Dog-Friendly Hotels in the UK: Your Complete Guide for 2026

There was a time when travelling with your dog meant crossing hotels off the list entirely. Thankfully, those days are well behind us. The UK hotel industry has undergone a genuine shift in recent years, with more chains, boutique hotels, and independent stays rolling out the welcome mat for four-legged guests.

Whether you're planning a weekend away in the Peak District or a longer trip exploring the Scottish Highlands, finding a comfortable hotel that welcomes your dog is easier than ever. But "dog-friendly" can mean very different things depending on where you book — from a grudging tolerance to a genuine tail-wagging welcome with treats, beds, and walking route suggestions.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about staying in hotels with your dog across the UK in 2026, from the major chains and their policies to insider tips that'll make the experience smoother for everyone.

If you prefer the consistency and convenience of a chain hotel, the good news is that several of the UK's biggest names now accept dogs. That said, policies vary enormously — even between branches of the same chain — so it always pays to check the specifics before you book.

Premier Inn

Premier Inn is arguably the most reliably dog-friendly chain in the UK, and for many dog owners it's become the default choice for overnight stops and short breaks. Dog-friendly rooms are available at a large number of their locations (though not all), typically on the ground floor for easy garden access.

Key details:

• Fee: Around £10–15 per stay (not per night), which is very reasonable
• Restrictions: No breed or size restrictions — all dogs are welcome
• Room allocation: Usually ground floor rooms designated as pet-friendly
• Extras: Many locations have suggested walking routes nearby
• Booking: You can filter for dog-friendly rooms on their website, but it's worth calling to confirm availability

Premier Inn gets a lot right. The lack of breed restrictions is particularly welcome — owners of larger breeds or "restricted" looking dogs often face unfair discrimination elsewhere. The flat fee per stay rather than per night is also a bonus for longer trips.

Travelodge

Travelodge's dog policy is less straightforward. While some locations do accept dogs, it's very much on a property-by-property basis, and the information isn't always clearly listed online.

Key details:

• Availability: Limited — not all locations accept dogs
• Booking: You really must call ahead to check; online booking doesn't always make the policy clear
• Rooms: Where dogs are accepted, it's typically a limited number of designated rooms
• Fee: Varies by location

Travelodge can work in a pinch, especially for overnight stops on long journeys, but it's not the most reliable option if your trip revolves around bringing your dog.

Best Western

Best Western is a consortium of independently owned hotels, which means the dog policy varies significantly between properties. Many locations do welcome dogs, and some go above and beyond with treats and bowls.

Key details:

• Availability: Many locations welcome dogs, but check each hotel individually
• Fee: Typically £10–20 per night
• Restrictions: Vary by property — some have size or number limits
• Quality: Because these are independently run, the experience can range from basic to brilliant

Hilton

Hilton's UK properties have a mixed approach to dogs. Some welcome them warmly, while others don't accept pets at all.

Key details:

• Availability: Select properties only
• Booking: Check the specific hotel's pet policy before booking — don't assume
• Fee: Where dogs are accepted, fees tend to be on the higher side (£20–30 per night is common)
• Standard: The rooms and facilities are generally excellent, as you'd expect

Novotel

Novotel is one of the more consistently dog-friendly options among the mid-range chains. Most UK locations welcome dogs, and the policy is usually straightforward.

Key details:

• Availability: Generally dog-friendly across UK locations
• Fee: Around £15–20 per night
• Restrictions: Usually limited to two dogs per room
• Booking: Easier to confirm online than some other chains

Marriott

Marriott's approach varies considerably across their different brands and individual properties in the UK.

Key details:

• Availability: Property-dependent — always check directly
• Fee: Can be significant at premium properties
• Booking: Contact the specific hotel rather than relying on the central booking system

Here's something we've learnt from years of travelling with dogs: independent and boutique hotels are often far more welcoming than the big chains. While a chain hotel might tolerate your dog, a good independent will genuinely celebrate them.

