Oxford dog-friendly hotel sees record breaking Easter demand

The hotel has reported its busiest period for canine stays, driven by rising staycation demand and warmer seasonal weather.

This trend is expected to continue, with April through to August proving especially popular for dog-owning families, aligning with school holidays, longer daylight hours and increased leisure travel across the UK.

Easter weekend stood out as the peak period for dog stays, where the hotel welcomed a 50 per cent increase in four-legged guests.

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Fine weather helped create a relaxed, outdoor-focused atmosphere, with over 20 dogs making full use of the hotel’s gardens, riverside setting and expansive grounds, over Easter

 The strong performance reflects a wider staycation boom, as more travellers choose to holiday closer to home.

One pooch at the hotel restaurant (Image: Voco Oxford Thames)

 Set within 30 acres of scenic parkland on the banks of the River Thames, Voco Oxford Thames is ideally positioned as a base for exploring the southern Cotswolds.

 The hotel is also seeing growing demand for dogs to be included in wedding celebrations. The properties regularly accommodate canine companions of wedding couples, adding a personal and memorable touch to special occasions.

Logesh Waran, hotel manager at voco Oxford Thames, said: “We’re seeing a clear rise in guests choosing to travel with their dogs, particularly during peak leisure periods.

“Our spaces, grounds and pet-friendly rooms and dining areas make it easy for owners to include their pets in the full travel experience. From weekend breaks to weddings, dogs are always welcome!”

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 Dog-friendly rooms at the hotel offer patio access, allowing guests easy access to outdoor spaces – an amenity that has proven especially popular with pet owners.

 Guests are also taking advantage of nearby attractions including Bicester Village for premium outlet shopping, as well as Blenheim Palace and the historic town of Woodstock, both offering a rich mix of cultural, heritage and leisure experiences.

Pet Owners could book a Pet Getaway package or just book room only with small charge per pet.

The hotel, located in Sandford on Thames, dates to the Middle Ages and boasts a leisure club, spa, restaurant.

After the COVID-19 pandemic drove an increase in the number of dog friendly households, pet tourism has only surged.

Research from the University of Surrey suggests the potential that the dog-friendly travel market will be worth $50.1 billion by 2030.

Another report from Roch Dog, a certification body for dog friendly hotels, states that hotels that welcome dogs are likely to experience 15 to 20 per cent higher occupancy rates than those that don’t.

Hotels in the Cotswold’s like Bowden Hall Hotel, The Lygon Arms Hotel, and The Swan Hotel are all highlighted on Tripadvisor as excellent dog friendly hotels.