The Stair Arms Hotel, Pathhead ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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The Stair Arms Hotel Pathhead Exterior photo

The Stair Arms Hotel Pathhead Restaurant photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

The Stair Arms Hotel, Pathhead, Midlothian, Pathhead, United Kingdom, EH37 5TX

Close to Crichton Collegiate Church

Great

8.0

/10

4.4

Loved by The Stair Arms Hotel guests

Delicious breakfast
Comfortable beds
Friendly staff
Beautiful scenery
Excellent food

"The bedrooms were modern and fresh which was an interesting contrast to the exterior."

Nilanjan from United Kingdom

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"The area in which this hotel is at is stunning."

Nicole from Puerto Rico

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"The superior king room was perfect for us and our two dogs."

Angela from United Kingdom

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3-star countryside retreat near Edinburgh

Location

The Stair Arms Hotel is situated just a short 10-minute drive from Edinburgh City's Park 'n' Ride, offering easy access to urban activities while surrounded by the tranquility of Midlothian countryside. Nestled within a picturesque backdrop, the hotel is 9.3 miles from the center of Edinburgh and in proximity to several attractions, including the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Mile. The convenient location makes it an accessible choice for both leisure travelers and those attending events in the city.

Weddings and Events

The Stair Arms Hotel accommodates special events, including weddings, with dedicated coordinators to assist in planning. The event spaces can host a variety of gatherings, from intimate ceremonies to larger receptions, ensuring guests receive personalized attention throughout their celebration. Options include customized packages that offer essential services such as ceremony setup and evening buffets for up to 80 guests.

Dining

The hotel's restaurant specializes in menus crafted from locally-sourced and seasonally-inspired ingredients, catering to varied tastes. Open to both hotel guests and the public, it serves a diverse range of dishes, from traditional favorites to contemporary options. Diners can enjoy distinct gastronomic experiences while surrounded by the hotel's charming atmosphere.

Room Types

The hotel presents a selection of accommodations, including double, triple, and deluxe king rooms, each designed to provide spacious comfort. Guests can select from rooms that feature amenities like flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and king-size beds. Each room option aims to cater to various traveler needs, from romantic getaways to family stays.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Families traveling with children will find amenities such as a children's playground on-site, adding convenience for those staying at the hotel. With a range of room types to accommodate families, including triple rooms, the hotel ensures ample space for everyone. A variety of dining options also caters to younger guests, helping to create a family-friendly environment.

Highlights

Location: 10-minute drive from Edinburgh City's Park 'n' Ride

Weddings: Dedicated wedding co-ordinators for planning assistance

Dining: Restaurant with locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired menus

Rooms: Accommodation options including double and triple rooms

“This hotel strikes a balance, offering modern comforts within a building of significant history. The updated restaurant and bar provide inviting spaces, and its location near both Edinburgh and the countryside appeals to various travellers. In my view, the children's playground and dog-friendly policy make it especially suited to families.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Great

8.2/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingHassle-Free Parking

The spacious car park made arrival easy. There was always a spot available and it was well-lit at night.

David from Canada

Review on

DiningTasty Meals

The hotel restaurant provided great evening meals with a varied menu. Breakfast was good with a full range of choices.

Alice from England

Review on

BedroomComfortable Stay

The bedroom was clean and comfortable, ensuring a pleasant stay. The bed was great and offered a restful sleep.

Hans from Netherlands

Review on

Room FeaturesWonderful Views

Our room offered a lovely outlook to the rear of the property. The view made waking up that much better.

Maria from Spain

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Select your room type

The Stair Arms Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe King Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Quadruple Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Twin Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Triple Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Stair Arms Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Free parking
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Security
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Cycling
Golf course
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu
Children's play area

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Dining Onsite

The Stair Arms Hotel offers a delightful selection of dining experiences, from leisurely breakfasts to evening meals in a charming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a cozy bar, a beautiful garden, and a welcoming restaurant, providing a true taste of local flavors and hospitality.

The Stair Arms

Traditional British fare

Ambiance

A cozy and inviting restaurant overlooking the scenic garden, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.

Key Offerings

Start the day with a hearty breakfast, or savor classic dishes featuring local ingredients. The menu showcases home-style cooking, making each meal feel comforting and familiar.

Reservation

Reservations are not needed.

Open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, extending to 8:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays; limited hours on Sundays until 7:00 PM.

Bar at The Stair Arms

Casual pub snacks and beverages

Ambiance

A warm and friendly bar setting, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration, featuring comfortable seating and a relaxed vibe.

Key Offerings

Choose from a selection of local ales, wines, and spirits, along with light bites that are perfect for sharing. The bar creates an inviting space for guests to socialize and enjoy casual fare.

Reservation

Reservations are not needed.

In conjunction with the restaurant hours, providing a vibrant atmosphere for evening relaxation.

