The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Five-Star Hotels in London

London is one of the world's great dog-loving cities. The sheer number of dog bins I come across when walking through Hampstead Heath is testament to that. Nary a time goes by when I don't see dog parents, dog sitters or dog walkers enjoying the sun (on the rare occasion it is a sunny day). But beyond just the parks, London is practically designed for a morning run, pubs that set out water bowls without being asked, and a culture that takes dogs seriously. What it doesn’t always have, until now at least, is a clear answer to the question every dog owner asks before booking a luxury hotel: “But can I bring my dog and will they actually be happy about it?”

Criteria for Choosing Dog-Friendly Hotels

The difference between a hotel that “permits” dogs and one that genuinely welcomes them matters. One gets you a side-eye at reception and a room near the service lift. The other gets your dog a bed, a bowl, a welcome gift, and a concierge who can help you book a doggy day care or a dog walker at short notice.

Through our experience providing various pet sitting services to guests at London's best hotels, we have some insights into those who genuinely go the extra mile for your pets. Plus, we’ve gone through the official pet policies, brochures, and T&Cs of the best five-star hotels in London to find the ten that can call themselves dog-friendly. Whether your dog is a five-kilo Cavapoo or a twenty-kilo Labrador, here’s where to book your Stay, and exactly what to expect. We've looked at weight limits, extra fees and perks to help identify what may well be your dog's favourite home away from home.

I should mention that every hotel, even the most dog-friendliest, has areas, especially restaurants and spas, where dogs are not allowed. Other common areas may require dogs to be on a leash. And finally, at most, if not all of these dog-friendly five-star hotels, you can book dog sitter or dog walker through Stays, even if you are looking for a pet sitter on the same day. Just speak to the concierge team, or you can book with us directly and we will communicate with the concierge on your behalf.

The Top 10 Dog-Friendly Five-Star Hotels in London

Hotel 1. Raffles London at The OWO

The OWO, aka the Old War Office (ok I'll stop), was one of the most talked-about hotel openings London last year. Raffles took the former seat of Winston Churchill’s wartime command on Whitehall and turned it into something genuinely spectacular: eleven restaurants, a vast spa, and rooms that feel less like hotel rooms and more like apartments inside a very beautiful piece of British history. Speaking of Churchill, did you know his favourite dog was NOT a bulldog? Rather, it was his Toy Poodle Rufus.

In a city where most dog-friendly, five-star hotels cap dogs at 10–15 kg, it is worth noting that Raffles does not have an official weight limit for dogs. The official website signals dogs are welcome, but it is what they do that makes it truly special. Dogs are treated to a super-comfy dog bed, and are welcome in the majority of restaurants and bars in the hotel. I've even heard they prepare special breakfast for your furry friends. At the time of writing, while Raffles do not publish a detailed dog policy online, it is clear that it is one of the most permissive five-star options in central London for dog owners.

Hotel 2. Brown's Hotel

Brown’s has been doing Mayfair properly since 1837, which makes it the oldest hotel in London. Agatha Christie wrote at Brown's, Rudyard Kipling was a regular, and it was here that Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call in the UK. Whether your dog appreciates the heritage is another matter, but the hotel has built a surprisingly warm dog-friendly offer around its very Mayfair personality. Well-behaved dogs can follow you to breakfast or lunch and are allowed with you in nearly all areas of the hotel. I especially chuckled when I saw the cleverly named A-La-Bark menu with healthy, yet gourmet options for dogs. Where Brown’s stands out is in the detail of the dog experience itself. A partnership with William Morris At Home means cosy bedding and grooming essentials waiting in the room. The hotel’s dog page doubles as a guide to Mayfair dog-walking ritual — it’s playful, well-observed, and exactly what you’d expect from a hotel that takes pride in knowing its neighbourhood.

Dogs up to 20 kg are welcome, one per room (unless management approves more), with a £50 one-off fee per stay.

Hotel 3: Pan Pacific London

If you want to understand what a genuinely thought-through dog-friendly hotel looks like, read the Pan Pacific’s Paws at Pan Pacific brochure. It’s twelve pages long. There’s a Pet Concierge stationed next to reception. There’s an in-room pet menu curated by canine nutritionist Anna Webb. There are ‘Paws Add-Ons’ for dogs who fancy a grooming appointment or even a massage at Shoreditch Dog House while their owners use the hotel’s spa.

The hotel sits in the heart of the City, which means you’re minutes from the Thames towpath and well-placed for a morning walk. It’s the kind of place where the staff will know your dog’s name by checkout.

The policy is comprehensive and clearly stated: up to two pets per room, each up to 15 kg, at £60 per pet per stay.

