Doggy friendly staycations for you and your pooch this summer

If you don't like leaving your pampered pooch behind when you go on holiday, check out one of these stylish, dog friendly hotels

dog friendly hotels
Stapleford Park's Doggy Divine package = one happy pooch

If you don't like leaving your pampered pooch behind when you go on holiday, check out one of these stylish, dog friendly hotels

Dog friendly hotels that look chic and feel boutique are the next big thing in travel. Cue: an Instagram feed packed with dogs on their jollies. Surfboard optional.

The travel industry has cottoned on to the fact we now take our pooches everywhere with us, from the office to the pub, so why would a mini-break or holiday be any different? Thankfully, a wave of cool dog friendly hotels have cropped up to make taking your dog on holiday a breeze. No more budget, cat-hair-on-your-pillow B&Bs just because you can't afford the kennel fees and need to drag the family pet along for the ride. These stylish dog friendly holiday ideas mean you don't have to compromise on chic just because you've got your four-legged friend in tow.

Whether it's a weekend away in the Great British countryside or a week-long trip to the coast, hot-paw it to one of these dog friendly hotels because doggy holidays just got a seriously stylish upgrade.

Dog friendly hotels East Sussex

The Gallivant, Camber Sands

dog friendly hotels

Wish you were here! Brock takes a seaside stroll in Camber Sands

Beach loving dogs listen up - this is your kind of paradise. Golden sands stretch beyond this bijou hotel (it has just 21 rooms) offering dogs a lap of luxury and walks that go on for miles - eight, to be exact. We recommend treating your pooch to a day of lead-tugging in and out of the cobbled streets in Rye, only a stone’s throw from the hotel. The Galivant's Dog Lovers Escape package includes two nights in an idyllic room, complete with white washed sheets and grey beach hut aesthetics, and plentiful amounts of food for both you and your pup to dig into. Endless free dog biscuits? Now that's a dog friendly hotel win. Your favourite pet (you can only bring one, unfortunately) can also relax with a complimentary dog rug, toy and water bowl in your room. As part of the package, you also get a three-course dinner on one night and a ‘healthy breakfast’ on both mornings. They even have our kind of happy hour - a giant pot of tea served in china mugs with a slice of freshly baked cake everyday at 4pm. Paw-fect.

Videos you may like:

Video you may like:

£330 for two nights, thegallivant.co.uk

Dog friendly hotels Cornwall

The Scarlet hotel, Cornwall

dog friendly hotels

A sea view luxury suite at The Scarlet

The perfect balance between contemporary and rustic, your dog will thank you for the endless sandy walks along the cliff side and the homemade doggie treats waiting on arrival. You can go light on the pet packing as eating and drinking bowls, a blanket and even waste bags are provided by the hotel, leaving you more space for sun hats and kaftans (weather permitting). The sea view bedrooms are as hard to resist as the beautiful food, headed up by executive chef Tom. Although your little pal isn't allowed in the restaurant, they can find some company with Jasper, the hotel's whippet, out on the balcony while you work your way through a fresh, seasonal menu specialising in local-sourced fish dishes. And did we mention the spa? This is one dog friendly hotel where your pooch can indulge in the ultimate luxury hotel room - a dog friendly 'unique' suite split over two levels with a seating pod looking out over the delightful sea beyond. The Scarlet is also an adult only hotel, giving you and your four-legged friend some uninterrupted QT.

Prices start from £210 for bed and breakfast and dogs are £15 per night extra, scarlethotel.co.uk

Dog friendly hotels Edinburgh

G&V Royal Mile Hotel, Edinburgh

dog friendly hotels

Interior goals at Edinburgh's G&V Royal Mile Hotel

Teary goodbyes at the kennels are set to be a thing of the past as 'woman’s best friend’ will now be able to enjoy a holiday in Scotland’s historic capital at G&V Royal Mile Hotel, Edinburgh. The dog friendly hotel has just launched a pet package, welcoming dogs into select rooms and suites. Housekeeping services included in the package ensure a dog’s every need will be catered for, whilst a dog bowl, bed and snacks included in the room means owners can leave all their pet paraphernalia at home. Extra room for four legs on that car journey is always a bonus. And don't tell him/ her but there might be a toy-shaped surprise for your doggy friend awaiting their arrival. Conveniently located between Princes Street Gardens and The Meadows, two excellent spots for running around and making friends, the G&V is the perfect base to explore this historic city.