The Stair Arms Hotel Location

The Stair Arms Hotel, Pathhead, Midlothian, Pathhead, United Kingdom, EH37 5TX

Map view

The Stair Arms Hotel, Pathhead, Midlothian, Pathhead, United Kingdom, EH37 5TX

City landmarks

Landmark

Vogrie Country Park

1.5 mi

Landmark

Oxenfoord Castle

2200 ft

Landmark

Cranston Parish Church

2700 ft

Landmark

Crichton Collegiate Church

2300 ft

Landmark

Southside Castle

1.3 mi

Landmark

Giant Tricycle

1.1 mi

Landmark

Giant Chairs

1.1 mi

Landmark

Vogrie Park Miniature Railway

1.3 mi

Castle

Crichton Castle

2.2 mi

Landmark

Hitllfort

1.9 mi

Landmark

Dodridge Law fort scheduled area

2.1 mi

Landmark

Longfaugh

2.2 mi

Landmark

Dodridge Law camp

2.1 mi

Landmark

Cousland Castle

2.3 mi

Landmark

Ormiston Church

2.2 mi

Landmark

Ormiston Hall

2.3 mi

Landmark

The Great Yew of Ormiston

2.3 mi

Landmark

Cousland Smiddy Trust

2.4 mi

Museum

National Mining Museum Scotland

3.4 mi

Landmark

St Luke's and St Anne's

2.5 mi

Public Building

Midlothian House

3.8 mi

Landmark

Easthouses Miners

2.7 mi

Landmark

Saltire Centre

2.9 mi

Landmark

Ryze Edinburgh

2.9 mi

Landmark

Queen Marys Mount

3.1 mi

Landmark

Arniston House

3.4 mi

Landmark

Newbattle Abbey

3.5 mi

Landmark

Roslin Battle Site

3.4 mi

Landmark

Corn Exchange

3.7 mi

Nearby

Crichton Colegate Road

Crichton Collegiate Church

2300 ft

Restaurants

The Stair Arms Hotel

100 ft

A68

Explore Pathhead

Oxenfoord Castle

10 minutes' walk

A picturesque castle with stunning gardens, this historic site is perfect for leisurely strolls or a picnic.

Cranston Parish Church

10 minutes' walk

This charming church features beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings, ideal for those seeking peace.

Vogrie Country Park

30 minutes' walk

Spanning over 200 acres, this park offers scenic trails, picnic areas, and a miniature railway for family fun.

Crichton Collegiate Church

10 minutes' walk

A beautiful, historical site featuring remarkable stonework and serene grounds, perfect for history buffs.

Vogrie Park Miniature Railway

25 minutes' walk

A delightful ride for families and kids, the miniature railway operates on select weekends, offering fun for all ages.

Hiking at Southside Castle

25 minutes' walk

Scenic hiking trails around the castle provide stunning views and a chance to enjoy the great outdoors.

Giant Tricycle

20 minutes' walk

An interactive outdoor installation that's perfect for a fun photo-op and quirky adventure suitable for all ages.

The Stair Arms Hotel

5 minutes' walk

Casual dining featuring traditional Scottish dishes, with cozy ambiance and local beers. Reservations recommended for busy nights.

The Black Bull

10 minutes' drive

This local pub serves hearty meals and has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its fish and chips.

The Old Mill Inn

10 minutes' drive

A vibrant pub with live music events every weekend, offering a lively atmosphere and a chance to enjoy local talent.

Village Cinema

10 minutes' drive

An all-ages cinema featuring the latest films, perfect for families and couples looking for a fun night out.

Getting around

City Centre

Pathhead8 min · 2000 ft

Airports

Edinburgh (EDI)47 min · 19.3 mi

Glasgow (GLA)157 min · 64.8 mi

Bus

Bus stop7 min · 2.7 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-20:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Stair Arms Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Stair Arms Hotel is often praised for its spacious and comfortable rooms, some offering lovely views of the gardens and fields; these rooms also feature lots of natural light. Guests appreciate the convenient location, with easy access to Edinburgh via park and ride bus or a short 10-minute train journey from a nearby station with affordable parking. While generally well-maintained, some guests have observed that the hotel's decor may seem a little dated in certain areas. The hotel's restaurant is considered a highlight, offering excellent food, and breakfast is often included and made fresh to order.

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Review score

Based on 524 verified reviews

7.9/10

Very good

81%

Recommend

Staff

8.7/10

Location

8.2/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.5/10

Comfort

8.0/10

Pros

Spacious room

Friendly staff

Comfortable bed

Cons

Loud music

Maintenance issues

donald from united states

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 17, 2026

9.0/10

lovely stay with some great perks!

ample parkingnice settingclean roomfriendly staff

the location offered ample parking, a huge plus for me! the setting was nice and it was very easy to find! my room was clean and had all the facilities i needed. i also liked the breakfast, and the staff was friendly and helpful.

the bar closed quite early, and i would have liked to have stayed longer for an extra drink.

Rooms

9/10

my room had two comfortable single beds and a good shower! the heated towel rail in the bathroom was a nice touch. ample towels and storage space were available, along with tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Service

10/10

the reception staff were helpful and provided great service. i found the breakfast team to be very kind and professional. i really appreciated their friendly attitudes and efficiency. we enjoyed our stay.

Facilities

8/10

the hotel had a nice outdoor area for kids to play. i noticed that it was well kept and looked like a great space for families. the hotel also had easy access up to the hospital which was very convenient.

