In the last five years, we have seen more pet-friendly hotels spring up around the country. Whether they are independently owned or part of a larger hospitality chain, these hotels offer specialty pet meals and all natural treats (some even baked on premises), bottled water, decorative bowls, custom bedding and chic toys. As an experienced pet traveler, I am always looking for unique pet amenities. Here are a few of the unique pet luxuries I’ve found in my travels:
1. Comfort Goldfish: Kimpton Hotels
Don’t worry if you don’t have a pet with you; there’s always finned love to the rescue! No matter what Kimpton you are visiting, staff will deliver a pet goldfish to your room to keep you company for the duration of your stay.
2. Meet a Famous Canine Guest Relations Ambassador: Fairmont Copley Plaza
While visiting Boston, hotel guests can schedule an appointment to meet Catie Copley. You can take her for a walk or pose for pictures with the beautiful, black Labrador.
3. The Jet Lag Kit: The Little Nell
If the altitude of Aspen, Colorado isn’t suiting your pooch upon arrival, the “Puppy Jet Lag Kit” should have tails wagging in no time. A bed, bottled water, snacks, and a leash for an invigorating walk should refresh your pet quickly.
4. Chef’s Treats: The James Hotel
“Burke Barks Bites” from renowned Chef David Burke are offered as part of this hotel’s pet in-room dining program in Chicago and New York City.
5. Surf Lessons: The Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Although the Loews Coronado Bay Resort created the annual Surf Dog Competition (the first of its kind) in California more than seven years ago, it can arrange for your pooch to learn how to surf like a seasoned champion. Let the concierge schedule a lesson for both of you with instructors at the Coronado Surfing Academy. These coaching pros have worked with famous surfing dogs like Ricochet, Kalani and Louie.
6. Cats Welcome, Too: The Algonquin Hotel
If you are coming to New York City for a visit, cat lovers can stay at the Algonquin Hotel and meet celebrity cat, Matilda. The Ragdoll cat resident is very popular with guests and has the run of the house (except in dining areas and the kitchen). Matilda receives mail weekly from friends around the world and has been the subject of countless stories. Each year, Matilda is given a birthday party, befitting a New York based celebrity.
7. The Magnificent Mandarin: Mandarin Oriental (New York & Miami)
For those seeking a home away from home, the Mandarin Oriental welcomes guests traveling with pets with extraordinary luxe pet offerings. My two particular favorite amenities from this hotel are in two different cities. In New York, the Guest Relations Department can provide guests and their pooches with a grassy knoll (potty area) to take care of business. In Miami, dogs are gifted with a golden Mandarin Oriental collar tag keepsake to easily identify them as special guests on property.
8. Burberry Raincoat: The Ritz-Carlton in New York
If you’re worried about your dog getting wet from a morning walk in Central Park or from the unpredictable New York City weather, borrow a Burberry raincoat from the concierge.
9. Toys: San Ysidaro Ranch
H. Ty Warner, an American toy manufacturer (notable for Beanie Babies) and businessman, is also the owner of the San Ysidaro Ranch in Santa Barbara. Upon arrival at the pre-standing cottages, privileged pooches are gifted with one of Mr. Warner’s Bow Wow Beanies dog toys.
10. A Pet-Loving Staff: Hotel Indigo (Atlanta & San Diego)
Although Hotel Indigo Atlanta and Hotel Indigo San Diego are know for their “Canine and Cocktails” – a dog owner meet-up for guests with dogs and local area residents with pooches, the best pet-friendly amenities at these sister hotels are the friendly staff who are truly dog lovers.
If you want to learn more about pet-friendly hotels and their amenities, check out my #GoPetTravel Twitter Party on 03/05/13 at 7:00PM.
Have you found any interesting pet luxuries that hotels have offered during your travels? Share them here.
This article was reposted by http://www.petside.com/article/10-pet-friendly-hotel-amenities
