Beach View Apartments, Margate

Beach View Apartments sits on Belgrave Road in Margate, a couple of minutes from the Main Sands and directly opposite Dreamland, and it works for dog owners because it is a self-contained flat with its own front door rather than a room off a shared corridor. Dogs are welcome, and the setup suits a coastal trip where a sandy dog comes back through the door several times a day.

The host is the part guests mention most often. Information and access details arrive ahead of the stay, messages get answered quickly, and there is a track record of going further than required, including posting on belongings left behind. Tea, coffee, biscuits and water are laid on for arrival, the internet holds up for anyone working, and the front room looks out over the bay.

Off-street parking comes with the flat, which is worth more than it sounds in a busy seaside town: it removes the circling for a space and makes getting a wet, sandy dog straight into the car simple at the end of a walk. The flat is clean on arrival and comfortable, with a sofa bed in the living room if you need the extra space.

The position is the strongest card. The beach is a short walk, Margate Old Town and the harbour arm are easily reached on foot, and the Turner Contemporary sits at the end of the seafront. The Viking Coastal Trail runs east towards Botany Bay and the chalk stacks, which gives you a long, mostly traffic-free walk without needing to drive anywhere.

One thing to weigh before booking: this is a top-floor flat reached by several flights of stairs and there is no lift. A young, fit dog will not think about it, but an elderly dog, a heavy breed or one recovering from an injury may struggle, and anything they cannot manage you will be carrying. With that in mind, the 4.6/5 paw rating reflects a well-kept, well-hosted flat in an excellent spot for a dog-led weekend by the sea.