The growing popularity of staycations this summer has gone hand in hand with an increase in the number of hotels and pubs which are catering for pets as well as people – allowing guests to bring their dogs on holiday.
According to Away Resorts around 85 per cent of dog owners would rather take a staycation than leave their dog at home while they lie on a beach in Greece.
Ed Jefferson, from the hotels team at global real estate advisors Colliers International, welcomed the relaxion of regulations regarding pets in hotel rooms.
He said, “As a nation of animal lovers it is no surprise that it is increasingly popular to travel with your pets. Hotels are increasingly tailoring their offer to cater to this growing market, with many upmarket hotels charging a nightly rate per dog and providing dog beds, water bowls and treats.
“Dogs are increasingly welcome in bars, especially pubs on walking routes. As the popularity of the staycation continues to rise so too does the decision to take the family pet on holiday as well.”
Bob Seabourne, who purchased the Old Ferry Inn at Bodinnick near Fowey in late summer 2018, has made the property dog friendly and has noticed an increase in bookings as a result.
He charges £7.50 per night per dog, this includes a dog blanket and bowl in the room. The property is on the famous “hall” walk around Fowey and Polruan and is popular with walkers so it made sense to attract walkers travelling with their dogs.
Jefferson concluded, “The Blue Ball Inn at Countisbury is extremely dog friendly. They allow dogs ‘everywhere but the sofas’ for £8 per dog per night.
“Again the property sits on the South West Coast Path and has multiple walks beginning and ending at the property.
Nick Illingworth, who operates the property with his parents, informs me numerous guests leave saying ‘we have never been to such a dog friendly place’.
“People are prepared to pay charges in the region of £8 per night to take their pet on holiday – especially as they would otherwise need to get somebody to look after them or put them in kennels with the associated cost.”
(source: Colliers International, image: pixabay)
