People with pets know that 'travel' and 'pets' don't always go together well. This is especially…read moretrue if you wish to travel WITH your pet. And if your pet is your 'fur kid' and a beloved family member who is more person than animal, pet vacations are few and far between. But into the mix comes "Pet friendly holidays". They have four pet-friendly cottages on the NSW central coast - two in Batehaven and two at Tomakin Beach. We stayed at one of the Tomakin Beach ones - Sunpatch Cottage. What makes it so pet-friendly? There are enclosed back and front yards, including a shaded doggie run if you have to leave the dog behind for a short time. Your dog IS allowed inside the house. There are throws provided for the couches and armchairs so that your dog can sit up there with you. The accommodation is NOT limited to small dogs. Two rules- no dogs on the beds (we can live with that) and you can't leave your dog alone in the house (see the dog gets a holiday too, by going everywhere with you). Speaking of the dog's holiday - how does a 24/7 off-leash beach around the corner sound? A cafe right across the road that sells yummy coffee, serves breki and has outdoor pet-friendly seating? A map of other beaches provided with their dog rules in case you want to go exploring? Seriously, my dog is not going to want to go home! For the people - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, laundry (W/D), front and back outdoor seating areas, kitted-out kitchen, plenty of parking, pretty much all you need. Decor is ok in a slightly retro way but... did I mention the beaches?? And real-honest-to-goodness dog friendliness? And the cafe right across the road?

The area is pretty. The hotel just feels strange...examples, the shop for gifts and snacks was…read morenever open. Only option for breakfast was a buffet. I wanted a bottle of water and a coffee but that didn't seem possible. I asked for ketchup for my chips and was told it was around the corner. I didn't see any so had to ask at the bar and it was in the fridge behind the bar. Overall, staff were friendly.

Me and my dad have gone 2 times as a walk in to the buffet and the second time they were all like…read morehi guests welcome and we told them we weren't going as guests and thay were saying we don't usually let walk in's in and implied they could and might stop us from going in so dad said he could because the website said so so they let us in but the food was very good try the danish pastries goodbye

Accommodation: Slightly run down from its former period charm. It's an okay place if you like…read moretrains rattling your room every couple of hours. Their tariff is weird too. Two people sharing cost twice what they charge a single. So two people can have one room or two rooms, the price is the same. Bistro is three stars though. Good service good food.

Worst stay ever. Don't eat they call it food but it's not. Don't stay overnight if you want to…read moresleep everyone runs riot till 3 in the morning. Run fast run far.