Let’s face it, that ideal weekend break in a European hotspot sounds divine but even pre-Covid and pre-Brexit, to get the most out of limited days means getting up in the middle of the night to make that ridiculously early flight and by the time you get off the plane you’re exhausted, so rather than hit the ground running as planned, you’d much prefer a nap.
Double that stress if you are a dog owner and your dog means more to you than Posh means to Becks. Take me, for example; the trauma of finding a sitter who understands Lionel, (my Greyhound), who needs his pyjamas as he gets chilly and won’t sleep but at the same time, hates being warm. How then, can I be expected to relax wondering whether Lionel may be chilly?
So, when Lionel was invited to visit a local hotel in Oxford, set in 30 acres of parkland and by a river I decided that yes, I’d escort him and we’d see just how dog friendly it was.
The Voco Oxford Thames is an historic manor at Sandford on Thames which once belonged to The Knights Templar. It is set in wonderful surroundings that – even in the depths of winter – looked stunning, with lawns and walled gardens right beside the river.
So far on our tick list, the location was already a hit, but it was entering the impressive hallway to reception that the grandeur of the building became apparent. Huge iron chandeliers hung from gabled ceilings and fireplaces glowed with welcoming warmth and conviviality. When reception welcomed Lionel by name and reassured us that our ground floor room had patio doors that opened onto gardens together with dog bowls and treats, we knew we were in the right place.
Extra-large beds, crisp linen over the bath, rain showers and wonderful toiletries greeted us, and as the hotel now has an apiary that produces its own honey, honeycomb gifts for me and treats for the boy. Immediately opening the patio doors, it was such a delight to find the lawns immediately in front of us and although the garden space is not enclosed, the expanse of perfectly safe lawns for that pre-bed walk was waiting for us.
After a walk by the river, we headed back for dinner and found a delightful seating area by the fire where we struck up a conversation with a couple from Manchester, whose Westie told us just how wonderfully they had been treated. They were not wrong – the service and the team were five star and whether being a dog lover was a prerequisite to employment, I don’t know but, their efficiency and dexterity in avoiding the sleeping hounds was very impressive.
On check-out, I could quite honestly tell reception that our stay was the most dog friendly that I had ever experienced and more importantly Lionel had the most delightful time.
If this weekend taught me anything it was not to complicate my short breaks and if it’s about lowering stress levels and keeping my wonderful hound by my side as well, then I need to manage my expectation of just what constitutes a short break. Remember, staying close in such a wonderful environment is certainly not a compromise, but a plus.
Jill Rayner and her Greyhound Lionel stayed as guests of the Voco Oxford Thames Hotel, Sandford on Thames, Oxford.