Hotel 4: The Savoy

No London five-star hotel list is ever complete without The Savoy. Some hotels justify their place on a list like this through the complexity of their dog programme. The Savoy justifies its place through everything else: 130 years of history, a position on the Strand that puts you ten minutes from everything, the American Bar, Kaspar the Art Deco cat (the hotel’s unofficial good-luck charm), and rooms that remain among the most luxurious in the city. A London institution, and the first hotel I think of when I think of the best London hotels, The Savoy, much to the surprise of many, is indeed a dog-friendly establishment. Dogs are spoiled with a comfy bed, a toy and room amenities..

Dogs under 25 lbs / 11 kg are permitted at a charge of £25 per day.

Hotel 5: Rosewood London

The Rosewood occupies a grand Edwardian building just off High Holborn, steps from the British Museum and Covent Garden. Inside, it has the feel of a very well-funded private members’ club — considered, calm, and entirely comfortable in its own skin. Until not too long ago, Pearl, their resident, in-house Retreiver would welcome you herself. She has since retired, but has a suite named after her. So it is no surprised the hotel is extremely friendly to dogs. Not to mention, the dog policy is one of the most generous in this guide — a meaningful distinction from many hotels who do not allow dogs in restaurants, bars and even afternoon tea. Your lucky dog can even hang out with you at Scarfes, my favourite bar in London.

In-room, the Rosewood has put genuine thought into the welcome: a plush dog bed, a Barbour food bowl, and Lily’s Kitchen treats are waiting on arrival. It’s the kind of detail that tells you the hotel has considered what ‘welcome’ actually means.

Dogs and cats are welcome free of charge. Pets are permitted in all food and beverage outlets.

Hotel 6: The Egerton House Hotel

The Egerton House is a Knightsbridge townhouse hotel — small, personal, and with the kind of attention to detail that larger properties struggle to match. It is also, by some margin, the most inventively dog-friendly hotel on this list. Egerton is worth its place here because of the extras. There is a dedicated dog menu, a Doggy Afternoon Tea — served in the Tea Room on Thursdays and Sundays, with ‘price per pooch’. There is a ‘Pawtrait’ portrait experience with a named artist partner. And grooming and spa treatments are available through a partnership with Love My Human. It is, in the most understated London way, delightful. Tell them your dog’s size before arrival and the right bed and bowl will be ready.

A £500 refundable deposit is required on arrival (rather than a nightly fee), a maximum leash of 6ft / 2m outside the guest room.

Hotel 7: Hotel Café Royal

Hotel Café Royal sits at the heart of Regent Street, a two-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus and five from Green Park. Its history is equally central: Wilde, Whistler, and Beerbohm Tree were regulars at the old Café Royal; today the hotel occupies the same building with rooms designed by David Chipperfield and a spa, Akasha, that is among the best in the city.

Dogs are treated like royalty here: a large dog bed to sleep on, mats with their names embroidered, a bag of dog treats, a dog toy and a goodie bag supplied by Paw Daw of London. All of this and the hotel doesn't even charge for dogs staying! The hotel can also provide litter trays and pads if needed. It’s the kind of considered approach that makes the logistics of travelling with a dog considerably less stressful. And dogs are allowed to join in the restaurants during meal time, which although a rare occurrence in most of the top dog-friendly five-star hotels in London, is a feature in roughly half the hotels in this list.

For dogs up to 12 kg, Hotel Café Royal is one of the more permissive options in central London: pets are permitted in guestrooms, and most restaurants, and bars.

Hotel 8: The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

The Athenaeum sits overlooking Green Park, so right off the bat, a great location for dog lovers. It is a hotel that has clearly decided that being dog-friendly is a selling point rather than a footnote, and the experience reflects that. You can add your dog to your booking - in fact you're required to do so before arrival. The welcome is warm and specific. Staff are happy to recommend walk routes. A dog bowl, a cosy dog bed, and treats are waiting in the room. Hyde Park is a comfortable walk. For a hotel that’s trying to make you feel genuinely welcome with your dog, the Athenaeum is one of the easiest choices in London.

The terms are clear: up to two well-behaved dogs per bedroom, at £35 per dog per night, payable on arrival. Dogs are welcome in the lobby and on the terrace, but not in the restaurant.

Hotel 9: Royal Lancaster London

The Royal Lancaster sits at the northern edge of Hyde Park, which is to say, your morning dog walk begins the moment you step out of the front door. There are no traffic lights between the hotel and the Serpentine. For dogs (and dog owners), the location alone makes this one of the best-placed hotels in London. They ask that you inform them of your pet before booking. From a comfy bed to dog treats and an excellent concierge team on standby to book grooming services for your dog, the Royal Lancaster is one of the best-rated, dog-friendly hotel in London.

