Welcome to the canine-friendly future! Gone are the days when bringing your four-legged friend on holiday meant settling for less-than-ideal accommodations. Today dog-friendly hotels mean more than just allowing your pet to stay; it’s about rolling out the red carpet for our canine companions and giving them a truly warm welcome – from a cuddle at reception to a spa treatment, pet sitting, comfy dog beds, doggie agility courses, luxurious dog-friendly rooms, gourmet doggie dining and even a welcome letter and welcome pack.
This guide will explore what it genuinely means to be a pet-friendly hotel, picking out some of the best dog-friendly hotels that go the extra mile to ensure both dog owners and their furry friends have an unforgettable experience.
At PetsPyjamas we have championed the cause of dog-friendliness and have encouraged hotels to truly embrace this concept. All the pet-friendly hotels we mention are bookable on our site, many with one of our exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else and remember when you book with PetsPyjamas your dog stays for free.
Get ready to treat your canine companion to a holiday like no other!
A Wonderful Reception at Dog-Friendly Hotels
Imagine this: you walk into your hotel, and the first to be greeted isn’t you, but your dog, with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for long-lost friends. That’s the kind of reception we’re talking about. A truly dog-friendly hotel knows that a happy dog equals a happy owner. They’ll have staff trained to interact with all kinds of dogs, ensuring your pet feels welcomed and safe. some pet-friendly hotels might even have a dedicated ‘Pet Concierge’ who will fuss over your furry friend, providing treats, cuddles, and everything in between. This kind of reception sets the tone for your stay, showing that this place truly understands and values the bond between dogs and dog owners.
The Best Dog-Friendly Hotels Have Enhanced Pet Perks
Most dog-friendly hotels are moving beyond the basics of dog bowls and sleeping blankets. Some dog-friendly hotels in the UK have taken pet amenities to a whole new level. Take, for instance, the Bailiffscourt Hotel, where four-legged friends are treated to a range of perks including dog treats, a ball thrower for endless games of fetch, and a drying coat for after those wet and wild walks on the beach. These enhanced pet perks show a deep understanding of what makes dogs (and thereby their owners) truly happy. It’s not just about accommodating pets, but about making them feel special and like the most pampered canine guests.
More Fun and Fitness For Your Four-Legged Friend
The best dog-friendly hotels provide opportunities for four-legged friends to play, explore, and stay active. They understand that a tired dog is a happy dog. That’s why some hotels go beyond the norm by offering bespoke dog walks, complete with maps of the area tailored to your dog’s needs. Take the Homewood Hotel & Spa, for instance, which includes a new dog agility area within its grounds, allowing for fun and fitness combined. Or explore the unique offerings like Karma St Martins on the Isle of Scilly, a coastal retreat where the adventure for your dog is as vast as the sea. And let’s not forget the prestigious Gleneagles, where you can enrol your dog in a gun dog training course, blending education with vacation.
Grooming Spas – Not Just for Humans
Who says only humans can indulge in a spa day? The latest trend at dog-friendly hotels is providing pet grooming services. This goes beyond a simple wash and dry; we’re talking about full-on pampering sessions that could include massages, haircuts, and even aromatherapy sessions designed specifically for dogs. This kind of service is a game-changer, ensuring your pet looks and feels their best during your stay. It’s a clear indication that the hotel isn’t just dog-tolerant but genuinely dog-friendly, recognizing that pets, just like people, need time for relaxation and pampering. Doggie grooming can be arranged at Homewood Hotel, Ellenborough Park features a dedicated doggie spa and the Mole Resort in Devon offers an outdoor heated dog washing area – perfect for drying off after a muddy walk.
Enhanced Doggie Dining at Pet-Friendly Hotels
In the enchanting world of dog-friendly hotels, the evolution of doggie dining has taken a delightful turn, transforming from tasty treats at reception to full-fledged gourmet experiences for our furry friends. Hotels in the UK are leading the charge, setting new standards in pet hospitality. At the prestigious Lygon Arms, dogs can indulge in the exquisite James Martin dog menu, tailoring fine dining experiences to our four-legged companions. Meanwhile, the Montagu Arms has introduced the whimsical ‘A La Bark’ menu, ensuring every dog’s palate is thoroughly pampered. Not to be outdone, Cliveden House astounds with its specially curated dog menu, directly from the Chef’s own canine-inspired creations.
Paw-Concierge Services
What could be more reassuring than knowing your canine companion is in safe hands while you enjoy a well-deserved dinner or a stroll through the city? Certain luxury dog-friendly hotels go beyond the basics to offer specialised ‘paw-concierge’ services, catering to every need your dog might have during your stay. For example, the prestigious Royal Lancaster is a dog-friendly hotel that has introduced a popular dog-sitting service, allowing guests to unwind, knowing their canine companions are receiving loving care. Furthermore, many dog-friendly hotels have recognized the need for canine exercise, integrating professional dog-walking services – The Lanesborough offers a friendly butler who can walk your dog in Hyde Park. This ensures your pet can also enjoy the new surroundings, staying active and happy, which is essential for a peaceful, guilt-free getaway.
The Trend for Extra Luxury Dog Beds in Dog-Friendly Rooms
After a day full of adventures, both you and your dog deserve a restful sleep. The trend towards providing luxurious sleeping arrangements for dogs is on the rise. No more makeshift bedding; now, we’re talking about ultra-plush, oversized beds that ensure your dog is as pampered as you are. The luxury dog-friendly hotel, Bishopstrow House, is leading by example, offering extra-large, comfy dog beds in their suites, making sure your dog has plenty of space to stretch out and relax. At the Lygon Arms, they’ve taken it a step further by providing bespoke Le Chameau dog beds, in their dog-friendly rooms, combining comfort with a touch of elegance. This attention to detail ensures that your pet enjoys a serene and pampered night’s sleep, ready for whatever adventures the next day may bring.
In Conclusion
Being ‘dog-friendly’ is not just a label; it’s a commitment to ensuring that our canine companions enjoy their holiday as much as we do. It’s about understanding and meeting the needs of pets and their owners, creating a dog-friendly environment where both can relax and enjoy their time together.
From the moment you arrive at your dog-friendly hotel, through every perk and activity offered, to the pampering spa sessions, these dog-friendly features make a significant difference in the quality of your holiday. They turn a simple stay into an unforgettable experience, reinforcing the bond between you and your pet.
So, the next time you’re planning a stay at a dog-friendly hotel, consider these aspects of canine hospitality to ensure a holiday that’s truly enjoyable for you and your canine companion. After all, they’re not just pets; they’re family.
The PetsPyjamas Promise
A truly, dog-friendly experience – Expect your dog to receive as warm a welcome as you!
VIP benefits with our Loyalty club – Because you and your dog deserve a treat
Donation to an animal welfare charity from every booking – All dogs deserve a happy and healthy life
Dogs stay Free – Saving you up to £25 a night
Exclusive PetsPyjamas Packages – From doggie afternoon tea to dog-friendly spa breaks
About PetsPyjamas
We are proud to be the UK’s no 1 dog-friendly travel experts creating amazing experiences for all furry friends and family at 1000s of truly dog-friendly hotels, houses and cottages with exclusive packages you just won’t find anywhere else.
And with PetsPyjamas dogs travel free saving you up to £25 a night, with 24/7 vetcare, and access to our Priority Paws VIP club for fabulous treats, offers and upgrades.
We are the fastest-growing unique dog-friendly travel and lifestyle brand putting people and their pets at the heart of everything we do and offering dog-travel-inspiration.
But don’t just take our word for it – we’ve won awards for our service, innovation and content with a loyal customer base of dog owners and their best pup friends.