Malmaison Edinburgh occupies a converted Austro-Hungarian Consulate on St Andrews Square, one of Edinburgh’s most central locations. The hotel is steps from Princes Street, Harvey Nichols, and the St James Quarter shopping centre. Dogs over 1 year old are welcome at £20 per night. The boutique brand is known for moody interiors, strong cocktail bars, and brasserie-style dining.
St Andrews Square itself has a central private garden with the Melville Monument at its centre. The square’s garden is not publicly accessible, but the surrounding streets are wide and well-suited to morning walks before breakfast. Rose Street — Edinburgh’s famous pub street, one block south — has several dog-friendly bars worth knowing for an evening drink.
Location & Nearby Dog Walks
Malmaison Edinburgh sits on Tower Place, St Andrews Square — directly in the centre of the New Town retail and business district. Princes Street is a 3-minute walk west; Waverley Station is a 5-minute walk south. This makes Malmaison one of the most transport-convenient dog-friendly hotels in Edinburgh for guests arriving by train.
Calton Hill is the closest substantial dog walk — a 15-minute walk east along Princes Street or up Calton Road. The hill has off-lead areas and panoramic views of the city, Arthur’s Seat, and the Firth of Forth. It’s a manageable climb for most dogs and owners. Princes Street Gardens are a 5-minute walk west (dogs on lead). For a longer outing, the Water of Leith Walkway entrance at Dean Village is a 25-minute walk northwest.
Dog Policy — Age Restriction
Like Hotel Du Vin, Malmaison requires dogs to be over 1 year old. No size or weight limit is published — adult dogs of any breed are welcome. The £20/night fee applies per dog and should be declared at booking. Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms and are not permitted in the restaurant or bar dining areas. If you have a puppy under 12 months, Motel One Royal has no age restriction at just £5/night.
Who It Suits
Malmaison suits couples or solo travellers who want a stylish boutique hotel in the absolute heart of Edinburgh’s New Town — close to shopping, theatre, and the main transport hub. The moody bar, brasserie dining, and strong cocktail list make it a good base for a city-break weekend. Dog owners who want to be close to Calton Hill for a morning walk without a long detour will appreciate the location. Not suited to puppy owners or those who need free parking — The Dunstane Houses offers free parking in the West End.
Practical Tips
- Pet fee: £20 per night — declare at booking
- Dogs must be over 1 year old — no puppies
- Dogs not permitted in restaurant or bar dining areas
- Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms
- Calton Hill: 15-minute walk east — off-lead areas at the top
- Princes Street Gardens: 5-minute walk west — dogs on lead
- Rose Street dog-friendly pubs: 2-minute walk south
- Waverley Station: 5 minutes on foot — easy train arrival
- No on-site parking — nearest NCP at St James Quarter
Frequently Asked Questions
Can puppies stay at Malmaison Edinburgh?
No — Malmaison Edinburgh only accepts dogs over 1 year old. The policy applies regardless of size or breed. If you have a puppy under 12 months, Motel One Royal has no age restriction and charges just £5/night in the same city centre area.
How far is Malmaison Edinburgh from Calton Hill?
Calton Hill is approximately a 15-minute walk east from Malmaison on St Andrews Square. Walk along Princes Street toward Waverley Station, then up Calton Road or Regent Road to the summit. The hill has off-lead areas and 360-degree views of Edinburgh.
Are there dog-friendly pubs near Malmaison Edinburgh?
Yes — Rose Street, Edinburgh’s famous pub street, is a 2-minute walk south of Malmaison. Several pubs on Rose Street are dog-friendly, including The Kenilworth and Milne’s Bar. Both welcome well-behaved dogs at the bar.