The policy is transparent: £25 per pet per day (free for ‘Friend of Royal Lancaster London’ loyalty members). Certain restaurants are off-limits; specific lounges are not.

Hotel 10. The Peninsula

Considered one of the most pet-friendly luxury hotels in the city The Peninsula integrates dogs into the guest experience rather than just accepting them. Unlike many The Peninsula actually allows dogs under to accompany their owners in nearly all public and dining areas. But their claim to fame is their Luxury Grooming Residency - the hotel hosts an on-site grooming parlour with specialty treatments fit for humans. Their welcome amenity kits for dogs includes plush beds, feeding bowls, pet-friendly towels and welcome treats. The Peninsula also provides "tailored menus" for pets, often featuring fresh, high-quality options from premium partners.

For dogs up to 10 kg, The Peninsula is a great choice overall with pets also being permitted inside most restaurants, and bars.

Tips for Traveling with Dogs in London

Traveling with a dog has never been easier as most hotels have a pet policy and clearly stated rules - see table below for a quick reference. Here is everything else you need to know:

• Always inform the hotel of your pet before you arrive. Even pet-friendly hotels need time to prepare and don't want to be surprised last minute.

• Read their pet policies and guidelines beforehand to avoid a situation or an unexpected answer.

• If your dog gets agitated or nervous, it is best to take them outdoors, and give them time to settle. Your stay can become unpleasant if guests complain about your dog barking and creating stress for those around.

• All the hotels in this list have an incredibly resourceful concierge team who would be more than happy to book a grooming service, doggy-day care, or a dog sitter. Do not hesitate to ask them, but do give them at least 24 hours notice where possible.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

Many of London's best five-star hotels are also clearly dog-friendly. Couple that, with London's Royal Parks, all of which are perfect for dogs, and you've got the perfect recipe for a holiday where you can make memories with your beloved pet. No matter which hotel you decide on, you have to contend with most of them having at least some restrictions or rules.

For larger dogs, Raffles, Browns and Rosewood stand out. If you prefer to near a park, Royal Lancaster across Hyde Park and The Athenaeum across Green Park are your best bets, although The Peninsula and Brown's aren't more than a few minutes from Hyde Park and Green Park respectively. The good news is you are spoiled for choice.

So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the world’s greatest cities. With these top dog-friendly hotels, your London vacation is sure to be a resounding woof!

Need a dog sitter at any of these hotels? Stays provides DBS-checked, professionally vetted dog sitters to all London hotels. Book online in minutes and enjoy your evening out knowing your beloved pet is in capable hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do London five-star hotels charge for dogs?

Usually yes — though how they charge varies widely. Some charge per night, others charge per stay, and a couple charge nothing extra. Always confirm the exact charge when booking.

Which hotels allow dogs in restaurants and bars?

This varies more than you might expect. Rosewood, Raffles, Browns, Peninsula and Hotel Café Royal permit dogs in most restaurants and bars.

Can I leave my dog in the room while I’m out?

Yes, as long as you hire a dog sitter to stay in the room with them.

What should I do before arriving with a dog?

In every case: inform the hotel when booking, not on arrival. Many hotels require advance notice to prepare in-room amenities, confirm availability, or approve your dog’s size and breed.

Which hotel is best for a large dog?

Raffles, Royal Lancaster and Rosewood stand out for larger dogs as they either don't have a limit. You can check with the hotel and many hotels here will likely also make an exception for well-behaved pets.

Which hotels does Stays provide dog sitting in?

Stays provides dog sitting at Raffles, Brown's, Royal Lancaster, Rosewood, The Savoy, The Peninsula, The Athenaeum, Hotel Café Royal and over 100 others across London through their concierge desk. However, you can book with us directly at any of the hotels.

What is the minimum number of hours required to book a dog sitter?

Stays requires a 4-hour minimum for dog sitters.

How far in advance does a dog sitter need to be booked with Stays?

It is always good to give as much notice as possible. We recommend 24 hours, however, we can also accept last minute requests up to 2-3 hours prior to start time.

What kind of activities does a dog sitter do with my dog?

A dog sitter will always take on your instructions. Generally speaking, they keep your dog company in the room, or take them out for a walk,, keep them well fed, make sure they find a good spot to relieve themselves and clean up after them.

What is the cancellation policy for a dog sitter?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before start time without charge. After that, a 4-hour minimum is charged.

How much does it cost to hire a dog sitter?

It can vary depending on the number of dogs, their size, needs, time and place. Please submit your request with these details and our team will usually respond to you within an hour or two with a quote.