Last Updated on May 27, 2026 by dancinginhighheelsft
“In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with.” — Charles M. Schulz
Finding a hotel that genuinely welcomes your dog — rather than simply tolerating them — changes how you travel. Since exploring the UK with Charlotte, my French bulldog, I’ve come to realise that the best dog-friendly hotels don’t ask you to compromise on design, comfort, or experience. Instead, they extend the same level of thoughtfulness to your dog as they do to you.
In this guide, I’ve brought together a selection of the best dog-friendly hotels in the UK that Charlotte and I have personally stayed in and would return to — from dog-friendly hotels in London to countryside retreats and boutique coastal stays. Each one goes beyond a basic pet policy, with considered touches such as welcome treats, dog beds, dedicated menus, and staff who genuinely make a fuss of their four-legged guests.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury dog-friendly hotel in London, a pet-friendly country house escape, or a boutique stay by the coast, these are places where travelling with your dog feels entirely effortless. I update this guide regularly as we discover new favourites worth sharing.
Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair | London
London’s oldest hotel and one of its most enduring, Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair has long understood that true luxury extends to every guest — including the four-legged ones. The approach to dogs here feels less like a standard pet policy and more like a thoughtfully considered extension of the hotel’s character.
Charlotte had her own dedicated corner in our suite, complete with a cosy dog bed, bowls, and a monogrammed mat embroidered with her name. On arrival, she was greeted with house-made dog biscuits created to Chef Director Adam Byatt’s recipe, along with the option to order from the hotel’s “À la Bark” menu — featuring dishes such as raw chopped beef sirloin and salmon with rice and broccoli. A collaboration with William Morris At Home adds an additional layer of heritage detail.
Dogs are welcomed throughout the hotel, including in Charlie’s and The Drawing Room — both well worth visiting in their own right, and part of what makes this one of the most refined dog-friendly hotels in London.
Read my full Brown’s Hotel review here.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge | London
Set within the former Port of London Authority building — a Grade II-listed Beaux-Arts landmark dating back to 1922 — the Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge is one of the capital’s most architecturally striking luxury stays. Following an extensive six-year renovation, the hotel balances historic grandeur with a contemporary finish. Its location, just moments from Tower Bridge and the Thames, makes it an especially rewarding base for exploring this part of London on foot with a dog — the riverside walks alone are a highlight.
The approach to dogs is thoughtful and quietly refined. Charlotte’s space in our suite had been prepared in advance, with a plush dog bed, bowls, and arrival treats waiting for her. While dogs aren’t permitted in the restaurants, the dog menu — available via in-room dining — more than makes up for it. Charlotte opted for the British beef steak with seasonal vegetables, a detail that feels entirely in keeping with the Four Seasons standard.
For a luxury dog-friendly hotel in the City of London, it remains one of the strongest choices. Between the building’s history, the consistently polished service, and the ease of dining comfortably with your dog in-room, it’s a stay that feels both considered and genuinely accommodating.
Read my full Four Seasons Tower Bridge review here.
Fowey Hall | Cornwall
Perched above the shimmmering south Cornish coast, with sweeping views across the estuary and harbour, Fowey Hall is the kind of hotel that earns its reputation quietly. The Victorian mansion is widely believed to have inspired Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows — a detail that speaks to both its setting and its character. Named Family-Friendly Hotel of the Year in The Times 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK (2024), it takes a genuinely inclusive approach to hospitality — one that very much extends to dogs.
Charlotte’s welcome was warm and thoughtfully prepared from the moment we arrived. In our room, a dog bed, bowls, towels and a small welcome pack were waiting — complete with treats and a tennis ball, quickly added to her ever-growing collection. Dogs are welcomed throughout the hotel, from the lounges to the dining areas, and especially out on the grounds, where the fresh Cornish air and expansive views make it feel like a true escape.
For a dog-friendly hotel in Cornwall, Fowey Hall strikes a rare balance between comfort, character, and setting. It’s the kind of place you find yourself planning a return to before you’ve even left.
Dogs are welcome at an additional fee of £25 per dog per night.
Read my full Fowey Hall review here.
Great Scotland Yard, Westminster | London
Few hotels in London can claim a history quite like Great Scotland Yard. In Tudor times, the site served as a residence for the Kings of Scotland during visits to Whitehall Palace — giving the hotel its name. By 1829, it had become the headquarters of the newly established Metropolitan Police under Sir Robert Peel, before later serving as a British Army recruitment office during both World Wars. Today, it has been reimagined as a luxury hotel within Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, where the original Edwardian façade gives way to interiors that pay homage to its storied past. It’s the kind of place that offers a sense of narrative before you’ve even reached your room.
