Clocktower Apartment Hotel

Clocktower Apartment Hotel sits on Drummond Street in Carlton, on the northern edge of the CBD where Lygon Street's restaurants, the university and the city all converge. The rooms run from budget rooms through executive suites to two bedroom apartments, so it covers everyone from solo travellers watching costs to families who need the second bedroom and the kitchen.

Guest feedback points at the combination that matters in this location: spacious apartments, comfy beds, and restaurants and transport within easy walking distance. The trade off some guests note is that parts of the building show their age, which is the usual exchange for the location and the room rates.

Dogs at the hotel

Per the hotel's own site, the dog friendly stance is stated plainly: dogs are welcome inside the apartments, and the framing is aimed at guests who regard their dogs as family members and no longer want to leave them at home when they travel. There is no published fee or weight limit in the policy, so confirm any conditions directly with the hotel when booking rather than assuming the city standard rules apply.

Apartment stays suit dogs better than hotel corridors anyway: a door that opens onto your own space instead of a lobby procession for every trip outside.

The practicalities reward a bit of planning. Regulars ask for a lower floor with an older or heavy dog rather than fighting stairwells after a rainy walk, bring the dog's own bed because none are supplied, and keep noise in mind: the zero-tolerance line on disruptive behaviour is real in an older building with shared walls, so a dog that howls when left alone is the one risk to manage.

While you're out there

The Carlton Gardens paths are blocks away for on lead walks under the plane trees, and Curtain Square fenced dog park in Carlton North gives the dog an off leash run a short walk north. Both are regular morning circuits for local dog owners, which is exactly the company you want.

If the apartments are booked out, Zagame's House is the other Carlton stay option, and more dog friendly stays in Victoria are listed across the state.