Torbay Court Hotel

Torbay Court Hotel is a straightforward, good-value base for a seaside break in Paignton with a dog. It sits in a quiet cul-de-sac off the main drag, so there is no passing traffic outside, and the beach, harbour and town centre are all a few minutes away on foot, which makes the first and last walks of the day easy.

Dogs are charged at £8 per dog, per night, and service animals are exempt. Food and water bowls can be had from reception, and in the evening dogs can join their owners in a dedicated dog-friendly part of the bar rather than the main restaurant, so there is no need to retreat to the room for every meal. Free parking on site is a real help in a resort where street spaces fill quickly, although the car park is tight to manoeuvre in.

Guests travelling with dogs tend to come away happy with the welcome. Reception staff are regularly described as friendly and flexible, dogs get plenty of fuss, and the lounge and bar are a relaxed place to settle after a walk on the sands. For the price, most dog owners feel they got fair value.

The caveats are about the building rather than the dog policy. This is a budget hotel that is showing its age, with worn carpets, tired decor and beds that some guests found uncomfortable, and housekeeping has drawn mixed comments, including a lingering dog smell in a carpeted room and corners that needed a better clean. Rooms can get very hot in a heatwave with only a small fan. Dog extras are not always consistent either: one recent party found nothing laid out for their dogs despite the advertised bowls and beds, and felt the dog charge had not been clear when they booked, so ask about both before you arrive.

Torbay Court suits dog owners who want a cheap, central Paignton base close to the beach and are happy to trade polish for location and a genuinely welcoming front desk.