So many of us would love to take our pet away with us on holiday. Not only are they part of the family, but finding alternative pet care can be quite expensive.
If you’re planning a staycation, there are plenty of hotels that will welcome pets. Here are some tips to get you started:
Finding the right hotel for you and your pets
Use pet-friendly filters online: When searching for a hotel online, sites like Booking.com and TripAdvisor allow you to filter for pet-friendly hotels.
Find out if you have to pay for your pet: You might end up paying £50 per night for your pet to join you in some hotels, while others will only charge for human occupants. In other venues, a fully refundable pet deposit might be added to cover any damage they might cause.
Look out for restrictions: Even if a hotel is pet-friendly, that doesn’t mean your pet can follow you wherever you go. Before you book, check to see what areas, such as restaurants, may be out of bounds, as this could affect your plans during your stay.
Try a pet specialist holiday company: For example, PetsPyjamas enables holidaymakers to choose from thousands of dog-welcoming hotels, cottages, B&Bs and pubs with accommodation.
Ensure there is plenty of space nearby for dog-walking: If you’re taking your dog along on your holiday, they will need their normal amount of exercise. It’s worth asking staff in a pet-friendly hotel for any tips on where to venture.
Consider a holiday let: For more space and room to breathe, you could try a holiday let. If you’re using AirBnB, you can find out if the property owner will let you bring your pet by checking the House Rules section of the property description. You could also contact the host to find out if there are any specific restrictions before booking.
Some top hotels for pets
There are thousands of pet-friendly hotels across the UK. But, for a little inspiration, here are just a handful you might want to consider:
B+B Edinburgh, Scotland
This boutique bed and breakfast, in Edinburgh's West End, prides itself on its friendliness towards pets. It can provide the essentials such as bowls, beds and treats, and will also help you find a pet-sitter, if you need one. Be sure to check its “Paws Policy” before you book!
It is highly rated for pet owners too and is tipped as a great base for walkers.
Prince Hall, Dartmoor
If you’re looking for a more remote stay, try Prince Hall, which is set in Dartmoor National Park.
This country house says dogs are free to roam in its more than five acres of grounds. Staff can suggest dog-friendly walks and provide maps, as well. They also have lots of practical facilities to help after those long hikes, providing a bucket, sponge and towels for dog washing on request, and an outside tap to attend to muddy paws.
With its stunning location, Prince Hall won’t disappoint pet owners either.
Hotel 41, London
If you can afford to splash out, then London’s Hotel 41 promises to provide your cat or dog with five-star treatment. Its pet-friendly services range from a pet concierge, to cater for your pet’s every need, and a bottle of “Pet Friendly Beer or Champagne” on arrival. They can also arrange for pet treats, toys, and a pet-sitting service, among other perks.
Human guests don’t do too bad either: Hotel 41, which is near Buckingham Palace, is rated as ‘excellent’ on TripAdvisor.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly and pet-friendly option in London, you may want to consider the Resident Covent Garden.
National Trust holiday cottages, various locations
The National Trust has more than 200 dog-friendly holiday cottages across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Take The Lodge, in the woodland of the Hardcastle Crags estate in West Yorkshire. This two-bedroom Victorian lodge has room for two dogs and is surrounded by walking trails. It’s also only an hours’ drive from the Yorkshire Dales, known by many as dog walking heaven.
Porth Tocyn Hotel, Wales
This is a family and dog friendly country house hotel overlooking Cardigan Bay, which comes recommended by the Good Hotel Guide.
It charges £20 per dog per stay, but the money is donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
With plenty of options to choose from, your next getaway could be an enjoyable and memorable trip both for you and your pet.
