Hello London! We’ve enjoyed getting to know you again – thanks to the pandemic lockdown, we took breaks from our home and stayed in various hotels in the city where we live where we once had no reason to.
There are a lot of hotels in London that welcome dogs in varying degrees. In the last 18 months, we’ve checked in to check out various dog-friendly London hotels.
It all began in mid-March 2020, when the first lockdown was imminent. Knowing that we will be stuck at home for an indefinite time, Mum thought we should have a little break and went on our first staycation at Number Sixteen. Since then we have stayed in over 18 London hotels over the lockdown and thought to summarise and share our experiences.
The Cadogan – a Belmond Hotel. A stylish retreat in the heart of Chelsea, it is perfectly positioned between the luxury of Knightsbridge and the artistic spirit of Chelsea. 75 Sloane St, London SW1X 9SG
D&G says: We can dine in the Adam Handling Bar & Terrace. They are creating a dog amenity programme – including a menu for dogs. They have home-baked pumpkin based biscuits in the room, but also at the bar and even at our afternoon tea. We have use of the north Cadogan Gardens. Hyde Park is also within walking distance.
Mum likes: Where do I begin? The interiors are peacefully calm, the staff amazing and Adam Handling menu is fab, their Afternoon Tea is one of the best – and in the summer months, it can be served in the Cadogan Gardens. Close to Sloane Street shopping and Knightsbridge.
Firmdale Hotels – We stayed at two of the eight Firmdale Hotels in London. The high standards of excellence and unique townhouse style of decoration by Kit Kemp are a winning combination. Each hotel manager decides on each request for a dog stay.
Ham Yard Hotel – In the midst of Soho and moments from Mayfair, Ham Yard has an urban village feel. The hotel revolves around a courtyard. One Ham Yard, London, W1D 7DT
D&G says: There is an outdoor courtyard restaurant where we can dine with humans but we’re not allowed anywhere else.
Mum likes: The interiors, of course. Big fan of Kit Kemp. We loved our pink and green room. Close to Soho and Piccadilly.
Number Sixteen Located along the leafy streets and Number Sixteen forms part of a mid-Victorian white stucco terraced houses of Sumner Place, just moments from South Kensington tube station. 16 Sumner Place, London, SW7 3EG
D&G says: When it is not raining, we can dine in the townhouse’s own tree-filled private garden – an oasis. It is walking distance to Hyde Park which is fab.
Mum likes: Again, Kit Kemp interiors make the townhouse hotel. Besides Hyde Park it within a short walking distance to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Our goal is to stay in a few more of the other Firmdale Hotels to experience Kit Kemp’s magic! Again, dogs are at the discretion of the GM.
- Haymarket Hotel – situated in the heart of London’s theatre district
- The Soho Hotel – situated on a quiet street in the heart of London’s entertainment neighbourhood
- Charlotte Street Hotel – situated in the media neighbourhood just north of Soho. It is a minute’s walk from leafy Soho Square and the theatre district
- Covent Garden Hotel – situated in the heart of the theatre district, a short walk to the Royal Opera House and Soho
- Dorset Square Hotel – a beautiful Regency townhouse overlooking the leafy, private garden square which was originally the site of Thomas Lord’s first cricket ground
- Knightsbridge Hotel – situated on a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of Knightsbridge.
The Hari – a stylish retreat in the heart of Belgravia, designed for those seeking comfort and understated elegance, The Hari is a sanctuary for modern travellers and connoisseurs of luxury. 20 Chesham Pl, London SW1X 8HQ
D&G says: From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted. And we can dine in The Garden Terrace and The Hari Bar.
Mum likes: Bordering the neighbourhood of Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Chelsea – great for shopping as well as a few dog friendly restaurants.
The Lanesborough – The quintessence of graceful London Living! This grand luxury mansion has undergone an inspired renovation by the famed interior designer Alberto Pinto. Every room is assigned a butler. Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
D&G says: We loved our stay there! Located across from Hyde Park Corner, made it easy for walkies. And we could dine in The Withdrawing Room and in The Library.
Mum likes: In the meantime, I could also dine in the Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant which is not dog-friendly but I had peace of mind as the butler took them for walkies! This was truly a staycation for me!
L’oscar – Devoted to the Divine. And decadence by design. The hotel is an architectural gem, created from a Baroque-style, Grade II listed former church in Holborn. 2-6 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AA
D&G says: We were very welcomed to dine in the lounge. Though Holborn is a built-up area, we walked to the nearby Lincoln’s Inn Fields where we could have a little run.
Mum likes: Imagination and attention to detail is woven into the fabric of L’oscar, world renowned décorateur, Jacques Garcia, from the sumptuously-decorated bedrooms, velvet and leather interiors, exquisitely-unique champagne coupes, crystal butterfly wing taps and seven-storey chandelier.
