-friendly price point. At £5 per night, it charges the lowest fixed dog fee of any central Edinburgh hotel on this list. The hotel has elevator access to all floors, making it one of the more practical central options for larger or older dogs.
Princes Street Gardens — the long green park running below Edinburgh Castle — is directly across the road. Exit the hotel, cross Princes Street, and you’re on the grass. This immediate access to green space is a genuine advantage over most Old Town hotels, which require a walk through cobbled streets before reaching anything dog-friendly.
Location & Nearby Dog Walks
Motel One Edinburgh Royal sits on Cockburn Street — pronounced “Coburn” by locals — a short stepped lane connecting the Royal Mile to Waverley Station below. The hotel is a 3-minute walk from Waverley, making it one of the most practical central Edinburgh bases if you’re arriving by train with a dog and luggage. The Royal Mile is immediately uphill; the Grassmarket is a 10-minute walk through the Old Town.
Princes Street Gardens directly opposite is the standout walk — flat, well-maintained grass with the castle overhead. Dogs must be on a lead in the gardens at all times. The West End of the gardens connects to the Water of Leith Walkway for a longer off-road route. On Saturday mornings the Grassmarket hosts a farmers’ market — expect your dog’s nose to be working overtime.
Dog Policy
Motel One Edinburgh Royal charges £5 per night for dogs — the lowest fixed fee on this list. No size limit is published; if you have a very large breed, call ahead to confirm. Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms. Elevator access is available to all floors, which is useful for larger or less mobile dogs. The hotel does not accept cats under the same policy.
Who It Suits
Motel One Royal is the best-value central Edinburgh hotel for dog owners. The £5/night fee, elevator access, and immediate proximity to Princes Street Gardens make it hard to beat at this price point. It suits solo travellers, couples, and anyone who wants a clean, modern room in the heart of the Old Town without paying boutique hotel prices. If you need a pool, spa, or restaurant on-site, look at Prestonfield House or The Balmoral instead.
Practical Tips
- Pet fee: £5 per night — confirm at check-in as policies can change
- Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms
- Elevator to all floors — good for larger or older dogs
- Princes Street Gardens: dogs on lead at all times
- Nearest off-lead area: Holyrood Park / Arthur’s Seat (20 min walk)
- Nearest vet: Vets4Pets Leith Walk branch (approx. 1 mile)
- Waverley Station: 3-minute walk — easy arrival by train
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Motel One Edinburgh charge a pet fee?
Yes — Motel One Edinburgh Royal charges £5 per night for dogs. This is the lowest fixed dog fee of any central Edinburgh hotel. The fee applies per dog per night and should be confirmed at check-in, as hotel policies can change.
Can large dogs stay at Motel One Edinburgh Royal?
No size limit is published in the hotel’s policy. The hotel has elevator access to all floors, making it accessible for larger dogs. If you have a very large or heavy breed, call ahead to confirm they are welcome before booking.
Is Motel One Edinburgh close to Princes Street Gardens?
Yes — Princes Street Gardens is directly across the road from Motel One Edinburgh Royal. Dogs are welcome in the gardens on a lead. It is one of the most accessible dog walking spots in central Edinburgh, with castle views and flat, well-maintained paths.
