Travelling around the UK with a dog or other pet has become increasingly popular, and hotels have responded by offering everything from a simple “pets allowed” policy to genuinely thoughtful pet-friendly stays. But choosing the right hotel involves more than checking a box on a booking site. Pet fees, size or breed restrictions, access to gardens and walking routes, dedicated pet-friendly rooms, and whether pets are welcome in restaurants and public areas can all make a real difference to your stay.
Prices also vary significantly depending on location, season, and room type, so what counts as a good deal in one city might look very different in another. This guide compares some of the best pet-friendly hotels across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, from budget-friendly chains to more upscale city stays, so you can find an option that suits both your pet and your budget.
What Makes a Hotel Truly Pet-Friendly?
There’s a meaningful difference between a hotel that simply “allows pets” and one genuinely designed around pet-owning guests. The best pet-friendly hotels typically offer:
- Dedicated pet-friendly rooms, rather than a handful of exceptions
- Welcome treats or pet packs on arrival
- Nearby parks, beaches, or walking trails within easy reach
- Outdoor areas where pets can stretch their legs
- Pet-friendly restaurants, lounges, or terraces
- Reasonable pet fees rather than steep surcharges
- Clear rules about leaving pets unattended in the room
- Food and water bowls available on request
Useful tip: Always confirm a hotel’s current pet policy directly before booking. Individual properties, even within the same chain, can apply different rules, size limits, and charges, and these details change more often than the headline room price does.
Best Pet-Friendly Hotels Across the UK
Here’s a quick comparison of some of the UK’s most reliably pet-friendly hotels, spanning both budget and luxury options.
| Hotel | Location | Best For | Typical Nightly Price* | Pet Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Resident Edinburgh | Edinburgh, Scotland | City breaks | £120–£220 | Check hotel |
| Canopy by Hilton London City | London, England | Luxury city stays | £180–£300+ | Check hotel |
| voco Southampton | Southampton, England | Coastal breaks | £100–£180 | Check hotel |
| ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square | Edinburgh, Scotland | Affordable city trips | £90–£160 | Check hotel |
| Travelodge Fort William | Fort William, Scotland | Highland adventures | £50–£120 | Around £20–£25 |
| Travelodge Burford | Cotswolds, England | Countryside escapes | £60–£130 | Around £20–£25 |
| Travelodge Porthmadog | Wales | Snowdonia trips | £50–£120 | Around £20–£25 |
| Travelodge Hayle | Cornwall, England | Beach holidays | £60–£140 | Around £20–£25 |
*These are typical starting price ranges, not guaranteed rates. Hotel prices shift according to dates, demand, and room type. Recent UK hotel comparisons suggest Travelodge is particularly consistent for pet owners thanks to its chain-wide policy, while other hotel brands tend to set pet rules on a property-by-property basis, so it’s worth checking directly before you book.
The Resident Edinburgh, Scotland
Best for: Couples and city breaks with a dog
Set in a central Edinburgh location, The Resident puts you within easy reach of the city’s parks and major attractions while still offering comfortable, well-appointed rooms. It’s a strong pick for pet owners who want a proper city break without sacrificing comfort. The location alone makes it easy to combine sightseeing with regular walks. The Resident Edinburgh currently ranks among Tripadvisor’s higher-rated pet-friendly UK hotels, reflecting consistently positive guest experiences. As with any hotel, confirm current pet charges and any size restrictions directly before booking, and check nearby dog-friendly parks and cafés so you can plan your stay around them.
Canopy by Hilton London City, England
Best for: Luxury pet-friendly city stays
For travellers who want a more upscale experience without leaving their pet behind, Canopy by Hilton London City offers a central London base with modern rooms and easy access to the city’s main attractions. It’s a convenient choice if you’re planning to explore London on foot, with several parks and walking routes within reach. Pet policies and any additional charges should be confirmed directly with the hotel, since luxury properties sometimes apply higher fees or size restrictions than budget chains.
voco Southampton by IHG, England
Best for: Southampton and south-coast trips
voco Southampton combines comfortable accommodation with a location close to Southampton’s waterfront, making it a practical base for road trips along the south coast or a coastal city break. It suits travellers who want a mid-range hotel experience rather than a boutique stay. Check the hotel’s current pet policy and any expected additional costs before booking, as these can vary by room type.
ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square, Scotland
Best for: Affordable city breaks
For budget-conscious travellers who still want a central location, ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square offers easy access to Edinburgh’s main attractions without the price tag of a boutique hotel. It’s a solid option for pet owners looking to balance cost with convenience. Confirm the hotel’s specific pet-friendly facilities and typical room rates, along with any additional pet charges, before booking.
Travelodge Fort William, Scotland
Best for: Highlands and outdoor adventures
Travelodge Fort William makes an excellent base for exploring the Highlands, with plenty of nearby walking opportunities for dog owners and a useful stopover for longer road trips. Room rates are budget-friendly, and Travelodge’s consistent, chain-wide pet policy makes it easy to know what to expect before you arrive. Travelodge accepts dogs and cats across its UK properties, with a flat pet fee that’s commonly cited in the region of £20–£25 per stay. This is worth confirming at the time of booking since policies are occasionally updated.
Travelodge Burford, Cotswolds
Best for: Countryside and walking holidays
Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, Travelodge Burford gives pet owners easy access to walking routes and picturesque villages nearby. It’s a more affordable alternative to boutique countryside hotels, without compromising on convenience for exploring the surrounding area. Expect the standard Travelodge pet fee alongside a typically low nightly rate.
Travelodge Porthmadog, Wales
Best for: Snowdonia and outdoor holidays
Travelodge Porthmadog is a convenient base for exploring Snowdonia/Eryri, ideal for dog owners who want easy access to hiking trails and the outdoors without paying premium prices. Budget pricing and the standard chain-wide pet charge make it a straightforward option for planning a nature-focused trip.
Travelodge Hayle, Cornwall
Best for: Beach holidays with dogs
For a coastal getaway, Travelodge Hayle offers access to Cornwall’s beaches and scenic coastal walks, making it a popular choice for summer road trips with a dog in tow. Accommodation costs remain budget-friendly, with the same consistent pet fee and policies found across the Travelodge chain.
Best Pet-Friendly Hotels by Travel Style
Rather than choosing purely by hotel name, it can help to think in terms of the type of trip you’re planning:
- Best for Luxury: Canopy by Hilton London City, The Resident Edinburgh
- Best for Budget Travellers: Travelodge properties, ibis Styles Edinburgh
- Best for Countryside Walks: Travelodge Burford, Travelodge Fort William
- Best for Beach Holidays: Travelodge Hayle and other Cornwall/coastal options
- Best for City Breaks: The Resident Edinburgh, Canopy by Hilton London City, voco Southampton
Keep in mind that the cheapest room isn’t necessarily the cheapest overall stay once pet fees, parking, breakfast, and other extras are added. Always calculate the full cost before comparing hotels.
How Much Does a Pet-Friendly Hotel Stay Cost in the UK?
Costs vary considerably depending on the type of hotel and location:
- Budget hotels: around £50–£100 per night
- Mid-range hotels: around £100–£180 per night
- Luxury hotels: £180+ per night
- Pet fees: commonly around £20–£50+, depending on the hotel
On top of the room rate, factor in parking, breakfast, and any extra cleaning charges some hotels apply for pet stays. Rates can increase considerably during weekends, school holidays, and major local events, so booking early can help you avoid paying a premium.
Travelodge currently offers a useful benchmark for budget travellers, with recent reporting on UK hotel prices showing rooms at some scenic locations starting from around £25–£30 per night, though actual rates depend heavily on the specific property and date.
Tips for Booking a UK Hotel With Your Pet
- Confirm the hotel accepts your specific type and size of pet
- Check the pet fee, not just the room price
- Ask whether pets can enter restaurants and common areas
- Check whether pets can be left alone in the room
- Look for nearby parks, beaches, or walking trails
- Check whether there are restrictions on the number of pets
- Book early during peak travel periods
- Bring your pet’s bedding, food, and familiar items to help them settle in
Final Verdict: Which Pet-Friendly Hotel Is Best for You?
For an all-round pick, The Resident Edinburgh stands out, while Canopy by Hilton London City is the top choice for a luxury stay. Budget travellers are well served by the Travelodge chain generally, with Travelodge Fort William best for outdoor adventures, Travelodge Burford for a countryside escape, and Travelodge Hayle for a beach holiday. Whichever you choose, always verify the hotel’s current pet policy and price before paying, since fees, restrictions, and availability can change.