Novotel Edinburgh Park is a 4-star hotel in the Edinburgh Park business district, adjacent to the tram stop that connects directly to the city centre and Edinburgh Airport. The hotel includes an indoor heated pool, gym, and steam room in the room rate — making it the best-value option with a pool on this list. Two children under 16 stay free, which makes it a practical family base. Dogs are accepted on request.
The hotel is part of the Accor Novotel brand with larger-than-average rooms and a family-focused layout. Free parking is available on-site — unusual for Edinburgh — and the tram to Princes Street takes approximately 25 minutes from the adjacent Edinburgh Park stop.
Location & Nearby Dog Walks
Novotel Edinburgh Park sits on Lochside Avenue in the Edinburgh Park business and retail zone west of the city. The area is flat and suburban — not a scenic dog-walking base — but practical for drivers and families. Cammo Estate, a council-managed open space with fields, woodland, and a ruined mansion, is a 10-minute drive north and one of the best off-lead dog walks on the west side of Edinburgh.
The Union Canal towpath at Ratho or Hermiston is a 10-minute drive east and offers flat, well-surfaced off-lead walking stretching all the way toward the city centre. The tram from Edinburgh Park stop (adjacent to the hotel) reaches Princes Street in 25 minutes — from there Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town are walkable. Dogs are permitted on Edinburgh trams on a lead if well-behaved.
Dog Policy
Novotel Edinburgh Park accepts dogs on request. The pet fee and any size restrictions are confirmed at booking — call ahead to verify the current charge and whether your dog’s breed or size is accommodated. No weight limit is published for this property. Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms. The indoor pool, gym, and steam room are not accessible to dogs. If you need a confirmed fixed fee before booking, Best Western Kings Manor charges a transparent £10/night.
Who It Suits
Novotel Edinburgh Park is the best choice for families with a dog — larger rooms, children under 16 free, indoor pool included, and free parking all in one property. No other hotel on this list combines all four. It suits road-trip travellers arriving from the west (M8/A8), airport arrivals, or families who want a pool for the kids without paying 5-star prices. For couples without children who want a city-centre base, Malmaison or Motel One Royal are better placed.
Practical Tips
- Pet fee on request — confirm amount and any deposit before booking
- Free on-site parking included
- Indoor heated pool, gym, and steam room included in room rate
- Two children under 16 stay free — family rooms available
- Tram to city centre: Edinburgh Park stop (adjacent), 25 min to Princes Street
- Edinburgh Airport: 5-minute drive or 10-minute tram west
- Cammo Estate: 10-minute drive north — open fields and woodland, off-lead
- Union Canal towpath: 10-minute drive east — flat, surfaced, off-lead
- Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Novotel Edinburgh Park have a pool?
Yes — Novotel Edinburgh Park includes an indoor heated pool, gym, and steam room in the room rate at no extra charge. This is the only hotel in the Edinburgh Park area to include pool access as standard, and one of the few dog-friendly hotels in Edinburgh to do so.
Is Novotel Edinburgh Park good for families with dogs?
Yes — Novotel Edinburgh Park is the best family option on this list. It combines free parking, an included pool, children under 16 staying free, larger family rooms, and dog-friendly policies in one property. No other Edinburgh hotel on this list offers all four together.
How far is Novotel Edinburgh Park from the city centre?
Novotel Edinburgh Park is approximately 25 minutes from Princes Street by tram — the Edinburgh Park tram stop is directly adjacent to the hotel. By car or taxi the journey takes 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. The hotel is not within walking distance of the city centre.
