Located on Princes Street, The Balmoral is a 5-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, indoor pool, gym, and Balmoral Spa. This historic hotel opened in 1902 and offers pet-friendly rooms with spacious marble bathrooms — some with views of Edinburgh Castle. Dogs must be under 20lbs (9kg) to stay.
The hotel has 167 rooms and 20 suites. J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in suite 552, now named the J.K. Rowling Suite. The clock tower is kept 2 minutes fast to help travellers catch trains at Waverley Station below — a tradition maintained since 1902.
Location & Nearby Dog Walks
The Balmoral sits at the east end of Princes Street, directly above Waverley Station. Princes Street Gardens — the long green park running below Edinburgh Castle — is across the road and one of the best city-centre dog walking spots in Scotland. Dogs must be on a lead in the gardens at all times. The East Gardens connect to the Scott Monument; the West Gardens lead toward the Waldorf Astoria and the Water of Leith Walkway beyond.
The Royal Mile is a 5-minute walk uphill. Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat — Edinburgh’s extinct volcano and the most dramatic dog walk in the city — are a 20-minute walk east along the Royal Mile or a short taxi ride.
Dog Policy — Small Dogs Only
The Balmoral accepts dogs under 20lbs (approximately 9kg). Small breeds that typically qualify: Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Bichon Frise. The £50/night fee must be declared at booking. Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms and are not permitted in the restaurant, spa, or pool areas. For larger dogs, Kimpton Charlotte Square accepts dogs up to 35kg and is equally central.
Who It Suits
The Balmoral suits owners of small dogs who want the finest hotel in Edinburgh for a special occasion. The combination of Michelin-starred dining (Number One Restaurant), 500+ whisky varieties at the SCOTCH bar, indoor pool, and Balmoral Spa is genuinely difficult to match anywhere in Scotland. Not suited to medium or large dog owners — the 20lb limit is strictly enforced.
Practical Tips
- Size limit strictly enforced: under 20lbs (9kg) — weigh your dog before booking
- Pet fee: £50 per night, declared at time of booking
- Dogs not permitted in restaurant, spa, or pool areas
- Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms
- Princes Street Gardens: dogs on lead at all times
- Valet parking available (additional cost)
- Book well in advance — suites sell out during Edinburgh festivals
- J.K. Rowling Suite (552): bookable, significant premium over standard rates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dog size limit at The Balmoral Edinburgh?
The Balmoral accepts dogs under 20lbs (approximately 9kg). This covers small breeds such as Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Pugs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. For larger dogs, Kimpton Charlotte Square accepts dogs up to 35kg.
How much does The Balmoral charge for dogs?
The Balmoral charges £50 per night — the highest pet fee on this list. The fee must be declared at booking. Hotel Du Vin and Malmaison charge £20/night as mid-range alternatives.
Did J.K. Rowling write Harry Potter at The Balmoral?
Yes — J.K. Rowling finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in suite 552 in 2007. The suite is now named the J.K. Rowling Suite and is bookable by guests, though at a significant premium over standard room rates.
