Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth

Marsham Court Hotel has made a genuine name for itself as one of Bournemouth's most dog-friendly places to stay, and it shows in how much thought has gone into welcoming four-legged guests. This is a large seafront hotel on the East Cliff, a short walk from the beach and the town centre, with a set of dedicated dog-friendly bedrooms and apartments rather than a token pets-tolerated policy tacked on the side.

Dogs arrive to a proper welcome pack - treats, a ball and waste bags - and rooms come stocked with the practical things owners usually have to pack themselves: a bed, blankets, towels, food and water bowls, even a dog tag and a night-time safety flasher. Reviews from guests who brought a dog are still thin on the ground, so for now it is those arrangements that make the case. General guests describe bright, recently updated rooms, easy parking behind the hotel and live music in the lounge, though the building is a classic older seafront hotel and the decor is traditional rather than modern in places.

Up to two dogs of any size can stay in the dog-friendly rooms. A pet fee applies (around £15 per dog per night, and a cleaning charge may be added), so it's worth confirming the current rates and exactly what's included when you book. Dogs are welcome to join you in the hotel's Retreat Bar and Snug, though not in the main restaurant, and cats aren't accepted.

The location is a real plus for dog owners: the East Cliff zig-zag paths lead straight down to the seafront, and Bournemouth's long sandy beach has dog-friendly stretches, especially outside the summer restriction period. There's a fridge in the room for dog food, and plenty of green space and clifftop walks on the doorstep.

Marsham Court suits owners who want a full-service seaside hotel that treats dogs as welcome guests rather than an afterthought - families and couples alike. On the strength of its dedicated facilities it carries a provisional 4.4/5 paw rating.