The Kingswood Hotel

The Kingswood Hotel sits right on the Esplanade in Sidmouth, and for a seaside break with a dog it is hard to beat the position. Step out of the front door and you are on the promenade, with the sound of the waves from the sea-view rooms. Guests with dogs regularly describe the staff as friendly and welcoming, and the hotel is comfortable taking couples, families and solo travellers with dogs alike.

The standard charge is £10 per dog per night, with up to two well-behaved, house-trained dogs per room. The hotel also runs packages on some rates where dogs stay free and come with a welcome pack and a dog bowl to take home, so it is worth asking what is available when you book. Dog-friendly rooms are limited, so mention your dog at the booking stage rather than on arrival.

Dogs are welcome in the bar and the hotel's public areas, so you can keep them with you at mealtimes, but they are not allowed in the restaurant itself. There is no garden or grassy area for dogs on site, though the seafront and Connaught Gardens are moments away. The main criticism comes from a guest with an assistance dog who had to argue for access to the dining room and felt staff were poorly trained on assistance dogs, alongside complaints about dusty radiators and a tired bathroom. If you are travelling with an assistance dog, confirm the arrangements with the hotel in advance.

For walks, Connaught Gardens, Jacob's Ladder beach and the climb up Peak Hill are all within ten minutes, and Knowle park offers shade on hot days. The town centre is compact and walkable, and there is secure parking behind the hotel. Families with a dog have found the three-bedroom apartment a roomy alternative to a standard room, with its own kitchen and laundry.

It suits dog owners who want a classic seafront hotel with the promenade on the doorstep and a bar where the dog can join them, and who do not need outdoor space on site. It earns a 4.3 out of 5 paw rating.