Malmaison Cheltenham

Malmaison Cheltenham is a genuinely dog-welcoming choice in the middle of a Regency spa town, and it goes a little further than most hotels in its class. Dogs are booked into designated rooms rather than tolerated as an afterthought, and the point that comes up again and again from guests travelling with dogs is that the welcome extends beyond the bedroom - several have been pleasantly surprised to find their dog allowed to join them at mealtimes, which is far from standard at a hotel of this style.

The practical set-up is clear. Dogs cost £25 per night, a second dog is £40, and both are settled at check-in; the limit is two small to medium dogs per room and they cannot be left alone in it. The hotel puts bowls out for arriving pets, though a couple of guests noted the bowls were not refreshed during their stay, so ask at reception if you need them topped up. Rooms are a good size and comfortable, if a touch dim on the lighting for some tastes, and the building itself has plenty of character. Couples have happily stayed with two dogs, so there is room to manoeuvre for multi-dog households.

The location is a strong point for dog owners: you are close to Cheltenham's centre and its green spaces, so exercising a dog around the stay is easy without needing the car. Staff draw consistent praise for being attentive and courteous, which matters when you are checking in with a nervous or excitable dog in tow. One thing to weigh is sound: the building is characterful rather than soundproofed, and guests report hearing the corridor and neighbouring rooms clearly, including a dog barking next door overnight. If your own dog reacts to noise, ask for a quieter room.

It is worth setting expectations on price - this is a boutique hotel and it charges accordingly, with breakfast, evening meals and the minibar all on the steep side. But for dog owners who want a smart, central Cheltenham base where the dog is a welcome guest rather than a barely-permitted extra, Malmaison earns its 4.3/5 paw rating.