Richard and Judy, Wimbledon and strawberries... there are some things that just go together, but dogs and luxury hotels? The search was on.

After trawling the internet we found a number of options and noticed a hotel chain offering a Very Important Pet Package, where guests can indulge in a luxury getaway without leaving a much-loved pooch behind. We were spoilt for choice as we tried to decide on a hotel. Should we opt for a wash, trim and style by qualified dog groomers at The Greenway in Cheltenham or a personal butler to assist on two daily walks at the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath? How about dinner from the chef's canine menu at the Cliveden in Berkshire? After much deliberation, we opted for Ynyshir Hall in Wales, described as an idyllic rural retreat.

My greatest fear (other than leaving my 18-year-old in charge at home) was that our golden retriever Stella might wreak havoc in the room. As a puppy she managed to chew her way through various inedible items, including a chair leg and a mobile phone and at 20 months old she was still partial to pens and washing up brushes. Only time would
tell if she could rise to the challenge and behave herself.

On arrival the three of us (including a very excitable Stella) were taken to Studio 1, a low building immediately next to the main hotel. It's not as opulent as the Matisse suite in the top price bracket, but with a dog in tow this was perhaps just as well. However, bearing in mind the price tag, the décor in the bathroom is a little tired. Apparently, there are plans to demolish the studios to make way for a new wing. Ynyshir Hall (the Welsh translation means long island) dates back to the 15th century and its most famous former owner was Queen Victoria who put a great deal of effort into establishing the gardens. Many of the trees she had planted are still in evidence today and Stella had a fine time chasing around the lawns and wooded area then wallowing in the stream.

The hotel has been owned by Joan and Rob Reen for the past 19 years and although it now comes under the von Essen private group, it still retains the warmth of a family run business. Joan immediately put us at our ease as we had afternoon tea in the gardens, the fact that she came bearing dog chews was not lost on Stella. Joan and Rob own a large Bernese mountain dog, a gentle giant with a friendly disposition which Stella met later in the stay. I have to say that his greeting was rather more subdued than Stella's but she still regards every dog as
a potential new best friend.

For those interested in wildlife, there is a bird reserve nearby but unfortunately dogs aren't allowed. However, the sea is only a 10-minute drive away and comes in very useful for tiring exuberant dogs to ensure that they sleep well while their owners eat dinner.

The food was one of the highlights of the stay. After sampling a beautifully presented platter of canapés, we were ready to indulge in the seven-course tasting menu. Rob's dramatic textured oil paintings adorn the walls in the restaurant, while head chef, Shane Hughes, uses local produce to create his superb dishes. Meat is supplied by Rob Rattray of Aberystwyth, an award-winning traditional butcher, fish and sea-food comes wherever possible from Cardigan Bay and herbs and salads are grown in the hotel's walled garden.

Shane's background is rooted in classical cuisine, his own style, however, is modern with a "fusion of influences". His creations ranged from carrot and ginger emulsion, through scallops in a tower of potato, onion and parsley which resembled a work of art, beautifully presented pork belly and langoustine, followed by Welsh lamb. In spite of demolishing the home-made digestives with fruit purees and a cheese selection, we managed a few mouthfuls of the treacle tart with walnuts, banana and clotted cream.

Gian Luca, the sommelier and Joan's deputy, was on hand with a diverse selection of wines which complemented each dish. His passion shone through and even confronted with a wine novice like me, he was able to impart his enthusiasm without seeming condescending. Joan was also very much in evidence circulating around the room, showing a genuine interest in the wellbeing of all her guests.

To our relief, Stella behaved impeccably while we were out. The hotel had provided a dog blanket for her to lie on and while the complimentary dog toys remained untouched, thankfully so did the furniture.

We enjoyed the evening so much that (after checking the house was still intact after the 15-year-old threw a "small" party) we extended our stay for another night. It would have been a real shame to miss out on another delicious menu. Among other dishes, there was pigeon and foie gras with spiced lentils and sherry jus and Welsh black beef fillet in a tower of oxtail ravioli, onion and black peppercorn sauce. The oysters were very fresh and the julienne strips of cucumber with caviar gave them just the right texture.

My only disappointment was that after polishing off a tangy lime and ginger crumble I couldn't do justice to the vanilla soufflé which was rushed to the table in its own miniature copper saucepan and subsequently filled with fresh passion fruit sauce. The breakfast menu is also extensive and includes hand cut bacon and sausages made to Ynyshir's own recipes.

Yynshir Hall is not for those seeking a bargain break, even taking into account the potential saving on kennel fees. However, taking the family pet definitely added to our enjoyment of the holiday and yes, dogs and luxury hotels do go together after all.

Ynyshir Hall Country House Hotel, Eglwysfach, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8TA. 01654 781209; E-mail: info@ynyshirhall.co.uk. Two-day breaks, including full breakfast and evening meal, from £274 to £490 per person. Dogs are allowed in the ground floor annexe rooms by prior arrangement at a charge of £3 per day.