Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Europe — Luxury Stays for You and Your Dog

European hotels have transformed their approach to pets. Where once a grudging 'we accept dogs' came with a £50 surcharge and a list of restrictions, the continent's best properties now actively court dog owners with pet concierges, in-room dog beds, welcome hampers, and on-site walking services.

This guide covers the properties that do it best — hotels where your dog isn't merely tolerated but genuinely welcomed as a guest in their own right.

The Pig Hotels (Various locations) — the entire Pig hotel group is dog-friendly across all their English countryside properties. Dogs receive their own bed, bowl, treats, and a sausage at breakfast. Many rooms have direct garden access. The Pig at Harlyn Bay in Cornwall is particularly spectacular for coastal dog walks.

Lime Wood, New Forest — this country house hotel in England's New Forest (itself a paradise for dogs) offers pet-friendly rooms with forest views, dog welcome packs, and direct access to miles of off-lead walking. The Herb House Spa even arranges dog-sitting during spa treatments.

The Fife Arms, Braemar — in the Scottish Highlands, this Iwan and Manuela Wirth hotel welcomes dogs with handmade tartan beds and walking maps of the Cairngorms. Several room categories allow dogs, and the bar welcomes well-behaved pets.

Le Bristol Paris — one of the world's great pet-friendly luxury hotels. Their resident golden retriever, Farel, has his own Instagram account. Dog guests receive a personalised welcome with a bed, bowl, and Le Bristol-branded treats. The Epicure restaurant welcomes dogs (discreetly, under the table). No size restrictions, no surcharge.

Château de la Messardière, Saint-Tropez — this palace hotel allows dogs in select rooms with direct garden access. The grounds are extensive enough for off-lead walks, and the concierge arranges pet-friendly beach access (designated dog beaches along the Var coast).

Hotel Savoy, Florence — Rocco Forte's Florentine flagship welcomes dogs of all sizes with beds, bowls, and a pet-walking service. The concierge provides maps of Florence's dog-friendly parks and restaurants. Given Italy's generally dog-friendly cafe culture, Florence with your pet is a delight.

Hotel Bachmair Weissach, Tegernsee (Germany) — a lakeside Bavarian retreat that provides dog beds, treats, and mapped walking routes through the alpine countryside. Dogs are welcome in the restaurant, the lobby, and on the hotel's lake terrace.

Hotel & Spa Nääs Fabriker, Gothenburg (Sweden) — Scandinavia's outdoor culture extends to its pet policies. This converted textile mill hotel welcomes dogs, provides walking routes along the coast, and connects to Sweden's extensive 'allemansrätten' (right to roam) trails.

EU Pet Passport — required for travel between EU/EEA countries. Your pet needs microchipping, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), and the passport issued by a veterinarian.

UK entry — post-Brexit, the UK requires an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued no more than 10 days before travel, plus microchip and rabies vaccination. Tapeworm treatment is required 1-5 days before entry.

Hotel fees — range from complimentary (Le Bristol Paris, The Pig) to €20-€50/night. Always confirm the fee and any restrictions (room categories, common areas, restaurant access) before booking.

Airline policies — in-cabin pet travel is common on European airlines for dogs under 8kg. Larger dogs travel in pressurised cargo holds. Eurostar, ferries, and driving through the Eurotunnel are alternatives that keep your pet with you throughout.