No need to leave (wo)man’s best friend at home — more and more hotels are launching fabulous pet-friendly amenities in hopes of providing a doggone good time for all. Below are six U.S. dog-friendly hotels that take pampering wayfaring pooches to the next level.
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland in Portland, Ore.
The Kimpton brand is well-known for its pooch-loving sensibilities across all its hotels, but the chic Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland truly takes the cake. Jet-setting pups will arrive at the historical 1942 building in the city’s downtown neighborhood to find their names scrawled on the hotel’s VIP (Very Important Pet) welcome board. Shortly afterward, they can get their paws on delicious dog food as well as plush beds and bowls on loan — all complimentary.
When their parents indulge in complimentary drinks and live music at the daily Social Hour, dogs are invited to join the festivities and get faux-buzzed on free dog treats made in-house by the hotel chef. And unique to Kimpton’s Portland location, a local pet psychic may stop by the Social Hour to help bridge any gaps in communication between owner and animal.
Dakota, the hotel’s director of pet relations who is known for her long, silky, golden locks and winning smile, also approves of the extra-special, at-cost gift baskets available for pups. They feature dog beers and treats as well as maps featuring pet-friendly hiking trails. (Dakota is a golden retriever.)
Best of all, there’s no additional charge for pets; no deposit required; no size or weight limit; and no limit on number of pets allowed.
www.monaco-portland.com
Stanford Court in San Francisco
In keeping with its tech-centric locale, Stanford Court has several impressive gadgets for pups and their owners to play with while visiting San Francisco. On loan are an iFetch Frenzy, a fully automatic ball launcher for easy-yet-riveting entertainment; a GoPro and GoPro Fetch dog harness to strap onto dogs and create a post-trip video from a unique point of view; and a Petcube camera for monitoring Fido if he stays back while his owner is out and about.
Dogs will also dig special items including a cozy dog bed, a spill mat, food and water bowls and a leash; all are available to borrow or purchase upon check-out. Offered complimentary for guests to keep are a souvenir bag, a lint roller, poop bags and a dispenser, a tug toy, a ball and a map of nearby pup-friendly parks.
Guests traveling with pets must pay a $50 fee. The hotel allows two dogs max, with no weight restrictions.
www.stanfordcourt.com
The Chatwal, A Luxury Collection Hotel in New York City
At The Chatwal, A Luxury Collection Hotel, trendy pups can steal the show thanks to the ritzy Manhattan property’s “Pet Wardrobe Supervisor,” or butler, who can be tasked with curating a personalized pet closet. Stylish duds for these distinguished guests include a faux fur jacket in red (inspired by the hotel’s color palette) as well as booties, a bowtie and a neck bandanna. Pets also receive a NYC yellow cab plush toy; food and water bowls; a pet bed; a menu of doggie treats that resembles a Playbill magazine; and a Chatwal VIPet Tag. Services such as grooming, pet massages and dog walking can be arranged.
Only dogs weighing 25 pounds or less are permitted, with a $100 cleaning fee per room, per stay.
www.thechatwalny.com
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills in West Hollywood, Calif.
This West Hollywood property loves furry friends so much that it introduced two puppy mascots in August. The adorably named Winston and Churchill — inspired by the late British prime minister — are a dynamic bulldog duo who live on-property, and guests can spend quality time with the pups at Hampton Court, the property’s outdoor space that flaunts stunning views of nearby Hollywood Hills and the Sunset Strip. Winston and Churchill can also be the life of the party (for up to one hour) at events hosted at the property; the $250 fee is donated to a local Los Angeles animal shelter.
Additionally, The London West Hollywood recently launched “Winston’s Menu,” a very L.A. culinary offering for pups created by executive chef Anthony Keene. Items include “The London Pooch” (fresh chicken, brown rice, potatoes and whole eggs), a vegetarian option (lentils, apples, carrots, pearl barley and potato); and more.
Only dogs under 30 pounds are allowed with a $20 nightly pet fee (as well as a nonrefundable $100 cleaning fee per stay). The cost includes the use of dog beds, water and food bowls, toys and leashes.
www.thelondonwesthollywood.com
The Pines Lodge, A Rock Resort in Beaver Creek, Colo.
Despite the gorgeous terrain and fresh mountain air that surrounds The Pines Lodge, A Rock Resort, cute canines may be hesitant to venture outside. That’s because the luxury hotel offers what it calls the “ultimate pup-cation” via its Pines Pup Bucket List, which includes everything from dog spa treatments (such as massages, a bath and a blow-out) to a pup pillow service that includes a nightly rawhide bone turndown amenity that’s placed on a rented dog bed.
But if pups would like to step a paw out the door, they can borrow a GoPro and dog harness to film their outdoor frolicking. Just remind owners to consult their complimentary map that displays the best dog-friendly hiking trails.
Additionally, furry friends receive homemade dog treats and in-room food and water dog bowls, but there are plenty of pet-friendly restaurants nearby for a night out.
Guests pay $50 per dog, per night.
pineslodge.rockresorts.com
The Woof Cottages at The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin on Nantucket, Mass.
Not only does The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin offer nautical-themed charm and a stunning seaside setting, it’s also incredibly pet-friendly by way of its Woof Cottages and included amenities. Twelve one- and two-bedroom cottages are available for pet lovers and their faithful friends. All are equipped with Draper Canine Therapy dog beds (which offer therapeutic relief from conditions related to injuries, arthritis or surgery), personalized pet tags, food and water bowls, treats and chew toys. Guests can take advantage of dog walking services and even dog bed turndown services.
Bailey — the amiable resident pet concierge — is a black lab/Britney spaniel mix and Nantucket native who’s more than happy to share tips on dog-friendly activities on his longtime island home, as well as answer any inquiries or concerns by email (petconcierage@niresorts.com).
Pet fees are $45 per night, per cottage, for up to two dogs.
www.thecottagesnantucket.com
