Travel Tips

Pet Friendly Hotels: Top Resorts that Spoil You and Your Dog

Locations in this article:  Portland, OR Providence, RI Rome, Italy

pet_friendly_hotelEvery month Kerri Zane comes up with a different family-travel adventure in her Window Seat or Aisle Seat column. This month, it’s not about the kids, not the human kids anyhow. Instead, it’s all about the pets. Discover 11 pet friendly hotels that are creating spa-quality services for dogs.

Sure, you’re the parent’s of the sweet little mini-me’s running your household. But lets not forget who truly rules the roost: the dog. Self-proclaimed dog moms and dads want the best for their babies. From daily walks to the park so your pup can socialize with friends to high-fashion outfits, nothing is too good for your baby. That includes vacations because you would never consider leaving your pet at home now would you? In honor of our furry friends I searched for the top most unique, out-of-the-doghouse and luxurious vacation destinations that will pamper your entire family including your four-legged baby:

1. Hotel Monaco in Alexandria, Virginia

pet_ambassadorHotel Monaco is a member of the Kimpton Hotel chain, which is known to cater to its furry friends. Upon your arrival, you and your pet will be greeted by the Director of Pet Relations, Charlie, a 6-year-old Bichon Frise. Your furry companion can expect a luxurious pet bed that is just the right size for him or her, food and water bowls in the room, and a complimentary toy. Hotel Monaco also hosts a Doggie Yappy Hour every Tuesday and Thursday at 5 pm, April through October, so pets from around the world can socialize and catch up with old friends. Best of all, Hotel Monaco has no size or weight restrictions and all pets stay free.

2. The Boulders Resort in Carefree, Arizona

The Boulders Resort is located close to pet-friendly Scottsdale, Arizona. The property welcomes all dogs under 35 pounds. The resort caters to the canine’s culinary needs. No Alpo here, but  gourmet home-made petfood. The menu includes eggs for breakfast and grilled salmon and rice for dinner, but that is not all! The Bakery Café also makes delicious baked treats your furry companion will love.

3. Hotel Providence in Providence, Rhode Island

Hotel_providenceThe Hotel Providence knows how to pamper your pet. Not only do they offer bowls and a bed, but every pet gets a home-made treat when you check in. Their “Inn the Doghouse” package offers pet sitting, grooming, walking, and massage services. They even have a doggie lounge with toys and treats for your pup to enjoy.

4. West Inn & Suites in Carlsbad, California

Bring your dog to the beach! The West Inn & Suites is located in beautiful Carlsbad, California close to the Pacific Coast. This luxurious get-a-way provides your pet with a cozy bed, water and food bowls, treats, and a private pet run. Plus, there is a dog park adjacent to the hotel. If that isn’t enough to convince you to stay, the West Inn & Suites uniquely provides a pet aromatherapy spray to calm your pet’s nerves and give you and your puppy the relaxing vacation you both deserve.

5. Napa River Inn in Napa, California

Screen Shot 2013-11-19 at 11.25.16 AM Napa, California isn’t just about wine. The Napa River Inn is the perfect place for a luxury vacation for you and your furry friend. Not only will they pamper your pet with their white glove services, but your pet will get the royal treatment at their spa. While you are being pampered, your pet will enjoy a brisk walk, an all-natural cookie, and a massage. As if you and your pooch weren’t already sold, the Napa River Inn gives you an opportunity to connect with your puppy through their Tattle Tails service, which gives your pet some one-on-one time with their animal communicator.

6. St. Regis in Aspen, Colorado

Your pampered pooch can even come on your ski vacation. Check out the St. Regis Aspen Resort. While you enjoy a day on the slopes, your four-legged friend will bask in luxury. Your pet can expect an embroidered dog bed set up in your room upon arrival, food and water bowls, a bag of tasty treats, and a butler service to cater to your dog-walking needs.

7. The Omni Grove Park Inn in Ashville, North Carolina

GPIRST_SpaLapPoolLocated in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Omni Grove Park Inn knows how to make your family and your pet feel welcome. Not only can you and your pup spend days exploring the Blue Ridge Mountain trails, but you and your furry friend can expect a 5-star doggie menu along with other thoughtful in-room amenities that cater to your pet’s needs.

8. The Oxford Hotel in Bend, Oregon

Considered the “outdoor playground of the west,” Bend, Oregon is known for scenic beauty and hiking. At The Oxford Hotel, you and your pooch can expect to be treated like royalty. Not only will your pet receive a pet bed, food and water bowls, organic treats, and a map of walking trails perfect for morning hikes, but The Oxford Hotel provides dog walking, grooming, and pet massage services. The Oxford Hotel is the perfect mix of outdoor beauty and indoor luxury.

9. The SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel in Pismo Beach, California

PetFriendly1Give your pet celebrity treatment at the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel. The hotel is situated on the water, offering a five-acre lawn and direct beach access for pets. Not only will your prized pooch have plenty of room to run around and enjoy the sun, but your furry baby can expect a plush bed, food and water bowls, gourmet treats, and a toy. As if that’s not enough to entice your A-list celeb, the SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel has its own paparazzi to catch some candid shots of your furry friend on the beach. Plus, Pismo Beach is conveniently located near San Louis Obispo, which is known for being a dog-friendly city.

10. Inn by the Sea in Portland, Maine

Inn by the Sea welcomes the most prestigious VIPs (Very Important Pets). They cater to doggie divas and all of their needs, providing personal food and water bowls, beach towels, cozy blankets, and hand-made treats. They also have a gourmet pet menu for pups with a sophisticated palate. Inn by the Sea even has special K-9 ice cream. Your doggie diva is encouraged to relax with in-room spa services and “over the top” pampering.

11. Rome Cavalieri in Rome, Italy

For the utmost in luxury, head to Europe. Situated on a 15-acre park just minutes from the Vatican, the Rome Cavalieri offers the royal treatment for pets and the owner. Your furry friend will receive a special menu just for doggies, walking and sitting services, and even a personalized cashmere sweater. Rome Cavalieri staff will accompany your four-legged baby to La Domus Aventina, a local doggy spa, for shampooing, a massage, skin treatments, and a stylish comb-out while you are pampered at the Grand Spa.

No matter where you choose to pamper your pets, one thing is for sure. They will love you unconditionally. Tell them you love them too by treating them to one of these fabulous vacation destinations.

For more pet travel ideas and information, check out:

By Kerri Zane for PeterGreenberg.com. Kerri Zane is a family travel expert and author of It Takes All 5: A Single Mom’s Guide to Finding the REAL One, on sale now. For more advice on health, parenting or Kerri’s exclusive MomEscapes, visit her at KerriZane.com.