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Sebastian from Germany

Couple

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 19, 2026

9.0/10

a good escape

convenient accessspacious roomgenerous portionsbetter communication

The location offered convenient access to transportation. I could easily reach edinburgh. our room was spacious. It gave us plenty of room to unwind after a long day of exploring. the food impressed me with both its quality and generous portions.

i wasn't informed about a wedding party happening , so i wished for better communication about events.

Facilities

9/10

The building provided ample free parking . It ensured convenient access to the hotel. i also noted accessible entrances and ramps. These accommodate guests with mobility challenges, which impressed me.

Service

10/10

Staff were friendly! they were always available to help with directions. the team seemed genuinely happy to work. They created a cute environment. i also found them to be very quick to respond to inquiries.

Rooms

8/10

Our room included a king-sized bed. It ensured a comfortable night's sleep. the room featured a modern en-suite bathroom. it also had a tv with access to multiple channels. It provided entertainment options.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast included cooked-to-order options. It ensured a fresh and delicious start to the day. i found the breakfast service to be punctual. the dining area was nicely decorated and well-kept. It provided a nice setting for enjoying meals.

0 Helpful

owen from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 06, 2026

8.5/10

pleasant stay

friendly stafftasty foodfreezing room

the staff are friendly. the food was tasty, well presented, and of excellent value. i found the hotel to be very very comfy and tidy.

the hotel room was freezing cold. i wish the room was warmer upon arrival.

Service

9/10

the reception staff greeted me warmly. they were helpful with directions and provided quick check-in service. the staff seemed to genuinely care about my stay, which i appreciated.

Facilities

8/10

the hotel features a decent restaurant with quality food. i saw that there are play areas outside for kids, which seemed to be a nice addition for families. the building has a cute decor.

0 Helpful

aiden from united kingdom

Single

double room

4 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 24, 2025

7/10

generally good stay

spacious roomaccommodating staffdelicious foodwall holewindow grimeshower gel

i appreciated the spacious room , it had everything i needed. the staff were lovely and accommodating. the food from the restaurant was delicious too , a great treat after a long day.

i noticed holes in the walls , a repair seemed urgent. there was also grime backing up on the sliding sash windows. no shower gel was supplied in the bathroom either.

0 Helpful

Jessica from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 17, 2025

9/10

spacious roomcomfy bedvegan sausages

the room was spacious with a comfy bed. i requested and received an iron and heater, which i appreciated. breakfast included vegan sausages as a vegetarian option.

i noticed a lack of shower gel in the bathroom.

0 Helpful

Billy from United Kingdom

Single

double room

1 night in November 2025

Reviewed: November 24, 2025

7/10

comfortable bednicely decoratedwedding partyloud fight

i really adored our double room. it had such a super comfortable bed and felt nicely decorated. the restaurant meal we had was amazing!!! breakfast the next morning also didn't disappoint.

unfortunately, i wasn't told about a wedding party happening . around 1 am, the wedding party woke me with a loud fight outside.

0 Helpful

jack from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: September 02, 2025

6/10

adequate stay with cleanliness issues

cute staffblack moldripped towels

the staff was cute and helpful.

the room was not clean to acceptable standards. the shower tray had black mold and the wooden window was coated in black mold as well. the provided towels were ripped and stained with bleach.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About The Stair Arms Hotel

What items are included in the continental breakfast?

10 November 2024

The continental breakfast features ham, cheese, and tomato options, alongside a fully cooked breakfast that includes poached, scrambled, or fried eggs.

Is it possible to bring two dogs during my stay?

20 December 2024

Yes, dogs are welcome for an additional fee of £10.00 for the entire stay, provided they are well-behaved.

Can you suggest the best public transport options from Edinburgh city centre to reach the hotel?

15 January 2025

The most convenient option is to take bus number 3 to Dalkeith and then a taxi to the hotel, as the 52 and 51 services are infrequent.

Are early check-in and late check-out options available for an extra charge?

30 January 2025

Unfortunately, early check-in is usually not permitted due to high demand for rooms. However, late check-out may be arranged up to an additional hour if available.

What is the distance from the hotel to Murrayfield stadium and the recommended way to get there?

5 February 2025

The hotel is approximately 32 kilometers from Murrayfield Stadium, and the best way to reach the stadium is by car or taxi, as parking is available.

Are there provisions for a later check-in if travel plans are delayed?

12 February 2025

Yes, check-in can be accommodated later, typically until 21:00 or later on weekends. Arrangements can also be made to leave a key.

Is there parking available for guests on-site?

20 February 2025

Yes, a large car park is available on-site free of charge for all guests.

What are the check-in and check-out hours at the hotel?

25 February 2025

Check-in is available from 14:00 to 20:00, while check-out must be completed by 11:00.

Are there facilities available for a 16-month-old child, such as cots?

2 March 2025

Yes, cot facilities are available upon request for young children.

What is the public transport situation like nearby? Is there a bus stop within walking distance?

10 March 2025

There is a bus stop in Pathhead village, about 5-10 minutes away by foot. However, bus services may not be as frequent as desired. Alternative options include nearby park and ride facilities.