The approach to dogs is warm and genuinely considered. Charlotte was welcomed with a dog bed and bowl set up on arrival, and four-legged guests are treated with the same level of care as any other. The Parlour is dog-friendly throughout, and on Sundays hosts a dedicated Dog Afternoon Tea in collaboration with canine nutrition specialists Talula Eats — one of the more original and thoughtfully executed dog-friendly experiences in London.
For a luxury dog-friendly hotel in Westminster, it sits in a category of its own. The location is hard to beat, the history is exceptional, and the Dog Afternoon Tea alone makes it worth planning a stay around.
Dogs are permitted up to 50lbs, or two dogs with a combined weight of 75lbs. A pet fee of £50 per dog, per night applies.
Read my full Great Scotland Yard review here.
No. 15 by Guesthouse | Bath
From the outside, No. 15 by GuestHouse presents the picture of Georgian restraint — its listed 18th-century façade largely unchanged, in keeping with the elegance of Great Pulteney Street, just a short walk from where Jane Austen once lived. Step inside, however, and the mood shifts entirely. Murals, eclectic patterns and contemporary artwork create a layered, quietly playful interior, where every corner reveals something unexpected. Set across three Grade I-listed townhouses, it’s a boutique hotel in Bath that feels genuinely individual — more curated than designed.
Charlotte’s welcome was warm and thoughtfully prepared. Waiting in our room was an Ivy & Duke dog bed, bowls, and a well-considered welcome pack, complete with treats, poo bags and a tennis ball — quickly added to her collection. Dogs are welcome in most rooms and are very much part of the atmosphere in The Bar, where they can join you for breakfast and settle in throughout the day.
For a boutique dog-friendly hotel in Bath that balances character, comfort and location, it’s a standout choice.
Dogs are welcome in most rooms (excluding Small Guest Rooms), with an additional fee of £25 per dog, per night. Dogs are not permitted in the restaurant but are welcome in The Bar.
Read my full No. 15 by GuestHouse review here.
Pan Pacific London, Bishopsgate | London
Rising above the City in a glass-and-steel tower with sweeping views of the Gherkin and beyond, Pan Pacific London is the brand’s first European outpost — and one of the more unexpected additions to a dog-friendly hotel guide.
The hotel’s dog programme, Paws at Pan Pacific, is one of the most comprehensive in London. It goes well beyond the usual touches, with services including a pet concierge, dog walking, grooming and even pet massages. The in-house dining menu has been developed with canine nutritionist Anna Webb, focusing on fresh, natural ingredients and single-source proteins. On arrival, we were given a Paws Pack — a curated guide outlining the hotel’s pet offering, alongside a map of nearby dog-friendly spots and the full pet menu.
Dogs are welcome in designated areas of the hotel, with a few exceptions including the wellbeing floor, meeting spaces, and Afternoon Tea in The Orchid Lounge.
£60 per pet per stay (no weight limit). Guide dogs welcome in all areas.
Read my full Pan Pacific London review here.
Richmond Hill Hotel, Richmond upon Thames | London
Dating back to 1726 and set atop Richmond Hill, Richmond Hill Hotel occupies one of the most remarkable positions in London. From here, views stretch across the Thames, the meadows of Petersham, and the wider Surrey landscape, with Richmond Park just moments away. The outlook is so significant it is protected by law under the Richmond, Petersham and Ham Open Spaces Act 1902 — the only view in England with such status. It’s a landscape long associated with J. M. W. Turner, whose depictions of the Thames from this vantage point still feel strikingly familiar today.
Interiors by Russell Sage Studio balance Georgian heritage with a softer, contemporary warmth — floral wallpapers, chintz fabrics, colourful artwork and marble bathrooms that feel layered rather than overly styled. The lounge is a particular highlight, and where Charlotte joined me for lunch. While dogs aren’t permitted in the main restaurant, 144 On The Hill, the lounge offers a genuinely comfortable alternative with the same menu available.
The dog set-up is simple — a bed, along with food and water bowls provided in the room — but it’s the location that defines the stay. A short walk leads to the famous Terrace overlooking the Thames, and from there straight into Richmond Park, where open grassland, ancient woodland and roaming deer create one of the most rewarding dog walks in London.
For a dog-friendly hotel in Richmond and southwest London, Richmond Hill Hotel offers a rare sense of space and escape without ever leaving the city.
