The best pet-friendly hotels in London

Trendy but friendly, and not too eye-wateringly expensive, the Ace in Shoreditch is a good bet for hipster dogs and their owners, especially as the £25 supplement mentioned on the website has been scrapped. Hounds are allowed in the bar and the cafe – small dogs are even admitted into Hoi Polloi restaurant – and dog beds and accessories can be provided. The pared-down aesthetic of the place means you don't have to worry about mucky paws on carpets either. If you want to bring an animal 'bigger or weirder than a dog' then let them know and they'll see what can be arranged.

Best for: mucky pups

Reasonable rates are charged for the no-fuss, modern bedrooms at this international chain, which runs a pet-friendly scheme, ARF (Animals are Fun). Beside the warm welcome, there's no surcharge for the beds and treats provided, and dogs are allowed into the cafe and restaurant areas too. Dogs weighing up to 18kg are accepted; phone to discuss additional or larger dogs. Very handy for dog-centred events at Excel.

Best for: affordable London stays with your pet

B+B Belgravia is an upmarket bed and breakfast establishment, while Studios@82 offers self-contained accommodation with continental breakfast delivered to the door. Both are set in converted Georgian town houses and are super-central. What makes them so attractive to dog owners is that more than one dog is allowed. You have to take your own doggy accoutrements, but then the only charge is a £50 (refundable if your pet behaves itself) deposit.

Best for: long stays

Dog beds, bowls and treats are provided at this modern, moderately priced hotel, and dog-friendly rooms are available in all categories, from Classic to Luxury Suite. It's handily placed for dog-tastic Bermondsey Street, which is lined with dog-loving cafes, restaurants and shops (including ace pet shop Holly & Lil, which offers a 10% discount on collars and leads to hotel guests).

Best for: pet-focused window-shopping

A five-star mansion-hotel opposite Kensington Gardens, where dogs and cats are thoroughly spoilt. The welcome includes a toy, a treat, poo bags, a bed and a bowl of mineral water. A long list of services includes dog-sitting, dog and cat menus, litter boxes, leashes and grooming. To be fair, staff are pretty nice to children too, and everyone will love the traditionally decorated bedrooms, which hide all manner of mod cons.

Best for: pet owning families

A decently priced, smart chain hotel in a great location – very handy for the South Bank – that only charges a £10 supplement for pets. Bring your own doggy beds and accessories. Pooches aren't allowed in the bars or restaurants in the hotel, but there's a great choice of dog-loving eateries nearby – try the Anchor & Hope on the Cut, or the Green Room on Upper Ground.

Best for: eating out with your pet

Owners have to bring their own dog bowls, beds and pet paraphernalia to this laid-back townhouse hotel, but the welcome here is a genuine one. You and your faithful friend can make-believe you live on this quiet Notting Hill street, enjoying one of the 21 handsomely decorated rooms (some with four-poster beds) and the boho vibe bestowed on it by years of rock star guests. Nearby Holland Park is good for walks.

Best for: walkies!

The ultimate in deluxe railway hotels accepts small to medium dogs (up to 10kg) in any of the 245 rooms, for a £50 supplement (bowl and bed provided). Splash out on the St Pancras Pooch City Break (price dependent on room rates at the time), and not only does your dog get to stay in one of the historic suites, but can also luxuriate in a Charley Chau dog bed and enjoy a variety of perks, including a Woof Box stuffed with treats, toys and accessories. Less popular might be the two-hour class with City Dog trainers.

Best for: dogs in need of some direction

Small to medium-sized pets are welcomed at this stylish hotel, which is the first accommodation offering from the D&D restaurant group. The 80 bedrooms are Conran-designed, and the place has a more boutique vibe than most City hotels. Dogs can expect beds, bowls and a welcome treat; their owners will enjoy the spa, and a range of bars and restaurants that includes the Michelin-starred Angler.

Best for: stylish pooches and their owners

Pearl the golden retriever fronts up the Pampered Pets package at this swanky hotel, though cats are just as welcome as dogs. Both are guaranteed a comfortable bed, welcome treats and food bowls; cats are also supplied with a litter tray. Pretty Lincoln’s Inn Fields is handy for a run-around. Attractions for humans include the spa and fitness centre and an array of superior eating and drinking options.

Best for: kitties