By John Devlin
Here at DFG, we consider our pups to be part of the family and surely, they deserve a holiday too!
So, the next time you are looking for a pet friendly short break and want to take your canine companion along – check out these 6 super pet friendly hotel chains.
If you’re looking for pet friendly short break ideas where your pooch can accompany you – look no further than this exceptional dog friendly hotel chain.
The stylish Hotel Du Vin chain offers boutique-style pet friendly hotels providing unique pet friendly self catering choices in iconic historic buildings in 19 locations across the UK including; Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Harrogate, Poole, Dorset and Cambridge to name a few.
These mid-range price pet friendly hotels happily welcome dogs which are over a year old for just £10 a night. Although they are not allowed in the Bistro, they can join you for a bite to eat in the bar and a blanket and bowl are provided in the hotel room to ensure they enjoy a comfortable stay.
You will need to leave a contact number if you are leaving your pooch in one of the pet friendly rooms unattended and are liable for any damage which occurs, but this is standard practice across hotel chains which allow dogs.
However, if you want a comfortable bed with Egyptian cotton sheets, fine dining, a good selection of wines and luxurious accommodation these pet friendly hotels are hard to beat.
One of the best options when looking for cheap pet friendly hotels Travelodge are renowned for offering comfortable, value-for-money accommodation and they also love dogs which is a bonus!
Best of all, there are over 500 Travelodge pet friendly hotels around the UK from the north of Scotland to the heart of London and every one of them welcomes our four-legged friends.
That means you are bound to be near some fantastic pet friendly locations and places to go with dogs. Whether you want a weekend at the seaside, are competing at Crufts, or want to be close to country walks, there is guaranteed to be a Travelodge nearby that accept pets.
One of the first chains to realise offering a pet friendly stay to dog owners travelling with pups was good for business. The Travelodge hotel chain even launched replica pet beds in their distinctive colours in rooms accommodating dogs back in 2006.
You can bring up to two pets or dogs per room but there is a pet fee at the cost of £20 per stay each, you do need to let the hotel know when booking that you will be bringing Fido along and you can’t leave them unattended in the hotel room. Check out the Travelodge pet policy here
If you want somewhere a bit special, where your pooch is pampered as much as you check out this small chain of luxurious pet friendly hotels.
There are six of these dog friendly hotels located in the centre of London, which you may be surprised to know has a host of dog-friendly things to do including;
There are two more Red Carnation dog friendly hotels in the Dorset countryside for those looking for a more rural retreat; all are pet-friendly. If you would prefer alternative accommodation then search all dog-friendly cottages in Dorset here.
Your canine companion will be treated like a VIP in these pet friendly hotels with their own mat, bedding, food bowl and special menu. You will be provided with a map displaying local walks, plus information on local grooming parlours and pet-friendly taxis if required. There is a pet-sitting and dog-walking service.
Each hotel has different pet packages so check when booking for prices.
Whether you want to explore the snowy summits of Wales with your Shih-Tzu or bask on the beach in Cornwall with your Bassett Hound, Best Western Hotel is a fantastic choice for a pet friendly hotel. This well-known American hotel chain has over 250 hotels throughout the UK, with over 100 that are pet friendly hotels.
It’s not only two-legged guests that can expect a comfortable stay at this hotel either. Pooches and furry friends can look forward to their own comfortable dog bed and an in-house menu boasting gastronomic delights such as steak, chicken and marrow bone. They even offer Poop a Scoop Ice Cream and Jam Roly Poodle to really get their tail wagging at these dog friendly hotels.
The Best Western Monkbar Hotel in York even provides information on walks suitable for short, medium and long legs, making it a popular hotel choice for those looking for pet friendly hotels for larger dogs.
One thing they do ask; is that you book your stay over the phone, so they can cater to your and your best pal’s specific requirements, it saves hiring a dog sitter! See which Best Western Hotels allow dogs here
The IHG group is one of the best-known value hotel chains, with thousands of pet friendly hotels worldwide it makes it the perfect choice for pet owners. Whilst they may not offer your pooch the pampering some establishments do, they do offer tons of locations around the country that welcome your four-legged friends.
Leaving your pet at home when going on a business trip, weekend away or holiday is just not an option for some. With over 100 canine-friendly hotels Holiday Inns make a great choice for a stop-over on your way somewhere or a longer holiday.
