Top European Hotels That Treat Dogs Like VIPs (Very Important Pets)

Bring your dog — and expect VIP treatment: the hotel evolution that solves the biggest pet‑travel pain points

Searching for trustworthy, up‑to‑date pet‑friendly accommodation in Europe often feels like juggling ten tabs: inconsistent policies, hidden pet fees, unclear amenities and a long list of questions you must call to confirm. In 2026 that’s changing. High‑end hotels and B&Bs are adopting residential‑style pet amenities — think in‑house dog salons, indoor dog parks and dedicated pet concierges — so you don’t have to compromise luxury for a stress‑free stay with your dog.

What this guide gives you

• A curated list of European hotels and B&Bs with high‑end dog services (salons, indoor play, grooming partners and more).
• Actionable booking and packing advice to avoid hidden fees and last‑minute headaches.
• Trends and predictions for 2026 — how hospitality is borrowing from residential pet amenities and what that means for travellers.

The big 2026 trend: hospitality borrows residential pet amenities

Residential developers set a new expectation in late 2025 and early 2026 by building dog‑first amenities into towers and estates — indoor dog parks, obstacle courses and on‑site salons. Hospitality is following. Hotels and B&Bs are now launching permanent pet spas, indoor playrooms, and in some cases, staffed dog‑daycare spaces that operate like small residential pet clubs.

"There is even an indoor dog park and obstacle course … and a salon in which to pamper your pooch." — The Guardian (Jan 2026), on pet‑centric residential developments

Why this matters: pet owners want the convenience and safety of a controlled play space, reliable grooming and transparent pricing — the same comforts homeowners expect. Properties that deliver this reduce stress for guests, increase length of stay and drive repeat bookings.

Curated hotels & B&Bs across Europe that treat dogs like VIPs

Below are properties and small groups that, in 2026, are leading the shift toward residential‑style pet services. For every listing we highlight the signature dog‑centric amenity and what to ask when you book.

United Kingdom

• Kimpton Fitzroy London (London)

  Why it stands out: Kimpton’s global pet‑friendly policy means dogs are truly welcomed — provided beds, bowls, treats and a friendly call‑out at check‑in. In 2026 Kimpton properties expanded partnerships with local groomers and in‑house pet concierges in major cities.

  Ask: confirm any size restrictions and whether a pet concierge can organise same‑day grooming or daycare.

• The Pig group (multiple UK locations)

  Why it stands out: The Pig brand is known for countryside character, generous grounds and dog‑first extras — welcome treats, off‑lead walking routes and close ties with local groomers and trainers. Their cottages and lodges act like pet‑friendly residences rather than a standard hotel room.

  Ask: whether outdoor areas are fenced and what on‑site or partner grooming services they can recommend.

• Chewton Glen (New Forest, Hampshire)

  Why it stands out: a country‑house classic that has invested in dog packages, including in‑room bedding, menus for dogs and access to large grounds perfect for off‑lead exercise. Chewton Glen and similar country hotels increasingly subcontract pro groomers for in‑house treatments.

  Ask: booking windows for pet‑care services and availability of dog‑friendly cottages if you need more space.

France

• Le Bristol (Paris)

  Why it stands out: long established as one of Paris’s most pet‑friendly five‑star hotels, Le Bristol offers pet‑welcome amenities and a concierge who can arrange grooming, vet visits and in‑room dining for dogs. Luxury Paris hotels are increasingly offering bespoke pet menus and partner groomers.

  Ask: confirm any breed or weight policies and whether the hotel can organise pet transport to grooming appointments.

• Selected charming B&Bs in Provence and Dordogne

  Why they stand out: rural French B&Bs often operate like private guesthouses with gateable gardens and local groomers on call — ideal if you want an experience closer to a private residence. Many host small indoor dog playrooms or garage‑conversion dog gyms for wet weather play.

  Ask: whether the playroom is temperature controlled and if the B&B supplies dog towels and a drying area. Smaller operators can benefit from guidance such as the portable host kit approach when advertising pet perks directly.

