The Dunstane Houses is a 5-star boutique hotel occupying two restored Victorian townhouses from 1852 on Hampton Terrace in Edinburgh’s West End. The hotel is family-owned and one of the few properties in Edinburgh to offer free on-site parking — a significant advantage for guests driving in with dogs and luggage. Dogs are welcome in the conservatory, bar, and gardens. Dog beds and bowls are available on request.
The two buildings — Dunstane House and Fraser House — are connected internally and share a bar, garden, and conservatory. The interiors feature Scottish textiles, handpicked antiques, and a whisky bar with over 500 expressions. This is a proper Scottish country-house feel within 15 minutes of Princes Street.
Location & Nearby Dog Walks
The Dunstane Houses sits on Hampton Terrace, a quiet residential street off the A8 (Glasgow Road) in the West End — roughly midway between the city centre and Edinburgh Airport. Roseburn Park is a 5-minute walk north: a flat, open park beside the Water of Leith with off-lead areas and direct access to the riverside path. The Water of Leith Walkway runs through Roseburn, connecting westward toward Balerno and eastward through Stockbridge to Leith.
Murrayfield Stadium is a 10-minute walk north — useful context for booking during international rugby weekends, when the area gets busy. Corstorphine Hill (20 min by car) offers longer woodland walks with off-lead areas. The city centre — Princes Street — is a 15-minute bus ride or 35-minute walk east.
Dog Policy — Dogs Welcome in Public Areas
The Dunstane Houses welcomes dogs throughout the hotel including the conservatory, bar, and garden — more generous access than most Edinburgh hotels, where dogs are confined to guest rooms. No size or weight limit is published. The pet fee is on request; call ahead to confirm the current charge and any deposit required. Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms. Dog beds and water bowls provided on request.
Who It Suits
The Dunstane Houses is the best choice for dog owners who are driving to Edinburgh — free parking is rare at any Edinburgh hotel, and almost unheard of at 5-star level. The combination of free parking, generous dog access (conservatory, bar, garden), no size limit, and a 5-minute walk to Roseburn Park makes it the most practical all-round dog-friendly option in this price range. If you need to be on Princes Street, it’s a 15-minute bus ride — not walking distance. For pure city-centre proximity, The Bonham or Malmaison are closer.
Practical Tips
- Free on-site parking included — one of very few Edinburgh hotels to offer this
- Pet fee on request — confirm amount before booking
- Dogs welcome in conservatory, bar, and garden — not just confined to rooms
- Dog beds and water bowls available on request
- Roseburn Park: 5-minute walk, off-lead areas by the Water of Leith
- Water of Leith Walkway: accessible from Roseburn, 12 miles to Leith
- Murrayfield rugby weekends: area gets very busy — book early and park early
- City centre: 15-min bus (No. 12/26/31) or 10-min taxi
- Edinburgh Airport: 15-minute drive west — convenient for early/late flights
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Dunstane Houses have free parking?
Yes — The Dunstane Houses includes free on-site parking for guests. This is one of the very few hotels in Edinburgh to offer free parking, and almost unique at 5-star level in the city. It makes The Dunstane Houses the top choice for dog owners driving to Edinburgh.
Can dogs go in the bar and conservatory at The Dunstane Houses?
Yes — dogs are welcome in the conservatory, bar, and garden at The Dunstane Houses. This is more generous than most Edinburgh hotels, where dogs are restricted to guest rooms only. Dog beds and water bowls are available on request.
How far is The Dunstane Houses from Edinburgh city centre?
The Dunstane Houses is approximately 15 minutes from Princes Street by bus (No. 12, 26, or 31 from the stop on the A8) or around 10 minutes by taxi. It is not walking distance from the main tourist area — guests who need to be central on foot should consider The Bonham in the West End instead.
