Nowadays, welcoming a dog into your family doesn’t mean saying goodbye to luxury getaways. In fact, there’s a new breed of dog-friendly hotels offering pet packages to set tails wagging. At these boutique retreats, five-star treatment includes plush beds, turndown treats and dog-sitting services. So, you can relax, knowing man’s best friend is taken care of.
A listed 19th-century mansion set in 186 acres of landscaped parkland, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club puts the natural beauty of Ashdown Forest at your feet. Book one of the dog-friendly Fairway Junior Suites, with French doors that open directly out onto the parkland, complete with a private terrace and outdoor furniture. Four-legged guests at Ashdown Park can expect the royal treatment, with their own dog basket, blanket and bowls provided along with dinner and a goodie bag from Arden Grange, a family-run business that has been developing superior, premium food for animals since 1996. Be sure to ask the concierge for a map of nearby dog walking trails, along with their recommendations for dog-friendly pubs in the area.
There’s something about Hotel Tannenhof in Austria, that makes it a spot-on setting for dog behavioural training. Perhaps it’s the fresh air and mountain views that send patience levels sky high. Or it could be the spoiling ski lodge interiors that give you breathing space. Either way, celebrated behaviourist Peter Oberhollenzer will work with you and your dog to better connect and communicate. This pet package includes focussed sessions with Peter for three hours across two days, including hands-on training and take-home tips. There’s also a welcome present and toys, super-soft bed and access to a dog-sitter, so you can hit the ski slopes.
Laid-back luxury is second nature to The Fish, a Cotswolds country retreat on the 400-acre Farncombe Estate. Its location makes it ideal for long, leg-stretching walks, and there’s also a dedicated dog agility course within the grounds. Rooms have been thoughtfully designed with dogs in mind, and can come with homely beds, dog towels and treats for up to two medium-sized dogs.
The cocooning comfort of ski hotel Kristiania Lech in Austria, lends it a home from home feel. Outside, there are cloud-skimming mountains as far as the eye can see. Indoors, both two-legged and four-legged guests are well catered for. Special menus offer produce from local butchers and freshly prepared gourmet meals for pets, who can eat with you in the bar or even embark on a picnic in the snow, complete with fur blankets. As well as dinner, this hotel takes creature comforts seriously – you could return to your room to discover a steaming bath drawn for you, for example. And when it comes to your dog, every detail is covered: warm beds, goodnight treats, toys, first-aid kits and an exclusive tag bearing the hotel’s number.
Plan your Copenhagen city break for June and you could be in town for the one day a year Tivoli Gardens admits dogs. Nimb Hotel is perfectly placed for this and other top sights, and the concierge will provide maps with dog-friendly strolling routes and parks. They’ll even walk your canine companion, arrange his or her favourite food and point you towards the city’s best pet store. Your dog also gets a welcome hamper brimming with toys and essentials, food and water bowls with mineral water, and nightly treats.
For a dose of la dolce vita instead, Palazzo Vecchietti puts you at the beating heart of Florence. This Renaissance retreat takes a thoroughly modern approach to canine guests, providing a welcome pet set that includes dog toys, a bowl and tasty goodies.
