Ernie's Adventures

What’s The Beachcroft Hotel like?

This relaxed Best Western hotel is right on Felpham Beach, a stone’s throw from the bustling resort of Bognor Regis. It is independently owned and has 37 bedrooms with a nautical vibe – including four recently-added Beach Hut Suites, just across the road. There’s also a heated indoor pool, if you’re not brave enough to take a dip in the English Channel!

How dog-friendly is The Beachcroft Hotel?

Very. There is even a sign on the front door that says: “Dogs welcome, humans by appointment only!” The staff here make a real fuss of dogs and there are two dedicated pet-friendly rooms with private courtyards. Dogs are also welcome in two of the hotel’s luxurious Beach Hut Suites (pictured above).

All four-legged guests will find a welcome pack waiting for them in their room. Ernie’s included a lovely soft bed, funky cow-print blanket, Mason Cash bowls, a chew toy and some kibble.

Dogs are welcome to join their owners for a meal or drink in the garden terrace, bistro and bar area. There’s also a Doggy Wash Station outside, where sandy paws can be hosed down and dried off all year round. There is an additional charge of £20 per night for dogs to stay.

Tell me more about The Beachcroft Hotel

There is a range of accommodation on offer at The Beachcroft Hotel, from Classic King Rooms – some of which have sea views – to a grand Penthouse Suite. The luxurious two-bedroom Beach Hut Suites are really rather special too and warrant a blog article in their own right!

We stayed in Room 41, however – a pet-friendly Classic King on the ground floor with its own private courtyard garden. An enormous – and very comfy – bed was the main focus of the room, which was decorated in shades of white and red with retro posters of seaside resorts adorning the walls.

The room also had a flatscreen TV, desk, lots of storage and tea and coffee-making facilities, plus Border biscuits. The dinky little Beachcroft rock sweets were a nice touch, too. Complimentary Spa Works toiletries were also available in the bathroom which had Hollywood-style bulb lighting over the sink.

The secure courtyard was great for Ernie and had enough room for a table and chairs for two and a bench. A couple of windows on the same floor looked out on to the courtyard, but they were all glazed to ensure privacy.

We visited The Beachcroft Hotel after the first coronavirus lockdown had lifted and were reassured to see that several safety measures had been put in place. All members of staff were wearing masks and gloves and there were hand sanitiser stations dotted around. One-way systems were also in place in busy areas such as reception and the restaurant.

All decorative items, like throws and cushions, had also been temporarily removed and single-use items – such as toiletries and mini cartons of milk – had been placed in plastic bags. The hotel pool had also reopened for guests, but only to one family at a time. When we visited, you had to book in for a 30-minute slot at reception.

What’s the food like at The Beachcroft Hotel?

Delicious. The Tamarisk Restaurant serves traditional English dishes with a modern twist, such as slow-cooked pork belly and sea bream. Much of the food is locally-sourced but be sure to leave room for dessert. We can particularly recommend the Sussex cheeseboard!

The hotel breakfast was great, too. There were loads of options – both continental and cooked – with everything from yoghurt to a Full English on the menu. Staff were also more than happy to cook Ernie a sausage or bacon each morning.

The hotel’s afternoon tea is very popular and meals like fish and chips are served in the bistro, next to the restaurant. Food can also be enjoyed on the garden terrace overlooking the beach. Here, you’ll find deckchairs, a table tennis table and giant chess set.

Are there resident dogs at The Beachcroft Hotel?

No, but you will meet lots of other four-legged friends on the beach or out walking along the prom.

Where are the best dog walks near The Beachcroft Hotel?

Start with a stroll along the promenade, which runs for seven miles. You’ll pass plenty of colourful beach huts and cute coastal cafes – such as The Boat House – along the way. The stretch of Felpham Beach just outside the hotel is dog-friendly all year round. There are restrictions on other parts during the summer months, however. Look out for the signs explaining more.

Hotham Park – a 20-minute walk from the hotel – is well worth a visit, too. The 22-acre park is named after Sir Richard Hotham, who turned Bognor Regis into a bathing town in the 1700s. Visitors can walk past his grand former home on their way to the park’s dog-friendly cafe. There’s also a cute miniature railway that runs every half an hour during the summer months. Train tickets cost £3 for adults and dogs are also welcome onboard.

The hotel is also close to the house where William Blake – who penned the hymn, Jerusalem – once lived. His cottage, built in traditional Sussex style, is close to The Fox Inn, where dogs are welcome. Artist Chris Price designed the map for the William Blake Trail. Learn more about the project to promote Blake’s links to the area by clicking here.

What Ernie loved about The Beachcroft Hotel

The great doggy welcome pack, the meaty breakfast treats, having the beach on the doorstep

What I loved about The Beachcroft Hotel

The fantastic location, the friendly staff, having some private outdoor space to relax in

How to book The Beachcroft Hotel

Overnight stays start from around £130 per night, including breakfast. The hotel offers a special two-night Doggy Getaway from £250, staying in a Classic King Room. The price includes a Doggy Welcome Pack, a three-course dinner on the first night and breakfast, plus one Doggy Dinner and a daily breakfast for your pooch. The same package in a Beach Hut Suite starts from £349. For more information or to book, call 01243 827142 or visit The Beachcroft Hotel website.