A BOUTIQUE hotel in the New Forest is welcoming dogs with open paws.

Cottage Lodge in Brockenhurst has dedicated three of its 15 rooms to dog owners who want to take their four-legged friend away with them for a short break.

The rooms are located close to the kitchen so staff can hear any dogs that might become restless whilst their owners have dinner.

Guests with pooches are also able to eat breakfast with their pets in the hotel’s snug bar.

The hotel is within a short stroll of open forest and has a number of recommended walks ranging from three to 14 miles for dogs and their owners.

Christina Simons, owner of Cottage Lodge, said: “We are aware that many people chose to enjoy a ‘staycation’ because they don’t want to kennel their dogs or leave them behind when they go away.

“Two of our dog friendly rooms, Morant and Tom Hayter, have their own direct access to our patio garden, which has a tap for washing off muddy paws.

“All three rooms - Standing Hat is the third – also have hard floors which means we can easily clean them thoroughly before the next guests arrive.”