Mandarin Oriental – Are you a fan? We are! Overlooking Hyde Park and right next to the buzz of Knightsbridge, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is the essence of timeless heritage coupled with contemporary flair and impeccable service. 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA
D&G says: Across from Hyde Park – now how much more convenient can that be? They welcomed us and led us to our room! We are not allowed in any of the F&B places though – so we had room service.
Mum likes: I have always been a ‘fan’ – and had a long association with Mandarin Orientals. There’s a Michelin Star restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal that doesn’t usually allow dogs but during the Covid, they had tables outside on the Park side, and there was no reason why they couldn’t dine out there! LOL!
Maybourne Hotel Group – has three hotels in London – and we are so lucky to have been able to trial them all during the lockdown!
The Berkeley – Between Knightsbridge and Belgravia, The Berkeley has an independent spirit and eye for style, with rooms by leading designers, it is at once intimate and inspiring, sophisticated and surprising. Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL
D&G says: Plush dog beds, treats and a walk in Hyde Park.
Mum likes: Love the interiors, the quiet neighbourhood and crossing the road to Hyde Park. Close to shops in Knightsbridge. And of course the Blue Bar.
Claridges – Welcome to the world of grand luxury. Set in the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s is an art deco icon and a byword for understated elegance and impeccable service. It is the epitome of timeless elegance, and one of the best 5-star luxury hotels in the world. Brook St, London W1K 4HR
D&G says: A short walk to Grosvenor Square for our walkies. As guests of the hotel, we are allowed in Claridges Bar Terrace to dine with Mum.
Mum likes: Excellent service, the location is fab for walking to Bond Street and Regent Street
The Connaught – at the heart of Mayfair village, The Connaught offers a discreet blend of tradition and freshness. The classic London icon, maintains an ‘old world’ sophisticated charm. Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL
D&G says: What a lovely place! They had our personalised bedside mats. We were there for Christmas and they did not forget us. We had our own Christmas stockings! And across the street is Mount Street Gardens where we went for bathroom walkie.
Mum likes: We were there during lockdown and basically had the whole hotel all to ourselves, but the service remained gracious. The Connaught Patisserie around the corner is amazing and the three Michelin star Hélène Darroze at The Connaught makes it all a feasting staycation. And love just walking around the neighbourhood and sitting in the Mount Street gardens.
The Mayfair Townhouse – Curious, engaging, witty and effortlessly intuitive. A new generation of lifestyle hotel delivering the unexpected in the heart of Mayfair. Part of the 27-41 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BG
D&G says: Walk out the door, take a right and cross the street to one of our favourite parks – Green Park. And every time we walked into the lobby, we were greeted warmly. They had the most creative greeting for us doggies – graffiti on their mirrored doors! We loved it! We could dine with Mum in The Dandy bar in the lobby.
Mum likes: The neighbourhood, close by to some of the best dog-friendly restaurants and cafes to go to. Refer to our blog for more options.
The Milestone Hotel and Residences – one of six Red Carnation Hotels in London, this elegant historic hotel is located just opposite Kensington Palace, with exceptional views across the Gardens to this most famous of homes. 1 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DL
D&G says: Amazing that it is across from Kensington Gardens/Hyde Park. We are allowed to dine in Chenestons Restaurant if space permits, or in the Park Lounge, the Conservatory and in the Stables Bar.
Mum likes: The proximity to the park is a big plus. The Red Carnation hotels have always been welcoming to us from the very beginning and we wanted to be sure they are mentioned here.
We haven’t stayed at any of the other London hotels in The Red Carnation Collection but they are always dog-friendly. We’ve had afternoon tea at a few of them.
- Hotel 41 – an exquisite hidden gem overlooking the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. 41 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PS
- Chesterfield Mayfair – A quintessentially British hotel located in the heart of Mayfair, which exudes classic charm and unique personality. 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5EB
- Egerton House Hotel – an enchanting boutique townhouse, in the heart of Knightsbridge, on a quiet street overlooking private garden. Must mention that Egerton House Hotel is famous for it’s Doggy Afternoon Tea. 17-19 Egerton Terrace, London, SW3 2BX
- The Montague on the Gardens – A Georgian townhouse full of English charm, with traditional service and warm, generous hospitality. 15 Montague Street, London, WC1B 5BJ
- The Rubens at The Palace – Overlooking Buckingham Palace and within easy walking distance to Victoria Station. 39 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PS
Nobu Hotel Portman – Located in the heart of central London’s chic Marylebone area, there is a wow factor! The hotel lobby was a zen minimalism of pale wood and stone tiles and at the centre was a five-metre kinetic sculpture that casts a magical spectacle of light and shade from its rotating metal fins. All this was, a complete contrast to the old world grand hotels or country houses that we’re more used to in the U.K. 22 Portman Square, London W1H 7BG
D&G says: Irasshaimase! Can you believe they had a bath robe for us? And lovely beef chew treats. We dined at Chef Matsuhisa’s iconic Nobu restaurant on the terrace and hung out in the The Lounge restaurant and bar. And every time we did they brought me a mat to lie on and a bowl of water.
