Shoreline Suite Bournemouth - Grandeur

Shoreline Suite is a modern, spacious apartment in Southbourne, Bournemouth's quieter eastern end, and for a group bringing one dog the location is the main draw. Southbourne beach is a stone's throw away for walks before breakfast and after dinner, there is free parking, and a pub restaurant sits on the corner.

The dog rules are firmer than at most lets, so read them before booking. One pet is allowed, at £40 per pet for the stay, and bringing one is subject to the host's approval, so message first. Inside, the dog is limited to the hard-floor areas and is not allowed on the furniture or in the bedrooms. A dog that sleeps happily in its own bed on a hard floor will be fine; one used to the sofa will find the rules a real constraint.

Guests travelling with dogs like the apartment itself: very modern, with up-to-date appliances, plenty of room for a group of six and a dog, and a sun room that gets a mention more than once. The sea and coastline views and the beach walks with the dogs come up as highlights.

The caveats are about consistency and arrival. Cleaning has not always been up to standard between stays, with dog hair left on the floor and a dishwasher still full on arrival, and a slow-draining basin has been reported. The apartment is in a block of residential flats, which the photos do not make obvious, the flat number has not always been clear on arrival, and parking is shared with neighbours, which has caused friction, so ask the host exactly where to park before you arrive. Parts of Bournemouth's seafront also restrict dogs over the summer, so check the current beach zones.

Best suited to a couple or small group with one calm, well-trained dog who value being near the beach more than letting the dog have the run of the place, and who will confirm parking and arrival details with the host beforehand. It earns a 4.5 out of 5 paw rating.