The time when you couldn’t find dog friendly hotels, when you couldn’t take your four-legged friend with you to another city and one of a kind hotel is long behind us. The world evolved so much in the last decades that it’s best seen in how businesses treat pets.
It’s no secret that hotels have certain standards that have to be met to attract visitors. This is how reputation is built. In fact, this is why so many hotels are today known for having a dog-friendly label. Some hotels are known for their tradition and great service, while some hotels are best-known for their love for four-legged buddies.
Every dog owner knows how difficult it is to leave the dog alone at home for days if not weeks. Experienced dog owners know that finding a suitable dog-friendly hotel can be such a nightmare (not anymore). Plus, leaving your dog with a caretaker can be as expensive as taking your Fido with you. In that case, it’s far easier and fair to bring your Fido with you, right?
Planning a pet-friendly escape has never been easier than it is today. Thinking about the vacation near the coast? You can find the best dog-friendly hotels along the amazing Italian shores.
Are you more of a country type? Fear not, because some of the best bed and breakfast places can welcome you and your pooch across Europe. Do you want to try something different, unknown, and experience both urban and chill dog-friendly states? Fear not, because Eastern Europe has some hidden games waiting for your Fido to stroll down the most exciting streets.
Let’s explore the best dog-friendly hotels in Europe that you and your dogs will love.
Photo, Tom Hills.
But… First Things First: The Most Dog-Friendly Country In Europe
Just like some hotels are more dog-friendly than other hotels are, that is how some countries are naturally more open to dog-friendly spaces.
When it comes to Europe no country can outdo France.
By many parameters, France is the most dog-friendly country in Europe. Large size dogs, energetic dogs, herding dogs, dogs that can be left alone, and even dogs who love to jump are welcome in almost every object across France, except museums.
Next to France, another European country that is fast to welcome canines in the most expensive hotels in Italy.
Canines can be seen exploring even some archaeological sites across Italy. This shouldn’t be much of a surprise because ancient Romans were keen dog owners.
On the other hand, countries like Ireland and Spain are a true challenge when it comes to dog-friendly hotels. Yet, we have got you covered even in those demanding locations.
Pro tip: It is still far easier to find a dog-friendly hotel if your dog is a breed of small dogs that don’t shed. It really makes finding the perfect dog bed easier, but not impossible.
Photo, Matthieu Chabert.
Top Dog-Friendly Hotels In Europe
Traveling with your dog can be challenging, but it’s far easier today than it used to be only a few years ago. Staying in hotels of great design is much funnier when you have your best furry friend with you.
If you want to feel that European charm while your beloved companion has the comfort of the old continent, here is where you should stay.
France: Grand Hôtel des Bains, Finistère
For those who love elegant simplicity and the coastal path to explore, this is the place to go. With 36 rooms this charming hotel offers the best of the north Brittany coast. Room view at the sea will be something to make your every morning cozy and days filled with light. Balconies are well-spread across the entire hotel and garden leads are connected with the beach.
This is the perfect place for your pooch to run freely, take a swim, and then run some more. Just make sure that you apply enough sunscreen for both you and your pup. At night, you can enjoy coastal walks and one-of-a-kind seafood dinners. Central heating makes staying here cozy even during the cold days. In January and November, this french hotel is closed.
Photo, Eugene Zhyvchik.
Italy: St. Regis Venice Hotel, Venice
One can not simply go to Italy and not visit Venice. Not only that you will get to walk on some of the oldest world’s streets, hear a lot about the rich Italian history, but you will get to take your dog with you almost everywhere. Restaurants in Venice are more than happy to serve your pooch and recommend you the best city attractions.
If you want to feel the Italian rush and also have a wonderful view, you should think about booking the St. Regis Venice Hotel. Everything that you want to see in Venice is located max 20 minutes from this popular hotel. In other words, you will get to take your dog with you everywhere, all day long.
Spain: Petit Palace Tres Cruces, Madrid
Spain is famous for its boutique hotels that are frequently among the world’s finest places to stay in. That being said, it comes as no surprise that Madrid is among the busiest pet-friendly cities. The great thing about Madrid and their pet-friendly procedures is that there are no additional charges. Petit Palace Tres Cruces will provide a dog bad and bowl. On top of that, the staff will love having furry buddies around. If you want a hotel closer to the Palacio Real de Madrid then go for an alternative – a Petit Palace Arenal.
Photo, Satria Hutama.
Germany: Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin
Germany is a big country, but you will easily find many places that allow dogs to stay. There will be a symbolic fee and there shouldn’t be any issues with taking your dog to the bars and restaurants. Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is a great spot to start exploring Germany, together with your dog. This hotel of executive, deluxe, suite, junior suite, and standard rooms allow pets of any size to stay in with a refundable deposit.
Serbia: 88 Rooms Hotel, Belgrade
Pets can love cities as much as their owners. This is a great place to stay if you want to be near the city’s heart but still have space to walk. Plus, a great city park is located nearby, next to the city garden, making your stay nature-oriented.