Mum likes: Ahhhh! This was something unexpected and has a wow factor! It feels more like Miami and Vegas than London. Love the Japanese influenced interiors. And oh so many memories of dining at Nobu.
One Aldwych Hotel – located in Covent Garden at the centre of culture and theatre, it is for people who don’t do generic. 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
D&G says: We were warmly greeted and had Afternoon Tea in The Library. We were not allowed in any of the other F&B places.
Mum likes: Whenever I go to the West End, it was to go to the theatre and then rush home. Restaurant Indigo serves an entirely gluten and dairy free menu. Staying at One Aldwych gave me a chance to explore the neighbourhood. Close proximity to Covent Garden too made walks interesting – to see the West End in the quiet early mornings.
Rosewood London Hotel – Grand and gracious, this is one of the capital’s finest hotels—an idyllic urban sanctuary where the hum of the city slips away, replaced by an atmosphere of quiet sophistication and unsurpassed luxury. 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
D&G says: Oh my goodness! We were spoilt for choice. We lunched, dined and had Afternoon Tea in all their restaurants. We could go for walkies behind the hotel at Lincoln’s Inn Fields.
Mum likes: By far the most dog-friendly hotel. Dogs are allowed in all the restaurants – The Macallan Manor House, The Holborn Dining Room and their Art afternoon tea in the Mirror Room is one of the best!
Shangri-La The Shard London – Occupying the 34th to 52nd floors of architect Renzo Piano’s iconic Shard building, this ritzy hotel is a 2-minute walk from London Bridge railway and tube station, and a mile from the Tower of London. 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
D&G says: We were just grateful to be able to visit The Shard in the city. It is a built up neighbourhood but we found out from the concierge that there’s a small park by King’s College, a minute walk away – and there we had our little run around and did our business. We’re not allowed in any of the restaurants, though the staff did try.
Mum likes: We needed a change of scene and nowhere better than Shangri-La at The Shard. The building is generally not dog-friendly, so it was an amazing discovery to find that Shangri-La gives you almost 24 hours of viewing time! We saw the sunset, the sunrise and every hour in between form the floor to ceiling windows. There is a rather steep fee of £100 for dogs per stay – not by night nor by number of dogs.
Treehouse Hotel London – founded on the ideas that inspire a child to build a treehouse. Adventure, independence, cozy spaces and repurposing crafty things are what make a place warm and special. That’s why every Treehouse Hotel celebrates found objects, nostalgic tunes, handmade details and locally sourced treats. Located in Marylebone and offers world-class views of the London Eye, The Shard, Canary Wharf, and Regent’s Park and two blocks from shops and eateries on Oxford Street.
D&G says: We could dine in The Nest till 5pm. They had a special dog package which includes dog treats and dining options from Lily’s Kitchen. Dog sitting and dog walking up to one hour session per stay so when Mum went for dinner in the hotel restaurant, we went to Regents Park.
Mum likes: Something different from all the other places we’ve stayed at. This has a younger vibe and definitely different! So many unexpected and delightful things. Taking in the landscape of London Town with views of the London Eye, The Shard, Canary Wharf and Regent’s Park. Maderas is an excellent Mexican restaurant.
The Mitre Hampton Court – A refined yet relaxed boutique hotel on the banks of the River Thames opposite Hampton Court Palace, the hotel has a rich history as a place to stay dating back as far as Charles II. The hotel was built in 1665 at the direction of King Charles II as a ‘hostel for visitors to the Palace’. Hampton Court Rd, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9BN
D&G says: We were allowed to dine with our hoomans on the 1665 Terrace. We visited the grounds of Hampton Court Palace and there are lots of walking trails.
Mum likes: A key feature of the new Mitre Hotel is the stunning interiors from designer Nicola Harding. And one of the reasons why we chose to stay here. The design combines quirky British sensibility with elegant authentic luxury blending the old with the new, the refined with the comfortable, and the local with the worldly.
Now that we are on a roll, we will continue to grow this list even when staycations may no longer be the trend. We have created a new tab – London Stays and plan to eventually extend the list to include the English Countryside and Seaside hotels. If you have any hotels for us to check out, do let us know. We are always open to suggestions.
