Four dog friendly hotels for a stylishly relaxed staycation

Choosing a dog friendly hotel that promises both a stylish and relaxed staycation for you AND your canine companion can be tricky. You want to stay in the same lush surroundings as when you holiday dog-free but also don’t want to feel like your four-legged friend is merely tolerated as opposed to truly welcomed. Over on Dog Friendly Destinations, we feature a fantastic collection of some of the UK’s best dog friendly hotels but here are four of my personal favourites.

Rothay Manor Hotel, Ambleside

A boutique hotel in the heart of the Lake District perfect for humans and pooches, Rothay Manor’s interiors make my heart sing, particularly the new Pavilion Garden Suites. I mean, LOOK! The panelling, the velvet headboard, the armchairs, the bath. Swoon, swoon, swoon and swoon. And that’s before heading outside and appreciating the stunning setting - two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens a short stroll from Lake Windermere.

There are multiple dog friendly bedrooms to choose from and dogs are welcomed everywhere other than in the main restaurant - they can join you in the drawing room or the Brathay Room where you can still choose from the fine-dining menu, though. There’s a small fee of £25 per dog per stay which includes use of a George Barclay dog bed, a towel, bowls and treats and poop bags. There is also a dedicated dog wash/boot room with Bramley products and Ruff & Tumble dressing gowns, so you can rinse off muddy paws after a day on the fells.

The Swan at Streatley, Reading

Delightfully dog friendly, The Swan at Streatley delivers on everything you and your four-legged friend could want in a staycation: rooms with a view, dog friendly dining, treats aplenty and scenic walks in abundance. Book a pet friendly getaway and you’ll find a bed, a bowl and a treat or two awaiting your pooch upon arrival. The dog friendly bedrooms are on the ground floor ensuring easy access to the garden - great for last-minute walks before bed. Opt for the large double if you’d like a terrace that overlooks the River Thames.

But back to dog friendly dining … this is one of the things I love most about the Swan. Head to the seriously stylish Coppa Club and its many gorgeous spaces. From cosy nooks to the partly-covered, sun soaked terrace, the vibe is super relaxed and really dog friendly, especially as you can be out on the lawn in seconds if your pup needs some fresh air between courses. There’s also a grab-and-go menu if you want to pick something to take on a walk with you.

Another Place, Ullswater

If you’d like a hotel experience but with your own private space to retreat to at the end of the day, Another Place could be the perfect dog friendly holiday destination for you. I’ve long loved this luxurious but welcoming Lake District hotel but the addition of the new ‘Outside’ spaces is the icing on the cake … and there’s a few more to come, I believe.

2022 saw the launch of six sublime shepherd huts (made by Blackdown Shepherd Huts, I desperately want one as a garden office) and one secluded treehouse with a freestanding tub on the terrace - divine! All seven are dog friendly with bowls provided for four-legged friends … and Joules dog beds if you request one in advance of your stay. As well as being a bone’s throw from the water’s edge, the hotel is set in 18 acres of parkland. With the fells in the distance, prepare yourself for some of the most scenic dog walks you’ve ever experienced.

Homewood, Bath

If you’re keen to combine a countryside getaway with a little bit of historic sight-seeing in one of Britain’s most beautiful cities, take a look at Homewood. A luxury country house hotel on the outskirts of Bath, Homewood offers you the opportunity to escape the everyday and indulge in a touch of pampering while being a short drive from the stunning Roman-founded city. However, if you don’t want to venture too far, the hotel is set in 20 acres which you’re free to explore with your four-legged friend.

For an additional fee of £25 per dog per night, your canine companion will arrive to their very own dog bed, as well as bowls, towels and treats. Ask at reception for a walking map of the area - it features the best dog walking routes. Music to the ears of all dog owners, you can take your pooch pretty much everywhere in the hotel, including the sitting rooms and bar. They even get to choose from their very own doggy menu.

Browse Dog Friendly Destinations’ full collection of dog friendly hotels.