As with most pet friendly hotels, your pup is not allowed in the dining area of this pet friendly hotel and must be on a lead at all times around the hotel grounds, but this is a small price to pay for having your furry friend with you.
One thing to remember with this budget chain is that each has its own pet policy so prices and facilities may vary; however, some like the ones in Warwick and Exeter have some excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and are well worth a look when searching for pets allowed hotels and when travelling with your furry pal.
A great place for dogs, Britannia Hotels boast an impressive 48 pet friendly hotels throughout the country with most having the policy of pets allowed.
The hotel brand offer amazing value for both you and your furry friend, with prices at just £10 per pet for one night or £25 per stay, perfect if you’re planning a longer break.
Upscale hotels and hotel brands in general in the UK have seen a huge increase in guests who bring along their dogs and with this, in mind, it is easier than ever to find a pet friendly hotel online.
But if you need to find canine- friendly close to a motorway or in a city when visiting family and friends? Your options narrow considerably.
That’s why we put together this list of hotel chains which we consider to be some of the best in the country when it comes to dog-friendly travel in a reliable hotel chain.
There isn’t a hotel chain around that allow pets to stay free, and you will have to pay pet fees depending on the hotel chain and how many canine companions you have.
Whilst they may not offer the luxury pet pamper packages of some independent hotels they offer convenient and, in most cases, affordable accommodation, ideal for a short break.
Something to always bear in mind is; pet friendly can mean different things. In some instances, dogs are just allowed in the hotel, whereas in others pet friendly means they are made to feel welcome and have a range of facilities.
Dogs are usually not allowed to be left unattended in the rooms and there are almost always restrictions in all dog friendly hotels on certain areas such as restaurants, leisure clubs and children’s play areas. Some may also insist your pooch is kept on a lead at all times.
Check out the reviews online and read the hotel’s pet policy before you book. Even if you have stayed in the pet friendly hotel before, policies change occasionally so it is always advisable to check for any amendments or changes in prices when booking a place to stay.
Remember too, that hotels have the right to ask for a dog to be removed if their behaviour is unacceptable or they are aggressive towards staff and other guests.
We’re yet to come across a pet friendly hotel that allows pets to stay without paying a pet fee. You normally have to pay an additional charge around £10-£20 per pet at check in depending on how long you plan to stay and of course what the hotel is.
The more luxurious the pet friendly hotel, the more you may have to pay. Most chains have helpful staff who will let you know the price beforehand and you can then just pay at t he front desk. It’s always worth ringing the dog friendly hotel beforehand to find these things out before booking.
If your four-legged friend is accompanying you, there are some important things you need to pack for their stay:
Unfortunately, you can’t take your dog to a Premier Inn unless it’s a registered assistance dog. On their website, it clearly states no canine companions are allowed in any of their 800 hotels across the UK.
No dogs can’t go in a Travelodge restaurant, they can stay at the hotel chain as they welcome pets but they must not be left unaccompanied in the room or in any public area. You can have two dogs stay with you at this canine friendly hotel but they must be well-behaved and not cause a disturbance to other guests. You will also have to pay an additional fee.
Yes Ibis hotels do allow dogs and you can usually bring up to two pets but you should always check with the specific hotel you’re staying at. Pet fees will be applied but are usually no more than £10-£20 a dog which we think is reasonable to have your best friend with you whilst on holiday.
Yes, you can bring pets to Novotel hotels as they have specific rooms allocated for guests with dogs. The pet friendly rooms are at affordable prices and you will have to enquire as to how many you can take if you have larger pets. They’re not allowed to be left unattended or allowed in restaurants at all apart from service animals such as guide or assistance dogs.
Sniffing out the best for a dog friendly stay in hotels across the UK needn’t be a daunting task. We consider the 6 super canine friendly hotel chains above an excellent option for a short break.
If you have stayed at any great hotels that accept dogs, we’d like to hear from you. Get in touch in the comments below!
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John Devlin
Based in the North East and rarely without his dogs, John blends first-hand travel research with a genuine passion for exploring the UK with four-legged companions. He writes practical, experience-led guides to help fellow dog owners choose stays, walks, and places to eat that truly welcome pets.