The Frogmill, Cheltenham

The Frogmill is that useful thing for dog owners: a proper hotel, rather than a self-catering let, that genuinely welcomes dogs - set in the countryside a few miles east of Cheltenham on the edge of the Cotswolds. Guests who have stayed with their dogs call it very dog friendly without qualification, and it earns a paw rating of 4.2 out of 5 from the pet-stay feedback gathered so far.

The hotel format changes what a dog stay looks like compared with the area's cottages: staff on hand rather than a lockbox, a bar serving food downstairs, and no cooking or washing-up on your holiday. The staff are the recurring theme in guest feedback - friendly and excellent - and that matters with a dog in tow, because a genuinely welcoming front-of-house is the difference between feeling accommodated and feeling tolerated. The booking listing confirms dogs are specifically allowed and flags that a pet charge applies, so budget for a fee and confirm the current amount when booking.

The setting works well for walking: quiet lanes and Cotswold field paths spread out from the doorstep, Cheltenham is a short drive west for parks and town amenities, and the north Cotswolds villages are within easy reach. After a wet walk, a hotel with a bar beats a cottage with a mop.

A couple of honest notes from guests: the rooms are comfortable but not cutting-edge (dated TVs get a mention), and bar meals have been described as average - so plan the odd dinner out. Check which room types take dogs and whether the bar or a designated area welcomes them at mealtimes when you book.

Best suited to dog owners who want hotel convenience - staff, breakfast, a bar - as their Cotswolds base rather than self-catering, and don't mind paying a pet fee for it.