Refurbished Beach Lodge, Looe

Refurbished Beach Lodge is a smartly renovated whole-property let on the hillside above Looe, on Cornwall's south coast, and it makes a comfortable, good-looking base for a trip with a dog. Guests travelling with dogs keep coming back to the same points: it is spotless, finished to a high standard, quiet, and it has a big sea-view terrace with loungers, a barbecue and an outdoor bath. Having the whole lodge to yourselves means no shared corridors or neighbours to work around.

Dogs are welcome on clear terms: one pet per booking, with a charge of £35 per stay. Dog owners describe the place as genuinely dog-friendly, and the hosts come in for praise for being accommodating and quick to respond. Small touches inside, such as a good coffee machine and a wood burner for wetter days, make it easy to settle in after a long walk.

The one dog-specific caveat comes up more than once. The front is open and there is no gate on the balcony or decking, so there is nothing to stop a dog wandering off the terrace or onto the steps. Owners of curious dogs report having to stay outside with them while they pottered about, so bring a long line or plan to supervise if your dog is a wanderer or a puppy.

The lodge sits a five to ten minute drive from the centre of Looe, with the beach close by, though there are a lot of steps up to the property, worth knowing for an older or less mobile dog. Guests who walk their dogs on the nearest beach have found that dogs are only allowed there early in the morning and in the evening at certain times of year, so check the local restrictions before you plan your days. Finding the lodge in the dark can also be tricky on a first arrival.

It earns a 4.7/5 paw rating and suits couples or families with one settled dog who want a modern, sea-view base near Looe with plenty of outdoor space, and who are happy to keep an eye on the dog around the open terrace.