Italy

• Rocco Forte’s city hotels & select Tuscan villas

  Why they stand out: several Rocco Forte properties and affiliated villas have formal pet programs — concierge grooming arrangements, on‑call vets and large private grounds for exercise. Villas in Tuscany increasingly include enclosed gravel runs and designated dog playrooms.

  Ask: whether the villa includes a fenced run and if private dog sitters are vetted by the hotel.

Netherlands

• Kimpton De Witt (Amsterdam)

  Why it stands out: part of Kimpton’s dog‑first chain; well located for canal walks and partners with local groomers. Amsterdam’s boutique hotels have been early adopters of indoor dog play areas to mitigate rainy day cancellations.

  Ask: if the hotel can provide a quiet ground‑floor room away from busy streets for anxious dogs.

Portugal

• Selected Algarve villas and family resorts

  Why they stand out: private villas and luxury family resorts in the Algarve have expanded dog gyms, fenced yards and in‑house groomers since 2024 to capture the pet‑travel market. Look for properties that advertise a dedicated pet concierge or on‑site grooming.

  Ask: whether the property provides shaded covered runs for hot days and emergency vet contacts.

Switzerland & the Alps

• Mountain lodges & chalet‑style hotels

  Why they stand out: Swiss chalets and some alpine hotels offer heated indoor dog rooms and drying suites for muddy paws — essentially mini dog spas that function like residential mudrooms. These properties are designed for outdoor dog owners who need restoration after long hikes or ski‑side runs.

  Ask: whether drying racks, boot cleaners and heated dog beds are included or extra.

What to expect from a hotel that truly treats dogs like VIPs

High‑end pet services now fall into clear categories. When you see these advertised, you can be confident the property is serious about pet comfort.

• Pet concierge: arranges grooming, vets, trainers and walking routes.
• On‑site grooming or dedicated salon: full service grooming by appointment or a daily mobile groomer visiting the hotel.
• Indoor dog parks / playrooms: heated, secure spaces with agility equipment and non‑slip flooring for rainy days.
• Dog menus & in‑room dining: hotel kitchens offering nutritionally balanced meals for dogs, often prepared by the chef.
• Dog daycare or supervised play: staffed options that operate like a mini‑daycare (usually pre‑booked).
• Dedicated dog laundry and drying suites: for long hikes or wet weather returns.

Practical booking and budgeting advice

Use these steps to book confidently and avoid surprises.

1. Always call the pet concierge. Book the grooming, daycare or play sessions you want before arrival — these services often have limited slots.
2. Confirm all fees up front. Expect either a nightly pet fee (typically €15–€75 at mainstream hotels) or a pet package rate (€75–€300+) for luxury services. High‑end grooming and daycare are usually charged separately.
3. Ask about pet insurance and liabilities. Some properties require owners to sign a liability waiver for playrooms or dog parks. Check whether the hotel requires proof of vaccination and a recent worming/tick treatment.
4. Compare booking channels. Many pet‑friendly hotels offer the best veterinary and pet‑service coordination when you book direct. Use trusted pet‑travel filters on Booking.com, BringFido and the hotel’s site, and always confirm pet perks directly.
5. Vet checks and emergency plans. Before arrival, ask the hotel for nearest 24/7 vet details and whether transport to a clinic is available.

Legal and health checklist for European travel in 2026

Rules change by country, and since 2021 travel requirements have frequently shifted. Use this checklist as a starting point and verify official government guidance for your destination.

• Microchip: ISO‑compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccine.
• Rabies vaccination: up to date, with valid documentation (EU pet passport or official animal health certificate as required).
• Tapeworm treatment: required for certain countries (Ireland, Finland and others) within 1–5 days of arrival for dogs.
• Health certificate: check whether you need an EU Pet Passport (EU/EEA) or an Animal Health Certificate for UK/EU travel, depending on origin.
• Local rules: some resorts or islands have specific entry protocols; check island and region rules before booking.

