Hotels and stays
Can dogs go in hotel restaurants?
It depends entirely on the hotel and the country. In the US, dogs are generally not permitted in food service areas under health regulations, though some hotels with licensed outdoor terraces allow them there. In the UK, it is the hotel's choice, and many dog friendly properties actively welcome dogs in their restaurants and bars.
The US picture
Most US states prohibit animals in food service establishments under public health codes, and hotel restaurants fall under those rules. The exception is outdoor dining areas, where some states allow dogs on patios or terraces that have a separate entrance from the kitchen. A handful of states have explicit dog-in-patio exemptions. Service animals are always permitted under the ADA regardless of the food service rule. Pet dogs in the dining room of a US hotel restaurant are the exception, not the expectation.
The UK picture
In the UK, the Food Standards Agency guidance allows businesses to decide for themselves whether to admit dogs to food areas. There is no blanket prohibition. Many genuinely dog friendly hotels in the UK welcome dogs throughout the property, including the bar, the lounge and the restaurant. Some restrict dogs to specific dining areas or times. The welcome, where it exists, tends to be genuine rather than grudging, and is often an explicit part of how the hotel markets itself.
How to find out before you arrive
Call the hotel and ask specifically whether dogs can eat with you in the restaurant, not just whether dogs are accepted at the hotel. The pet policy on the booking page often addresses the bedroom and little else. The front desk can tell you exactly which areas are open to dogs and at what times. For UK hotels, properties certified by Roch have their access policy on file, including whether dining access is included.
What to do if the restaurant is off-limits
Some hotels that restrict dogs from the main restaurant will arrange in-room dining, will tell you about local pubs that welcome dogs, or have a bar or lounge area where dogs can eat with you informally. Ask the question when you book and ask again at check-in. A good dog friendly hotel has already thought about this and has an answer ready.