Pooch pampering is a low priority for most hotels. Fiona Adams flags up some tail-wagging exceptions
Weekends away with your pet can be a minefield. Too many ‘pet friendly’ hotels merely tolerate Fido – for a price – rather than actively welcome him.
A recent stay with my dog Bertie in the Lake District proved the point. Yes, our hotel provided him with towel and biscuits and did not mind his barking at another canine guest. But with a tiny room on the first floor, taking him for a wee and a walk was a hassle and we were constantly falling over his crate.
Time for hotels to up their game and make it easier to stay with a furry friend. Thankfully, some have done so already...
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Widbrook Grange
This lovely butter-coloured hotel is set within 11 acres of private grounds. Your pooch is welcomed with a gift box of tennis ball, dog bed and bowl, plus Lily’s Kitchen food. All dog-friendly rooms are on the ground floor, with easy access to the gardens, and pups can also indulge in afternoon tea – a warming puppacino or a cooling pawsecco – with their owners. For humans there’s a pool and gin bar, with historic towns such as Bath nearby.
Dogs stay for £15 per night; widbrookgrange.co.uk
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Jonathan Pow
The Devonshire Arms Hotel And Spa, Bolton Abbey
Situated on the Bolton Abbey Estate, near Skipton, The Devonshire Arms is an ideal destination for dog lovers. In addition to welcome packs – blanket, towel, waste bags and bowl – there is also a treat menu, plenty of walks on the estate and complimentary ‘pet concierge’ at reception, where you can leave your loved one when dining. In the Dog Lounge your pet can join you for drinks or desserts, and the hotel offers practical extras such as torches for evening walks, spare wellies, umbrellas and raincoats. For muddy mutts there is a dog wash area too.
Dogs are charged at £10 per night, but for £25 you can book them their own four-poster; thedevonshire.co.uk
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Kingsmills Hotel
For a highland retreat, try the Kingsmills: a mix of traditional and modern dating partly from the 18th century. Guests with dogs stay in the patio or garden rooms, where you have your own private terrace with furniture as well as direct access to the gardens. The patio rooms have a more traditional Scottish flavour, while the garden ones are decidedly up-to-date. Bowls, dog treats and poo bags are provided. For humans there is a spa and golf course, with nearby walks around Glencoe, Loch Leven and the Grey Mare’s Waterfall, as well as in the hotel gardens and public park opposite. Please note: dogs are not allowed in the bars or restaurants.
Extra cleaning charge £20 per dog; kingsmillshotel.com
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The Spread Eagle Hotel
Closer to home, this hotel and spa in Midhurst dates from 1430 and “absolutely loves dogs”. Certainly it has plenty to offer your pooch: nearby walks, dog-sitting service and a wash-and-blow-dry with its resident groomer, Lesley Sills, plus bed, bowl and food. For autumn and winter trips, booking includes a complimentary Ruff and Tumble drying coat for your pet. Dogs stay for free and are allowed in to dine with you.
hshotels.co.uk/spread-eagle
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Talland Bay Hotel
Anywhere that offers Wallace and Gromit breaks has got to be a winner. The Talland Bay Hotel is close to the coastal path and Cornwall’s famous beaches, while most of its rooms and cottages are available to book with pets (no extra charge), who may dine with you in the Brasserie or take tea on the terrace. You can also walk them around the grounds. Their welcome pamper pack includes blanket and treats and there is an outdoor tap for cleaning them off after sandy adventures.
tallandbayhotel.co.uk
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Egerton House Hotel
Stylish pooches will feel right at home at this top London hotel where they are held in the highest regard.
Egerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge offers Doggy Afternoon Tea: chicken and beef meatloaf, homemade dog biscuits, dog ice cream and a chew toy to take away. Pets can even enjoy a birthday party in the drawing room with all their friends.
Doggy Afternoon Tea, £25 (human version £40); egertonhousehotel.com
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Milestone Hotel
For a longer stay try the five-star Milestone Hotel in Kensington, which welcomes both dogs and cats. You will find a tailor-made hamper: toy, treat, Milestone tag and poo bags, plus travel tips. Also available are custom-made pet beds, cushions, duvets and floor mats, as well as food and water bowl, in-house pet menu and turndown treats. Dog sitting and dog walking services are provided too.
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