The George and Dragon, Marlow

The George and Dragon is a refurbished inn with rooms at the river end of Marlow High Street, and it is one of the easiest places in town to stay with a dog. Rather than simply tolerating dogs, the team goes out of its way to welcome them: dog owners talk about treats waiting in the room, a dog bed and even dog shampoo, and the inn offers a dog menu in the restaurant so four-legged guests are not left out at dinner.

Staff get consistent praise for being friendly and attentive, and the rooms are described as clean, comfortable and thoughtfully decorated. Even the smaller snug rooms are roomier than people expect, with enough space for two people and a dog. Rooms can be reached from the street without going through the busy restaurant and bar, which makes a late walk easy.

The location suits dog walking well. A large riverside park is just across the road, giving an easy spot for morning and evening walks, and the rest of Marlow's high street, with its shops and cafés, is on the doorstep. Food in the restaurant, including breakfast, gets good reviews.

Parking is the main practical drawback: there is little of it nearby, and guests have had to hunt for a space on the street. Dogs are allowed in the dining areas, which is great if you have one but has bothered some guests travelling without pets, so it is worth knowing if anyone in your party is not keen on dogs. A room with a broken inner window was once left unfixed overnight, making it chilly and noisy from the street, so raise any problem early.

For couples or solo travellers wanting a comfortable Thames-side town break with a dog who will be treated as a proper guest, the George and Dragon earns a 4.7/5 paw rating.