Dogs are welcome in designated dog-friendly rooms and in the lounge at 144 On The Hill. Dogs are not permitted in the main restaurant.
Read my full Richmond Hill Hotel review here.
Royal Lancaster London, Hyde Park | London
A mid-century landmark since opening in 1967, the Royal Lancaster London occupies one of the finest positions in the city — set on the edge of Hyde Park, with panoramic views across the London skyline. Following an £85 million renovation completed in 2017, the hotel was comprehensively reimagined, with an eight-metre glazed façade now revealing a sweeping white marble staircase at its centre — grand in scale, yet warm in atmosphere. A quieter detail speaks just as much to its character: rooftop beehives, installed in 2009, with bees foraging in nearby Hyde Park.
As an independently owned hotel, the approach to dogs feels personal rather than policy-driven. Charlotte’s arrival set the tone, with a thoughtfully prepared hamper, a personalised welcome card, dog bed and bowls, and even a dog afternoon tea. Dogs are welcome throughout much of the hotel, including the Park Lounge Bar and Living Lounge, making it easy to settle in without feeling restricted.
For a dog-friendly hotel in London with a Hyde Park address, no additional pet fee, and a genuinely warm welcome, the Royal Lancaster stands out.
Dogs are welcome at no additional charge (please notify the hotel at the time of booking). Dogs are not permitted in the restaurants.
Read my full Royal Lancaster London review here.
Shangri-La The Shard , London Bridge | London
Set across floors 34 to 52 of The Shard — one of the UK’s most recognisable architectural landmarks and, at the time of its completion, the tallest building in Western Europe — Shangri-La The Shard offers a stay defined as much by its setting as its design. The views are genuinely extraordinary, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing London in every direction. In-room binoculars and freestanding bathtubs positioned towards the skyline only add to the sense of occasion. It is, quite simply, unlike anywhere else in the city.
The hotel’s dog programme, Pupgrade, is as thoughtfully considered as the wider experience. Charlotte was welcomed with a dog bed, food and water bowls, toys, and a curated guide to dog-friendly spots in London, alongside a dedicated in-room dining menu.
One dog is permitted per room (up to 22kg). A Pupgrade fee of £75 per stay applies. Dogs are not permitted in TĪNG restaurant or GŎNG bar, and must be kept on a lead in all public areas.
Read my full Shangri-La The Shard review here.
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Mayfair | London
Since its glamorous debut in the 1920s, the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has come to embody the classic elegance of Mayfair. The Art Deco interiors remain among the finest in London, with the Grade II-listed ballroom standing out as one of the city’s most impressive examples of the style. Positioned directly opposite Green Park, the setting is as appealing as the architecture — particularly from the upper floors, where the views stretch across one of London’s most desirable addresses.
The hotel’s dog staycation package includes a dog bed, bowls, and even a complimentary “dogtail” at Smith & Whistle, alongside an in-room “Perfect Dog’s Day Out in London” itinerary. Dogs are also welcome in Smith & Whistle, where you can settle in for drinks or something more substantial without needing to retreat to your room.
For a luxury dog-friendly hotel in Mayfair, the Sheraton Grand stands out not only for its setting and architectural heritage, but also for its ease and value — particularly with Green Park just across the road and no additional pet fee.
Dogs are welcome up to 25kg at no additional charge. A refundable £75 damage deposit may be required on arrival.
South Place Hotel, Moorgate | London
Situated between Moorgate and Liverpool Street, South Place Hotel draws on London’s cultural energy — and it shows. Designed by Conran & Partners, the interiors combine the feel of a vibrant restaurant with a gallery-like display of works by contemporary London artists. Bold blocks of colour sit against a darker, moodier palette, creating a space that feels worlds away from the surrounding glass-and-steel City.
Charlotte’s welcome was thoughtfully prepared, with a dog bed, food and water bowls presented on a signature yellow mat, a small toy to take home, and even a dog bathrobe. Dogs are welcome throughout the hotel on a lead, including at 3 South Place restaurant and 3 Bar, making it easy to settle in without feeling restricted. The only exception is Angler, the Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant — though in-room dining provides a seamless alternative.
Dogs stay free when booking direct. Dogs are welcome on a lead throughout the hotel, including 3 South Place restaurant and 3 Bar. Dogs are not permitted in Angler.
