Christmas with dog in posh hotel?

[Choppychop]

This Christmas im finding myself alone for the first time. I normally either fly to my family (international, every 2 or 3 years) or I stay with distant family in the UK. Occasionally that’s not an option so I stay with my best friend and her husband and their siblings. This year I’m unable to travel to my home country and my best friend is going to her home country with her husband. My UK family are all scattered and not celebrating together so I had this idea that I’d book a fancy dog friendly hotel in London (think Ritz) as some are dog friendly and take my little dog and have a fancy few days over Christmas been treated like royalty. Does this sound like a waste of money? I think we’d love it. Room service, walks around Hyde park, maybe volunteer to feed the homeless on Christmas eve. Im very tempted!

Sounds lovely. I'd do it.

Just be aware some of the posh hotels despite being "dog friendly" have weight limits on the dogs they'll accept. Check the t&c

Thank you! She’s 6.5 kg so pretty little.

Sounds like a lovely plan.
Not a waste of money, you deserve a nice treat.

I would just check the actual prices for what you are suggesting before deciding whether or not it’s worth it! Also bear in mind that even in central London, it’s pretty quiet on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Thank you. I actually live in London, outskirts but I’m more thinking it would be a lovely experience- not wanting London to entertain me.

I think this sounds just lovely OP! You both will love it!

Sounds great to me. I'd do the same - if there are cat friendly hotels. Enjoy.

This sounds wonderful! You’ll have some lovely walks around the centre, with all the lights and shop window displays. And hotel cooked Christmas meals, yum! If you go ahead, please come back to update this thread afterwards to let us know how it was. I’m tempted to copy the idea in future!

That sounds great. But if you live in London, won't it be better to go somewhere a bit further away so you can go for walks in new places instead of somewhere you can go every day?

For example, the Swinton Park Hotel near Ripon (Mumsnet won't let me post a link).

Although I can see the attraction of 'quiet London' if it's normally really busy and possibly stressful for your dog.

Lovely idea. Sounds magical.

+1 on cat friendly hotels.

Lovely idea! Choose some gorgeous swanky hotel

When I've stayed in hotels (non swanky) with dogs they've tended to restrict where you can be with the dog so we'd not be allowed in the restaurant, sometimes even the bar/ foyer seating only pass through reception and were not allowed to leave the dog unattended in your room. It's worth ringing to check direct with the hotel what their policies are before booking. We also had fun trying to locate night staff to open the door in the early hours once and I'd also consider how the location may feel at night if they have to take a toilet trip.

When booking online I checked they didn't stipulate dog size on the website but one the receptionist looked a bit horrified and said small only although they did let us stay. Funny really as greyhound is a perfect guest given they always travel with own comfy bed, sleep a lot and have zero watchdog desire to bark at any odd people noises going on.

Personally I'd prefer to stay at a cottage with all the facilities of home, nice walks on the doorstep and nearby dog friendly pubs/takeaways than a busy city. There are probably hotels which specialise more for dog owners and provide a more inclusive service than the bare acceptance.

It sounds amazing to me!

I’m now wondering which hotel would be the best, The Ritz, The Savoy, or Claridges. They are all super dog friendly, and will treat you like royalty. I think I would want to go to Claridges, I watched that documentary about it a while back, it looks fabulous

Sounds like a great idea! I know it isn’t London and it is super expensive so I’m more sharing this because it is interesting rather than a serious suggestion but I’d love to do this (very Dog friendly hotel too, they have a dog menu in the restaurant), beautiful grounds to walk in too. https://www.clivedenhouse.co.uk/christmas-and-new-year/christmas-house-party/

It sounds like a cosy Christmas film! If you can afford it, do it and have a lovely time!

Sounds perfect.

Absolutely lovely! Why not Treat yourself to driving in, too. Pay for fancy parking and don't think about the CC cost (but still pay it obvs!) it's all a treat. It'll be quiet on the roads anyway.

Id personally be doing the country at Christmas but totally understand if you're feeling London this time.

Christmas at hotels is usually about lots of eating and formal dinners. Most hotels don't allow dogs at these meals so s/he would have to stay in your room. I think you'll end up either having room service together or being separated from the dog for half the day. Definitely check what the rules are around dogs.

I have occasionally chosen to ditch family and have Christmas away with just my dog. A cottage with a sea view, long walks on the beach. No pressure to wear a party hat. Love it!

sounds great! Not quite the same but I met a lady who lived in Hampstead and stayed in Claridge’s for a couple of days every year to do her Christmas shopping.

Yes do check exactly how “dog friendly” they really are. PP made a good point about the restaurant, often dogs aren’t allowed in. But the idea sounds great!

Sounds great, how lovely that they welcome dogs! I hope you do it and have a lovely time.

Your fantasy Xmas city break sounds great for you. But there are more than enough people who volunteer to 'help' the homeless at Xmas time, and much as you'd love to perform some charitable good deed, I'm not sure if it's really all that helpful to anyone

What a wonderful idea. We will need updates!