Dog hotel offers canine culture

A dog hotel with an artificial beach by a German lake has proved such a success that it is opening two more branches.

The Paw Hotel in Berlin offers sun loungers for every guest and even a bus service to pick up the pets and bring them direct to the hotel.

When not soaking up the sun, the pampered pooches enjoy canine culture including a theatre, classical music and art exhbitions.

New branches have now opened in Hilden and Jade in Germany.

Paws Hotel spokesperson Katja Stephan said: "We wanted to create a hotel for dogs whose owners are on vacation or just want some time off.

"The dogs all get spacious rooms where classical music is played to them. We offer a special pet theatre where owners can bring their pet and watch plays.

"It works really well, we have not had any fights yet - all of our visitors are much more interested in the performances. We also have art exhibitions with works we think will interest the pets."

The dog beach - specially created alongside a local lake - comes complete with dog friendly beach chairs and sun chairs.

"One important thing is the dogs are allowed to run freely without a leash on the premises. And they can bark to their heart's desire because we have no direct neighbours," added the spokesperson.

Pets are ferried by a 40-seat Club-class shuttle bus cruiser from special bus stops. Each pet has their own private booth with soft rugs, air conditioning and soothing piped classical music.