AND ROVER CAME TOO
CAN MY 6ft monitor lizard stay with me at a Travelodge? This is a real question from a holidaymaker. When it comes to weird requests received by hotels, pets normally feature somewhere. While exotic animals might not get the OK from reception, these four UK hotels do give a special welcome to canine companions.
1. THE DEVONSHIRE ARMS, BOLTON ABBEY, YORKSHIRE
There are dog beds… and then there are four-poster dog beds. At The Devonshire Arms, the emphasis is on luxury, whether you arrive on two feet or four paws. Along with a welcome pack for canine guests, with treats, a pet blanket, waste bags and feeding bowl, there is also a complimentary treat menu, a pet concierge at reception to look after dogs during dinner in the 3AA -rosette restaurant and a dog-wash area for use after long walks in the Dales.
The Dog Lounge has dog-print designer flocked wallpaper by Osborne and Little, as well as an open fire, in front of which you can join your pet for dessert or for pre-dinner drinks. Throw in spare collars and pet blankets, plus wellies, umbrellas, raincoats and torches for unexpected late-night walkies, along with plenty of space on the Duke of Devonshire’s riverside estate to wander without needing to cross a road — and this is dog heaven. Check in: Rooms cost from £138 B&B, £208 with dinner included. Dogs cost £10 per night, with a £25 supplementary fee for four-poster beds. thedevonshirearms.co.uk
2. THE CARY ARMS, DEVON
It is not often that dogs — and their owners — have a choice of places to stay in one hotel. But The Cary Arms in Devon has two dog-friendly rooms on the ground floor, with their own sea-facing balconies, as well as a choice of suites, holiday cottages and even a dog-friendly beach hut.
There is a dog bed and bowl for all pooches checking in, plus treats and a guide to local walks along the coast and the countryside. The hotel has an open fire — useful if Rover has taken advantage of the chance to splash in the sea on Babbacombe Beach.
Four-legged guests can also have a special “dog’s dinner” in the bar on one night of the stay, perhaps wearing their new Cary Arms & Spa bandana. Twolegged companions can discover the locally sourced specials on the menu, including fish from sea bass to salmon. Check in: Stays start from £265 per night for suites in the main hotel, while there is also one dog-friendly beach hut. Dogs cost £20 per night. caryarms.co.uk
3. THE SPREAD EAGLE HOTEL, MIDHURST, WEST SUSSEX
Sniffing distance from the South Downs national park, the hotel has racked up awards for its pet-friendly offerings. And the current Muddy Paws package is perfect for dogs on their travels. It includes food and treats, dog bowl and mat, plus a Ruff and Tumble towelling coat to take home and a menu of local dog walks including dawn and dusk strolls to ensure you will need it.
The local Master Groomer can also be booked for wash and blow-dry or a full groom, while there is a dog-sitting service if owners would like to disappear into the spa for a treatment of their own, before drinks and dinner in the restaurant.
Sister hotel Bailiffscourt near Arundel has its own similar Sandy Paws package, for dogs preferring a seaside break. Check in: The Muddy Paws package costs from £192 per room, based on one dog and two adults sharing, B&B, or £252 including three-course dinner. Grooming services start at £25 per dog. hshotels.co.uk
4. THE CORRAN RESORT & SPA, WALES
In the Carmarthenshire countryside with a beach on the doorstep, there are walks galore for dogs and their owners, before returning to the luxurious surroundings of The Corran Resort.
With a comfy dog bed, bowl and dog treat included in the £10 canine booking fee, the 16th-century hotel also has a couple of dedicated rooms for dogs and their owners, including the Orchard Suite with its own enclosed garden area outside. And the 21-bed boutique hotel also runs occasional “doggie days”, with spa pampering from dog groomers, talks from local vets and photography sessions to commemorate the occasion.
There is plenty for owners to enjoy as well, including a spa with steam room and sauna, plus treatments for humans. Check in: Rooms cost from £175, based on two sharing a suite B&B. The Orchard Suite costs from £200 on the same basis. Dogs are welcome from an additional £10. thecorran.com