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences, Piccadilly | London
Set at 116 Piccadilly, The Athenaeum carries a layered history that feels very much part of its identity. Originally built as Hope House in 1850 — an elegant private residence admired by Charles Dickens — it later evolved into an Art Deco apartment block before becoming the hotel it is today. By the 1970s, it had become a favourite among Hollywood names, with Steven Spielberg reportedly installing an editing suite here while working on E.T. and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Today, it remains family-owned, and that sense of personal oversight carries through in both the service and the approach to dogs. The exterior is instantly recognisable, thanks to its living wall — a striking vertical garden of more than 260 plant species climbing the façade.
The location is one of its greatest strengths. With Green Park directly opposite and Hyde Park just a short walk away, access to open green space becomes part of the daily rhythm — something that makes a real difference when travelling with a dog.
The VIPup package is thoughtfully put together, with a comfortable dog bed, bowls for the duration of the stay, a selection of treats, and an Athenaeum bandana to take home. For a dog-friendly hotel in Mayfair with immediate access to some of London’s best green spaces, The Athenaeum remains a compelling choice.
VIPup package: £35 per dog, per night. Includes dog bed, bowls, treats and an Athenaeum bandana.
Read my full Athenaeum Hotel review here.
The Forest Side, Grasmere | Lake District
Set on a hillside above Grasmere, The Forest Side occupies one of the more quietly dramatic positions in the Lake District. The Gothic mansion, dating back to 1853, was conceived as a place of retreat — and that sense of escape still defines the experience today. Surrounded by 44 acres of grounds, the hotel feels deeply connected to its landscape, with a substantial kitchen garden, tended by a dedicated team, supplying much of what appears on the menu — a detail that speaks to the seriousness of the cooking.
And it is the food that draws people here. The restaurant earned a Michelin star within its first year, with a kitchen philosophy rooted firmly in the Cumbrian landscape: seasonal, foraged, and locally sourced. The tasting menus are thoughtfully composed and well worth planning a stay around.
For those travelling with a dog, the experience is equally considered. Charlotte was welcomed with a dog bed, bowls, a small throw, and arrival treats — a warm and comfortable set-up that made settling in easy. Dogs are welcome in select rooms and in the lounge between 2pm and 6pm, offering time to unwind after a walk on the fells. The restaurant itself is the one space where dogs aren’t permitted — though given the calibre of the cooking, it’s a moment to fully focus on the experience.
Dogs are welcome in select rooms and in the lounge between 2pm–6pm. Dogs are not permitted in the restaurant. A charge of £25 per dog, per stay applies.
Read my full The Forest Side review here.
The Guardsman Hotel | London
Just moments from Buckingham Palace — and very much living up to its name — The Guardsman Hotel occupies a category of its own among London’s newer luxury boutique hotels. The grey-brick façade with subtle gold detailing feels quietly elegant rather than overtly grand, while the interiors blend Art Deco influences with contemporary British luxury, layered with warm neutrals, marble finishes and jewel-toned accents that create a refined yet deeply comfortable atmosphere.
For dog owners, the location is one of the hotel’s greatest strengths. St James’s Park sits quite literally at the end of the road, making early morning walks before breakfast feel effortlessly woven into the stay. Compared with the busier pace of Hyde Park, the quieter paths and open green spaces here feel particularly well suited to dogs, especially for a central London address. The hotel’s beautifully appointed residences are also an excellent option for longer stays, offering the sort of residential comfort that makes travelling with a dog feel genuinely easy. Ordering breakfast to your room and easing into the morning at your own pace is one of those understated luxuries The Guardsman does exceptionally well.
Charlotte was welcomed with dog bowls, treats and a bottle of Woof & Brew Posh Pooch Wine. Dogs are welcome throughout the public spaces and can join you for dinner in the downstairs restaurant.
Dogs of all sizes are welcome, with bowls and treats provided on arrival. Dogs are permitted throughout the hotel’s public spaces and restaurant, and there is currently no additional pet charge.
Read my full The Guardsman Hotel review here.
The Montagu Arms, Beaulieu | New Forest
The Montagu Arms has been part of Beaulieu since the 16th century, when the site was known as The Ship — a favourite among local farmers and parish officers. The present Grade II-listed building dates from 1742, and its sense of history is worn lightly but confidently. Inside, polished herringbone parquet floors, oak panelling, beamed ceilings and open fires create exactly the kind of atmosphere you hope for from a New Forest country house. During the Second World War, it served as a Home Guard base, and over the years has welcomed figures such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Henry Irving and General Charles de Gaulle — a guest list that hints at its long-standing appeal.