Nightly rates at G&V Royal Mile Hotel Edinburgh start from £209 per night inclusive of breakfast. The pet package is £50 per pet per stay, www.quorvuscollection.com/gandv-hotel-edinburgh

Dog friendly hotels Leicestershire

Stapleford Park, near Melton Mowbray

dog friendly hotels

Stapleford Park's Doggy Divine package = one happy pooch

Once you have a dog, you become obsessed with being with the little beast as much as possible and so the hunt for the best dog friendly hotel becomes a major source of entertainment, discovers Justine Southall, managing director of fashion and beauty at Marie Claire. There is something particularly pleasurable therefore, when you find a traditional country house hotel - roaring fires, high tea, archery and falconry, if you’re interested (there's a fantastic spa for those more that way inclined) and a cordon bleu restaurant - that not only welcomes your scruffy, over-bouncy blind pooch, but appears to universally love dogs! All of the staff seemed to be recruited on the basis that they were mad about them and nothing, literally nothing, was too much trouble. Dog sitting at reception if required at dinner, ‘Doggy afternoon tea’ complete with a tiered cake stand of doggy treats and Pawsecco refreshment, a very regal four poster dog bed, and most importantly, my dog Woody was welcome more or less everywhere. The grounds are gorgeous and so walks are fantastic, and on our very cold wet February weekend, we could all go out for a romp and come back and snuggle up for tea and cake. Really importantly, there was no preciousness about muddy paws and rather mucky doggy-ness at all, which makes a stay away with your mutt the truly relaxing and fun experience you want it to be. Stapleford Park is the quintessentially British country house hotel, but it has a relaxed warm, friendly attitude and vibe that belies its impressive scale and history. If you had some American friends who wanted to recreate Downton Abbey (with their hounds) this would be the modern, extremely comfortable version.

Doggy Divine at Stapleford Park includes an overnight stay for two in a choice of four state rooms on a B&B basis, afternoon tea for two, a bespoke handcrafted doggy bed, a new doggy menu, doggy afternoon tea, a selection of doggy toys, doggy walking trails within the hotel’s extensive grounds and dinner dog-sitting. The package is available from £475 per room, based on two people and a dog sharing. To book, visit staplefordpark.com or call 01572 787 000. Stapleford Park is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Dog friendly hotels Berkshire

The Great House, Sonning

dog friendly hotels

A dog friendly hotel with edgy interior design, you say? Sign us up!

Leafy green surroundings along the peaceful River Thames couldn’t make for a more serene escape for you and your furry friend. The Great House is in a prime location for Londoners and those in the South - only a half hour train journey from London Paddington (which your dogs are allowed to travel on, FYI) or a 10-minute drive from Reading. Exuding a modern charm from its orange and blue furnishings, which they describe as 'luxury with an edge' - design-led furniture, clean lines and a retro decor nod - your dog will love it as much as you when they realise they’re allowed into the hotel restaurant (food passed under the table at your discretion). This picturesque corner of Berkshire will most likely become your dog’s new best friend, with riverside walks and tearooms right under your thumb. Double rooms start from £110, with a supplementary £5 per dog, call the hotel to find the best package for you and your dog, greathouseatsonning.co.uk

Dog friendly hotels York

The Grange Hotel, York

dog friendly hotels

A grand bolthole for you and your pet

Four-legged friends are given a warm welcome at The Grange Hotel in York with a bed, bowl and a bag of home-baked and healthy pooch treats. Dogs are permitted to dine with their owners in The Dante Room of the Regency Grade II listed townhouse hotel and it is perfectly positioned for exploring the pretty Museum Gardens (dogs are welcome on a lead), the narrow-cobbled streets of The Shambles, walks along the river and the ancient city walls.

Rooms start from £99 per room (two sharing) including full Yorkshire breakfast. Dogs are charged at £20 per stay including the welcome goodies mentioned. Call The Grange Hotel on 01904 644 744 (www.grangehotel.co.uk)

Dog friendly hotels London

DUKES, London

dog friendly hotels

When at DUKES....

If you're going to do London's finest, you might as well do it doggy-style. Mayfair bolthole DUKES London has rapidly become one of the capital's hottest dog friendly hotels thanks to their VIP service that includes a tasty 'doggy menu' with all the trimmings. There's a 24-hour dog sitting and dog walking service and the ultimate dog grooming package. There's also an expert Personal Shopper on hand to pick out only the best pet toys for your canine friend - and a few treats for you, of course. On arrival, the dedicated concierge team will keep dogs entertained with the hotel’s toy mascot, the DUKESY dog, and a delicious chew to gnaw on. Upon entering their room, fluffy friends will find a luxurious dog bed waiting for them, complete with comfy cushions to snuggle up in. When hunger strikes, pampered pooches staying at DUKES will be spoilt for choice with two gourmet meals available daily from the delicious Pet Menu, accompanied by plenty of fresh mineral water, provided in-room. When it comes to walkies, the extensive grounds of Green Park are right on the hotel’s doorstep. But really it's all about bedtime - dogs will benefit from their own personal turndown and a scrumptious dental treat left on their pillow. Pampered pooches, this is officially your happy place.