The best boutique dog-friendly hotels typically offer:

• Dog welcome packs with treats, a toy, and local walking information
• Dog beds and bowls provided in the room (no need to lug your own)
• Sausages at breakfast — yes, really. Some hotels include a doggy breakfast
• No restrictions on communal areas — many allow dogs in the bar and lounge
• Enclosed gardens for off-lead play
• Dog-washing stations for muddy post-walk clean-ups

Regions like Cornwall, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Scottish Highlands have particularly strong networks of independent dog-friendly accommodation. These areas rely heavily on the walking and outdoor tourism market, and savvy hoteliers know that welcoming dogs means welcoming a loyal (and growing) customer base.

The trade-off is that boutique options tend to cost more per night than budget chains. But when you factor in the genuine welcome, the quality of the stay, and the fact that your dog is treated as a guest rather than a nuisance, many owners find it's well worth the premium.

While every hotel sets its own rules, there are common policies you'll encounter almost everywhere. Knowing these in advance helps you avoid surprises at check-in.

Typical dog-friendly hotel policies include:

• Maximum of two dogs per room — this is the most common limit, though some boutique hotels are more flexible
• Ground floor or designated rooms only — to minimise disruption and make access easier
• A nightly or per-stay fee — usually between £10 and £25 per night, sometimes a flat fee per stay
• Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms — this is almost universal and is the policy most owners fall foul of. If your dog isn't comfortable being left, plan your meals and activities accordingly
• Dogs not permitted in dining areas or restaurants — most hotels with restaurants will not allow dogs in the dining room, though bar areas and lounges are often more relaxed
• Dogs must be kept on a lead in communal areas — corridors, reception, lifts, and gardens
• Owners are liable for any damage — your dog, your responsibility. A chewed chair leg or a stained carpet will come out of your pocket
• Proof of vaccinations — occasionally requested, though this is more common at higher-end properties

The "not left unattended" rule is worth emphasising. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety or tends to bark when alone, a hotel stay might not be the best fit — consider a pet-friendly cottage instead, where you'll have more space and privacy.

Finding genuinely dog-friendly hotels has become much easier, but some sources are more reliable than others.

Specialist Platforms

• CanITakeMyDog.co.uk — one of the best UK-specific resources for dog-friendly accommodation of all types, with verified listings and honest reviews from dog owners
• DogBuddy / BringFido — useful search tools with filters for pet policies
• PetsPyjamas — curated collection of upmarket dog-friendly stays

Mainstream Booking Sites

• Booking.com — has a "pets allowed" filter, though it's not always accurate. Always double-check directly with the hotel
• Expedia / Hotels.com — pet filters available but can be unreliable
• Google Maps — search "dog-friendly hotels near [location]" and check reviews from fellow dog owners

Direct Hotel Websites

For chain hotels, booking directly is often the most reliable approach. You can confirm the pet policy, request a ground floor room, and flag any specific needs. Many chains also offer best-price guarantees when you book direct.

Our Recommendation

Start with a specialist platform like CanITakeMyDog.co.uk to get a shortlist, then book directly with the hotel after confirming their current policy by phone. Policies change — what was dog-friendly last year might not be this year, and vice versa.

Staying in a hotel with your dog is a different experience from staying in a cottage or holiday let. You're sharing the building with other guests, many of whom may not be dog people. A little preparation goes a long way.

Before You Arrive

• Call ahead, even if listed as dog-friendly. Policies change, rooms get allocated, and a quick phone call can save you a nasty surprise at reception. Confirm the fee, any restrictions, and which room you'll be in
• Exercise your dog thoroughly before check-in. A tired dog is a calm dog. If you can, find a park or walking route near the hotel and give them a good run before you head inside. A settled dog makes the whole experience better
• Bring a crate or travel bed if your dog is nervous or unsettled in new environments. A familiar sleeping spot can make all the difference. Even confident dogs benefit from having their own space in an unfamiliar room

During Your Stay

• Be considerate of other guests. Keep your dog on a lead in corridors and communal areas. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and a friendly Labrador bounding towards a nervous guest doesn't make a great impression
• Clean muddy paws before returning to the room. Keep a towel by the door and wipe down before your dog gets onto any furniture or bedding. Hotels appreciate guests who leave the room as they found it
• Don't leave your dog unattended in the room. This bears repeating — it's the number one rule that causes problems. A dog left alone in a strange room may bark, scratch at the door, or become destructive. If you need to go somewhere your dog can't, take turns with your travel companion or adjust your plans
• Stick to your dog's routine as much as possible. Feed at the usual times, walk at the usual times, and try to keep bedtime consistent. Dogs thrive on routine, and disruption can lead to unsettled behaviour

Being a Good Ambassador

Every time a dog owner has a positive hotel stay — leaving the room clean, keeping their dog calm, being considerate of staff and other guests — it makes it more likely that hotel will continue welcoming dogs. We're all ambassadors for dog-friendly travel, and the more responsible we are, the more doors stay open.

