If your pooch is feeling hounded by life or craves some creature comforts then a Devon retreat is the perfect escape, say AA inspectors who have voted it a doggie paradise.

The luxury Holne Chase Hotel on Dartmoor has taken the lead in becoming the AA's Pet Friendly Hotel of the Year 2004 - beating off competition from over 1,700 establishments in the UK.

The award, run in association with Pedigree® recognises places that pull out the stops in making pets and their owners welcome.

Holne Chase owners Sebastian and Philippa Hughes bought the former hunting lodge in 1995. Set in 70 acres of park and woodland just inside Dartmoor National Park, the hotel provides a relaxing retreat from city living for humans and canines alike.

Not only can guests book through the hotel website, www.holne-chase.co.uk but the Hughes' resident hound Batty is so keen to welcome other dogs that she even has her own website and online booking service for them at www.batty-basset.co.uk

Whilst owners enjoy a range of pampering beauty treatments, their four-legged friends can paws for thought in their very own relaxing and unique Doggie Spa which offers top to tail treatments including; Bath, Dry, Clip, Pedicure, Head Massage …

Holne Chase has private walks along the River Dart where guests and their pets can enjoy beautiful countryside and peaceful strolls away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

"The setting is beautiful with sweeping lawns and lots of outdoor activities including fishing and riding - you can even bring your own horses. Resident pets Batty the Basset Hound and Brulee the Labrador are minor celebrities together with the Geese, Rare Breed Chickens and Horses; they all add to the unique pet-friendly character of Holne Chase," is how the winning hotel is described in the guide.

Batty is said to be thrilled with the award and is preparing a speech for the presentation later this week when she will be presented with a year's supply of Pedigree Chum®!

The hotel, along with many others, is featured in the 376-page guide, AA Pet Friendly Places to Stay 2004, sponsored by Pedigree® and aimed at pet owners who want to find a place to stay where the family pet can come too.