The Gallivant, Rye

The Gallivant sits directly opposite Camber Sands, a few miles east of Rye, and it is a small, low-key coastal hotel that has built dogs into how it works rather than bolting a policy on. A handful of ground-floor rooms open onto a sea-grass garden, which is the difference between letting a dog out last thing and getting dressed to walk it round a car park.

The practical touches are the good bit. Dry robes, wellies and beach towels are lent out, including a towel for the dog, and there is a dog washing bath and shower by the main entrance for rinsing sand off paws before you go back in. Rooms come with a dog bed and bowl. Free cake at four and a tasting of English wine at five both happen in the sitting room and bar, which dogs are welcome in, so the sociable parts of the day do not mean shutting a dog upstairs. Staff are the most praised thing here, and guests travelling with dogs describe them going well out of their way.

The trade-offs are real and specific. Rooms are small, and a large dog makes a small room feel much smaller, so the size guidance matters. Dogs are not allowed in the restaurant, which in practice means dog owners eat in the bar or a separate dining area and the snug is off-limits, and that is a noticeable step down from the main dining room at these prices. The fee is 25 pounds per dog per night, which several guests have called steep. Because it is a small building with dogs in several rooms, overnight noise carries. And moving to a dog-friendly room can shift a booking onto a different rate, so it is worth confirming what is included before you arrive.

Best suited to couples who want a smart beach hotel where a well-behaved, medium-sized dog can sit in the bar with them, and who would rather pay for that than compromise. It earns a 4.5/5 paw rating.