UK hotel chains: who really means it in 2026
"Dog-friendly" is a marketing term in the UK — and a slippery one. Some chains let your Labrador share the room without charge, others slap on £30/night and a 20kg limit, and a handful still bar all dogs except registered assistance dogs. Here's the honest breakdown.
Major UK chains: the comparison table
| Chain | Dogs? | Fee per night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Inn | Assistance dogs only | — | Despite the friendly ads, only registered assistance dogs allowed in standard hotels (2026) |
| Hilton (DoubleTree, Hampton) | Many properties yes | £25-50 | Up to 2 dogs, max 34kg. Pet-friendly properties marked on Hilton.com filter |
| Best Western GB | ~ 130 dog-friendly hotels | £10-25 | Best chain for variety; always confirm with property |
| Mercure / Novotel (Accor) | Most properties yes | £15-25 | Up to 7kg some, up to 20kg others — varies |
| Holiday Inn / IHG | Mixed | £0-50 | Holiday Inn Express usually no, Holiday Inn yes |
| Marriott UK | Selected properties | £25-75 (sometimes refundable) | "Pet Friendly" filter on Marriott.com |
| Travelodge | Assistance dogs only | — | Same policy as Premier Inn |
| Village Hotels | Yes at most | £20-30 | Dog-walking maps and water bowls |
| Macdonald Hotels | Yes at most | £15-25 | Scottish heritage hotels, dog-friendly walks |
The independent gems
- The Pig Hotels (New Forest, Devon, Studland) — beloved for dogs, water bowls, dog-walking maps, sometimes free.
- Coaching Inn Group — over 30 dog-friendly inns across the UK, no fee at many.
- Sawday's pet-friendly collection — curated independent properties.
- Wales coastal hotels like Twr y Felin, Penally Abbey — dogs in bedrooms and dining areas.
The five questions to ask before you book
- Size and breed limits? "Small dogs welcome" can mean under 10kg or under 20kg — and some chains still bar XL Bullies as of 2026 (Defra rules).
- Where in the hotel? Bedroom yes — but dining room, bar, lounge? Often more restrictive.
- Left alone? Most UK hotels forbid leaving a dog unattended. Confirm in writing.
- Cleaning fee on top? Some charge a one-off £25-50 above the nightly rate.
- Garden / walking access? Crucial if you're staying multiple nights.
XL Bully — the 2026 reality
Since the 2024 ban, owners of registered XL Bullies face strict hotel policies. Most chains either refuse outright or require sight of the Certificate of Exemption, muzzle and lead. Always disclose breed at booking — being turned away on arrival is a real risk.
Booking smart
Avoid relying on Booking.com or Expedia "pet-friendly" filters alone — they're often out of date. Always:
- Call the property directly (not the central reservations line).
- Get the policy emailed in writing.
- Confirm size limits, fees, communal area access, and whether your dog is allowed alone in the room.
- Book a ground-floor or quiet room — kinder for an anxious dog.
What to pack
- Your dog's own bed or blanket (familiar smell).
- Travel water bowl plus extra water (hotel rooms get dehydrating).
- Poo bags (yes, even though they may provide them).
- Up-to-date vaccination card or pet passport equivalent.
- ID tag with hotel name and room number (not just your mobile).
- Crate or pen if your dog isn't yet trusted alone in unfamiliar rooms.
How CanAI helps
Use the CanAI travel checklist tool before a hotel trip. Ask the AI chat whether a hotel or chain suits your dog's temperament and size. And check the health log to confirm vaccines are current — many chains now ask for evidence of kennel cough boosters.