Nightly rates in a DUKES room at DUKES LONDON start from £320 inclusive of VAT and full English breakfast, with welcome amenities on arrival. DUKES’ dog package starts from £25.00 per night per dog, with other options available at a charge. Maximum weight of 24kg accepted. For more information please call 020 7491 4840 or visit www.dukeshotel.com

Dog friendly hotels Oxfordshire

The Fish Hotel, Cotswolds

dog friendly hotels

The Cotswolds' finest dog friendly hotel: where peak grey is a good thing

Surrounded by 400 acres of countryside, your little one is not going to get bored here. The Fish welcomes dogs into it's cosy luxe rooms located in The Stables, complete with bigger beds clad in Scandinavian style comforts - slow living is so in right now. Dogs are invited to the bar as well, where they can chill by the 360° fire after a long day's walkies across picturesque countryside to the nearby village of Broadway. The relaxed hues continue here, but look a little closer and you'll find race hats and equestrian nods towards Cheltenham, the ideal historic finishing touch. And if you're bringing children too, the adjacent games room will provide them with hours of entertainment. Free Wifi is a bonus, obvs.

Cosy Luxe rooms start at £155 a night for two and a charge of £20 per dog per night applies, thefishhotel.co.uk

Dog friendly hotels Wales

The Lake Country House and Spa, Powys

dog friendly hotels

Walkies, anyone?

There are endless walking routes to enjoy with your pet in the grounds of this dog friendly hotel, set in 50 acres of gloriously unspoilt Welsh countryside. The hotel has a resident dog Molly, on hand to show off the sights for fellow four-legged friends. For owners, there’s an award-winning spa with an indoor pool, treatment rooms and an outdoor hot tub.

An overnight stay starts from £195 per room (two sharing), including full Welsh breakfast and use of the leisure facilities. Dogs are charged at £15 per dog per night. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).

Dog friendly hotels Hampshire

Bourne Valley Inn, Hampshire

dog friendly hotel

Alfie gulping some hard-earned beer

This quintessential English pub and inn nestled in the Hampshire countryside is ready to welcome your dog to every aspect of a relaxing weekend away. With a rustic theme running throughout all of the three dog friendly rooms, larger than life beds (many customers have recalled these as the best part), and a host of countryside to explore, your pooch is guaranteed to feel at home. And how can they resist the doggie beer and free biscuits behind the bar, where they too are welcome to put their paws up and chill. Embrace your full country flare with locally sourced fresh fish and sample an array of whiskeys paired with a house cigar, all alongside your furry companion - dogs are allowed in the restaurant too. The cherry on top has to be the quirky little details like the small chalkboards to hang outside your room, to show you don't want to be disturbed- and after a day of exploring and indulging, we don't think you or your doggy will want to be. Supplementary £15 per dog, ring hotel to get package best suited for you and your dog. bournevalleyinn.com/the-rooms/

Dog friendly hotels Devon

Bovey Castle, Dartmoor National Park, Devon

dog friendly hotels

Bovey Castle, the dog friendly hotel where your canine is king

Situated in the spectacular Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle is an elegant dog friendly hotel. Furry friends are well-catered for with biscuits at reception, sausages for breakfast and a doggy welcome pack - with bedding, bowls and a ‘Day Trips for Dogs’ guide which includes spectacular walking suggestions to dog-friendly pubs and beaches nearby. Dogs are welcomed in all guest rooms from a classic double to the top suite, and can languish with their owners in the hotel’s elegant and rather splendid Cathedral Room lounge.

From £179 per room (two sharing; room only), including access to the Elan Spa. Dogs are charged at £20 per night including the welcome pack. Call Bovey Castle on 01647 445 000 (www.boveycastle.com)

Dog friendly hotels Lake District

Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere

dog friendly hotels

Looking good from up here, Windermere

Holbeck Ghyll, overlooking the Langdale Fells and one of England's most beautiful stretches of water, Lake Windermere, was already a fine choice for a mini break. Now the country house hotel built in the 19th century as a hunting lodge for Lord Lonsdale has become a dog friendly hotel that doesn't compromise on luxury (and the food. Oh my, the food. It's fancy but uncomplicated and a must for foodies. The scallops are amongst the best we've ever tasted). The ivy-covered Arts and Crafts house stands in the extensive grounds that slope down towards Lake Windermere and the hotel’s VIC (Very Important Canine) package, put together by Mungo & Maud – a swish London-based dog and cat outfitters – includes a cosy bed, matching collar and lead, blanket, bowl, toy and organic treats. The hotel is ideally placed for walks which will satisfy the most energetic of dogs.

Doubles from £125 pp (two sharing) including dinner and a full Cumbrian breakfast. VIC (Very Important Canine) package is £50 per dog. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com)

Additional research by Ellena Rowlin

Tracy Ramsden