Packing for a hotel stay with your dog requires a bit more thought than packing for a cottage or camping trip. Space is usually tighter, and you won't have access to a kitchen or utility room.

Essential items:

• Your dog's regular food and treats — don't rely on finding the right brand locally
• Water bowl and food bowl — collapsible ones save space
• Lead, harness, and collar with ID tag — legally required in public
• Poo bags — more than you think you'll need
• An old towel or two — for muddy paw wiping and general clean-up
• Your dog's bed or a familiar blanket — the scent of home helps them settle
• A crate or travel pen — if your dog uses one at home
• Any medication — plus a copy of vaccination records if requested
• A lint roller — for the inevitable fur on the hotel bedding and your clothes
• Chew toys or a Kong — to keep them occupied during quiet time in the room

For a comprehensive packing list, have a look at our dog travel checklist which covers everything you need for any type of trip.

If you're travelling by car, you'll have more flexibility with what you can bring. For train travel, you'll want to pack lighter and more efficiently.

Hotels are brilliant for convenience, overnight stops, and city breaks — but they're not always the best choice for every dog or every trip. Here are some alternatives worth considering:

Holiday Cottages

For longer stays or holidays with dogs who need more space, a pet-friendly cottage is often the better choice. You'll have your own enclosed garden, a kitchen for preparing meals, and far more freedom. Cottages in Wales, the Lake District, and Scotland are particularly well set up for dogs.

B&Bs and Guest Houses

Many smaller B&Bs are wonderfully dog-friendly, often run by dog owners themselves. You get a more personal welcome, local knowledge, and a cooked breakfast — often with fewer restrictions than hotels. The downside is less anonymity and sometimes thinner walls.

Camping and Glamping

If your dog loves the outdoors (and what dog doesn't?), camping or glamping gives them the most freedom. Most campsites welcome dogs, and you won't be worrying about muddy paws on hotel carpets.

Pubs With Rooms

A hidden gem of dog-friendly travel. Many traditional pubs across the UK offer comfortable rooms upstairs and welcome dogs in the bar. You get great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and your dog can usually sit with you while you eat — something most hotels don't allow.

Some parts of the UK are significantly better set up for dog-friendly hotel stays than others. Here are a few regions where you'll find the most options:

• The Lake District — possibly the most dog-friendly region in England. An enormous range of hotels, inns, and B&Bs welcome dogs, and the walking is world-class
• Cornwall — the coastal tourism economy means plenty of dog-friendly options, especially outside peak summer. Combine a hotel stay with a visit to the region's stunning dog-friendly beaches
• The Peak District — excellent for walking holidays with a growing number of dog-welcoming hotels and pubs with rooms. See our Peak District guide for more
• The Scottish Highlands — Scotland is generally very welcoming to dogs, and the Highlands offer some spectacular dog-friendly hotel options. Our Scottish Highlands guide covers the best areas
• Yorkshire — the Dales and North York Moors have a brilliant selection of traditional country hotels and inns that welcome dogs
• The Cotswolds — charming market town hotels and country house options, though these tend to be at the pricier end

City stays are trickier but not impossible. Edinburgh, Bath, York, and many cathedral cities have dog-friendly hotel options if you're planning an urban break.

Final Thoughts

The UK is a genuinely great place to travel with your dog, and the hotel sector has come a long way in making four-legged guests feel welcome. Whether you're stopping overnight on a road trip, booking a weekend city break, or planning a week-long walking holiday, there's a dog-friendly hotel out there that'll work for you.

The key is preparation. Check policies before you book, pack everything your dog needs (our dog travel checklist will help), and be the kind of guest that makes hotels want to keep welcoming dogs. The more positive experiences the industry has with dog owners, the more doors will open — for all of us.

Happy travels, and give your dog an extra treat from us.