As a hotel with 4 stars, the 88 Rooms Hotel offers a great menu and rooms. Are you a smoker? There are designated areas for smoking. For those who love reading a book next to their dog, a great library space is offered. As you may expect the total number of rooms is 88.
Photo, Janek Holoubek.
Austria: Severin’s Alpine Retreat, Lech
If you are a winter lover, you will love Lech. Moreover, if your canine is a breed that enjoys cold as well, such as Bernese Mountian Dog, or a Husky, you will love spending every second here. To experience the elegance of Austrian hospitality and some amazing meals, staying in a ski hotel Severin’s Alpine Retreat should be a great decision.
This hotel offers old-fashioned European charm and great local cuisine. Children of all ages are welcome and there is even a babysitting motion. While you are enjoying ping pong your dog can rest in his dog bed that the hotel provides, next to nice bowls for water and food. Dogs can stay for €60 a night.
Belgium: Die Swaene Hotel, Steenhouwersdijk, Bruges
This hotel offers 24 differenrt rooms for you and tyoru dog to choos efrom. The hotel offers dog-friendly lounge bars and other facilities to enjoy. Buffet breakfast is continental and everything important to see is 5-minutes away. As for Bruges in general, you can expect to have Wi-Fi in every public area.
Photo, William Zhang.
Czech Republic: Hotel Merlin, Prague
Hotel Merlin offers something for everyone. Those who love traveling on a budget will love the accommodation, clean areas, and easy access to the city center. Those of richer taste will love the room’s diversity and elegance that comes with more luxurious areas.
If you choose to stay at Hotel Merlin you will be able to take your dog and have a 10-minute stroll to Prague National Theatre and Dancing House. For extra 10-minutes of the walk, you will get to see attractions such as Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge.
Netherlands: Element Amsterdam
Element Amsterdam allows pets up to 12 kg for a fee of EUR 12.50 per night. This is a price per pet, per night. The Element Amsterdam offers up to 160 suites to choose from. One is for sure – you won’t have trouble finding a room based on your criteria. Even if you want a more home-like ambient, this hotel will have it.
How does a kitchenette sound to you? For chill moments or checking your email, a cozy lobby should serve perfectly. A complimentary breakfast will offer the best of the Netherland cuisine, plus you will love all the different cheese options. Fancy to stroll the city via rental bike? You can rent a bike on every corner.
Plus, almost every rental show will offer you a doggo-basket, for your Fido to explore the city on the bike with you.
Photo, Helena Lopes.
Tips For Staying In A Dog-Friendly Hotel
Finding a dog-friendly hotel on your next European trip should be easier now. Still, to have a nice stay and to support the hotel’s policy you should do your best for you and your dog to make a good impression. This is how you show hotel management that making the hotel dog-friendly is a good decision.
Plus, other dog owners should come to that specific hotel as well, right? That being said, here are the top tips for staying in a dog-friendly hotel.
Check it the hotel is really pet-friendly.
Always double-check if the hotel is truly hotel-friendly. Some people don’t need additional checks, but some do. If you are a second group representative email or call the hotel. Receptions will inform you about dog-related rules and you will know for sure if your four-legged friend is welcome or not.
Ask about pet restrictions.
Your pooch may be welcome, but there are usually some restrictions. Ask openly about them. Do they welcome cats as well? If so, a muzzle may be mandatory. What if there could be a snake? Could your dog handle that? If you’re a multi-pet owner, check what’s the maximum number of pets per room.
Ask about the pet fee.
If your dog may stay, he may not stay for free. Very often hotels require additional pet fees. Some hotels may return it while others will keep it even if your dog is the calmest one ever. Fees will always vary, so email hotels about the price. This way you will be able to plan your budget more accordingly and you will avoid any unpleasant situations.
Photo, Mishk Ah.
Extra Tips For Pleasant Stay In A Dog-Friendly Hotel
— Always book a dog-friendly room
— Pack your dog’s essentials
— Always inform receptions that you have a dog
— Always, always, always follow the rules of the hotel
— If you know that there could a potential danger, do not let your dog stay alone in your room
— If your dog isn’t fond of strangers inform receptions so they can inform hotel housekeeping
— Keep barking to a minimum
— Always have a muzzle on you
— Make sure that dog’s passport is with you all the time
— If dogs aren’t allowed to a specific area, make sure that you respect that restriction
Being a responsible dog owner means that you will prepare for the trip the best way possible. Not only that you will follow the hotel’s rules but you will follow your own rules as well. This means that your dog will have the right insurance policy before your trip.
Having pet supplies on hand is a must and keeping your dog secured (as well as other people and pets) is something that should be your primary focus. Think about pet insurance as well. This way you can sleep better, knowing that no matter what may happen your dog is well-covered. For any health-related issues talk to your veterinarian.
Pro tip: Always ask receptions if they have several veterinaries who are available 24/7 just in case. In most cases, you won’t need veterinarian services, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?
