Edinburgh has over 30 hotels that accept dogs, but finding one that genuinely works — central location, fair pet fee, somewhere nearby to walk — takes time. This guide covers 12 confirmed dog-friendly hotels across Old Town, the city centre, West End, and beyond, checked September 2026. Pet fees run from £5 to £50 per night.
Updated September 2026. All pet fees and policies confirmed with each hotel.
🐕 Luxury: The Balmoral · The Caledonian · Prestonfield House 💰 Budget: Motel One · ibis Budget 🐶 Large dogs: Kimpton (35kg) 👪 Families: Novotel Edinburgh Park
| Hotel | Pet fee | Size limit | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motel One Royal | £15/night | None stated | Old Town |
| Best Western Kings Manor | £12.50/night | None stated | East Edinburgh |
| Hotel Du Vin | £25/night | Dogs 1yr+ | Old Town |
| Malmaison | £20/night | Dogs 1yr+ | St Andrews Square |
| Prestonfield House | Free | None stated | South Edinburgh |
| The Balmoral | £50/stay | Under 20lbs (9kg) | Princes Street |
| Kimpton Charlotte Square | Free | Up to 35kg | City Centre |
| Waldorf Astoria | On request | On request | West End |
| The Bonham | On request | None stated | West End |
| The Dunstane Houses | On request | None stated | West End |
| ibis Budget Edinburgh Park | On request | None stated | Edinburgh Park |
| Novotel Edinburgh Park | On request | None stated | Edinburgh Park |
| Virgin Hotels Edinburgh | Free | No restrictions | Old Town |
| InterContinental The George | £40/night | No weight limit | City Centre |
| The Resident Edinburgh | ~£26/night | Dogs only | West End |
| Hotel Indigo Edinburgh | £20/night | Under 35lbs (16kg) | York Place |
Motel One Edinburgh Royal
Best Value
A fixed pet fee of £15/night with no size limit. Central Old Town location with elevator access and Princes Street Gardens directly opposite.
Hotel Du Vin Edinburgh
Top Pick
4-star boutique hotel in a converted Victorian asylum. Roll-top baths, elevator, 10 min from The Meadows off-lead park.
The Balmoral
Luxury
Edinburgh’s most iconic 5-star hotel open since 1902. Michelin-starred dining, indoor pool and spa. Small dogs only (under 20lbs).
Kimpton Charlotte Square
Large Dogs OK
The most generous size limit in central Edinburgh — up to 35kg. 5-star Georgian townhouse with pool, spa, and gym. No pet fee. Guests get exclusive access to Charlotte Square Gardens for dog walks.
Malmaison Edinburgh
Central
Boutique hotel on St Andrews Square, steps from Princes Street. Dogs 1yr+, £20/night. Close to Rose Street dog-friendly pubs.
Former 1903 railway station turned 5-star landmark. Guerlain Spa (first in the UK), castle views, Grazing by Mark Greenaway.
The Bonham Edinburgh
Top Pick
Luxury boutique hotel at Drumsheugh Gardens. Dog beds and bowls provided on request. 5 min from Dean Village and the Water of Leith Walkway.
The Dunstane Houses
Free Parking
Two Victorian townhouses from 1852 with free parking — rare in Edinburgh. Dogs welcome in the conservatory and gardens.
ibis Budget Edinburgh Park
Budget
Under £100/night with free parking and a tram to the city centre in 25 minutes. Best for airport arrivals or budget travellers.
Novotel Edinburgh Park
Best for Families
4-star family hotel off the M8 with indoor heated pool, gym and steam room included. Two children under 16 stay free.
Prestonfield House
Luxury
17th-century country house hotel. Dogs stay free — no pet fee at all. Dogs welcome everywhere except the Rhubarb Restaurant. Free parking and breakfast included.
Best Western Kings Manor
Near Beach
The only hotel near a beach. £10/night pet fee, dogs in bar, free parking and pool included. 10 minutes from Portobello Beach.
The only central Edinburgh hotel with zero pet fees and no size or breed restrictions. Up to two dogs per room. Dog bed, treats, bowls and a Virgin bandana provided. Pets welcome in Eve and Commons Club restaurants.
Luxury 5-star hotel on George Street. No weight limit for dogs. Pet package includes dog bed, bowls, treats, and a concierge list of dog-friendly attractions. Max two dogs per room.
Boutique aparthotel on Drumsheugh Gardens. Dogs only (no cats). Food and water bowls provided. Secure private gardens nearby for off-lead play. 3-minute walk to Dean Village.
Boutique hotel on York Place. Dogs under 35lbs (16kg) welcome. SeaSnax treat pack included on arrival. Dog bed available for a small additional charge. Guide of dog-friendly places on their website.
