While some hotels accept dogs on sufferance, others roll out the red carpet – or, at any rate, offer beds, treats, hugs and even menus for your best friend.
Every year, more and more pet owners are choosing to staycation with their dogs, treating their four-legged companions as an extra member of the family.
Here, from the 46th edition of The Good Hotel Guide, are 10 of the best dog-friendly hotels in the UK. Tummy rubs all round!
Woolley Grange, Wiltshire
King Charles spaniel Rex plays host to four-legged guests at this family-friendly Jacobean manor-house hotel. Bedrooms can be supplied with a doggy welcome pack and dog bed.
The dining room is out of bounds, but room service is available along with complimentary video monitoring. B&B doubles from £120, dogs £15 a night (max two). Visit woolleygrangehotel.co.uk
Budock Vean, Mawnan Smith, Cornwall
Dogs can run free in the woodland area within 65-acre grounds bordered by the Helford river, at this upmarket spa hotel. They are allowed by prior arrangement in designated bedrooms, as well as holiday cottages, the conservatory and on the terrace. B&B doubles from £152, dogs £10 per night (£8 a night for stays of six nights or more). Visit budockvean.co.uk
The Felin Fach Griffin, Felin Fach, Powys
Terrific dining pub with rooms, with great walks from the doorstep, and the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains in view. Let them know if you’re bringing a dog (they don’t charge), and book table 13 if it’s available. If not, Fido can sit under the table when you dine in the Tack Room. B&B doubles from £160. Visit felinfachgriffin.co.uk
The Three Blackbirds, Cambridgeshire
Your dog will beg to be taken to this rustic-chic village pub set amid the fields, fens and woodland. Book a Muddy Paws break and walk along the Devil’s Dyke.
Return for a dinner of chargrilled Suffolk rump steak or fish and chips for you; a sausage or pig’s ear for Gnasher, washed down with Posh Pooch Rosé. B&B doubles from £110. Dogs £25 per night. Visit threeblackbirds.co.uk
Captain’s Club Hotel, Christchurch, Dorset
Clubbable canines can chow down on lamb bones, a chicken-and-rice dinner or dry food, with Whimzee Toothbrush Chew when their people book a self-catering family room or luxury suite at this fun-focused spa hotel on the River Stour.
Family suites from £360, dogs £20 a night. Visit captainsclubhotel.com
The Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire
Scooby Doo will feel like king of the Castle at this friendly former coaching inn.
Owners can dine with their dogs in the main bar, or well-mannered mutts can be left in the bedroom. B&B doubles from £125. Visit thecastlehotelbishopscastle.co.uk
The Meikleour Arms, Perth and Kinross
From Maida, the majestic deerhound, to Toto, the Cairn terrier, dogs of all shapes and sizes are warmly received at this Georgian coaching inn and perfect country pub on the Marquess of Lansdowne’s estate. B&B doubles from £95, dogs £20 a night when booked direct. Visit meikleourarms.co.uk
The Sun Inn, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
Charlie, the black Lab and dog blogger, hosts two and four-legged guests at this ancient inn in a market town between the Lakes and Yorkshire Dales. B&B doubles from £115, dogs £20 a night (or £30 for two). Visit sun-inn.info
The Star, Alfriston, East Sussex
Olga and Alex Polizzi have achieved the perfect blend of Wellie-boot country casual and effortless cool at this 15th-Century hostelry in an ancient South Downs village. Ask for one of the ground-floor rooms in a new block, with French windows to a patio, and they’ll supply a dog bed and bowls. B&B from £190, dogs £25 per night. Visit thepolizzicollection.com
The Falcondale, Lampeter, Ceredigion
With sublime views over the Teifi Valley and 14-acre grounds, this Italianate Victorian villa hotel is entirely amenable to furry guests.
Bowls, treats, blankets and towels, washing facilities and poo bags are at your disposal.
B&B doubles from £169, dogs £10 a night (free for stays of three nights or more). Visit thefalcondale.co.uk
Nearly half of all dog owners think pups deserve as good a holiday experience as themselves, according to a survey of 2,000 people by hotel booking site justhooit.com.
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