This amusing and warm-hearted children’s adventure delivers exactly what it says on the tin. Canine-loving kids are in for a real treat. The young cast (of humans), an attractive tribe of amiable mutts, and enthusiastic first-time director Thor Freudenthal all ensure accompanying adults, too, should be pleasantly entertained. Expect a well-assembled mixture of comedy, four-legged slapstick and, at the climax, sentiment.

Lisa Kudrow contributes a thoroughly enjoyable portrait of hopeless rock ’n’ roll aspirant Lois Scudder who is the uncharitable foster mother to 16-year-old Andi (Emma Roberts, niece of the so far more famous Julia) and her younger brother Bruce (Jake T Austin).

Everything changes for Andi and Bruce when the stray Jack Russell terrier they have saved from the city streets accidently finds a deserted hotel which already houses some other resourceful strays. With the help of neighbourhood friends, the two-children company create the eponymous hotel. And, when the time comes, they save their guests from the dog-catchers.

Given they are up against a host of remarkably trained and naturally scene-stealing dogs, Roberts and Austin hold their own impressively, while Don Cheadle as the social worker trying to prevent brother and sister from being separated, handles his treacly role with surprising conviction.