San Remo, Paignton

San Remo sits on Marine Drive in Paignton, directly opposite the stretch of seafront between Paignton Sands and Preston Sands, and the position is what makes it work for a dog. You step out of a private entrance and you are on the promenade, with views across the bay towards Torquay harbour. It is self-catering rather than a hotel, so there is no shared corridor or lobby to negotiate with a dog on a lead at eleven at night.

One detail to get right at booking: not every apartment in the building takes pets. Only Holiday Apartments 1A and 2B are pet-friendly, so ask for one of those by name rather than assuming the whole property is open to dogs. No pet fee, weight cap or breed rule is published for the property, so confirm the current terms with the owner when you book.

Guests travelling with dogs consistently describe the owner as welcoming and easy to deal with - the sort of owner-run set-up where a question gets answered quickly and a dog is treated as expected rather than tolerated. The kitchen is properly equipped for a few nights of cooking, and free parking on site is a genuine advantage on this part of the south Devon seafront, where a space is often the thing that decides a booking.

For walking, the promenade runs straight from the door, Paignton pier is a few minutes along, and the South West Coast Path links Preston Sands north towards Torquay. Several cafes and pubs within walking range take dogs. Paignton's beach dog restrictions change with the season, so check the council's current map before counting on a particular stretch of sand.

The honest caveats are about the flat rather than the welcome. It is compact, and recent guests describe it as a little tired around the edges: a dated cooker, a small shower cubicle and heating that cannot be turned up on a cold afternoon, though blankets are provided and the hot water is reliable. The layout suits a couple or a small family, and a settled dog will get on better with the space than a large, restless one. It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating.

Best suited to dog owners who want to be across the road from the sea in Paignton with parking included, and who will take a straightforward seafront flat over a polished one.