Days Inn by Wyndham Wetherby

Days Inn Wetherby is a straightforward motorway hotel at Junction 46 of the A1(M), and for anyone driving north or south with a dog it is one of the more practical overnight stops on the route. Dogs are welcome in the rooms for a per-pet charge, and what dog owners value most is the large grassy walking area directly behind the hotel, which makes the evening and morning leg-stretch easy after hours in the car.

Reception staff are described as friendly and welcoming, and rooms are clean, comfortable and simple. Dog-friendly rooms tend to be grouped together, sometimes at the far end of a long corridor, and ground-floor rooms have been available, which helps with older dogs or quick trips outside. There is a lift for the upper floors.

The services next door cover food and basic groceries, and breakfast is available at the hotel for an extra charge. The hotel is also handy for dog shows and other events in the area, and drivers stopping halfway to Scotland have been happy enough to book again for the return leg.

A few things to bear in mind. With so many guests travelling with dogs, you may hear barking from neighbouring rooms. The motorway is close, so it can be noisy with the window open, though it is quiet enough once closed. Rooms run on a key-card power system and can be cold when you first arrive, so give the heating time to warm up. The pet charge has caught a few guests by surprise, so factor it in when booking.

As a clean, easy, dog-friendly stopover with a proper walking space on site, Days Inn Wetherby earns a 4.6/5 paw rating.