HERE’S paws for thought. The Stratford-upon-Avon hotel that once hosted pop icon Prince has been named the best DOG-friendly hotel in the prestigious Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.

Neo-gothic Ettington Park, a four-red star mansion set within 40 lush acres in the Warwickshire countryside, has seen all manner of guests including rock stars, movie actors and theatre legends over the years.

But there’s a special place, it seems for VIPs. That’s Very Important Pooches, of course.

On arrival, dogs receive a personalised welcome letter from the General Manager (yes, really) alongside a ‘mini bar’ of treats. Meanwhile, dog-friendly bedrooms offer easy access to the hotel’s expansive gardens for walkies.

After a day of adventures, guests – both two- and four-legged – can sit back and relax together in The Oak Lounge or dine alfresco on the Terrace which overlooks the grounds, with a view of the Norman Church and Orangery.

For those who want an even more exclusive experience, Private Dining rooms are also dog-friendly for those who wish to celebrate a special occasion with all the family. 

Douglas Waddell, Operations Director at Ettington owners Hand Picked Hotels, says: “Winning the 2024 Condé Nast Johansens Awards is fantastic accolade and a recognition of all the hard work and effort the team at Ettington Park put in every day to ensure all of our guests have an exceptional stay.

“We know for many people, leaving their dogs at home when they go on holiday can be a sad moment, which is why we decided to make sure our guests don’t have to make that decision.”

Many years ago, as a rock and pop writer for the Birmingham Mail, I recall being tasked with ‘staking out’ Ettington Park when Prince booked in for a number of nights while he played shows at Birmingham’s NEC Arena.

Word was that the late legend, who sadly died in 2016, but was enjoying a purple patch at the time of his stay, had a dance floor specially installed in his room.

If you’re planning a dog’s life, you’ll be barking up the right tree at the Ettington Park website.