There are times in life when I’m not as organised as I’d like to be. For example, it’s a Friday afternoon, which just so happens to be my birthday and Farley and I decide to treat ourselves to a last minute weekend away. After a search on booking.com, we found the charming, dog-friendly Hotel du Vin in Poole. We called their team direct to see if they were able to offer us better rates and we were booked to check in within the hour.
Hotel du Vin Poole is one of 19 boutique hotels in the collection spread across the UK, each uniquely designed with their own character and charm. All offer stylish and comfortable rooms, exquisite dining experiences, exceptional service and memorable stays. Needless to say Moose made himself right at home.
Continue reading to hear everything about our spontaneous stay at the incredible Hotel du Vin Poole…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Despite the spontaneous nature of our trip, the booking process was smooth and hassle-free. By calling direct we ended up with a package that included our hotel room, breakfast each day and a three course dinner, which was actually cheaper than the room only rate we found originally on booking.com. Top tip, always do your research and shop around for the best hotel rates, you’ll be surprised!
Formerly known as the Mansion House, Hotel du Vin Poole can be found tucked away down a quiet narrow street in the heart of the historic town near the quay. The impressive Georgian style building covered in foliage immediately caught my eye and I couldn’t get out the car quick enough. From the moment we arrived, it was evident that this hotel not only goes above and beyond for their human guests but for their four-legged furry guests too.
One other thing I want to mention that really impressed us at check in, was Hotel du Vin’s commitment to sustainability. As part of their policy they offer incentives for guests to opt-in for eco-housekeeping and in return you each get a complimentary drink at the hotel bar. How awesome is that! You can read more about Hotel du Vins’ sustainability policy here.
OUR ROOM
From the moment we stepped into our room, I felt instantly relaxed. We had booked one of their Deluxe rooms which was cosy and comfortable, offering a blend of modern luxury and timeless elegance. The room featured the most comfy super king sized bed, a roll-top bath and a walk-in shower. The attention to detail was impeccable, and the added birthday touches of some Lindt chocolates made my day.
Our room was not only elegantly designed but also incredibly dog friendly. It wasn’t long before Moose was unpacked and enjoying an afternoon snooze in his home away from home.
FOOD AND DRINK
The hotel’s restaurant proved to be a culinary delight and one of the highlights of our stay. In the words of Hotel du Vin, their philosophy is about serving up dishes that rely heavily on fresh and seasonal produce. It’s about enjoying moderately priced à la carte dining in a down-to-earth, warm and relaxing setting.
And they are true to their word. Together with Moose, we dined in the hotel’s dog friendly bar, next to the main restaurant. This is the case in all hotels we stay and is something we actually prefer. It tends to be less busy and a lot quieter which is nicer for Moose, but if you ever see us out don’t be afraid to come and say hello. He will be more than happy to give you a million kisses.
Back to the food! The quality was exceptional. We enjoyed a hearty breakfast each day and not just one, but two scrumptious dinners, and Moose was even treated to a doggy sausage – talk about feeling pampered. The bar offers a generous selection of wines, beers, and spirits, along with an array of delicious cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. As it was my birthday after all, we couldn’t help but treat ourselves to a cocktail (or two)!
THE SERVICE
The staff at Hotel du Vin Poole were incredibly accommodating. Their dedication to ensuring both human and canine guests had a comfortable stay was evident in every interaction. Plus they really went the extra mile to make my birthday celebration memorable.
Our last minute, spontaneous stay exceeded all expectations. The combination of luxurious accommodation, exceptional service, delectable dining and genuine pet-friendliness makes Hotel du Vin a top-notch choice for anyone. Whether you’re visiting Poole for its history, stunning landscapes, or local cuisine, Hotel du Vin Poole offers the ideal base for the adventure.
Thank you, Hotel du Vin, for making my birthday so special. We are already busy planning our next visit to one of the other remarkable boutique hotels within the collection.
