Dog-friendly hotels in Germany: The best accommodation for holidays with four-legged friends

Why theme hotels with dogs are worth a trip

A dog-friendly hotel is more than just a place where your dog is “allowed.” It's a place where your four-legged friend is just as welcome as you are — with their own blankets, treats at the reception and maybe even a swimming area nearby. When you combine this with an unusual concept — be it a fairytale tree house, a design hotel in an old mill or a fantasy castle — the result is something magical. A journey that lasts.

1st Treehouse Hotel Seemühle — Bavaria

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If you've always wanted to wake up like you're in a children's book — high up between the branches while a woodpecker knocks and the fog slowly clears across the lake — then you've come to the right place. The Treehouse Hotel Seemühle is tucked away in a quiet valley in Lower Franconia, far away from everyday life.

What makes it special?
The tree houses are individually designed, using local wood, large panoramic windows and terraces with views of nature. Dogs are not only allowed, but are also welcomed with a small welcome pack — including a food bowl and chewing bones.

What does it feel like?
The ground creaks under your feet, the air smells of pine resin and all you hear in the morning is the birds chirping. Your dog is lying on the wooden porch watching squirrels as you slowly start the day with an organic breakfast basket.

Who is it suitable for?
For naturalists, romantics and anyone who likes to slow down — and whose dogs are just as happy about forest soil under their paws as you are.

2nd V8 Hotel — Motorworld Region Stuttgart

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Do you love quirky hotels? What would it be like to sleep in a bed that looks like an old-timer — including headlights as bedside lamps? Welcome to V8 Hotel! In the Motorworld region Stuttgart, you (and your dog!) can Spend the night between real cars.

What makes it special?
The theme rooms are in love with detail — sometimes a workshop, sometimes a car wash motif or a chic muscle car ambiance. Dogs are allowed and are also allowed into the restaurant area if they can behave themselves.

What does it feel like?
A bit like in a James Bond movie — chrome, leather scent and engine sounds in the distance. Relaxed at the same time, almost familiar. The lobby smells of polished wood and technology. And your dog? It lies on a stylish dog cushion next to an original V8 engine block.

Who is it suitable for?
For car enthusiasts with a sense of humor, families with animals and anyone who is tired of classic music.

3rd hotel in the water tower — Cologne

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This architectural gem sits enthroned in the middle of Cologne: a converted water tower that was once Europe's largest of its kind. Today a design hotel with elegance, history — and space for four-legged friends.

What makes it special?
The rooms are modern but warm, with curved walls and huge round windows that allow you to see Cologne from new perspectives. When the weather is good, you can have breakfast on the roof terrace — with a view of the cathedral.

What does it feel like?
Valuable. Soft jazz music in the lobby, fresh fruit in the room, heavy curtains that close with a soft rustle. The bathroom smells of citrus and cedarwood. Your dog gets its own blanket and bowls — and is a welcome guest.

Who is it suitable for?
For city travelers with a sense of architecture and luxury — and dogs who also feel at home in elegant surroundings.

4. Freudental Castle — Bodensee

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It feels a bit like traveling back in time. Freudental Castle is surrounded by fruit trees, vineyards and a touch of nostalgia. The rooms? All individual, stylish and somehow... enchanting.

What makes it special?
You don't live here — you reside. Historic furniture, canopy beds and a breakfast parlour straight out of a Jane Austen novel. Dogs are especially welcome and can let off steam on long walking trails in the castle gardens.

What does it feel like?
The wind rushes through the old lime trees, the parquet tells stories. Everything smells slightly of lavender, old wood and fresh bed linen. In the morning, the view over Lake Constance greets you — and your dog stretches comfortably on the oriental carpet in the salon.

Who is it suitable for?
For romantics, couples with dogs and anyone who wants to experience the feeling of “Downton Abbey” for once.

5th Dock Inn Hostel — Warnemünde

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A hostel in old overseas containers — right by the sea? Sounds crazy but it's brilliant. The Dock Inn combines urban design, seafaring flair and genuine warmth — even for four-legged friends.

What makes it special?
The rooms consist of recycled overseas containers, which have been converted with great attention to detail. Maritime details, cool community spaces, a private bouldering hall and street food kitchen complete the experience.

What does it feel like?
Young, creative and full of energy. Seagull screams outside, it smells of coffee and sea salt inside. Metal walls, warm light sources and dog bowls in the entrance area. Here, your dog is not an appendix — but part of the crew.

Who is it suitable for?
For young explorers, digital nomads, surfers — and anyone who prefers to travel barefoot rather than in a suit.

Why you (and your dog) should experience these hotels

An exceptional, dog-friendly hotel is more than just a roof over your head — it is the setting for shared memories. You don't just wake up somewhere — you wake up in a forest, in a castle, in a converted container, or between car legends. Your dog feels relaxed, shares your adventure — and becomes part of a journey that you both will never forget.

Because these accommodations tell stories. And what could be nicer than writing new chapters together with your dog?

A few more practical tips at the end:

• Book well in advance: Extraordinary hotels in particular often have only a few rooms — and are quickly booked out, especially during the holiday season.
• Check dog fees: Some hotels charge a small additional fee, others offer dog packages included.
• Explore locations: Are there dog beaches, hiking trails or restaurants nearby that your dog can go to? Many hotels provide tips on their website.
• Be sure to book directly: There are often better offers or extras for direct bookers on hotel websites.