Hounds & hotels: the 15 best dog-friendly stays for 2022
We've stayed in over 50 hotels this year. These are the best.
I’m about to start editing the first draft of the Dog-Friendly Weekends guidebook, which has been meticulously marked with the proverbial red pen by one of the best editors in the industry. Since I submitted it, though, I’ve been doing a little hotel reviewing for Good Housekeeping, Country Living and The Telegraph. I realised we (me and Arty) must have stayed in over 50-odd hotels this year, and over the years I’ve reviewed hundreds of properties with a dog by my side.
My guidebook doesn’t focus solely on hotels — there are plenty of books that already do that, some of which I’ve contributed to — but sometimes all we want is a great place to stay and a good meal, especially at this time of year. You can’t argue with breakfast in bed and afternoon pints by the fire when the weather’s like this…
With that in mind, I’ve chosen 15 exceptional properties I’d go back to in an instant.
Countryside jaunts
The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa, Midhurst, West Sussex
Add your name to the rather impressive guest list at this ancient coaching inn, where both Oliver Cromwell and Elizabeth I have stayed — her majesty even had her own wig room here, which is still there today in the Queen’s Suite. With gorgeous South Downs walks on your doorstep and the picturesque ruins of Cowdray Castle, it’s a brilliant base when you’ve a dog in tow. Dine in the creaking bar next to a roaring fire, and enjoy breakfast in the bright conservatory in the mornings. There’s a spa for humans only, and if you ask for a little history tour, staff will show you some of the 15th-century elements of its architecture.Glencoe Inn & Gathering, the Highlands
I felt a certain trepidation arriving at the Glencoe Inn earlier this year — from the outside, it looks less than appealing. But ignore your instincts on arrival, because this hotel has one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten in in Scotland, serving superb scallops with black pudding and moreish lobster mac and cheese, and it has a fantastic wine list worth splashing out on. Views over the gorgeous Loch Leven are mesmerising at sunset, and morning walks at nearby Glencoe Lochan are stunning on a clear day.The Lygon Arms, Worcestershire
The award for the Cotswolds’ most dog-friendly hotel goes to this gorgeous former coaching inn in the little town of Broadway. Sitting at the base of a frankly punishing hill, it’s a welcome little retreat after a day pounding the region’s footpaths. Staff here really know how to treat the dog, bringing out Le Chameau beds, treats and water when dining in grill restaurant or outside in the courtyard, and they’ve got their own warm rainfall shower outside for de-mudding after a wet walk.The Rocks Hostel at Plas Curig, Snowdonia
Okay, this one’s a hostel rather than a hotel but I promise you, it’s nothing like the YHAs you stayed in as a kid. Instead, The Rocks is the coolest, most luxurious hostel I’ve seen with incredibly stylish interior decor, a huge communal kitchen and — the best part — a hot tub overlooking the mountainous landscape beyond. On a clear day, you can see the peak of Snowdon across the waters of Llynnau Mymbyr. Dog-friendly rooms are the private ones with en-suites, and there are clever little loops all over the hostel for tying them up while you cook/eat/drink.The Inn on the Lake, Cumbria
This large property sits on the shores of Ullswater and has glorious views over the lake’s southern expanse. Bedrooms are elegant but cosy, with soft armchairs to recline in while you admire the views and vast four-poster beds. Dogs are welcome in the onsite bistro restaurant, and there are plenty of grounds for strolling around for that morning loo trip. The smoked salmon at breakfast is divine.