Kimpton Charlotte Square By IHG

Kimpton Charlotte Square occupies a run of Georgian townhouses on one of Edinburgh New Town's grandest garden squares, a few minutes from Princes Street and about ten from the Royal Mile. It is a five-star hotel with a spa and a well-regarded restaurant, and it is also one of the few properties at that level in the city that treats dogs as expected guests rather than an exception to be negotiated.

The practical detail is good. Dogs are specifically allowed, water bowls are provided, and the listing states they are welcomed at no extra charge. Best of all for a city stay, the private garden square sits directly opposite the front door, so the first walk of the morning does not involve crossing a road or hunting for green space. Guests arriving with dogs describe staff going out of their way for them, and the welcome comes up as one of the things that made the stay memorable rather than merely acceptable.

The trade-off of a hotel that genuinely welcomes dogs is worth naming: a stay here has been disrupted by a dog barking in an adjoining room in the small hours. Light sleepers should know that the property keeps pet-free rooms for guests with allergies, and that these can be requested through reservations, which is the obvious route to a quieter night.

Other reported niggles are the ordinary sort for a busy city hotel: lights not working on arrival, intermittent noise from bathroom and fridge fittings, slow and limited breakfast service over the Christmas period, and no flexibility on a late checkout. Best suited to a couple or family bringing a dog who want a central, genuinely dog-comfortable five-star base for the city.