Dog-friendly hotels are becoming ever more popular as owners realise they can take their dogs on holiday and stay in some rather lovely places to boot.
Here in Sussex we’re not short of hotels but a truly dog-friendly establishment is hard to find.
In this post I’d like to feature a first class example of what it means to be a dog-friendly hotel – The Silverdale in Seaford, East Sussex.
Describe your hotel and its location.
We are an Edwardian guest house in the centre of Seaford town centre which is at the foot of the Seven Sisters Country park and right in the heart of the newly designated South Downs National Park. The guest house is only 750 meters from Seaford beach where you can see the famous Kittiwakes at Splash point.
Who is Bill?
Bill is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. He is twelve years old now so is getting a little tired and we have had him for ten years. Bill loves meeting all the guests as they arrive at the house.
What can a dog owner expect when they stay at your hotel?
If you bring your dog with you to stay at the Silverdale both you and your dog will be very welcome.
For you and your dog to use whilst you are here: -
- a map of Seaford showing various parks and walks for you and your dog
- pet shop details, vets details, grooming parlours, places you can visit with your dog
- a list of dog friendly eating establishments
- food and water bowls
- pet food fork
- poop scoop bags (ask us for more if you run out)
- doggy towel
- dog collar tag to put on dog’s collar with our telephone number on – in case they escape from you
- a blanket for the bed or chair (in case your dog likes to keep you company on the bed)
- a gift for your dog and something useful for you: – a complimentary item of doggy wet wipes for those mucky paws, and a toy for your dog – as a thank you for choosing The Silverdale.
We would respectfully ask you to keep your dog on a lead whilst around the house.
Are dogs allowed to stay in the room on their own?
If you are happy that your dog has settled in your bedroom and want to leave him/her in your room JUST for breakfast, do so.
However dogs are NOT to be left in your room if you are leaving the premises, even for ten minutes. We have had some lovely bedding chewed up and wee’d on because usually very quiet dogs have become stressed at being left somewhere unfamiliar. Arrangements can be made if your dog is crated/caged. Please talk to Louise.
Is there any provision if you want to go out for the evening?
Either one of our two sons, Connor or Sully, are happy to Dog sit for you as long as you pre book this.
What happens at meal times?
We are used to, and very happy to have dogs in the dining room. If you would like to bring your dog with you to breakfast – feel free to do so (on their lead), if they will sit nicely with you. Please be aware some guests may not be quite so keen on dogs. If you are happy that your dog has settled in your bedroom and want to leave him/her in your room JUST for breakfast, do so.
Have you had any unusual requests for your canine guests?
Not really most requests are quite normal.
What’s the largest canine visitor you’ve had to stay?
We had two Bernese Mountain Dogs stay in one of the rooms – they were very big!
You’re quite famous for your dog-friendliness. What’s your secret?
There is no secret really, we just believe in first class customer service, and if you say you are dog friendly then that is exactly what you should be.
So many establishments say they are dog friendly but what they really mean is that they will tolerate your dog just to get your money.
It’s not like that at the Silverdale. We love dogs and want dogs and their owners to have a really comfortable relaxing stay with us at the Silverdale.
Thank you to Norman and Louise at the Silverdale in Sussex.
Visit our website for our page on Dog Friendly Hotels in Sussex and click here for more general information on Pet Friendly Hotels.