For those travelling with a dog, the setting is hard to beat. The New Forest is quite literally on the doorstep, Beaulieu village remains one of the most charming in Hampshire, and the hotel’s gardens invite you to slow down and linger. Charlotte was welcomed with the Pampered Pooch package, which included a Ralph & Co. dog bed, Beco bowls, a Beco Pets hamper waiting in the room on arrival, as well as a meal from the À la Bark menu.
Dogs are welcome throughout the hotel on a lead, including at Monty’s Inn, the hotel’s characterful country pub — an ideal spot for a relaxed dinner after a day exploring the forest. The Terrace Restaurant, the more formal dining room, is the only space where dogs aren’t permitted.
For a dog-friendly country house hotel in the New Forest, The Montagu Arms combines history, setting and a well-considered approach to dogs with ease.
Dogs are welcome throughout the hotel and in Monty’s Inn on a lead. Dogs are not permitted in The Terrace Restaurant. The Pampered Pooch package is available on request.
Read my full The Montagu Arms review here.
The Old Bell, Malmesbury | The Cotswolds
Set beside the 12th-century remains of Malmesbury Abbey, The Old Bell is a Grade I-listed building often cited as England’s oldest hotel, with a history of welcoming guests since 1220. Originally built as the abbey’s guesthouse on the site of a former royal castle, its past is still very much present — from the bar’s fireplace, dating to the early 13th century and thought to incorporate stone from the castle itself, to the layers of history that unfold throughout the building. Over the centuries, it has hosted monarchs including Henry III of England, Edward I of England, and Edward III of England, while the surrounding streets saw fighting during the English Civil War. More than 800 years on, it remains very much alive.
What makes the current iteration so engaging is the energy introduced by owners Kim and Whit Hanks, who took over in 2021. Their approach layers bold design choices — richly patterned wallpapers, jewel-toned textiles, stained glass and carefully sourced antiques — against the building’s original features, from stone fireplaces to oak panelling. The result is a space that feels both characterful and cohesive, and easily one of the more memorable boutique stays in the UK.
Charlotte’s set-up was thoughtfully prepared, with a four-poster dog bed, food and water bowls, and treats waiting in the room. Dogs are welcome in the lounges, which are exactly the kind of spaces you want to settle into after exploring Malmesbury’s historic streets and the riverside paths along the Avon.
For a dog-friendly hotel in Wiltshire that combines history, personality, and a genuinely comfortable stay for dogs, The Old Bell stands apart.
Dogs are welcome in designated dog-friendly rooms and throughout the lounges. An additional charge of £25 per dog, per night applies.
Read my full The Old Bell Hotel review here.
Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch | London
London is where the Virgin story began more than 50 years ago, which makes the arrival of Virgin Hotels Shoreditch feel like a natural homecoming. The design leans into industrial influences, softened with a more polished, contemporary edge — exposed brickwork, floor-to-ceiling windows and bespoke artwork throughout. The suites, refreshed in 2025, are layered in a warm palette of rust, olive, pale blue and cream, with textures of bouclé, velvet and leather creating a space that feels both considered and comfortable — far removed from a standard hotel room.
One of the standout spaces is Hidden Grooves, a 38-seat hi-fi bar inspired by Japanese listening lounges. Lined with rare vinyl, vintage furniture and music memorabilia that nods to the early days of Virgin Records, it feels more like a private collection than a hotel bar. The cocktail list takes its cue from studio albums, while a rotating vinyl programme adds to the atmosphere. Charlotte was welcome to join us here, which made the experience feel all the more relaxed and personal.
The approach to dogs is easy and unfussy. A dog bed, bowls and a welcome pack were waiting in the room on arrival, and dogs of all sizes and breeds are welcomed without additional charge.
For a dog-friendly hotel in Shoreditch, Virgin Hotels offers something with real personality — from its design to its social spaces — making it a strong choice for a more relaxed stay in East London.
Dogs of all sizes and breeds are welcome, free of charge. Dog bed, bowls and a welcome pack are provided.
Read my full Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch review here.
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Every hotel featured in this guide has been personally visited and comes with Charlotte’s full seal of approval. That said, dog policies can change, so it’s always worth confirming details directly with the hotel at the time of booking.
I update this guide regularly as we continue to discover new places worth staying — from luxury dog-friendly hotels in London to countryside retreats and boutique stays across the UK. If you have a recommendation, or have stayed at any of the hotels listed with your own dog, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
- Our experiences have been complimentary, all photos and views are my own – please do not reuse any content without permission.