More Dog-Friendly Hotels
Four more excellent pet-friendly options worth considering:
How to Choose
For small dogs under 9kg, The Balmoral is the most prestigious option — though at £50 per stay the pet fee is the highest on this list. For large dogs (Labradors, Retrievers, Collies), Kimpton Charlotte Square is the only 5-star central hotel with a confirmed 35kg limit. Motel One Royal and Hotel Du Vin offer the best balance of central location and reasonable fees for most dogs.
If you’re driving and want free parking, choose The Dunstane Houses, Prestonfield House, Best Western Kings Manor, or either Edinburgh Park hotel. For families with children, Novotel Edinburgh Park has an indoor pool and lets two under-16s stay free.
Dog Walking Near Your Hotel
Edinburgh is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the UK, with excellent walks within minutes of most hotels:
- Princes Street Gardens — the most central option, steps from Motel One, The Balmoral, and most Old Town hotels. Paved paths, water fountains, and plenty of benches.
- The Meadows — large open park popular with off-lead dogs. 10-minute walk from Hotel Du Vin. Popular with locals and dogs alike.
- Charlotte Square Gardens — private gardens exclusive to Kimpton Charlotte Square guests. A tranquil Georgian garden perfect for a morning stroll.
- Water of Leith Walkway — 4.5-mile path from Dean Village to Leith. Starts 5 minutes from The Bonham. One of Edinburgh’s best dog walks.
- Calton Hill — 15-minute walk from Malmaison. Panoramic views and open grass for sniffing.
- Holyrood Park / Arthur’s Seat — near Prestonfield House. Wild, expansive terrain for adventurous dogs.
- Portobello Beach — 10 minutes from Best Western Kings Manor. Long sandy beach, perfect for dogs who love the sea.
- Roseburn Park — 5-minute walk from The Dunstane Houses. Quiet local park with off-lead areas.
Tips for Staying with Your Dog
Booking a dog-friendly hotel in Edinburgh is straightforward, but a few practical points can save surprises on arrival:
- Call ahead to confirm. Pet policies change — always verify the current fee and any size restrictions at the time of booking, not when you read this guide.
- Ask about designated pet-friendly rooms. Several hotels (InterContinental, Hotel Indigo) assign specific rooms for guests with dogs. Request one when booking.
- Bring vaccination records. Some hotels require proof that your dog is microchipped and fully vaccinated, particularly luxury properties.
- Never leave dogs unattended. Most Edinburgh hotels require that dogs are not left alone in rooms. Some allow it if the dog is crated — confirm the hotel’s specific rule.
- Request a ground-floor room or one near an exit for easier toilet breaks, especially at larger hotels.
- Bring your dog’s own blanket or bed for familiarity. Most hotels provide a dog bed, but your dog’s own item helps them settle faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Edinburgh hotels?
Yes — many Edinburgh hotels explicitly welcome dogs. The 12 hotels on this list all have confirmed dog-friendly policies. Pet fees range from £5 to £50 per night. Most require dogs not to be left unattended in rooms and restrict them from dining areas.
Which Edinburgh hotel has the lowest dog fee?
Motel One Edinburgh Royal charges £15 per night — the lowest fixed dog fee of any central Edinburgh hotel. Best Western Kings Manor charges £12.50. Hotel Du Vin charges £25 and Malmaison £20 per night. The Balmoral is the most expensive at £50 per stay (not per night). Prestonfield House and Kimpton Charlotte Square both welcome dogs for free.
Which Edinburgh hotels accept large dogs?
Kimpton Charlotte Square accepts dogs up to 35kg (80lbs) — the most generous size limit in central Edinburgh. The Balmoral is the most restrictive at under 20lbs (9kg) only.
Which Edinburgh hotels have free parking?
The Dunstane Houses, Best Western Kings Manor, ibis Budget Edinburgh Park, Novotel Edinburgh Park, and Prestonfield House all offer free parking. Central hotels do not include parking.
Where can I walk my dog near central Edinburgh?
Princes Street Gardens is the most accessible — steps from most city-centre hotels. The Meadows is 10 minutes from Hotel Du Vin. Calton Hill is 15 minutes from Malmaison. The Water of Leith Walkway starts near The Bonham.
Can I leave my dog unattended in the hotel room?
Most Edinburgh hotels require that dogs are not left unattended in rooms. Some allow it if the dog is crated or if you inform reception. Virgin Hotels and Kimpton Charlotte Square are among the more flexible. Always confirm the specific hotel’s policy before booking.
Which Edinburgh hotels let dogs in restaurants?
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh welcomes dogs in Eve and Commons Club restaurants (but not the Commons Club Kitchen due to the open kitchen). Prestonfield House allows dogs in the bar and lounge but not the Rhubarb Restaurant. Most other hotels restrict dogs from dining areas for health and safety reasons.