The Stables Apartments At Meadfoot Bay

The Stables Apartments at Meadfoot Bay sit on Daddyhole Road in Torquay, a quiet pocket of the town close to Meadfoot Beach and the coastal path. The property operates as a small self-catering apartment block, and across the dog-mention reviews on file one consistent pattern emerges that puts the operator on the deliberate-not-accidental side of the pet-friendly spectrum: arriving guests with a dog have found dog throws for the furniture, a bowl in the kitchen, dog treats on the counter, and even a pint of milk in the fridge waiting alongside the usual welcome basket.

The pet policy is documented unambiguously in the hotel's own Agoda notes. Up to two dogs are accepted, by prior arrangement only, and pet fees apply (amount not posted). The prior-arrangement requirement is important - this is not a property where you can turn up with a dog without notice and expect a room to be ready, so book with the dog confirmed in writing. Notify the operator of your expected arrival time as part of that conversation.

The location is the second strength. Daddyhole Road sits above Meadfoot Beach, which is itself one of the more dog-friendly bays in Torquay outside the peak summer restrictions (check the local notice on the day - rules vary seasonally). The South West Coast Path is a step from the door, putting genuinely first-rate dog walks on the doorstep rather than requiring a drive. The town centre and harbour are a short drive or a longer on-foot loop.

The structural strengths reviewers picked out are the apartments themselves - good-quality interior, well-equipped kitchens, comfortable bedrooms, and a comprehensive welcome of bits and pieces beyond the dog-specific touches. The honest counterpoints are minor but worth noting: the building's front elevation is described as needing a freshen-up (first-impression-not-great is a recurring note), and a couple of rooms picked up a slight damp smell, common in older Torquay sea-facing buildings.

Best suited to couples and small families with up to two well-mannered dogs who want a Meadfoot-area Torquay base with on-foot coast-path access and a property that actively prepares for the dog rather than tolerating it. Less suited to dog owners who book last-minute (the prior-arrangement rule is hard) and to anyone particularly sensitive to old-building smells.