St Weonards, Paignton

St Weonards is a small, warmly run guesthouse on Kernou Road in Paignton, and it is one of those places where the owners have clearly thought about what a dog needs. A water bowl on a mat and a bag of treats are waiting in the room, and guests travelling alone with a dog, from little terriers to lurchers, describe feeling completely at home.

The pet charge is £20 per room for the whole stay rather than a nightly fee, and it covers cleaning at the end. Up to two dogs can share a room. Let the owners know your arrival time in advance, as reception does not keep hotel hours.

The hosting is what earns it such consistent praise. Communication before arrival is clear, nothing seems to be too much trouble once you are there, and breakfast is cooked fresh with enough choice to keep a four-night stay interesting. Guests regularly say they would not stay anywhere else in town.

There are two practical things to weigh with a dog. This is a townhouse, so there is no lift and the stairs to the upper floors are steep enough that some guests have had to carry their dog up and down. If your dog struggles with stairs or is too big to carry, ask for a lower room when you book. Rooms are also on the compact side with little storage, so a big dog bed plus luggage will fill the floor. One stay was disturbed by a humming noise late into the evening.

The location makes up for a lot. Victoria Park and the seafront are about two minutes away, Goodrington Sands and other dog-friendly beaches are close by, and the station is on the doorstep for trips around Torbay. Dartmoor is within easy reach for a bigger day out.

Best for solo travellers and couples with one or two small or medium dogs who want a friendly, well-kept base by the sea with an excellent breakfast, and who can manage the stairs.