Britannia Hotel Edinburgh

Britannia Hotel Edinburgh earns 5 out of 5 paws as a dog-friendly base for visitors to Scotland's capital. Guests who travelled with a dog described the team as actively welcoming — the staff went out of their way to make both owner and pet feel at home, from check-in through to evening drinks in the bar.

The hotel's Belford Road location is the headline practical detail. The doorstep opens onto the Water of Leith walkway, giving dogs immediate access to riverside paths — long enough for proper morning exercise without needing to drive anywhere. The city centre and Princes Street Gardens are about 20 minutes' walk away on foot, so dogs can be part of the daytime itinerary rather than waiting in the room. The wider Edinburgh area carries its reputation for being dog-tolerant well; guests reported that cafés, pubs and shops along the route in were similarly accommodating.

Inside the property, dogs are welcomed in the bar in the evenings, which is unusual for chain three-stars — many UK hotels restrict pets to rooms or to outdoor terraces only. Bar pricing was described as reasonable, making it a usable spot to settle in after a long walk rather than something to avoid. Rooms themselves are standard chain-hotel issue — practical, clean, large enough for a small-to-medium dog plus crate or bed, but not generous on space if you have a larger breed plus luggage.

Best suited to: couples or solo travellers visiting Edinburgh with one small or medium dog who want a base near walking routes rather than nightlife. Less ideal for very large dogs needing room to stretch indoors, or for anyone whose itinerary is centred on the Royal Mile / Old Town (you'll be relying on taxis or the bus for those legs).