Packing checklist for a 2026 trip with your dog

• Medical records, vaccination certificates and microchip number (digital and paper copies).
• Collapsible bowls, food portions in labelled bags and favourite treats.
• Bed/blanket and a familiar toy to reduce anxiety.
• Leash, harness, spares and a muzzle if required by local law.
• Portable drying towel, paw wax and booties for snow or hot ground.
• Waterproof jacket or insulated coat where relevant.

On‑stay etiquette at high‑end pet properties

• Respect designated off‑lead areas and time slots for playrooms.
• Book all grooming and daycare services ahead — last‑minute requests often cannot be accommodated.
• Use the hotel’s cleaning/dog laundry areas rather than rooms for muddy gear.
• Follow noise rules in apartments or boutique hotels — staffing for pet spaces is limited and hotels will ask you to manage excessive barking.

Case study: how a luxury hotel stay is planned for a senior dog

We planned a three‑night stay at a country hotel with a 10‑year‑old Labrador. Our priorities were limited walking distance, low‑stimulation room and access to a dog drying suite. Steps that made the stay smooth:

1. Called the hotel in advance and requested a ground‑floor room near the garden and pet concierge support for a groomer who specialises in senior dogs.
2. Booked a lightweight, short grooming session and arranged morning supervised play for 45 minutes (gentle group) so the dog could socialise but rest in the afternoon.
3. Packed the dog’s medical records and scheduled a vet call, just in case. The hotel provided an emergency vet partner and a warm drying suite for muddy paws.

Result: the dog was comfortable, the owner relaxed and the hotel’s pet concierge coordinated everything so the stay felt like a private residence with full pet services.

How to evaluate whether a property is worth the pet premium

Use this decision checklist when comparing two similar price points.

• Direct pet services vs partner referrals: in‑house salons and supervised playrooms are worth a premium; partner referrals can be high quality but require extra coordination.
• Availability of secure outdoor space: fenced, off‑lead gardens reduce the need for paid dog walkers.
• Staff training: ask whether frontline staff have pet first‑aid or handling training.
• Cancellation policy for pet services: grooming or daycare cancellations may have different windows — check them.

2026 predictions: where pet travel goes next

• Standardisation of pet fees and amenity descriptions: driven by consumer demand and OTA pressure, expect unified pet amenity tags on major booking platforms in 2026–27.
• Subscription pet‑concierge services: hotel groups will offer subscription models bundling grooming, daycare and vet access for frequent travellers.
• More indoor play infrastructure: indoor dog parks and drying suites, once rare, will become a differentiator for city‑centre luxury properties.
• Better integration with pet tech: expect in‑room pet cams, digital medical records and on-device AI features for grooming plans and biometric check‑ins for recurring grooming plans.

Final takeaways — make your dog the VIP without the stress

• Book direct and speak to the pet concierge: it’s the single most effective move to guarantee services and avoid hidden fees.
• Prioritise properties that offer on‑site salons or supervised playrooms: these are the closest hotel equivalents to residential dog amenities such as indoor parks.
• Prepare documents and emergency plans: keep vaccination and microchip details to hand and check local entry rules before travel.
• Budget realistically: expect to pay a premium for luxury grooming and supervised dog care, but the stress reduction is usually worth it.

Ready to book?

Start by shortlisting 3 properties that advertise the pet amenities you need (salon, indoor play, dog concierge). Call each one to confirm availability and fees for the services you’ll use, then book direct for the best coordination. If you want a personalised shortlist for your travel dates and dog’s needs (size, age, medical requirements), sign up for our free pet‑travel checklist and hotel vetting service — we vet grooming partners, confirm policies and deliver a one‑page briefing for your stay.

CTA: Email our team at concierge@hotelexpert.uk or click the pet icon on any hotel listing to request a vetted pet‑friendly booking dossier for your next trip.

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