Forget fancy boarding kennels or hiring a pet-sitter: Modern travelers are taking their precious pups with them on vacation. More than 63 million U.S. households own a dog, according to a recent survey, and 75 percent of hotels were pet friendly in 2016, up 15 percent from just two years earlier. Now, as Americans spend upwards of $75 billion on their pets, hotels are stepping up the perks.
At many properties, canine guests are greeted with toys and treats upon check-in, and rooms are stocked with plush dog beds, along with food and water bowls. Some pet-friendly hotels are taking it to the next level with pup-specific gourmet room service offerings, curated itineraries, and on-location doggy ambassadors. At these places, pet parents no longer have to stress about their canine companions being allowed but unwelcome: When it comes to traveling with your fur-baby, these perks make it truly feel like hotels have gone to the dogs (in the best way possible).
W South Beach in Miami, Florida
Book now: marriott.com
W South Beach’s Pets Are Welcome (PAW) Program treats four-legged guests to the same levels of luxurious service from check-in to checkout. Pets are greeted with a new toy, treat, W Hotels pet tag, clean-up bags, pet bed, and a “pet in room” door sign. And they’re not forgotten when it’s time for turndown: A special treat before bedtime will make dogs feel like they’re in ultimate pup heaven. Located right on the dazzling oceanfront and just steps from lively Collins Avenue, W South Beach also offers plenty of variety when it comes to walking routes.
At the W South Beach, pet fees are $25 above the room rates in addition to a nonrefundable $100 cleaning fee. One pet is allowed per room, with a weight limit of 40 pounds.
Your pup will be treated to gourmet dog treats by the executive pastry chef at the Four Seasons in Austin.
Courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin
Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, Texas Book now: expedia.com
When you check into the Four Seasons in Austin, you and your pup will be greeted with a plush dog bed, food and water bowls, a Four Seasons bandanna, and a supply of bottled water. And most importantly: gourmet dog treats made in-house by the executive pastry chef. Although your dog might be happy enough to immediately plop onto that dog bed, the real pet-friendly perk of this Four Seasons is its location. Perched on the edge of Lady Bird Lake, the back lawn is filled with hammocks, sloping lawns, and towering trees—and offers easy access to the miles of hiking trails that loop around the lake. And if you or your dog has trouble falling asleep in strange places, there’s a white noise machine in every room room.
At the Four Seasons Austin, there is no pet fee, but pets must be under the 60-pound weight limit.
Ojai Valley Inn in Ojai, California
Book now: expedia.com
When pet owners escape to this iconic getaway with their pups, they might wonder who’s getting the better vacation. During their stay, canine guests can use eco-friendly Harry Barker pet beds. The Ojai Valley Inn—branded leash is yours to keep even after you’ve explored all the sunny pet-friendly areas for walking, exercise, and play during your vacation. Plus, pups and their owners are invited to stop by the resort’s Libbey’s Market to pick up a special homemade dog treat.
At the Ojai Valley Inn, there is a $150 additional fee for the first dog and $50 pet fee for the second dog, with a two-dog maximum per room. There are no size or breed restrictions.
The Duniway in Portland, Oregon, treats its canine guests to a special welcome.
Courtesy of The Duniway
The Duniway in Portland, Oregon
Book now: hilton.com
There isn’t yet a gourmet kibble food truck in one of the nation’s top food truck cities, so an indulgent and all-natural “doggy bag” gift box is waiting for canine travelers upon check-in at the Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel. Also included: a plush bed, food bowls and mats, toys and tennis balls. The extra-large rooms (all more than 300 square feet) offer ample space for you and your pet to unwind and recharge. The dog-loving concierges also create curated “paw lists” of to-dos, including local groomers, suggested walks, off-leash zones, day care, and a pet supply store.
At the Duniway, there is a nonrefundable $50 pet fee and a weight limit of 75 pounds.
Kimpton Hotels Nationwide
Book now: ihg.com/kimptonhotels
It’s always worth checking to see if there’s availability at a Kimpton property if you want to bring your four-legged friend along on your vacation. Kimpton’s pet-friendly policy is famous for good reason: no extra charges, no height or weight limits, and no limit on the number of pets per room. Pups will be welcomed by name and are also warmly invited to the nightly wine reception—free treats for them, free drinks for you. Many properties also have their very own director of pet relations to greet fellow furry guests, and the concierge is happy to provide a customized list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, bars, and parks. With more than 60 North American locations, it’s likely there’s a Kimpton hotel in your next destination.
At Kimpton Hotels, there is no additional pet fee and there are no restrictions on number of pets, pet size, or breed.
This article originally appeared online on March 21, 2018; it was updated on November 20, 2019, to include current information.
