Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa

Best Western The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf & Spa sits in its own grounds at Blackawton, a few miles inland from Dartmouth, and it is one of the more thoroughly set-up dog-friendly hotels in the South Hams. It is a golf and spa resort rather than a boutique country house, and the space that comes with that, including a course, lawns and a dog walk laid out on site, is exactly what makes it easy with a dog in tow.

The welcome is properly organised. Dogs are put up in designated rooms, and guests arriving with them describe a bed and bowls waiting on arrival and staff who treat the dog as an expected guest rather than a complication. Dogs are allowed in the bar and, less commonly, in the restaurant, so evenings do not have to be split between one person eating and the other sitting upstairs. Repeat visitors mention being given the same dog-friendly room across several stays.

The charge is £15 per night, per dog, in selected rooms and subject to availability, and the hotel asks to be told in advance, since turning up unannounced with a dog can cost more. Over a week that mounts up, and some guests have found the cleaning element steep for what it is, so it is worth doing the sums before booking a long stay.

Set against that, the building is showing its age. Guests describe dated decor, tired furniture in the conservatory end of the dining room and exterior paintwork that needs attention, and there is no air conditioning, which tells in a hot spell. The pool is small and has children's swim sessions blocked out during the day, and the evening menu is limited and not cheap. Staff and the breakfast buffet are the consistent bright spots.

Best suited to dog owners who want facilities and space rather than polish, and who would rather have a dog walk, a pool and a dog-welcoming restaurant than a newly refurbished room. It earns a 4.3/5 paw rating.