The Hideaway, Paignton

The Hideaway is a Paignton apartment built around an idea that suits dog owners well: a private, fully paved back yard that nothing can get out of, five minutes' walk from the beach and the town. It is a family-run let rather than part of a managed block, so there are no shared corridors, no lift and nobody to negotiate past on the way out for a morning walk. It earns a 4.6 out of 5 paw rating.

Dogs stay at no extra charge, which is worth factoring in on a longer stay. Guests travelling with both dogs and young children pick this place out for handling the combination well: the enclosed yard keeps everyone contained, and the apartment has the practical kit, from a washing machine to a travel cot and bunk beds, that makes a week with both workable.

Cleanliness earns specific praise in a pet-friendly context, with guests noting the apartment does not carry the dog smell that often lingers in properties that take pets. That is not a universal verdict, though. A minority of reports describe the place needing a deeper clean, listing marked kitchen cupboards, a dirty microwave, stained sofas, grubby windows and a damp smell in the air. It sits against a run of positive reports rather than defining the property, but it is worth a look round on arrival.

The setting does most of the work. Paignton seafront and the town centre are both a short walk, so the car can stay parked all week, and Goodrington Sands further along the coast takes dogs year round. Torbay's promenade links the two, which makes for an easy flat walk when the weather is against you.

Best suited to a family with one dog who want a secure, good-value base within walking distance of the sand. Less suited to travellers with several dogs, or a dog that needs a lawn: the outdoor space is a compact paved yard rather than a garden.