BOUTIQUE STAYS - Elwood Hideaway

The Elwood Hideaway is a self contained furnished house on Selwyn Avenue in Elwood, managed by Melbourne's Boutique Stays, a short stroll from Elwood Beach. It takes dogs, which makes it one of the few whole-house pet options in this pocket of bayside Melbourne, and the residential street setting means you are not negotiating a lobby or a lift with a lead in hand.

Dogs at the Elwood Hideaway

Pets are welcome, but the chain has house rules that apply across its properties and this one is no exception. You must declare that you are bringing a pet at the time of booking, and a per night pet fee applies under the Boutique Stays policy. Pets are strictly not allowed on furniture or beds, and guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pets inside and out before departure. The house has its own garden and patio, so there is outdoor space for toilet breaks without leaving the property. Earlier directory summaries describe pets staying free with a two pet limit; the official FAQ is the more current source, so confirm the fee and any limits with Boutique Stays when you book.

The vibe

This is a proper house rather than a hotel room: kitchen, laundry and a private outdoor area, which is what you want on a longer stay with a dog that sheds. The hideaway sits on a quiet residential street, with Ormond Road's cafes and the beach both in walking distance. Bring your own dog bed and bowls given the furniture rule.

Getting there and parking

The address is 13 Selwyn Avenue, Elwood, with street parking out front. The beach and foreshore path are a short walk east, and the tram along Ormond Road links you back toward the city. The Elwood Beach Dog Off Leash Area is the obvious morning run, with the sand and the Point Ormond hill for a longer loop.

Close by with the dogs

Coffee is covered: Combi Elwood on Ormond Road and Plain Sailing both welcome dogs at their outdoor tables, and the beach walk between them makes an easy dog-first morning.

Check the dog friendly stays across Victoria or see what else is on in Elwood.

Max: Declare the pet when you book, not at the door. The per night fee and the no furniture rule are both policy, and quoting them first keeps the bond conversation short.